This small town on Alaska’s Inside Passage packs together arts, outdoor recreation, history and wildlife for fantastic holiday activities.
Plan a trip to Sitka to experience old and new in an amazingly beautiful setting. See ancient art from the native Tlingit people who have occupied Sitka for more than 5,000 years. Then view modern performance art in renowned summer programs.
Inspect the totems at Sitka National Historical Park and Sitka Cultural Center for insight to the area’s history. The tall hand-carved poles tell the stories of the Tlingit people amid the wildlife of the rainforest and engaged in battle with the Russians in 1804. Learn more about the early Russian settlers inside St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which was restored after a 1966 fire.
Hiking around Sitka offers trails for all skill levels. Make the challenging day hike up the dormant volcano Mt. Edgecumbe or pack a picnic lunch and visit one of Sitka’s parks with winding trails and ocean views. Starrigavan Recreation area on Halibut Pointhas the added bonus of salmon spawning observation in July and August.
Watch for other wildlife in the land, sea and air. Deer and brown bear are common in the woodlands around Sitka. The Fortress of the Bear has rescued cubs. Seals, sea lions, otters and whales often swim just off the shore of Baranof Island. Observe the bald eagles and other birds of prey at the Alaska Raptor Center and seabirds at Saint Lazaria Island.
Send your kids to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp and attend their impressive performances at the end of multi-week programs. Join Sitka’s festivals throughout the year, featuring creative arts during the March Arti-Gras, music during the summer Home Skillet Fest and science during November’s WhaleFest.
Sitka is located on Alaska’s Inside Passage on Baranof Island. Many visitors travel to the region by cruise boat or fast ferry. Alternatively, fly here from Seattle in less than 3 hours. Once in the city, travel to most points of interest by foot, bike or rental car. Try flightseeing in a plane or rent a boat or ATV for additional adventures.
