Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Sitka, Alaska

Getting to Downtown Sitka

Transportation Options to Downtown Sitka

Your journey to downtown Sitka varies based on your arrival point:

From Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal:

• Take the free shuttle to Harrigan Centennial Hall
• Shuttles depart every 15 minutes
• Journey time: 10-15 minutes
• Service runs until 30 minutes before ship departure

From Offshore Ships:

• Tender boats take you directly to Crescent Harbor
• You’ll arrive in the downtown area

Getting Around Downtown:

• You can walk to most attractions
• The RIDE bus service covers three routes
• Operating hours: 6:30 to 19:30 (weekdays)
• Adult fare: £2.00
• Senior fare: £1.00
• Taxis are readily available

The downtown area is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making walking your best option for nearby sights.

Port Facilities and Services

Sitka’s Port Facilities: What You Need to Know

You’ll find the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal 6 miles north of downtown. The terminal welcomes two large cruise ships up to 1,100 feet long at once.

The 40,000-square-foot building offers you essential services and amenities.

Your terminal facilities include:

• Gift shops for souvenirs
• Local restaurants, including a crab eatery
• E-bike rental shop
• Free Wi-Fi
• Full wheelchair access with ramps
• Visitor Centre with local information

Your tour departures:

• Morning tours typically start from the terminal
• Afternoon excursions leave from downtown

You can get all essential information at the Visitor Centre, including:

• Local attraction details
• Current admission costs
• Opening times
• Area maps

Best Time to Visit

When to Visit Sitka

You’ll find each season offers unique experiences in Sitka. Summer (May-August) brings temperatures of 10-21°C, perfect for hiking and fishing, with long daylight hours.

Winter (December-April) suits skiing and surfing enthusiasts, with fewer tourists around.

Best times to visit:

• May: You’ll enjoy mild weather, less rain and lower prices
• Early June: You can see glaciers clearly before crowds arrive
• Late June: You’ll get almost 24 hours of daylight for outdoor activities
• Early September: You can watch whales in comfortable temperatures
• Late September: You’ll have the best chance to see Northern Lights

Your best value comes during these ‘shoulder seasons’ (May and September), when you’ll find a good balance between weather conditions and visitor numbers.

Summer gives you the most daylight hours for outdoor activities, whilst winter offers you unique adventures with a more local feel.

Remember: Temperatures can change quickly, so you should pack layers regardless of when you visit.

Cultural Heritage Sites

Sitka blends Tlingit traditions and Russian colonial history. You can explore this unique heritage at several accessible sites in the city.

Visit Sitka National Historical Park to see authentic Haida and Tlingit totem poles. You’ll find these towering monuments telling traditional stories along woodland paths. The park covers 107 acres and includes the site of the 1804 battle between Kiks.ádi people and Russian traders.

Walk up to Castle Hill, where Russia transferred Alaska to the United States in 1867. You can get excellent harbour views from this historic spot.

Discover Russian colonial buildings throughout the city. St Michael’s Cathedral stands as a centrepiece, rebuilt in 1966 after a fire. You can also explore the Russian Bishop’s House and Building No. 29, which dates from 1852.

You’ll see how Native Alaskan and Russian cultures merge in Sitka’s architecture, art and community spaces. Each site offers you clear information boards and regular guided tours to help you understand the city’s dual heritage.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Sitka offers you amazing wildlife spotting all year round. You can watch Steller sea lions at Crescent Harbour in the town centre.

From July to October, you’ll see pink salmon jumping at the Indian River footbridge. The Alaska Raptor Center on Sawmill Creek Road lets you meet recovering birds of prey up close.

Take a boat tour on Sitka Sound to spot humpback whales, sea otters and seals in their natural home.

Want the best chance to see wildlife? Visit early morning or evening when animals are most active. Remember to keep your distance and respect the animals’ space.

Top Wildlife Viewing Spots

Wildlife Viewing Locations in Sitka

You can spot amazing wildlife all around Sitka, both on land and at sea. These spots are easy to reach from the cruise port:

Alaska Raptor Center

• Watch rescued birds of prey
• See birds practise flying in the rehabilitation centre

Crescent Harbour

• Spot Steller sea lions near the shore
• Take whale-watching trips (September to January)

Sitka National Historic Park

• Watch pink salmon swim upstream (July to October)
• See wildlife carvings on traditional totem poles

Fortress of the Bear

• Observe Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears
• Watch Black Bears in their natural environment

St. Lazaria Island

• Visit this remote bird sanctuary
• See over 500,000 nesting seabirds

You’ll get the best wildlife views during summer and autumn months.

Remember to bring your camera and binoculars for the best experience.

