What is Sitka, Alaska Known For?
Sitka, Alaska is the most ideal island town located between the mountains and sea which offers more scenic natural beauty, rich history and deep Tlingit cultural heritages to every type of backpacker.
Nested on Baranof Island, Sitka Alaska is today home to witnessing more numbers of historic sites, scenic beauties and beautiful Alaska experiences making it one of the most well-known outdoor enthusiastic landmarks in the United States.
Before going to go much deeper about Sitka Alaska, a place once controlled by the native Tlingit peoples and even today most of the cultures are heavily influenced from them. Later when the Russian colonised this land, slowly this place turned to a travel centric landmark. They positively appreciate travel lovers and give more focus on wildlife and scenic coastline developments.
Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska
1. Start from Finding Totem Poles at Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park is a great place to start your Sitka, Alaska journey which represents the top Sitka site home to popular totem poles and stunning coastal trails. The park was built to commemorate the 1804 battles of Sitka, but today the park stands as a most beloved place in Alaska to spot native flora and faunas along with your most interesting Totem Poles.
Totem Poles are the most interesting figures here in Sitka National Historical Park. Stand as the perfect symbol of Tlingit and Haida cultural heritages usually found on the Totem Trail of the park. It looks so interesting and unique that it was purchased by Alaska’s first Governor, John Green Barady during 1904, to preserve it from destruction and decay. But today the park features both contemporary and historic poles that are portraying clan crests, legends, historic events and ancestral stories of local indigenous past.
Parks epic Costal trails another breathtaking beauty where backpackers could walk amidst its deep rainforest, Sitka shoreline and Haida Totem Poles. This nature centric trail covers around 90 minutes of walking distance filled with coastal mountains, waterfronts, historic battle sites and calm atmospheres of hemlock forests.
2. Explore St. Michael’s Cathedral
Another most renowned example is Sitka’s Russian Heritage St. Michael’s Cathedral is known for its vast collections of religious artifacts and icons and onion dome. If you want to know more about the history of Russian America, then this place is perfect for you.
Built during 1840, but this massive Cathedral was rebuilt again in 1976 after it was destroyed by the fire in 1966. But today what we really like to explore here is its Copper Green Onion Dome and Spire. This architecture represents century old religious icons which you’ll see in Saint Petersburg of Russia. However, it’s “Christ Omnipotent” and “Our Lady of Sitka” 2 paintings make this Dome more elegant.
Recognised as the National Historic Landmark when you enter inside you’ll really appreciate its green roof, bell tower and numbers of treasure collection despite just its onion dome. When it comes to religious artefacts “Our Lady of Stika” is the most revered one that represents it has more healing powers. Whereas Christ Pantocrator and other smaller Silver Plated Icons are popular collections to explore.
3. Spot Fortress of Bears
One of the finest things to do in Sitka Alaska is to spot and spend some time with Fortress Bears. These bears are usually feature Alaskan brown and black colors, each one are orphaned and rescued from uneven events.
Fortress of Bears is a place primarily designed as a resume or rehabilitation to these orphaned bears. Founded in 2003, its primary vision is to protect bears that have lost their mothers or are suffering from basic diseases. Interesting about this Fortress of Bear is, it is a non-profit sanctuary.
While walking within Fortress you’ll be much blessed to see these bears within very close views from raided boardwalks under a more naturalised environment. Take your camera along with you to get the perfect pick of these bears against scenic backdrops of Stik’s wilderness. Whilst, don’t forget to get some history and process of bears rescues from its interactive session which was done by their staff.
Sanctuary is located just 5 miles away from downtown of Sitka and you can take taxis or rideshare to reach it within 10minutes. Book your tours with Sitka Excursions which make your trip more easy and convenient.
4. Discover Sitka Aquarium
Sitka Aquarium is the most visited attraction in Sitka Alaska exhibits informative data about marine life of Southeast Alaska. The aquarium offers more eye-catching sea species like Wanda the Wolf Eel in a cozy and educational setting.
