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Whether you are walking through the trails of the Sitka National Historical Park, marveling at the rehabilitated birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center, or simply enjoying the serene views of the Pacific Ocean, Sitka offers a memorable experience at every turn.
As a comparison, this is almost four times the size of the state of Rhode Island. Sitka displaced Juneau, Alaska, as the largest incorporated city by area in the United States upon the 2000 incorporation with 2,874 square miles (7,440 km 2) of incorporated area. Juneau's incorporated area is 2,717 square miles (7,040 km 2).
May 22, 2024 · Sitka, city and borough, southeastern Alaska, historically the most notable Alaskan settlement. U.S. Situated 95 miles (150 km) southwest of Juneau, on the western coast of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, it is the only city in southeastern Alaska that lies on the Pacific Ocean.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- See Totems at Sitka National Historical Park
- Take A Walking Tour
- Book A Taxi Tour to Explore Beyond Town
- Meet The Ursus at Fortress of The Bear
- Meet The Birds at Alaska Raptor Center
- Climb Castle Hill, The Birthplace of Alaska
- Learn at Sitka Sound Science Center
- Appreciate Russian History Across Sitka
- Visit Sheet’Ka Kwaán Naa Kahidi Clan House
- Take A Hike on Sitka Trails
One of the highlights of visiting Sitka is the chance to immerse yourself in Alaska Native culture. Specifically, Sitka is named after the Sheet’-ká X’áat’l people (“People on the Outside of Baranof Island”), often contracted and anglicized to “Sheet’-ká” or just “Sitka”. The tribe is still active in Sitka today, and their ancestor’s presence is vi...
After getting your fill of totem poles (so many!), it’s great to spend some time exploring the rest of Sitka – which mostly shows the influence of Russian and later American people. Sitka is a small town, less than one mile from end to end, so you can easily take yourself on a little walking tour with a map from the Visit Sitka information center. ...
There’s more to explore in Sitka beyond the city center, though most people never have the chance as you need a car to explore along the rest of the 14 miles of road from one end to another. (There is a car rental agency at the airport if you decide to rent a car for yourself, but it’s not necessary!) That’s where Sitka Chekered Tours comes in; loc...
If your trip to Alaska has not included enough bear experiences, I have the solution: Fortress of the Bear. This incredible facility works to rehabilitate and rescue bear cubs in Alaska, which are often euthanized after their mothers unwittingly cross humans and end up killed too (which is legal if a bear is threatening your body or property). At F...
If you can believe it for a town the size of Sitka, there is not just one – Fortress of the Bear – but two incredible Alaskan animal rehabilitation centers. The other is the Alaska Raptor Center, which focuses on birds of prey in Alaska including eagles, owls, and more. Like Fortress of the Bear, the Raptor Center is a popular spot for Sitka visito...
Located right in downtown Sitka, Castle Hill is one of the most important sites in Alaskan history. Originally the site of a Tlingit longhouse, the location was called “Noow Tlein” by the Kiks.ádi Sheet’-ká Tlingit people of the area. Russian-American Company fur businessman Alexander Baranov took Noow Tlien by force in 1804 and built a series of s...
On our final morning in Sitka, I wanted to ensure we had time to visit Sitka Sound Science Center, since both Mr. V and I are fascinated by marine science and hit has a working fish hatchery that you can tour. Little did I know it would be one of the highlights of our trip; it turns out that my middle school science teacher (Janet Clarke) and her s...
As mentioned already, Sitka has one of the best records of Russian influence and culture in Alaska. This is in part due to the fact that Sitka was the capital of Russian America between 1806 and 1867. Some of the original buildings and sites remain today, and some residents still practice Russian Orthodoxy. If learning about this chapter of Sitka’s...
For an immersion in Alaska Native culture, the best place to visit is Sheet’ka Kwaán Naa Kahidi Clan House, a short walk from Totem Square in downtown Sitka. This building is where Sitka Tribal Toursoperates, offering Native dance performances in full regalia, along with storytelling, cultural events, and a unique gift shop with authentic Native ar...
One activity I did not get to enjoy nearly enough in Sitka was hiking; Mr. V and I walked a lot, but we never got out on any of the official trails around town. This was especially disappointing as I’ve been jonesing for a good hike since our visit to Pinnacles National Parkin April 2021, but the weather and our itinerary just didn’t work give us t...
- Sitka National Historical Park. Mixing history with nature this park is an interesting place to visit for everyone. You can see native totem poles from all over Alaska and historic influences from both the native Tlingit people and the Russian fur hunters.
- Fortress of the Bear. A rescue center providing protection and care to orphaned and rescued bears the fortress of the bear hopes to educate its visitors about these amazing creatures.
- Alaska Raptor Center. A Bald Eagle rescue center and hospital which rehabilitates, and releases injured birds and looks after those that cannot be released.
- St Michaels Cathedral. A Russian Orthodox Church found at Lincoln and Matsoutoff Streets in Sitka city is renowned for being the earliest Orthodox cathedral in the New World.
The city of Sitka, located on Baranof Island along the Alaska Panhandle, was once the capital of Russian America. Nearby Sitka National Historical Park was established to commemorate the Battle of Sitka in 1804, the last major conflict between Europeans and the native Alaskans.
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1. Get Out on the Water. With wildlife, islands, and WWII history, the waters around Sitka make for a fascinating exploration by kayak. Paddle out to see it all on a sea kayaking tour you won’t soon forget.
