Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska: A Local's Complete 2026 Guide

An immersive guide to exploring Alaska’s wild coast — written by someone who’s spent years chasing stories in these islands.

Welcome to Sitka, Alaska.

I first fell in love with Sitka in 2008 as a wildlife filmmaker. Since then I've returned season after season — filming for organizations like National Geographic and the BBC, and now running small-group wildlife tours on these same waters.

Most visitors to Sitka arrive on a cruise ship with one day in port. Others fly in independently looking for wildlife, rainforest, and an Alaska that feels less manufactured. This guide is for both. It's what I'd tell a friend who asked how to spend their time here well.

Ready to discover what makes this place unforgettable?

Getting to Sitka

Getting to Sitka is part of the adventure. You can arrive by commercial flight, floatplane, ferry, or cruise ship. I’ve arrived every way possible and each experience left me in awe of Sitka’s beauty. There’s something about spotting Mount Edgecumbe on the horizon and knowing you’re about to step into a true outer coast community.

For tips on planning your arrival, including navigating Sitka’s remote location, check out our How to Get to Sitka, Alaska guide and Where to Stay When Visiting Sitka.

Visiting Sitka on a Cruise? Read This First

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, a little planning will dramatically improve your day.

Most large ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal several miles from downtown. The shuttle into town is free, but you should reserve it early at https://reservation.sitkadock.com/ — especially on big ship days when thousands of passengers are arriving at once.

One more thing worth knowing: the best experiences in Sitka — the ones people actually remember — tend to book out fast on busy ship days. If you're planning a wildlife tour, book before you arrive. Small-group tours with six guests fill quickly, and last-minute availability is unpredictable in peak season.

Also, do not plan to walk everywhere. The Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear are farther than they appear on a map. Taxis are limited, and cell service can become unreliable when multiple ships are in port. If you want to visit multiple wildlife centers efficiently, organized van and bus tours are often the most practical solution — just know you’ll be moving with a larger group.

1. Explore Sitka Sound on the Water

If there’s one thing I recommend doing in Sitka above everything else, it’s to get out on the water. With less than 50 miles of road intown, boats open a whole world of experiences to visitors and time on the water is really the best way to soak in this truly wild coastline.  

Why Whale Watching in Sitka Is Different

Sitka sits directly on the open Gulf of Alaska. Strong tides move nutrient-rich water through volcanic island corridors, creating dynamic feeding zones for humpbacks and other marine life.

Unlike some Southeast Alaska ports where boats travel long distances before reaching wildlife habitat, productive water in Sitka often begins just minutes from harbor — meaning more actual wildlife viewing time within your tour.

And while no Alaska port is free from boat traffic, Sitka’s outer coast geography tends to spread activity across wider areas, often creating a less industrial viewing experience than ports where dozens of boats line up around a single whale.

What Wildlife You Might Experience

On any given outing in Sitka Sound, you may see Humpback whales, Orcas, Gray whales (in spring), Steller sea lions, Harbor seals, Sea otters, Bald Eagles, Unique birds like puffins, murres, auklets, petrels, and loons, River Otters, and Sitka Brown Bears!

Compared to many of the other stops that cruises go to in Alaska, Sitka is a true outer coast community, and its rugged islands and large tides offer a very different kind of wildlife watching than more protected waters inland.  As with all wildlife experiences, remember, its “wild”, so embrace the unknown of what you might see.  There are no guarantees, but the right attitude and excitement will always result in an amazing day!  

Best Options for Whale Watching Boat Tours

Sitka has almost as many boats as people, so there is no shortage of different options to pick from when getting out on the water.    

At Sitka Wonders, we offer several ways to experience this coastline based on your groups budget, interest and timeline. All of our tours host a maximum of 6 guiests and are either led by me or one of our incredible trained naturalist so you can get the most out of your time on the water

If wildlife is your top priority in Sitka, this is the experience that most consistently defines visitors’ time here.

Islands of Wonder Wildlife Boat Adventure (4 hours)

This is my personal recommendation for anyone who wants to feel what Sitka actually is. We spend the first half of the tour on the water watching for humpbacks, sea otters, sea lions, and seabirds — then we lower the door on the landing craft and go ashore on a remote island beach most visitors never reach. Tidepools, driftwood, rainforest at the tree line, and a full hour to simply be somewhere genuinely wild. It's the kind of access that takes time, the right vessel, and a willingness to go further than most tours do.

