Although not as popular as Alaska’s “big three” ports (Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway), Sitka is an adventure in itself. Located on the rugged shores of Baranof Island, Sitka is attracting more cruise ships than ever, thanks to its new Sitka Sound cruise terminal that can accommodate up to two large ships at a time.
This Pacific coastal city is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to the Alaska Raptor Center and Bear Fortress, it provides information about Alaska wildlife in a way that other ports of call can’t match.
Sitka has something else that other Southeast Alaska ports lack: a strong Russian history. The settlement was under Russian control from 1799 to 1867, when it was known as New Archangel. When Russia sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million in 1867, the transfer ceremony marking the purchase of Alaska took place here.
Now, Sitka offers a fascinating mix of Tlingit (pronounced Kling-it) history, Russian influence, and American culture that is unique to Southeast Alaska. Combine that with its incredible nature, wildlife, and scenery, and Sitka is a great addition to any Alaska cruise itinerary.
Things TPG Loves About Sitka
- It is home to Southeast Alaska’s only Russian-Orthodox architecture.
- There is abundant nature at your fingertips.
- The small town has many shops and restaurants.
What could we do without
- The cruise ship dock is far from town and shuttle wait times can be long during peak hours.
Quick Facts about Sitka
- Language: English is the official language.
- Badge: The US dollar is used for all purchases in Sitka.
- Time zone: Sitka is located in the Alaska time zone (GMT-8), one hour behind Pacific Standard Time and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Arrival details
While some small ships still anchor in the bay and take passengers to the heart of downtown Sitka, most cruise passengers will find themselves docked at the Sitka Sound cruise terminal, about 6 miles northwest of downtown Sitka. Courtesy shuttle buses take passengers into town, but when there are two ships in port at the same time, lines can get long. In fact, passengers must now reserve their transportation to the city in advance, although reservations are not required to return to the pier from Sitka. Improvements to the new terminal were made in 2020 and 2021, and the new facility features shops, restaurants, bars and information right on the dock.
Shore excursion passengers will be picked up and dropped off at the cruise terminal unless otherwise specified.
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Top Things to Do at Sitka Cruise Port
By far the most popular things to do in Sitka revolve around nature. The Alaska Raptor Center is a fascinating rehabilitation, education and research center located a 30-minute walk from the center and is included on many Sitka shore excursions. If you’re going independently, plan to spend at least an hour here (maybe more if you have bird-obsessed little ones).
Sitka’s other big attraction is Bear Fortress, a rescue sanctuary for orphaned bears. Opened in 2007, the center’s mission is to care for orphaned bears as cubs, returning them to health and giving the animals a long life that may include eventual release into the wild in conjunction with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While you can visit independently, it is recommended to book as part of a cruise line shore excursion due to long wait times, especially on the ship’s busiest days.
Kayaking is also a popular pastime in Sitka, thanks to the crystal-clear waters that run near the city and its outer islands.
Related: The 10 Best Alaska Cruises for Every Type of Traveler in 2025 and 2026
Popular Sitka Shore Excursions
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, Sitka is the place to seriously consider for a more active excursion. There are plenty of fantastic shore excursions to take part in here, from wildlife viewing to kayaking, fly fishing, rafting and even guided hikes.
Siginaka Islands Cruise and Kayak Adventure
This 90-minute kayak session offers the opportunity to see ocean wildlife up close from the comfort of two-person sea kayaks. The Siginaka Islands are the perfect location for this adventure, with numerous narrow passages and calm ocean currents, allowing you to easily sail or paddle and enjoy the views.
Bear Fortress
Cruise lines offer several different excursions to Bear Fortress, which is, on many Alaska cruises, the only guaranteed chance to see bears. These trips to Fortaleza del Oso rehabilitation center sell out on almost all cruises, so booking in advance is essential.
Alaska Raptor Center and Cultural Discovery
Like Bear Fortress, trips to the Alaska Raptor Center are some of the first shore excursions to go away. Popular with families, this excursion usually also includes a scenic drive, a guided tour of the Alaska Raptor Center, and a cultural performance by the Alaska Storyteller Dancers.
