10 Best Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska (2026 Guide Updated)

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

Nestled between the mountains and the sea, Sitka, Alaska, is a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and incredible wildlife. This small town on Baranof Island offers something for every traveler—whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or relaxation. I first fell in love with Sitka in 2008 as a wildlife filmmaker, and it’s been my favorite place to visit ever since. From kayaking in Sitka Sound to following the tracks of the Sitka brown bear in the Tongass National Forest, Sitka continues to inspire me year after year.

This guide will introduce you to the top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska, blending its wild beauty with its fascinating cultural heritage. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite personal experiences and tips. Ready to discover the magic of this remote Alaskan town?

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 magical about spotting Mount Edgecumbe on the horizon and knowing you’re about to step into a place unlike anywhere else.

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.

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.  

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

2.5-Hour Wildlife Boat Tour ($175)
A short but meaningful introduction to Sitka Sound, perfect for cruise visitors or anyone with a tight schedule. We trace narrow channels, follow the tides, and search for whales, otters, sea lions and whatever life the day's conditions hold. Learn more about this tour.

4-Hour Islands of Wonder Wildlife Escape ($280)
If you want a deeper sense of Sitka, this is my personal recommendation. This tour is all about connecting with the true wilderness of the outer coast. With more time, we reach the outer islands where volcanic cliffs rise from the sea and wildlife tends to gather. This tour is about slowing down, hearing the birds, whales, and often step ashore on a remote beach to truly give you a chance to explore Alaska's remote wilderness. Learn more about this tour.

Private Tours
We also offer custom private tours of any length so if those are of interst, just reach out, and if we're booked, we'll be happy to put you in touch with other amazing operators.

2. 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. You can see showtimes here.

I’m a wildlife filmmaker, and I've been lucky enough to travel to more than 36 countries for organizations like National Geographic and the BBC, but 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. We run screenings Monday through Thursday at Centennial Hall and weekends at the Colisuem theatre on main street. If you do come, I’d love to meet you.

🎟️ Showtimes and tickets: Click here

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

3. 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.

4. 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 person 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/

5. 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!

6. 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

This is brand new for 2026, and I am so excited! 

After years of filming wildlife around the globe, I'm launching a range of new wildlife photography workshops.

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:

3-Hour Wildlife Photography Workshop
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! Click here to learn more.

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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7. 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.

8. Dive Into Sitka’s History

Sitka has one of the most complex and layered histories in Alaska. The influence of the Tlingit people, Russian colonization, and American settlement all meet here — often in ways that still echo across the landscape. One of the most unique ways to learn about Sitka's History is by attending a show of the Alaskan Storytellers. Their 30 minute production mixes dance, video, and narration to weave through some of the towns most unique history. For showtimes check: https://alaskastorytellers.com/

Some other incredible places to visit in town include:

• Sheldon Jackson Museum: Home to Tlingit artifacts and Alaska Native art.
• Baranof Castle State Historic Site: The site of the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the U.S.
• Russian Bishop’s House: A beautifully preserved piece of Russian colonial history.
• St. Michael’s Cathedral: A striking Russian Orthodox church in the heart of downtown.

9. Try Sitka's local food and drink

Sitka’s food scene is incredible, and I always make time to visit my favorite spots.

• Campfire Kitchen: Sourdough Pizza, right on Lincoln street with the best local ingredients! 
• Beak Restaurant: Fresh, sustainable seafood with local ingredients. Try the spruce tip cocktails!
• Ludvig’s Bistro: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Sitka twist.
• Bayview Pub: Perfect for casual dining and great waterfront views.
• Harbor Mountain Brewing Co.: Craft beers brewed in Sitka, including seasonal favorites.

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 offer a small collection of shirts, fine-art prints, and our seasonal 16-month calendar. Many items support conservation partners and reflect the wildlife and ecosystems that make Sitka so special.

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, Alaska is one of the most unforgettable places you can visit on a trip to Southeast Alaska. From wildlife boat tours and rainforest hikes to cultural attractions, hands-on workshops, and world-class seafood, it’s a destination that offers something for every traveler. If you're looking for the best things to do in Sitka — whether you’re visiting on a cruise ship, arriving by plane, or exploring the Inside Passage — the experiences above are the perfect place to start.

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

Sitka isn’t just another stop in Alaska — it’s a place that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days here, I hope this guide helps you discover the places, people, and wildlife that make these islands so special.

Get excited — Sitka’s wonders are waiting.