Table Of Content
She sustained a fractured bone in her wing, and most of her wingtip had to be amputated, leaving her unable to fly more than 20 feet. I recently spent several days in Sitka before taking a cruise through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, so I was able to experience lots of fun things to do in Sitka, Alaska on a cruise. Make the most of your day in port by experiencing some of the best things to do in Sitka, Alaska in one day.
What is the best month to visit Sitka?
Located just a 10-minute walk from the center of town, the present museum, which was the first concrete structure in Alaska, opened in 1897. The museum has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. St. Michael’s Cathedral in downtown houses an important collection of Russian Orthodox art and church treasures.
Alaska Pure Sea Salt
In this case, you’ll dock at a more traditional pier that you can just walk on and off the ship. Sitting about 850 miles from Seattle, the small town of about 8,500 is located on the western edge of the state’s panhandle. Despite not being a household name, the port features an amazing amount of history, wildlife opportunities, culture, and classic Alaskan scenery. Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel. We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys.
Take the kids to the Sitka Sound Science Center
Don’t miss the halibut, another Alaska favorite you’ll find in various preparations, from tacos to hearty steaks. If your cruise itinerary aligns with the annual Sitka Music Festival, consider yourself lucky. This world-renowned festival attracts classical musicians from across the globe, offering a feast of musical talent in the idyllic surroundings of Sitka. Beyond traditional concert settings, the festival often incorporates unique Alaskan venues like boats and outdoor parks, making it a not-to-be-missed event for any music lover.
On this page, it includes the first two in this section and the Russian Bishop’s House. Bears, birds, and marine mammals top the list of animal encounters available in Sitka. The Sheldon Jackson Museum has always been closed when I’ve visited (and bothered to check), so I’m hoping someone can enlighten us on their experience there in the comments section.
Day 1 – History Day
Scientific findings and engaging exhibits invite visitors of all ages to feel like part of cause. The Science Center is also home to Alaska’s oldest operating salmon hatchery. There are so many things to do in Sitka, Alaska from a cruise ship. The ride into town is about 12 minutes long and drops passengers at the Harrigan Centennial Hall near Harbor Drive. The drop-off point is just a two-minute walk from Sitka’s famous St. Michael’s cathedral or a 15-minute walk (0.7 mile) to the Sitka National Historical Park. Many cruise lines visit Sitka, though it’s not a common port on most Inside Passage itineraries in Alaska.
Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Visitors to the Science Center can also take a tour of the hatchery. You’ll learn about how Alaskan hatcheries work, as well as how hatcheries have enhanced commercial fishing when development often impacts the salmon’s natural habitats and migratory routes. The center’s salmon hatchery, built by students of the college in the 1970s, is just down the street. You can watch its leaping salmon from the Sea Walk, the set of walking paths and boardwalks that runs parallel to Lincoln Street along the water’s edge.
A Brief History of Sitka
The festive is Alaska’s premiere music festival and runs for three weeks every June. At Baranof Castle in 1867, the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. Castle Hill provides a beautiful view of Sitka Sound and is well worth the climb, especially if you are lucky enough to view the sunset atop the hill. Check out the Alaska Raptor Center if you are interested in another close-up wildlife encounter.
Make sure your shoes have good traction and hiking poles can be really helpful. A good option for a mellow, wide and graveled trail is the Sitka Cross Trail, which goes for 4 miles between town and the mountains behind. There are multiple places to get to it in town and it further connects to other trails. I love the Mosquito Cove Trail, at the very end of the road just past the ferry dock.
However, as I climbed the steep staircase to the top of the rocky outcrop, I could imagine it was an ideal spot for such a ceremony. The Sitka Sound Science Center is the perfect place to learn about those tidepool animals and check out the touch tank if you miss the low tide. You can look deeper under the waters of Sitka Sound at the 60 feet deep tank and explore the life cycle of salmon.
The hatchery rears three million pink salmon, three million chum, and 250,000 coho every year. You can join a Hatchery 101 session to learn about these incredible fish and their journey from egg to ocean and back to the rivers of Alaska. You can start your walk from Old Sitka State Park, the area where the first Europeans encountered the Tlingit, back when sea otter pelts were the main trading commodity in Alaska. The traditional dances of the Tlingit, who have lived around the beautiful Alaskan town of Sitka for millennia, are powerful and evocative. Beak Restaurant, located on Lincoln Street, tries to be sustainable in every way. A guide will lead the way as you drive along green-shaded trails through Tongass National Forest, admiring vast, old-growth spruce and hemlock.
It’s no secret that Alaska is a fantastic destination for whale-watching. No Alaska adventure would be complete without taking a whale-watching excursion. While most Alaska towns are located on the inside passage, Sitka is located on the outer coast. The national historic landmark has lots of plaques explaining the history of Sitka and several old Russian cannons.
The most important things for Sitka relate to good rain protection. I recommend an umbrella, especially for walking around town or sudden rainstorms. Pay attention to where you are staying and what kind of transportation you need. I recommend staying close to downtown if you are not planning to rent a car. The map below can help you determine where different accommodation options are in relation to the airport and ferry terminals.
The short video below, produced by the center, shows the habitat and how much open space these eagles on the mend have to practice essential skills before they’re released back into the wild. The Alaska Raptor Center near downtown Sitka is a rehabilitation center for injured native raptor species. Meet owls, hawks, falcons, and of course eagles, while learning about what makes each species so distinctive. The Raptor Center is on Raptor Way, a leisurely 20-minute walk from Centennial Hall. That is unless you are visiting a resident of the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. Orphaned cubs and bears in distress have been brought here since 2007, as a rehabilitation and rehoming facility.
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