Wildlife Search and Fin Island Lodge
One of several excursions that include a visit to Fin Island Lodge in Sitka Sound, this tour is popular for its wildlife cruise, which offers the chance to see whales, sea otters, or even distant grizzly bears. Disembarking at the lodge, guests can walk the shoreline or sit by the fire before enjoying a meal of Alaskan crab, freshly caught fish, ribs, and dessert before returning on their tour boat to the cruise dock.
How to get around Sitka on your own
- Walking: Once your cruise shuttle drops you off in town, you can easily explore much of downtown on foot.
- Taxi: While there are taxi services available in Sitka, it can be difficult to find them without booking in advance. Use the cruise ship’s shuttle to get to the city center or book an excursion if you’re interested in venturing further afield.
- Bicycle or scooter: There are several bike and e-bike rental shops in Sitka.
- Car: Car rental is not widely available in Sitka, but you won’t need a private vehicle much here.
Sitka Restaurants Near the Cruise Ship Pier
You don’t have to go far from your ship to grab a bite to eat because there are several restaurants at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. These include Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, which sells locally sourced Dungeness crab, and the Wheelhouse Pub, which serves cold Alaskan beers along with pub-style Alaskan food and seafood.
In town, the Bayview Pub on Lincoln Street is a long-time favorite, overlooking the Inner Harbor and serving solid pub-style food and plenty of local beers.
Mean Queen on Harbor Drive also overlooks Sitka’s Inner Harbor and serves a huge menu of favorites from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Some of the best pizza we’ve had has been at Harbor Mountain Brewing Company. It’s about a 30-minute walk from downtown, just past the Sitka National Historical Park, and has a Campfire Kitchen Pizza hidden inside. Order a pint and settle in – these pizzas take time, but they’re worth the wait.
For an authentic Alaska bar experience, visit the Pioneer Bar on Katlian Street, just past the Sitka Pioneer Home. It is not as dangerous as it seems and is popular with both locals and tourists.
Or for something different, pop to Sitka Pel’Meni to try Russian dumplings in homage to the city’s long Russian history.
Related: The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions
Sitka dishes to try
When I’m in Alaska, the word of the day is seafood. Ask if there is anything caught locally or in season; Seafood or salmon soups are always a great option in Sitka, as is crab. Locally brewed beers are an excellent option to accompany any meal. It’s also hard to go wrong with burgers and pizza.
Shopping at Sitka Cruise Port
Downtown Sitka can meet all your shopping needs, with stores ranging from large multinational corporations to independently run local stores. So while you’ll find companies like Diamonds International in Sitka, ubiquitous throughout Alaska, you’ll also find local products.
There are shops on and around Lincoln Street, which runs throughout the city centre. There are fine art galleries, shops specializing in local Tlingit culture, and gift shops offering standard products such as t-shirts, salmon, Ulu knives, and other items.
Sitka has a fantastic bookstore (Old Harbor Books) on Lincoln Street with a fabulous local interest section, while more practical stores like Russell’s (also in Lincoln) offer outdoor gear for those needing to upgrade their outerwear for the liquid Alaska sun.
Free Things to Do at Sitka Cruise Port
Although cruise lines offer excursions that explore the pristine forest of Sitka National Historical Park, there’s no reason you can’t visit on your own. A leisurely walk from the center will take you to the heart of the park, which includes the visitor center and a Tlingit totem pole.
It’s also completely free to walk around the center and enjoy the sights, such as the Russian Bishop’s House, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, and the Baranof Castle State Historic Site.
Families should visit the excellent community playground on Lincoln Street, about a 10-minute walk past the Russian Bishop’s House, next to the Sitka Sound Science Center.
In a nutshell
Sitka is a great port of call that offers some spectacular excursion options that you won’t see anywhere else in Alaska. Although the cruise ship dock is far from the city, proper planning can make your day here unforgettable.
