Things to do in Sitka Alaska From Cruise Ship

Things to see and do in Sitka Alaska is to visit grizzly bears at Fortress of the Bear. It is a naturalized habitat of rescued local brown and black bears.

Visitors can take a quick shuttle ride from the port. You will see Nikiski stacking her pool toys or Lucky playing with melting ice.

The fortress is closed from November to March so that bears can hibernate. Apart from the wilderness, you can buy Personalized Paver Project at $75 and Oatmeal Tribal Sitting Bear Hoodie at $55.

• Location: 4639 Sawmill Creek Road, Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 10.9 miles
• Cost: $15 per person ($5 for youths)
• Open Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (May - September), 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (October, Weekends only)

One of the things to do in Sitka Alaska for free is visit Baranof Castle State Historic Site. It is currently administered as part of the Alaska state park.

The historic site refers to the history of strategic fortification made by Tlingit natives. Later Russians occupied the site as the capital building of Russian Americans.

The property gives panoramic views of downtown Sitka. Look for the Alaska State flag flying on the top and click some pictures with a sunset view over Sitka Sound.

• Location: AK 99835, Harbor Road, Sitka
• Distance from Port: 6 miles
• Cost: Free Entry
• Open Hours: 9:00 am  - 5:00 pm during Summer only

For a unique slice of Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit battle history, take a tour of Sitka National Historical Park. It is spread in 113 acres area.

The 20 totem poles and trails of coastal rainforest are the standout attractions of the place. It is a memorial park in honor of the Battle of 1804 between the Tlingits and Russians.

You can get a paid tour at the cost of $4 per person. The tour includes the second floor of the Russian Bishop's House on Lincoln Street.

The first stop is at the Visitor Center, where you can get maps and witness the enchanting beauty of the traditional clan house. Then you can check out the original park totems.

• Location: 103 Monastery Street, Sitka, AK 99835, United States
• Contact Number: +1 907 747 0110
• Distance from Port: 6.4 miles
• Cost: Free Entry ($4 at Visitor Center and $4 admission at Bishop's House)
• Open Hours: 9:00 am  - 5:00 pm

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The best way to see the rugged western edge of Baranof Island is Kayaking. You can book your excursion through Alaska Shore Excursion.

Your 2-hour journey starts from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. Sip in the breathtaking views while enjoying some wildlife above and below the pristine water's surface.

Promising great fun comes at your feet through kayaking. You can explore the coastal communities through kayak in the summer seasons only from late April to early October.

Almost all of the best Norwegian Cruise To Alaska have a stop here. Cruisers are suggested to try this excursion.

• Location: 4513 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, Alaska 99835
• Distance from Port: 0 miles
• Cost: $123.75 per person
• Open Hours: 9:00 am  - 5:00 pm

Things to do in Sitka for a day is tantalizing your tastebuds with local flavors. Ernie's Saloon is among the best restaurant for Duck Farts.

Ludvig's Bistro Chowder Cart

It is located next to the historic Mill Building. They provide a portion of revenue to the Sitka Local Foods Network and the Sitka Homeless Coalition.

Famous dishes: Clam Chowder with Chorizo at $12.95 per bowl, Caesar Salad at $8.

Mean Queen

Want to try Alaskan Pizza? Head to Harbor Drive to find Mean Queen. They serve the best New York-inspired cocktails and thin-crust pizzas.

Famous dishes: Fortress of the Pigs Pizza at $22, Fried Ravioli at $10, and Mandarin Orange Chichen Wings at $15.

Sitka Pel'Meni

As the name suggests, Sitka Pel'Meni is famous for Pelmeni, aka Russian Dumplings. These homemade potato or beef dumplings are up to your choice.

Famous dishes: Beef Pelmeni topped with butter and hot sauce at $7.

Ernie's Saloon

Southern Alaska's main cocktail claim is the Duck Fart. Ernie’s Old Time Saloon is located on Lincon Street.

Famous dishes: Duck Fart at $7.25, Bloody Mary at $10, and Guinness & Stella at $5.50.

Snorkel Tour at Magic Island is among the coolest things to do in Sitka Alaska in May. The temperature is most suitable in this summer month.

Dive through the open ocean currents, and observe the underwater world. You may catch a glimpse of Giant Pacific Octopi, sea scallops, needlefish, nudibranchs, and many other wildlife.

If you are in a group of 10 or more, you can book their private tours that cost $1100. The shuttle service from the cruise terminal is included in this.

• Location: 803 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, AK 99835
• Contact Number: +1 303 906 7732
• Distance from Port: 4.8 miles
• Cost: $195 (By Selkie Snorkels Sitka)
• Open Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Salty Sitkan conducts classes for cutting a fish on the CNC Plasma cutter during cruise seasons. It is one of the most unique experiences to get in Alaska.

In the 2.5-hour class, you can learn to create fish shapes from various technologies like teardrop mallet, die grinder, and CNC plasma cutter.

You can get a private shuttle from and to the cruise terminal through Ride Sitka, and that is included. The tools and shipping of the finished goods are also added.

• Location: 120 Jarvis Street, Apartment B, Sitka, AK 99835
• Phone Number: +1 907 738 2285
• Distance from Port: 6.6 miles
• Cost: $195 per person
• Open Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Things to do in Sitka Alaska in July include riding a rental Electric Bike. You can book your ride from Kings E-Bike, which is just minutes away from the cruise port.

