Things To Do In Sitka
1. Get Out on the Water
With wildlife, islands, and WWII history, the waters around Sitka make for a fascinating exploration by kayak. Paddle out to see it all on a sea kayaking tour you won’t soon forget. If you’d rather explore the area on a ship, you can charter a private yacht for the ultimate multi-day sailing adventure, and if you are short on time you can explore Sitka Sound and beyond on a private 2-4 hr day cruise which can accommodate up to 6.
2. Explore Town
From Alaska Natives to Russians, Sitka boasts a rich history and a fascinating blend of cultures. Explore it by strolling through town and stopping at notable points like the Sitka National Historical Park and St. Michael’s Cathedral. To get even further into the culture, see a Tlingit native dance at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Kahidi Community House.
3. Go for a Hike
From waterfall-lined trails to routes that end at the top of scenic mountains, Sitka boasts an extensive trail system and many amazing hikes with captivating features. Lace up your hiking boots and go exploring!
4. See the Wildlife
Look for salmon, bears, birds, and whales at several wildlife viewing points around town and on the water. To see all types of salmon and other fish, head to the Arched Bridge; at the glacially carved inlet of Redoubt Bay you can also spot fish, as well as whales, seals, and sea otters. Or see marine creatures up close at the Sitka Sound Science Center and majestic birds at the Alaska Raptor Center.
Sitka Day Tours & Attractions View All
Join Sitka Expeditions for an intimate wildlife cruise. Choose between a 2‑hour trip to Sitka Sound or a 4‑hour deep wilderness exploration for a truly immersive Alaskan experience. Spot whales, sea otters, and bears while exploring stunning Alaskan scenery and active fisheries. Perfect for cruise passengers and families.
In the coastal Southeast Alaskan town of Sitka, marine wildlife typically plays out on a big scenic backdrop. At Sitka’s unique Science Center, you’ll find a salmon hatchery and aquarium. Wildlife fans get an up-close look at the marine creatures that make this part of Alaska so special.
Shimmering lakes, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, old-growth rainforest, and stunning views: Tongass National Forest is filled with gorgeous, remote spots that are iconically Alaskan. And the best way to see them is on foot, during a private, personalized hike with Tongass Treks, on the trails around Sitka. It’s an intimate, authentic experience with lots of amazing photo ops!
Discover Southeast Alaska’s natural wonders aboard a chartered sailboat with Sailing Alaska. Customize your private expedition with experienced captain John Joeright and enjoy all-inclusive meals, comfortable accommodations, and endless adventures on the 46-foot S/V Shamrock. Watch whales, hike, fish, visit local communities, and more — all at your own pace.
Sitka Expeditions offers 6‑hour outings, but can customize the tour to your cruise schedule. Fish, take in the mountain views, and look for wildlife. The unique ecosystem of the Sitka area attracts tons of fish. And, the company’s owners were both born and raised in Sitka and have been fishing these waters their whole lives. They have inside scoop on the best spots to cast your line!
Begin in downtown Sitka, where you’ll take a motorized, rigid-hull inflatable on a 15- to 20-minute ride across beautiful Sitka Sound, with the massive volcano Mt. Edgecumbe providing a dramatic backdrop. Look for marine wildlife on your way to a unique float house in a small, protected bay where you’ll kayak across shimmering water.
Explore Alaska by chartering the 90-foot yacht Alaskan Story, out of Juneau. It’s the perfect way to see some of the state’s most stunningly beautiful areas, like Glacier Bay National Park, and enjoy lots of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the way.
Bear Paw Charters offers private, all-inclusive day trips and longer tours on its luxury yacht — perfect for whale watching, bear viewing, and experiencing Alaska’s scenic majesty.
You’ll look eagles in the eye at this raptor rehab and education center on the edge of Tongass National Forest. You’ll get a close-up look at a snowy owl, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, great-horned owl, red-tailed hawk, and even the tiny northern saw-whet owl.
Sitka Parks & Trails View All
Close to town on moderate terrain, this trail is a popular destination for locals and travelers and is used for everything from family walks to trail runs. The trail follows the turquoise blue Indian River up through the valley to a waterfall. This riverside terrain makes it a good place to look for birds and other wildlife like deer. In late summer, the river fills with salmon (though fishing is prohibited). The bears have their own trail on ...more
Sitka was Alaska’s first official Bike-Friendly Community, and it shows. Bike lanes and racks abound. Besides 14 miles of paved roads, there are many mountain biking trails, and even a new, single-track route of the intimate experience of riding through old-growth forest.
This is a beautiful hike in June and July, when the alpine wildflowers are at their peak. But it’s a beautiful hike anytime, because the views from up top — facing Mount Edgecumbe and overlooking Sitka Sound — are awesome. There are two ways up this mountain: a big climb or a big drive.