Fortress of the Bear Tours 7 Tours & Activities Cultural Tours 7 Tours & Activities Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises 26 Tours & Activities Why you are seeing these recommendations Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems 82 Reviews The tribe is still active in Sitka today, and their ancestors presence is visible throughout the area. If you have an afternoon tour leaving from the cruise terminal, dont be afraid to take the shuttle bus to town in the morning. Fortress of the Bear is a sort of wildlife preserve. Great post! Russian influences are still found in the region today at places like the Russian Blockhouse, Building 29, the Russian Bishop's House, and St. Michael's Cathedral. There are some incredible things to do in Sitka, and its well worth giving yourself more time to enjoy them all even if the weather doesnt cooperate (Sitka is in Southeast Alaska, after all!). Makes me want to visit. This is in part due to the fact that Sitka was the capital of Russian America between 1806 and 1867. Luckily, getting to Sitka is relatively easy. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 1. The last bus departs thirty minutes prior to all aboard. Many pre-booked tours depart from here, and tour operators line up to advertise any openings. It is walking distance to everything in town. Hike up to the top for views of the water and soak in some history. With frequent shuttles and a walkable downtown, youll have more than enough time to make it back. But the forest is amazing and the trail if well maintained. We saw seals, black slugs, and bald eagles. One activity I did not get to enjoy nearly enough in Sitka was hiking; Mr. V and I walked a lot, but we never got out on any of the official trails around town. Enjoy browsing the many handmade treasures including Native art, and jewelry from the Iupiat culture. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. There are two different dance organizations that offer regular performances for Sitka visitors, each providing a unique glimpse into local culture. Seeking to inspire others to Travel More, she shares stories of misadventure, destination spotlights and more at her site AlwaysPackTissues.com. Sitka, Alaska can be found in Alaska's southernmost archipelago. They company stocks rubber outerwear to protect from rain and cold if the weather is bad, and we had such a fun time out here! Fortress of the Bear 2. Operated as private tours only, a small group can take a 60-90 minute walk around the town (about a mile of walking) and enjoy stories and locations echoing grueling and chilling tales from Sitka's past. Other paddle trips include visits to the Rockwell Lighthouse, Blue Lake, and the ChaiChei islands. Visitors seem to unanimously agree that Herring Cove Trailhead is the must-do hike when visiting Sitka. . It is important to know that every bear resident was saved from certain death. The view from the top is beautiful. Downtown Sitka is incredibly walkable and has a great mix of locally made products, trinket shops and fun places to explore. In the opposite direction, Lincoln Street is the heart of Sitka. One only runs when there are at least a thousand cruisers in town, though. I would use two words to describe the hike up to the picnic rock overlook at Mt Verstovia - steep and STUNNING. Prices start at $240 for four people and an additional $60 per person (up to 20 people) after that. Amenities: One of Sitka's newer hotels, built in 2017, the contemporary suites offer apartment-size refrigerators and small kitchens to make and prep meals during a stay. The Russian Bishops House, part of the Sitka National Historical Park, is one of a few buildings left standing from Russias brief colonization of North America. Part of the Sitka National Historical Center, youll likely pass the Russian Bishops House several times without realizing it. One of the highlights of visiting Sitka is the chance to immerse yourself in Alaska Native culture. Activities Places to Visit Dine Shop Events Sitka is a vibrant community with a passionate population that brings noteworthy events to town year-round. Options are limited but you do have choices: Additionally, there are some vacation rentals available on VRBO if youre looking for a local option or have a bigger group that wont fit in a hotel. I love this store! Amenities: Offering an airport shuttle, this hotel also has an onsite restaurant and bar. Also, with the help of Sitka Tribal Tours we saw numerous exquisitely crafted totem poles, a raptor rehabilitation center, and a native Alaskan tribal dance performance. Enjoy a narrated tour to discover the significance of many major historical sites in Sitka. This trail was not difficult at Hand painted scarves, glass work wood bowls are all done by Alaska artists. This incredible facility works to rehabilitate and rescue bear cubs in Alaska, which are often euthanized after their mothers unwittingly cross humans and end up killed too (which is legal if a bear is threatening your body or property). Say that three times fast! RELATED: Road Trip Alaska: A Guide From Seattle To Anchorage. Ernies came thru with the drinks but they don't have food. The salmon berries were plentiful, and the views were amazing. Hiking trails in Sitka are supported by Sitka Trail Works, which helps maintain the dozens of miles of hiking trails. The site is on the scenic shores of Sitka Sound at the mouth of Indian River. Sitka has a relaxing sidewalk stroll that leads to a playground, a coastal nature area to see wild eagles and totem park. Don't miss a visit for both history and a beautiful walk through the forest path! Full of character, this is repeatedly the number one restaurant in Sitka from its reviewers. This is one of the places in Sitka where your dollars do more than supporting the local economy they also support the wildlife you traveled all this way to see. This shop offers high end local goods, very nice Northwet Coast jewelry. Hike the. And our tour guide made it even better. 