Salmon Bubble is a more interesting part in Stika Aquarium which explains juvenile salmon’s life and features through interactive sessions with eye view experiences. However, this Sitka Aquarium is home to other salmon such as coho, pink and chum salmon, each time while you walk near to these species display exhibitions explaining biological features of these species.
Visitors even interact, touch and enjoy the real feeling of other marine species like sea urchins, anemones and starfish species. Do not miss out to watch huge whale skeletons and houses of 800-gallon inhabitants. If you’re more curious about learning local species and conservation of local fish species, then Stika is exclusively welcome.
5. Hike to Baranof Castle Hill
If you’re are so passionate about hiking or looking to get epic views of surrounding beauties in Alaska, then Baranof Castle Hill is a great option to you. Often known as “Baranof Castle State Historic Site” where abundance of historical evidence such as Russian Fort is exist.
This historic site officially transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867, but as a visitor your duty is not just to discover historical symbols, moreover enjoying panoramic views of Stika, harbour and surrounding epic mountain views from its hilltop park.
To reach its top visitors take a 0.5 km trail of Stika, which won’t take more than 1 hour to reach. The trail is more walking friendly especially during April to September.
Once you reach its top, relax some time with its tranquil surroundings and take some photos of its historic evidence along with surrounding beauties.
6. Take a Boat Ride at Kruzof Island
Spend some time with a boat ride at Kruzof Island which combines the water sports and most incredible views of coastal vistas and island crystal clear waters. The island is an ideal location to enjoy the thrilling experience of kayaking and an easy way to spot the region’s vast whales, sea otters, sea lions and puffins.
Book your boat ride at Zodiac Boat ride, they help you to enjoy 3 hour full pledged island views and sea caves expeditions and even St. Lazaria Island.
Besides its water activities, the Island is an excellent option for hikers amidst its beautiful landscapes. The summit of Mount Kruzof offers incredible views of the surrounding areas such as Mt, Edgecumbe Volcano and Alaska region. Looking to spend some time in a tranquil environment or escape from bustling city life, then choose to take a boat ride at Kruzof Island.
Book your ATV tour and enjoy the epic views of nearest Mt. Edgecumbe volcano and spot Brown Bears. However, the tour is even ideal for those who wish to reach the surrounding Mud Bay and Shelikof River
7. Experience Sitka Sound at Its Sound Science Centre
Stika Sound is a home of pristine and high biodiversity marine ecosystems. Here in its sound science centre offers great options to make you fishing and wildlife along with enjoying whale watching, kayaking and while spotting sea otters and massive seals.
Stika Sound Science Centre is a place where to find salmon hatchery and aquarium, however it encompasses visitors to enter the aquarium and research lab to get some knowledge about Alaska Salmon. Founded in 2007, the centre boasts timely awareness of aquatic ecosystems and terrestrial beauty to visitors. If you’re going with your kids then don’t forget to attend “Center’s Junior Naturalist Program” or buy some marine themed gifts and stuffed animals for your kids.
Would you like to spend some time for world class fishing or time with sea lions or sea otters or watching the beauty of humpback whales, visit Sitka Sound? However, we also insist on backpackers to spend more time with water through its world class kayaking and boating.
8. Take a Glimpse of Tlingit and Haida Art
Located in the territory of the Tlingit Tribe region boasts valuable insight about the Tlingit and Haida cultures. To know more about these Tlingit and Haida Arts, firstly you need to visit Jackson Museum. The museum is often known for its welcoming visitors who wish to explore native artworks, carvings, basketry and jewellery.
Along with the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Sitka National Park is a great spot to find intricate totem poles, woodcarving designs and clan crests. These Totem Poles (we already discussed) represent protective spirits and spiritual and historical legacy of local Alaskan tribes.
However Tlingit and Haida Art includes the region’s best bentwood boxes, chilkat and ravenstail weaving and unique carving techniques. All these Tlingit and Haida Arts today stand as the ancient historic and cultural symbols that help visitors to understand how rich ancient Alaska traditions are.