Their RAD Runner 2 E-Bikes have a battery life of more than 45 miles. They come in heights ranging from 4'11 to 6'2.

Paddle to the beautiful trails and road system with provided trail/town map. Ride through the old-growth forests and enjoy the scenic view of snow-capped peaks.

If you are one of the best Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska cruisers, then you are most probably going to stop by this place.

• Location: 4513 Halibut Point Road, Sitka, AK 99835
• Contact Number: +1 907 623 7699
• Distance from Port: 20 feet
• Cost: $120 per day
• Open Hours: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm (Summer Season May through September)

Harbor Mountain Brewing Company offers a variety of beers from Skiff Life to Tender Luvin. Totally Pitted is a blend of fruity beer.

They brew small-batch beers with a blend of local flavors and traditional techniques. The flavors rotate on the tap depending on the season.

The most loved Chumdog Millionaire Hazy IPA cost $7. The Double Stuf Chocolate Porter costs $8; it is a tasty liberation with milk's favorite cookie.

• Location: 1209 Sawmill Creek Rd. Suite A Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 6.6 miles
• Cost: $5 - $10
• Open Hours: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm (every day)

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Sitka Sound Science Center was established in 2007. They work to create awareness of the marine, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of coastal Alaska through research and education.

Explore the Salmon hatchery, the newly furbished Sheldon Jackson College, and the Molly O.Ahlgren Aquarium. You can also visit their library filled with scientific books and journals.

If you are traveling with kids, then the little ones can join their kid's special programs. Lucky travelers can watch the annual Sitka WhareFest, which showcases wildlife through a science symposium.

• Location: Sage Memorial Building, 834 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 6.1 miles
• Cost: $7 per person ($5 for kids)
• Open Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Summer), Appointment on Winters

Things to do in Sitka Alaska in September is whale watching at Sitka Whale Park. It was established in July 1995.

Set up a picnic at Sitka Whale Park and enjoy the wildlife through free viewing scopes. Click pictures with life-size sculptures of humpbacks.

Visitors can keep their eyes peeled for Harbor Seals, Shorebirds, Humpback Whales, and Steller's Sea Lion. You can listen to whale songs over the hydrophone.

• Location: 2500 Sawmill Creek Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 9.2 miles
• Cost: Free entry
• Open Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Hiking in Sitka is one of the coolest things to do. Stretch your legs and go away from the crowds into the woods.

Harbor Mountain Trail

This is the closest hiking trail to the harbor. You start hiking from Harbor Mountain Road, which was built during World War II.

On the top, travelers can see the breathtaking Mt. Edgecumbe views and Sitka Sound. On the way, you can see sub-alpine and alpine habitats.

Indian River Trail

The scenic trail is just outside of town on Indian River Road. Take a 60-minute ride on the Community RIDE bus from downtown.

Around 3 to 4 miles hike leads you to the panoramic views of the Sisters Mountains. Visitors can see the 70-foot waterfall, Indian River Falls, on the way.

Mosquito Cove Trail

It is a 1.5-mile loop trail from the Starrigavan Bay Side. The trail is a part of the Old Stika State Historic Site.

You can start hiking from seven miles north of Sitka on Halibut Point Road. The journey features little trail curves, tide-pooling, and bridges.

Take a thrilling Zodiac tour through Sitka Zodiac Adventures boats. They have twenty years of experience in showcasing Alaskan's natural beauty.

Their boats have subtle automobile-like controls so you can ride them yourself. They provide full-body rain gear, gloves, and coast guard.

The 2.5-hour tour takes you through the various islands in Sitka Sound, Rockwell Lighthouse, Mt. Edgecumbe volcano, and more. The cable-styled O'Connell Bridge is also on your way.

• Location: 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK 99835
• Contact Number: +1 907 738 4123
• Distance from Port: 5.7 miles
• Cost: $189 per person
• Open Hours: 

Michael's Cathedral bags an astonishing collection of Russian Orthodox art and church treasures. Its history dates back to 1855 - 48.

The cathedral has Ikon Screens that divide the nave and chapels from the altars. Bishop Innocent Veniaminov wore its pearl-studded miter.

The European settlement is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is formed in a Greek cross shape with a bell tower.

• Location: 240 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 5.7 miles
• Cost: $5 as a donation is requested
• Open Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer), need an appointment for Winter

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Sitka Alaska Outfitters provides Alaska ATV Wildlife Tour on the Tongass National Forest. There are 35 miles of OHV trails.

The scenic 270 minutes ride takes visitors through the Iris Meadow, on Kruzof Island, aboard Side by Side ATVs.

You can explore Sitka Blacktail Deer and Alaska's Coastal Brown Bears playing around nature. American Bald Eagles are also found in the region.

Visitors also get a complimentary boat ride to and from Kruzof Island. From visiting the wildlife of jungles to sea's amazing wildlife like Sea Otters and Stellar Sea Lions are on the way.

• Location: 105 Monastery Street, suite b, Sitka, AK 99835
• Distance from Port: 5.7 miles
• Cost: $275 per person
• Open Hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm