Three Day Sitka Itinerary

Lovely, scenic Sitka is at the heart of Alaska’s Russian history, as well as an ancient and longstanding homeland of the Tlingit people. Lined by a curving Pacific Ocean shore and gorgeous mountains, Sitka is a wonderful place to spend a few days exploring.

The city is the only in Alaska to have existed under three flags: before it was the modern town of 9000 residents it is today, it was the capital of Russian America (known then as “New Archangel”) and was the site of the Alaska Purchase signing in 1867. And prior to European settlement, the Tlingit people lived here for millennia. Today it has a vibrant festival scene celebrating its cultural heritage. 

Day 1: 

Spend your first day exploring Sitka’s central area on a walking tour that showcases some of the rich cultural history of the town.

Start on the southeast side of town at Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska’s oldest National Park, where you’ll see remnants of both Russian and Tlingit history. The 113-acre park is the site of a battle waged between Russian traders and local Tlingit in 1804. Its main attraction are 20 totem poles but the Russian Bishop’s House and even the Visitor’s Center – designed as a traditional clan house – are wonderful sites.

Walk west to the Sheldon Jackson Museum, where you’ll find an extensive collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material in an octagonal structure. The artifacts were collected by a Presbyterian missionary in the 19th century and include masks, totems, traditional clothing, and other items.

Head one block towards the water, where you’ll find the Sitka Sound Science Museum. This is the place to learn about the marine ecosystems of the region, with an aquarium and hatchery, library, and various research and education programs.

From here continue to the center of Sitka to St. Michael's Cathedral National Historic Landmark. Constructed in the mid-1800s, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel stands as a reminder of Sitka’s Russian past. This Russian Orthodox church is an exact replica built in 1976, after the original was destroyed by fire a decade earlier. Services are still held here on Saturday evenings.

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Day 2:

After a busy day touring central Sitka, it’s time to take to the road and explore the delights of the town’s outer limits. Drive five miles west to the Fortress of the Bear, where orphaned brown and black bears are cared for. You’ll be able to watch bears from an outside viewing deck, getting as close as 25 feet from some of these mighty creatures.

Drive back towards Sitka with a stop at Whale Park. This small park along the water affords visitors the opportunity to witness migrating whales (mostly in spring and fall). It’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch; even if you don’t spot a whale, you’re likely to see other marine creatures while you enjoy the views of the water and mountains.

Sitka and its surrounds have many options for hiking. If you’re short on time or looking for a relatively simple excursion, hike to Thimbleberry Lake. The trailhead is just a bit up the road from Whale Park, making it an easy stop on your day 2 itinerary. It’s a quarter-mile walk to the lake, or you can keep going another three quarters of a mile to Heart Lake amongst the thick Tongass rainforest. Be bear aware and make plenty of noise on your hike.

Enjoy dinner back in Sitka, which has several good restaurants offering local seafood.

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Day 3:

Today, make the most of Sitka’s excellent access to the marine world. You have a few options for a day on the water: a guided kayaking tour, a fishing charter, or a whale watching excursion. Most of these have half- and full-day options.

Kayaking tours take you paddling on Sitka Sound or further out, and are friendly for all skill levels. You’re likely to see, at eye level, marine life such as sea otters, sea lions, and seals. Fishing charters include both river fly fishing on land, or saltwater fishing from a boat. Salmon, trout, and halibut are just some of the species you might catch.

Finally, whale watching tours are also a great option, as humpack whales, orcas, and minke whales can be seen here each summer. You might also see gray whales, especially if you’re visiting in early spring or late autumn when these migrating whales pass through the region. The scenery from the water near Sitka is also glorious, with majestic views of the town backed by mountains making for perfect photo ops. 

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