Many of our guests bring others who just come along to enjoy the sites and the local beauty; here are some ideas on how they may want to enjoy their time in Sitka.
Sitka was at one time the Russian capital of Alaska, established in 1799 by Alexander Baranof of the Russian American Company.
The day you arrive in town, and for those folks who want to soak up Southeast Alaska’s wilderness, it’s only a brief walk from town. Newly constructed and an exceptional network of trails beg to be explored, and often open into fabulous meadows. If a bike tour is more to you liking, investigate the countryside by bicycle tours or rentals.
Take one additional day in town to relax from fishing, and enjoy the waters surrounding Sitka in a much different way. Enjoy the quite calm of the coves and channels of the Inside Passage. Sitka offers some of the best sea kayaking in the country. Kayak excursions range from 2-hour trips for the novice, to multi-day guided trips.
Outstanding ways to view the raw beauty of Sitka and her surrounding area is with an Eagle’s eye view. Seaplane tours offer a chance to see such fantastic sights as the classic dome of Mt. Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, the Baranoff Ice Fields, or the pristine solitude of abundant lakes.
The Alaska Raptor Center (another link here) affords you with the opportunity for up-close encounters with local wildlife and birds of prey, including Bald Eagles.
The Sitka National Historic Park (another link here) is located at the end of Totem Street. Here you will find well-maintained walkways, a Tlingit fort, and beautiful totem poles.
The Sitka Summer Music Festival boasts musicians from around the world. This is one of Alaska’s most popular events and can be enjoyed during the month of June in the Centennial Hall.
Castle Hill is located downtown, (no link available) and is one of the most historically significant sites in Alaska. It was originally inhabited by Tlingit Indians. Between 1804 and 1867 the Russians occupied this site, and in 1867 Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States. A fully accessible walkway leads visitors to the top. The 360-degree view offers outstanding vies, while panels offer the opportunity to learn more about the site.
One look at lovely Sitka and you'll know why Alexander Baranof, governor of the Russian American Company, decided to build his "castle" here. With views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, Sitka is considered Alaska's most beautiful seaside town. Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history.