20 Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska in One Day The hardest decision to make when you only have a short time to spend, is to decide what to do with only one day in Sitka. Climb Castle Hill, the Birthplace of Alaska, 13. We want everyone who comes here to make the most of their time, so we've created an itinerary for those who only get one day on the island. In the mid-1800s there were 3 cottages at Goddard that were used to house invalids from Sitka. Explore Town From Alaska Natives to Russians, Sitka boasts a rich history and a fascinating blend of cultures. If learning about this chapter of Sitkas past also interests you, here are five places to see Russian-American history. In addition to having aquariums and tanks that demonstrate the variety of sea life in the Sitka Sound, we also toured the hatchery to learn about the ways Sitka Sound Science Center supports healthy salmon runs in this part of Alaska, and had a private tour of some of the upper work labs and library. St. Michaels Cathedral was the first Orthodox cathedral established in North America in 1848. For trollers across the region, it's the equivalent of New Year's Day - the beginning of the annual salmon harvest that lasts through next March. 1. Beautiful. After the Tlingit dance, you have the option to go back to port or stay downtown for the afternoon and shuttle back later. Take your time and spread out the experiences above and add on these places. Look for the green vests. Brandon especially loved his James Bond moment as seen above. I highly recommend this hike! Curiosity encouraged. Check online in advance to make sure they are open and for special events that day. Last but not least, youll need a place to rest your head a few times if you want to try all these great things to do in Sitka. Receive emails when a new post is published. Required fields are marked *. Visitors who venture to the city of Sitka will find a real variety of things to see and domostly at the waterfront downtownor within walking distance. Privately owned small airplane charters can be taken to fly over and around Baranof Island. Those who have the opportunity to tour the cathedral's interior will see gorgeous Russian icons and other religious artifacts that were a part of the original structure built during the era when Sitka was under Russian control. Fortress of the Bear hopes to give these bears the most natural life they can while also educating visitors. Whats magic about this island is that during low tide you can actually walk on a land bridge to the island. Check out the museum on weekdays. Tours are given May through September, and you can look around on your own the rest of the year. Her gravesite is located in the Sitka Lutheran Cemetery (which holds very few graves) a short walk from the Russian Cemetery. Get my 55-page ebook for just $9.99! Not so good include in your tent or up close and personal in the woods. Sitka has fresh, local, amazing seafood - as it's coming straight from the source! Here are some suggestions: You will have no difficulty finding at least one place you love eating in Sitka, no matter how long you have to visit. I couldnt bear it if you missed this place (oh, how I waited for that). One of my favorite spots in Sitka is the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Along the way, everyone or at least every local waved and smiled at Jeff as he showed off the sights in town. Make sure to watch the time when youre there. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Review of: Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park, Review of: Baranof Castle State Historical Site, Review of: Baranof Island Brewing Company, Hotels near Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park, Hotels near St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Hotels near Baranof Castle State Historical Site, Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park: Tickets & Tours, St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Tickets & Tours, Sitka Sound Science Center: Tickets & Tours, Harrigan Centennial Hall: Tickets & Tours, The Salty Sitkan - Metal Art Classes: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures, Things to do near Sitka Fishing Excursions, Things to do near Alaska Coastal Outfitters, Things to do near Baranof Taxi & Tours llc, Things to do near Sea Mountain Golf Course, Things to do near Alaskas Big Salmon Lodge, Bermuda Aquarium, Natural History Museum & Zoo, New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour, Go City: Rome Explorer Pass - Choose 4 to 7 Attractions, Private Fast Power Catamaran. I'm not exactly sure I'm placing this review at the right spot, but basically at the current end of the road north (the road is being expanded as I right this but isn't open yet) there is a nice boardwalk around the estuary and then on the ocean side of the highway there is a few campsites and the Mosquito Cove trailhead.