Photo Credit: Rafe Hanson

Getting There

Juneau Cruise Ship, Ferry, or Boat 9.5 Plane 1

Transportation Options

How Long to Spend

1 night

Trip Ideas

Juneau & Sitka

Sitka alaska Alaska Channel

With all of Alaska’s natural wonderment, it’s easy to forget about the blending of Russian and Native cultures that make it unique. Not so in Sitka. From architecture to dance, the two prongs of this area’s history meld into one rich historic pot…and an interesting short visit.

Sitka is perhaps the most beautiful of the Southeast Alaska communities and that, combined with its dense history, means you should plan on at least a day to look around. Nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, midway between Ketchikan and Skagway, it’s flanked on the east by majestic snow-capped mountains and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

Favorite Attractions & Things to Do

History

The area was first home to rich, sophisticated Tlingits, who put up quite a fight after the Russian Alexander Baranof established a headquarters here 1799 to grow even wealthier in the trading of sea otter fur. Two of the bloodiest encounters of the era were fought near here, with the natives winning round one and the Russians trumping them with cannons to win round two.

Even after the Russians sold Alaska to America in 1867—another event that happened here—the Russian influence lives on. With much of the rest of Alaska still relatively young, Sitka is the place for a dash of fascinating history—along with its gorgeous scenery.

Getting Here

Fly: Jet service is available from Seattle on Alaska Airlines, and travel time is just under 2.5 hours. Or, connect from other Alaskan cities like Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, or Fairbanks.

Cruise: A popular stop on Alaska Cruises

Ferry: Sitka is also easily reached by the Alaska Marine Highway ferries.


Things to Do in Sitka

Highlights

Where to Stay View All