When you are visiting this area visitors should know Alaska can be a rainy place. The state is known for its cold climate, so make sure you bring warm, waterproof clothes when you visit. It’s a gorgeous place to visit, but there is often a wet chill in the air.

Sitka is a port of call for Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. All of these cruise lines except the last have two or more ships which stop in Sitka. At this time, Oceania Cruises only has one ship which pays a visit to Sitka, but it is the only exception to the rule.

About the Port of Sitka
The airport in Sitka is the Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport. In addition to being a popular cruise port, it is the sixth largest seafood-producing port in the U.S. It a place of majestic views, with towering mountains, spruce forests, and even the occasional whale! The Russian influence is still present in the form of the New Archangel Dancers, who perform regularly in traditional costumes. They put on shows from May to September at the Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Sitka’s Best Attractions
Many ships will dock at what is called the Old Sitka Dock, located about five miles outside of town. A shuttle is available to take passengers to the center of Sitka, close to Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Some of the best attractions are all within a few blocks of the center of town, where the shuttle bus drops you off. The aforementioned Hall is home to the Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Sitka Historical Museum as well as the dancers. Castle Hill, where Lincoln Street and Harbor Way intersect, is an excellent place for taking beautiful pictures.

The area is easy to navigate on foot, with many good sites to see close by. Head to the Visitors Bureau for maps and brochures. Buses are also available to take visitors to the Sitka National Historical Park, the Alaska Raptor Center and the Sheldon Jackson Museum. For physically active visitors you can rent a bike for a daily rate. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

The National Historical Park is the site of a battle between the local natives of around 1800 and invading Russians who claimed it as their own. Totem poles and the restored Russian Bishop’s house are must see sights.

The Sheldon Jackson Museum is as old as many of the artifacts it preservers. The museum itself was declared a National Historical site in 1972. Built in 1897, it has many exhibits showing off the history of the area.

For the avian enthusiast, the Alaska Raptor Center should be a top priority. Dedicated to treating injured birds, especially bald eagles, the center works hard to preserve avian wildlife and educate about Alaska’s birds and environmental concerns.