Things To Do
Sitka National Historical Park
This scenic 107-acre park preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian fort and the battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804.
Harbor Mountain Trailhead
Drive up a mountain and see amazing views of the water. Most car rentals don't allow you to drive up Harbor Mountain. Let us know and we can hook you up!
Sheldon Jackson Museum
This museum houses an exceptional collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material gathered by Presbyterian missionary and General Agent of Education for Alaska, the Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson.
Castle Hill
(Baranof Castle Site) An early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan. A succession of Russian buildings were later erected on this site. The last one, known as “Baranof’s Castle,” was erected in 1837, and perished in a fire in 1898. On October 18, 1867, it was the site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States. Each year, Alaska Day is still celebrated on October 18. This historical site is managed by Alaska State Parks. National Register of Historical Places. At the top you'll see amazing water and mountain views.
Russian Bishop's House
The oldest intact Russian building in Sitka was built in 1842 by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov) was its first resident. The building and grounds are managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to the 1850s historic period when it functioned as a school, Bishop’s residence, and a chapel. Registered as a National Historic Landmark.
St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Cathedral
An important collection of Russian Orthodox art and rare church treasures. Built in 1844-48, the church was totally destroyed by fire in January of 1966. Many of the precious icons and religious objects were salvaged and are in the rebuilt structure. St. Michael’s Cathedral is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Alaska Raptor Center
A pioneering wildlife project, the Alaska Raptor Center has for years proven that dedicated volunteer effort and innovative veterinary medicine can make a life-or-death difference on Alaska’s raptors (birds of prey). The center’s goal is to rehabilitate and release into the wild all bird patients; however, a few never fully recover and remain housed at the center’s outdoor sanctuary. Visitors are welcome at the Alaska Raptor Center’s facility that includes an impressive flight training enclosure.
Fortress of the Bear
A 501(c)(3) non-profit bear sanctuary and educational center, dedicated to rescuing orphaned Alaskan bear cubs in need. With no legal rehabilitation and release program available for bears in the state, orphans that lose their mothers at a young age are typically destroyed. View Fortress of the Bear’s resident rescue black and brown bear populations from covered viewing areas as they roam their naturalistic three-quart acre habitats, complete with fresh running water. Enjoy viewing the bears as they play, explore and forage for food, while a team of naturalists tell you stories about their histories, personalities and seasonally changing diets and environments. Only open weekends or cruise ship days during April and October, weather permitting.
Sitka Sound Science Center
Experience the spectacular diversity of the many amazing sea creatures that thrive in the waters surrounding Sitka. The aquarium houses an 850-gallon tank that gives visitors a glimpse of our kelp forest ecosystem and local fish species. The three large touch tanks allow you to feel the spiny skin of a sea star, the soft tentacles of a sea anemone, and the coarse shell of an abalone. During your visit take a guided tour through the salmon hatchery to learn about the history of hatcheries in Alaska, the salmon lifecycle, and the process for collecting eggs.
Starrigavan Estuary
Drive out the end of halibut point road and encounter Old Sitka National Historic Landmark, Mosquito Cove Trail, and the Artesian Well.
Heart Lake Trailhead
Low-moderately difficult trail with views of a lake and mountain.