Discovering Russian Heritage and Incredible Wildlife in Sitka, Alaska
The beautiful town of Sitka, Alaska is a coastal gem located between mountains and Sitka Sound on the west side of Baranof Island. For most of us, that doesn’t really register because the geography of Alaska is vast and includes 2,670 named islands. It is sufficient to know that Sitka is along the Inside Passage and faces the Pacific Ocean.
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Alaska’s fifth-largest city and former capital is often referred to as “The Paris of the Pacific.” It’s Russian heritage, historic landmarks, and seaside charm leave visitors with an indelible impression. Who knew Alaska could be so alluring?
Above photo: Harbor view of Sitka, Alaska
Sitka is accessible only by air and by sea. Most tourists arrive by cruise ship, although the Alaska Marine Highway System brings its fair share visitors and seasonal residents, especially between the months of April through October.
I visited Sitka while on a Seabourn cruise and fully admit it was tough to decide how to spend the day in port. Like many other Alaskan towns, there is an abundance of activities and attractions, ranging from history, culture, outdoor adventures, and wildlife sighting opportunities. There certainly wasn’t enough time to do everything I had read about. However, we managed to experience a great cross-section. In this post, I will share how we structured our day to make the most of our time exploring Sitka’s diverse offerings.
Above photos: John O’Connell Bridge (left); Sitka Marina (right)
The Great Outdoors
When I signed up for our cruise to Alaska, I was most interested in an excursion-focused experience. In fact, that is the number one thing that led us to choose Seabourn for our voyage. For every port-of-call we visited, we really aimed to connect with nature and DO THINGS.
Whatever cruise ship or independent travel itinerary you have planned, there will be many excursion options for Sitka. Some of the offerings include sport fishing, bear viewing, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, and marine wildlife tours. You really can’t go wrong with any of these, but I would recommend something that leaves you a little bit of time to explore the historical sights in Sitka before returning to your ship.
Above photo: Honeycomb Island
We decided on the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest through Allen Marine Tours. I have so many great things to say about this tour. The boat had an enclosed, comfy seating area and an open-air observation deck. It was nice to have both the warm seat between wildlife sightings and an obstructed view while photographing critters.
Our captain did an outstanding job finding all kinds of wildlife, not just sea otters. We also saw sea lions, gray whales, and a variety of birds. There was a naturalist on board who was very knowledgeable and able to answer questions about our wildlife sightings and the land formations as we navigated Sitka Sound. Overall, it was a two-thumbs-up experience!
Above photos: Sea lions, sea otters, and grey whales in Sitka Sound
Local Cuisine
Following our morning excursion, we headed to downtown Sitka for lunch. There are restaurants and cafes speckled all over, but my recommendation would be go after the street food!
Keep your eye out for the Fisherman’s Alley food stand (yellow tent) between Wintersong Soap Co. and The Cellar on Lincoln Street. They have ready-to-eat king crab legs, seafood bisque, and various kinds of smoked fish.
Above photos: Fisherman’s Alley food stand
We ended up grabbing our lunch from Ashmo’s food truck located next to the Coliseum Theater on Lincoln Street. It is one of the few food trucks in Sitka that is owned by one of the fishing vessels. I got the Lingcod Sandwich and my husband got the Rockfish Tacos. OMG!! Deeeee-licious!!
Above photos: Ashmo’s Food Truck
Wildlife Attractions
Fortress of the Bear
We made it a priority to visit Fortress of the Bear, a bear sanctuary dedicated to rescuing orphaned Alaskan bear cubs. The bears are rehabilitated and cared for until they find a new home. Unfortunately, these bears cannot be released back into the wild. Bears have been sent to the Bronx Zoo, Montana Grizzly Encounter, and the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Texas.
Above photos: Fortress of the Bear
Alaska Raptor Center
The Alaska Raptor Center is a raptor rehabilitation center where you can get up close with eagles, owls, falcons, hawks, and other magnificent feathered creatures. The center receives around 200 birds per year that they aim to rehabilitate to good health and release back into the wild.
Above photo: Bald eagle in Sitka, Alaska
Quick Tip: The tour to these attractions through our cruise ship excursion desk conflicted with our other morning plans. So, we had to figure out a way to get out there on our own. By doing so, we ended up also saving some money.There is a shuttle bus that runs from the Visitor Center to both Fortress of the Bear and the Raptor Center. The bus will take you to Fortress of the Bear and then return an hour later to pick you up. The bus makes a second stop at the Raptor Center. Another hour later, it will pick you up and take you back to the Visitor Center. The round trip ticket was $20.00 per person, not including the admission fees to the attractions.
Historical Landmarks
Sitka has a surprising number of museums and historical landmarks. A whopping twenty-four attractions are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and seven are National Historic Landmarks. Since we had packed in other activities during our day in Sitka, we regrettably did not get to visit many of the notable landmarks. As I said earlier, tough choices.
St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral
If you only have time to visit one historical landmark, St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral is definitely it. Visiting hours are limited from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm., which means you will need to pay attention to the time in order to make sure you get here while it is open.
Above photo: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral
St. Michaels’ Cathedral is the oldest Orthodox cathedral in America, and hence, the most prominent landmark of Russian America. It was built between 1844 – 1848, but burned down in 1966. The reconstructed church is a replica with the exception of fireproof materials (good thinking).
Above photos: St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral
More Attractions
Sitka Sound Science Center An aquarium, hatchery, and center for research and education programs in the Gulf of Alaska, Eastern Pacific Ocean, and North American Coastal Temperate Rainforests.
Sitka National Historic Park: The site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. There are numerous totem poles and a scenic coastal trail.
Russian Bishop’s House: One of only four Russian period buildings left in North America.
Baranof Castle State Historic Site: The location of the original Tlingit native fortification that was later taken over by Russians. New fortifications and buildings were built to support the Russian Alaska government until Alaska was sold to the United States.
Russian Orthodox Cemetery: This 200-year-old cemetery has some 356 graves. It is located inear downtown Sitka amidst old growth forest and moss. Although it does not have an official entrance it is easy to find along Observatory Street.
Sitka Historical Society & Museum: A small museums focused on native Tlingit culture and Sitka’s history.
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