Book the Islands of Wonder — $300/person →

Sitka's Wild Coast Exploration Whale Watching Boat Tour (2.5 hours)

A focused 2.5-hour introduction to Sitka Sound — ideal if your port window is tight. Small group, trained naturalist, heated boat. More actual wildlife time than most longer tours at other Alaska ports, because productive water here begins minutes from the harbor.

Book the Wild Coast Exploration — $200/person →

Private Wildlife and Whale Watching Tours (2.5-5 hours)

For families or groups who want the whole boat to themselves — your itinerary, your pace, your Alaska — we can help you build out the perfect tour from 2.5 hours to a full day with beach picknic.

Call us at (907) 759-5034 or email us at info@sitkawonders.com and we'll plan the perfect day on the water for you.

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2. Visit Sitka National Historical Park (also known as Totem Park)

Without a question, one of the first things I do when I arrive in Sitka to stretch my legs and give my kids a chance to run around is to walk down to the Sitka National Historical Park.  It's free, and it immediately immerses you in the ancient old growth forest that defines this part of the world.  Towering totem poles tell the stories of the Tlingit people, and the park’s trails lead you along the Indian River and Sitka Sound. You can explore on your own like we do, find a guided tour, or join a ranger led talk.

If you’re visiting in late summer, you'll likely see thousands of salmon fighting their way upstream or bald eagles perched in the treetops.  The hikes here are all flat and the path is gravel, well maintained, and very wide so I recommend it for almost all ages and abilities.  Some of my favorite quiet moments have been here at low tide, watching ravens pick through tidepools as fishing boats pass by with Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano in the distance.

If you're combining this with a wildlife tour, Totem Park works well either before or after — it's a five-minute walk from Crescent Harbor where our tours depart.

3. See Alaska's Animals Up Close

Most of us think the only way to see wildlife is to spend weeks out in the bush, but Sitka has some incredible attractions that get you just feet away from some of the coolest animals in the state. Sitka offers rare opportunities to learn about wildlife ethically, up close, and with context that deepens everything you’ll see outdoors.

Sitka Sound Science Center

My long time partner and our own local research facility hosts one of the coolest aquariums in the region. With touch tanks, a working salmon hatchery, and active research programs, stopping here both supports the understanding of Sitka's marine life and gets you up close and personal with life undersea!  For hours and rates check out: https://sitkascience.org

Alaska Raptor Center

This rehabilitation center offers a powerful look at bald eagles and other raptors recovering from injury. It’s educational, inspiring, and rooted in real conservation work. Even though eagles can be found all around Sitka, a visit here ensures we keep our population healthy and is an amazing way to see these animals from just feet away: For hours and rates check out: https://alaskaraptor.org/

Fortress of the Bear

As much as I am against bucket lists, everyone who comes to Alaska wants to see brown bears, and the Fortress of the Bear is one of the few ways to see them up close and safely while on a trip to southeast Alaska. This facility houses orphened Sitka brown bears — the only bear species on Baranof Island, and a visit here offers an opportunity to learn about bear behavior, human impacts, and habitat.  For hours and rates check out: https://www.fortressofthebear.org/

4. Explore the Tongass National Forest

If you love hiking, biking, and 4x4 off-roading, the Tongass National Forest is your playground. The Tongass is the largest National Forest in the country and there are hundreds of miles of trails to explore around Sitka Sound.  Check out amazing trail maps from Sitka Trail Works.  There are hikes for all ability levels, but remember that some of the terrain here can be very rugged and challenging so make sure to pick a hike that fits your fitness level. Some of my favorite hikes are the Indian River Trail and the Estuary Life Boardwalk Trail at the north end of town.  They both offer amazing walks along rivers with big views of trees, waterfalls, and wildlife like salmon, ravens, eagles, American dippers, kingfishers, and more! When hiking, always bring water, rain gear, and be bear aware.  To see the magic of this place you really have to just get out, so be safe and go exploring!

5. Learn a New Skill

One thing I love about Sitka is how many opportunities there are to try something new while you’re here. Whether it’s learning to photograph wildlife, exploring our underwater world, or making something with your own hands, these experiences give visitors a chance to engage with Sitka in a deeper way.

Photography Workshops

After years of filming wildlife across more than 36 countries, I'm bringing that practice to small groups on the water.