Besides the Sitka National Park and Jackson Museum, try to walk through regions like Inside Passage of Southeastern Alaska or Northwest Coast where important America’s artistic traditions and cultures exist in greater numbers.
9. Enjoy Your Wildlife Tour
When it comes to Wildlife in Stika Alaska we already discussed the popular Fortress of Bears and some marine species. But crucially visitors have to know there are plenty of additional animals and bird species that exist here in Stika, Alaska.
Visit Alaska Raptor Center, a renowned wildlife spot where numbers of injured birds, hawks and bald eagles are rescued. Acts as a rehabilitation centre provides advanced medical treatments facilities to these rescued birds, additionally providing basic necessities to Stika black tailed deers too. Visitors can go and watch through educational tours and see how exactly these birds are treated and insights into raptor conservation.
St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge another spectacular place to dig more about your Alaska wildlife trip. Located in St. Lazaria Island where bird species like petrels, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets and murres are available in greater numbers. Located just 15 miles from Sitka, if you seek to know more about local bird species then don’t miss it.
For more travel experience book guided tours at Sitka Wildlife Adventure or Alaska Wilderness Cruise and spot sea lions and numbers of sea whales, appreciate how beautiful Alaska’s ecosystem is.
10. Attend Sitka Jazz Festival
It is a good idea to attend local Sitka Jazz Festivals before finishing your Sitka Alaska travel journey. Ideal location for music lovers who often like to feel the melody of unique music styles especially composed with ancient roots.
Sitka Jazz Festival took place the first week of February in various venues across the town. Where both locals and national Jazz artists from different regions like San Francisco, New York and New Orleans come to attend music festivals.
An interesting part during Jazz Festivals is that even both professional musicians usually come for evening performances, but music students come to perform at the Performing Arts centre. Around 200 students come from different states here for classes in jazz theory, history and improvisation.
Sitka Jazz Festivals held during winter season (February month) at Sitka Performing Arts centre. Moreover, for deeper understanding about Sitka Jazz Festivals or looking to enjoy festivals in different seasons try to attend Sitka Jazz Week. Summer event held during August month during which a number of workshops and street performances took place.
To experience the modern cultural scene with deep historical roots attend Jazz on the Waterfront hosted by the Greater Sitka Arts Council. For additional insights about Stika Jazz Festivals visit its official website and book your seat today.
How to Get to Sitka, Alaska
Getting to Sitka is super easy, you can reach through 3 major options.
1. By Air
Coming by aeroplane to Sitka is not just quiet mode, besides its greatest option to enjoy Southeast Alaska regions jaw dropping aerial views. If you’re coming from Seattle or Anchorage, there are plenty of flights available to Sitka through the connections in Juneau.
Currently “The Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT)” serves as the Main Airport in Stika. But Delta operates some seasonal flights from Seattle to SIT, just check it.
2. By Ferry
Ferry alternative option to air route, visitors can get to Sitka via Alaska Marine Highway. This water route provides ferry service from other coastal towns and cities to Stika. Take a drive from British Columbia to Haines quaint town, this water route includes a total 9.5 hours of ferry ride to Stika.
This route is not just a connecting point to Stika, whilst the route allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of scenic Alaska Mountains, massive glaciers and diverse wildlife. Usually ferry rides contain heavy demands during peak seasons, so, to escape from this better to book your seats early (prior to 3 months).
3. Guided Tours
Despite Ferry/ Air routes, Stika Alaska is accessible through guided tours including walking tours and private group tours. Most Backpackers who come to Stika first wish to take walking tours which are led by the locals. The tour helps you take Alaska’s cultural attractions, locals and Stika’s Tlingit Tribe region and local handcrafted shops.
However, take some walking tours or individual tours for special attractions like Sightseeing Tours or Alaska Shore Tours are other popular options to get to Stika.
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