Sitka is a picturesque city located on the western coast of Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska, United States. The island is one hundred miles long and is in the state’s panhandle.
It is situated on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
Sitka is accessible only by sea or air. The roadway along the Pacific coast goes about seven miles in either direction. The Tongass National Forest covers the area outside of town and across the sound is Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano.
Sitka has a rich history, serving as the capital of Russian America from 1804 to 1867. Russian trappers had come to Sitka for the abundance of sea otters and their valuable fur.
It was a major hub for the fur trade and the site of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. The 1800s saw Sitka earning the nickname “Paris of the Pacific.”
The city showcases its historical significance through numerous preserved landmarks and cultural heritage sites.
Nestled between mountains and the ocean, this area of Alaska offers breathtaking scenery and a diverse ecosystem. The climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, rainy summers. The area receives abundant rainfall, contributing to the region's lush rainforests.
Sitka is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a wide range of recreational activities. Fishing is incredibly popular, with opportunities for salmon, halibut, and trout fishing.
Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, as Sitka is home to abundant marine life, including whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Hiking, kayaking, and boating are other popular activities in the area.
Today, Sitka has a population of a little less than 9,000. In addition to commercial fishing and tourism, Sitka’s livelihood also depends on drinking water exportation along with the Alaska State Trooper Academy. About 200,000 cruise passengers visit each year, but the seafood and exporting drinking water are Sitka’s main sources of income.
Sitka is accessible only by sea or air. The roadway along the Pacific coast goes about seven miles in either direction. The Tongass National Forest covers the area outside of town and across the sound is Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano.
Sitka has a rich history, serving as the capital of Russian America from 1804 to 1867. Russian trappers had come to Sitka for the abundance of sea otters and their valuable fur.
It was a major hub for the fur trade and the site of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. The 1800s saw Sitka earning the nickname “Paris of the Pacific.”
The city showcases its historical significance through numerous preserved landmarks and cultural heritage sites.
Nestled between mountains and the ocean, this area of Alaska offers breathtaking scenery and a diverse ecosystem. The climate is characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, rainy summers. The area receives abundant rainfall, contributing to the region's lush rainforests.
Sitka is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a wide range of recreational activities. Fishing is incredibly popular, with opportunities for salmon, halibut, and trout fishing.
Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, as Sitka is home to abundant marine life, including whales, sea otters, and sea lions. Hiking, kayaking, and boating are other popular activities in the area.
Today, Sitka has a population of a little less than 9,000. In addition to commercial fishing and tourism, Sitka’s livelihood also depends on drinking water exportation along with the Alaska State Trooper Academy. About 200,000 cruise passengers visit each year, but the seafood and exporting drinking water are Sitka’s main sources of income.
Good To Know
Alaska, as a whole, has a rainy climate. You will need an umbrella and water-resistant coat and shoes. It helps to dress in layers and take them off accordingly. You might want to check with your cell phone provider to see if you have coverage in Sitka. In Sitka, there are places where cell phones may not work at all (i.e., at the end of the road systems or certain places out on the ocean). See All Sitka Excursions📢
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go: Sitka has no large cruise pier — ships must anchor and tender passengers ashore. The tender process takes 20–30 minutes each way and can be disrupted by weather. The tender dock is right in the middle of town. Everything in central Sitka is within walking distance of the tender landing.
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Hot Tip
Visit the Raptor Center — a bald eagle rehabilitation facility that also houses rehabilitating owls, ravens, and falcons that can't be released to the wild. It's small, intimate, and you'll get closer to a bald eagle than almost anywhere else. ~$14 admission.Sitka, Alaska – Quick Facts
CurrencyThe currency used in Sitka, Alaska is the United States Dollar (USD). </span>ATMs are located on Lincoln Street, between St. Michael's Church and Centennial Hall.</span>
LanguageThe primary language spoken in Sitka, Alaska is English. However, it's worth noting that Alaska is home to several indigenous communities, and some members of these communities may speak their traditional native languages, such as Tlingit or Haida.</span>
WiFi & PhoneThere is free WiFi in the cruise terminal. </span>
Where You DockSitka Cruise Terminal, Sitka, Alaska (tender port)
Kings E-Bikes
If you want to be more active in your time off ship, a bicycle is a convenient option.