These workshops are for all skill levels, are relaxed, practical, and built around the light the day gives us.  All workshops are boat based and they are an opportunity to learn how to find beauty where ever you look while honing your skills. We offer the following workshops:

Wildlife Photography Workshop (2.5 - 5 hours)

Discover the art of wildlife photography on this three hour boat adventure through Sitka Sound, while being guided by an award winning wildlife filmmaker. All skill levels welcome!

See photography workshop options →

Full-Day Custom Photography Experience
For visitors who want to spend the day exploring Sitka's coastline with time to look, learn, and practice. These days feel more like heading out with a friend who knows the area well and loves talking about how to making world class images. (Lunch included). Click here to learn more

Snorkeling in Sitka

Snorkeling might not be the first thing you think of when you picture Alaska, but Sitka’s underwater world is incredibly alive. Wet suits keep you warm while you explore kelp forests, colorful invertebrates, and tide-driven marine life. It’s a fun, hands-on way to see a side of Sitka most visitors miss. For rates and bookings: https://www.selkiesnorkels.com/

Metal Art Classes

If you want to get creative, Sitka also has local metalworking classes where you can design and make your own piece of art. It’s simple, welcoming, and a great way to meet local artists while bringing home something you made yourself. For rates and bookings: https://www.saltysitkan.com/

Trying something new — whether it's photography, snorkeling, or working with metal — is a great way to connect with Sitka and take home a skill or memory you didn’t expect to find here.

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6. Go Salmon Fishing in Sitka Sound

Even though I have this listed as 7, fishing maybe the #1 reason many visitors come to Sitka and that's because we have one of the most producive salmon, halibut, and rock fish habitats on earth. Whether you’re reeling in salmon on a fishing charter, or casting a line from the docks, there’s something magical about pulling a fish from these rich waters.

I've spent months filming fish above and below the water, but catching them is a whole different story.  When I finally decided to go out fishing I had the chance to go out with my friend Tad Kisaka at Classic Casting Adventures and got to try my hand at fly fishing.  The experience was once in a lifetime and even though most people focus on fishing for salmon in the open ocean, there's something magical about landing a full sized silver salmon on a fly reel on a pristine river surrounding by misty mountains.  

However you decide to fish, make sure you pick up your fishing license at LFS or Orions and know your limits so we can keep this place healthy for years to come. Your guide or local processors can help you get your catch packed up and ready to travel home with you.

7. Dive Into Sitka’s History

Sitka has one of the most layered histories in Alaska.

This was once the capital of Russian America and the site where Alaska was formally transferred from Russia to the United States in 1867. At the same time, Sitka remains a deeply important cultural center for the Tlingit people, whose presence here stretches back thousands of years.

Few Alaska cruise ports carry this depth of Indigenous, Russian, and American history within such a compact downtown.

Key sites include:

Sheldon Jackson Museum — Alaska Native art and artifacts

Baranof Castle State Historic Site — location of the Alaska Purchase transfer

Russian Bishop’s House — preserved Russian colonial architecture

St. Michael’s Cathedral — a striking Russian Orthodox church in the heart of downtown

Sitka rewards those who slow down enough to understand it.

8. Watch Sitka’s Hidden Wonders Film Downtown

Ok, this one is personal, but if you really want to understand what makes Sitka so magical, the second best thing to do is come watch Sitka’s Hidden Wonders. It's a 40-minute wildlife film experience that's plays exclusively in downtown and is the summation of nearly two decades of work with local scientiests to share the magic of this place.

This film is my love letter back to the place that both inspired my career and changed my life. The film shows the big and best that Sitka has to offer and the most unique and wild moments even few locals ever get to experience.

It's a film about connection, life, and curiousity, and has quickly become one of the top attractions for visitors coming to Sitka.

It’s family-friendly, all indoors, and easy to fit between tours, lunch, or shopping and I try to be at as many showings as possible to greet guests and answer questions after. And if Sitka's weather decides to make its presence known — which it will — this is exactly where you want to be. We run screenings most cruise days at Centennial Hall right where the buses drop off downtown. Hope to see you there! 

See showtimes and book tickets →

Don't just take my word for it though, check out some of our reviews here on Google or Trip Advisor:

"Truly life changing. Much more than I ever expected.” Haley

“A MUST SEE….better than National Geographic!!!!” J and P

“left us southeast Alaska locals - breathless! Don't miss it!!!” Robin

9. Try Sitka's local food and drink

Sitka’s food scene reflects its working harbor roots.

