One of the best stops on an Alaskan cruise is Sitka. It is on the outer coast of the state’s popular Inside Passage on Baranof Island in the middle of the beautiful Tongass National Forest. It is also culturally intriguing with a blend of Tlingit, Russian, and American history. There is something for nature, adventure, and history lovers all to enjoy in Sitka!
For the nature and adventure lover, Sitka Sound, which borders the city, is a marine watching paradise. There are many shore excursions that take guests throughout the sound by kayak and boat. Our first excursion there was a fun Zodiac boat tour with a delicious seafood lunch at one of the small islands in the sound. We enjoyed the freshest seafood I have ever eaten! In the sound, you can spot a variety of whales, sea otters, starfish, sea urchins, bald eagles, and more. For those who enjoy history, look out for abandoned World War II bunkers too!
If you want to enjoy nature and history without paying for an excursion, a great choice is to take the free shuttle from the port into the city center and then take the short ten-minute walk along the water to Sitka National Historical Park. Admission is free! President Benjamin Harris first designated it a park in 1890. The park is teeming with majestic Sitka Spruce and Hemlock trees. It also contains the mouth of the Indian River, which is full of salmon and other wildlife. The number of salmon at certain times of the year in the river is awe-inspiring to watch!
The park also has a history to tell. It is the site of the Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit Native American People and Russian forces. You can see where the Tlingit fort was located with a totem pole honoring K’aylaan, the legendary warrior who led the native people, and all the Kiks.adi people who lost their lives in the battle. Across the river, on the Russian Memorial Loop Trail, there is a monument for the fallen Russians.
Scattered throughout the park on the Totem Trail are numerous totem poles from Haida and Tlingit villages. Alaska’s former governor, John Green Brady, collected the totem poles for an exhibit about the state for the 1904 Louisianna Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Village leaders gifted the poles to the governor to share their cultural heritage with the world. The poles returned to Sitka in 1906, were repaired by Native craftsmen, and put on permanent display. Over the years, the poles continue to be repaired and then re-carved so visitors today can still learn about the culture of the state’s indigenous people. If you time it right, you can enjoy a tour of the totem poles throughout the trail with a knowledgeable park ranger, who will explain the stories and history of the poles.
For more history, walk back toward town and cross the street to visit the Russian Bishop’s house, which is also part of the park. Built in 1842, the house is one of only four surviving Russian period buildings and details the history of Russian and Native people interactions during a volatile period. Sitka was the Russian colonial capital of Alaska, and the bishop’s house was the center of the Russian Orthodox Church authority.
If you continue walking through town to Lincoln Street, you will be at the city’s main street for shopping, dining, and more sightseeing. Other Sitka places to visit include St. Michael’s Cathedral, Sitka Sound Science Center, and the Alaska Raptor Center. Are you ready to explore Sitka? Make the most of this cruise port by enjoying the wildlife, diverse culture, and sensational scenery!
Laci Post is a Dreams Unlimited Travel agent who loves travel, history, and a good story anywhere. She would love to help you with your next Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Universal adventure! Laci@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com
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