An Insider's Guide to Lodging, Tours, and Adventures
Sitka Alaska is perhaps the most beautiful small town on the Inside Passage.
Situated on a rugged island on the exposed outer edge of the Inside Passage, Sitka is surrounded by snow capped Alpine peaks and fronted by one of the most picturesque harbors in Alaska.
Sitka is less frequently visited by cruise ships than its Inside Passage neighbors, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
However, while there might not be the sheer variety of shore excursions that is available in those other ports, there is plenty to do in this town of some 8,000 residents.
Many of the tours and activities in Sitka revolve around the area's unique heritage, a combination of Native Tlingit and Russian cultures.
The Russian fur traders left an indelible mark on this region, from the Russian Orthodox churches to the Russian folk dance performances that are popular with cruise passengers.
The activities and excursions available in Sitka include sea kayaking, nature walks, bird watching, Tongass rainforest hikes, mountain biking, and Russian historical and dancing exhibitions.
One recommendation for your visit to Sitka: since you will have a greater variety of tours in your other port stops, such as glacier and fjord excursions, whale watches, and dog sledding, you could do take advantage of some of the activities unique to Sitka.
Such activities include exploring Sitka's unique history and culture at the Sitka National Historic Park (tip: this park has a pass available: just $15 for the whole family).
Another unique option is a Sea Life Discovery excursion in which you tour the kelp forests and unique underwater habitats of Sitka's coastline in the only semi-submersible vessel in Alaska. You can see all sorts of sea life in its natural environment.
If you're the very adventurous type, there's another unique option to explore the underwater world of Sitka's coast.
Dry suit snorkeling excursions allow you to actually snorkel in the pristine pacific waters, giving you a spectacular and unique view of the underwater habitat.
Now bear in mind, the air temperature in Sitka averages just over 60 degrees in the summer months, so this excursion is not for the faint of heart. But if you are up for the challenge, it is supposed to be a spectacular experience. (I am a bit too chicken to try it myself!)
Sitka Alaska is a wonderful place to visit, and makes a great introduction to the Inside Passage. To learn more about Sitka Alaska fishing, click here.