It’s important to know that pricing here can feel high. Shipping costs are significant and that reality shows up on menus. If you’re visiting on a cruise schedule, local seafood counters and food stands are often the fastest and most authentic way to eat well without spending half your port day waiting for a table.

Ashmo’s serves some of the best fresh seafood in town and is a great quick option.

Sit-down favorites include Campfire Kitchen for sourdough pizza, Beak Restaurant for fresh seafood and spruce tip cocktails, Ludvig’s Bistro for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Bayview Pub for waterfront views, and Harbor Mountain Brewing for local craft beer.

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If you want a fun way to experience Sitka's bars while learning about it's spooky past, check out on of the best tours through downtown: Haunted Pub Crawl Tour.

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10. Shop Local & Bring Home a Piece of Sitka

Sitka is one of the few towns left that is not wholly owned by the cruise lines, so if your dollars directly help local businesses when you spend them in town here. Before heading back to your ship or continuing your travels, set aside time to explore our unqiue stores that have so much more to offer than mass produced trinkets.

Alaska Pure Sea Salt

One of the best stops downtown — beautifully packaged culinary salts, locally harvested and inspired flavors, and easy-to-carry gifts.

Local Art Galleries

Sitka has a thriving community of artists creating formline prints, carvings, jewelry, ceramics, and photography inspired by the land and sea.

Sitka Wonders Merchandise

If you connected with our tours or the film, we have a small collection of shirts, fine-art prints, and our 16-month wildlife calendar — most of which support our conservation partners. A more meaningful souvenir than most of what you'll find in the shops.

Bringing something home isn’t just a souvenir — it’s a reminder of how this place made you feel.

When Should You Visit Sitka?

Most people will visit Sitka between the months of May-September.  The shoulder seasons and winter can be quite stormy and cold so I suggest most visitors stick to those months for travel.

May and June are incredible for grey whale, humpback whale, and bird watching.  

July has long days of sunlight and amazing fishing.

August and September offer the best chances at viewing bears, salmon runs, and whales.

Please don't think this means that you can't fish in May or September or see whales in August.  All of these times of year offer amazing opportunities, but these are my feelings after 16 years of exploration.  I still don't know what month is my favorite but feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about how to make your visit special.

Plan Your Sitka Adventure

Sitka is not the glacier bus town. It’s not a cruise-built shopping complex. It is a working fishing community surrounded by real wilderness. If you’re looking for dog sled demos and manufactured attractions, other ports may deliver that more easily. If you want wildlife, rainforest, layered history, and a sense of real Alaska, Sitka stands apart.

Sitka rewards the traveler who slows down. Most people who come here on a cruise ship get a glimpse. The ones who book a morning on the water, wander through Totem Park, and catch the film in the afternoon leave understanding why people like me have spent decades exploring here.

However long you have, I hope this helps you spend it well.

To help you plan, here are a few more resources:

• Wildlife Boat Tours in Sitka
• Sitka’s Hidden Wonders Film Attraction
• Photography Workshops
• Where to Stay in Sitka
• How to Get to Sitka

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sitka

Is Sitka walkable from the cruise dock?

Large ships dock at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, which requires a free shuttle into town. Once downtown, many attractions are walkable, but wildlife centers and trailheads require transportation.

What is Sitka best known for?

Sitka is best known for whale watching, brown bear habitat, seabirds, layered Tlingit and Russian history, and its outer coast marine ecosystem.

Is Sitka good for families?

Yes — Sitka is one of the strongest cruise ports in Alaska for families who love wildlife and nature.

The Alaska Raptor Center, Sitka Sound Science Center, and Fortress of the Bear are all educational and accessible. Small-group wildlife boat tours are often more engaging for kids than large vessel excursions because they allow conversation, flexibility, and closer wildlife viewing. If you’re traveling with children, combining one wildlife tour with one land-based stop is usually the perfect balance for a single port day.

What is St. Lazaria and can you visit it?

St. Lazaria Island is a protected seabird rookery just offshore from Sitka. During nesting season, hundreds of thousands of birds — including puffins, murres, auklets, and gulls — crowd its volcanic cliffs.

You cannot go ashore, as it is a designated wilderness area, but many wildlife boat tours view the island from the water when weather conditions allow. Visits depend entirely on ocean conditions and safety, but when accessible, it is one of the most dramatic seabird colonies in Southeast Alaska.

How long do you need in Sitka?

Six hours allows for one major experience like whale watching or a wildlife center visit. A full day or overnight stay allows for much deeper exploration.