The port of Sitka is located on Baranof Island. This small fishing town of 8,500 citizens is very popular with tourists. Sitka is known for the richness of its artistic and cultural life as well as for the nature activities that can be practiced there. The mixture of Amerindian and Russian influences gives an undeniable charm to the region.
Sitka United States of America
Useful Information
°C
°F
Weather
| Month | Temperature (Celsius)Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Precipitations |
|---|---|---|
Minimum Average Maximum | (mminch) | |
| January | -326 -229 032 | 26710.50 |
| February | -425 -228 033 | 1957.75 |
| March | -426 -229 134 | 2098.25 |
| April | -131 235 541 | 1656.50 |
| May | 338 643 1049 | 1285.00 |
| June | 745 1049 1356 | 1074.25 |
| July | 1049 1253 1559 | 1234.75 |
| August | 1050 1254 1559 | 1787.00 |
| September | 745 949 1254 | 27711.00 |
| October | 338 541 745 | 30512.00 |
| November | -130 133 236 | 29011.50 |
| December | -327 -130 033 | 29911.75 |
Where is located the Port of Sitka Cruise Terminal
The pier of the port of Sitka can accommodate a single ship and is located a few kilometers from the city. A free shuttle will take you to the city center (every 15 min.) If two ships visit the port, the second will be anchored and passengers will be transported by shuttle to the pier, directly to the centre of the city.Travelling around the Sitka Cruise Port
directions_subwayThe historical sites are within walking distance of the city centre.
local_taxiTaxis can be found at Centennial Hall.
If you choose to rent a car, compare prices and save with rentalcars.com.
Activities in Sitka
Landmarks
St. Michael’s Church
This Orthodox cathedral testifies to the Russian influence on the region. It was originally built by Alexander Baranov after he established his fur trade activities in the area. The cathedral, built between 1844 and 1848, was destroyed by fire in 1966. It was rebuilt identically and houses a collection of Russian art objects that were saved from the fire.
Russian Bishop’s House
This historic building dating from 1842 and restored in 1973 is one of the only Russian colonial buildings still in existence in North America. Here you can discover an exhibition about life in Sitka during the period of the Russian colonies.
Historical sites
Castle Hill
From Lincon street you can go to the top of this hill in order to have an interesting view of Sitka and its strait. The Kiksadi occupied this place and later, Governor Baranof built a wood log “castle”.
Museums
Sheldon Jackson Museum
This ethnographic museum presents a collection of period objects, costumes and totem poles. You will learn about the history, customs and lives of native peoples.
Sitka Sound Science Center
This aquarium presents exhibitions on the marine life of the region. You will be able to touch different species of crustacean and admire the marine life from the depths in its saltwater tanks.
Sitka History Museum
The Sitka History Museum and a tourist information desk are located there.
Nature
Sitka National Historical Park
This National Park protects the territories where battles between the Tlingit peoples and the Russians took place in the early 1800s. In addition to discovering the history and heritage of the Tlingit and the russian colonization, you can admire totem poles.
Alaska Raptor Center
This refuge welcomes injured birds of prey in order to rehabilitate them and return them to the wild. However, some birds, which could not survive in nature, are permanent residents there. You can see them up close in this outdoor sanctuary.
Fortress of the Bear
This shelter for bears has the mission of rehabilitating sick or orphaned cubs in order to reintroduce them into the wild. Some bears that could not be returned in nature are resident there and live in this natural environment where you can safely admire them up close.
Hiking Trails
Several marked trails are accessible in the area. The Gavan Hill and Indian River trails starts nearby.