Marine Life Discovery Areas

You can discover Sitka’s marine life at several dedicated viewing spots along the coast. The Sitka Sound Science Center‘s Molly O. Ahlgren Aquarium lets you interact with sea creatures in touch tanks, where you can feel sea urchins and anemones.

You can also watch salmon grow at the centre’s hatchery and examine a rare juvenile killer whale skeleton.

The protected waters of Sitka Sound offer wild marine life viewing throughout the year. You can spot humpback whales, grey whales, and sea otters in their natural habitat.

Sea otters often wrap themselves in kelp beds or float on their backs. You can book marine wildlife tours with Coastal Tours Sitka or A Whale’s Song Expeditions.

The Indian River Footbridge at Sitka National Historic Park gives you a perfect vantage point to watch salmon between July and October.

Bear Watching Safety Tips

Sitka offers you amazing chances to watch brown and black bears in the wild. You need to stay safe when observing these powerful animals.

Basic Safety Rules:

• Keep at least 100 metres away from any bear
• Stay close to your guide at all times
• Walk on marked paths only
• Make steady noise whilst walking
• Carry bear spray and learn to use it
• Move away if you see cubs
• Never block a bear’s path

Food Safety:

• Use bear-proof boxes for all food
• Take all rubbish with you
• Keep scented items sealed
• Clean up any food spills

Your guide will give you clear instructions for safe bear watching.

Local wildlife laws protect bears, so you must follow all viewing rules.

These simple steps help you enjoy watching bears whilst keeping both you and the animals safe.

Shopping and Local Artisans

Sitka’s shopping district gives you easy access to authentic Native Alaskan art and local crafts. You can walk to most shops from downtown or take the free shuttle from the cruise terminal.

Visit these key locations to find unique items:

• Artist Cove Gallery showcases Native basketry and jewellery
• Fate Accompli Gallery offers local artwork and handmade gifts
• Pioneer Home’s ceramic studio sells items made by local seniors
• The Cellar stocks Sitka-themed ornaments
• Local speciality shops provide smoked King salmon and black cod

Additional shopping spots include:

• Sitka Market in Centennial Hall for local crafts
• Bookshops with Alaska-focused collections
• St. Michael’s Cathedral gift shop for religious items

You’ll find most shops open during standard business hours, with extended times during cruise ship visits. Each shop accepts major credit cards, and many offer shipping services for larger purchases.

Outdoor Adventure Activities

Sitka welcomes you with outdoor adventures for every skill level, from easy walks to challenging hikes.

You can enjoy these key activities:

• Kayak through Sitka Sound to watch whales, sea otters and sea lions
• Walk the 8-mile Cross Trail connecting major visitor spots
• Snorkel at Magic Island to discover vibrant marine life
• Ride ATVs across rugged paths to spot local wildlife

For easier options, you can:

• Stroll the flat paths at Sitka National Historical Park
• Cycle coastal routes on an electric bike
• Visit the Fortress of the Bear to see rescued bears up close
• Meet native birds at the Alaska Raptor Centre

Each trail and activity lets you experience Sitka’s natural beauty at your own pace.

You’ll find clearly marked paths, experienced guides and proper safety equipment at each location.

Pro tip: Book your activities early in your visit to allow time for weather changes or repeat visits to your favourite spots.

Transportation and Walking Routes

Getting to Sitka’s Centre from the Cruise Terminal

You’ll find the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal 5-6 miles north of the town centre.

Free shuttles run every 15 minutes during ship docking times. The journey to Harrigan Centennial Hall takes 10-15 minutes.

Moving Around Downtown

You can walk easily throughout downtown Sitka.

The shuttle drops you at a central point, giving you quick access to:

• Russian Bishop’s House
• Baranof Castle
• Sitka National Historical Park visitor centre

Transport Options

• E-bikes: Available to rent near the cruise terminal
• Taxis: Limited service available
• RIDE Transit: Local bus system

Terminal Area

You’ll find gift shops and restaurants near the cruise terminal.

Navigation Tip

Pick up a free map from Harrigan Centennial Hall to explore the compact town centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are US Dollars Widely Accepted, or Should I Exchange for Local Currency?

The US dollar is the official currency in Sitka, so you don’t need to exchange any money. You can use your US dollars directly at all shops, restaurants and businesses. Your US bank cards will work normally at local ATMs, giving you withdrawals in US dollars.

This makes shopping and payments straightforward – just use your regular US cash and cards exactly as you would at home.

What Emergency Medical Facilities Are Available Near the Cruise Terminal?

Two emergency medical centres operate near the cruise terminal:

1. Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center
   • Offers 24-hour emergency care
   • Level IV trauma services
   • Full medical staff on duty
2. Sitka Community Hospital
   • Provides round-the-clock emergency treatment
   • Level IV trauma facilities
   • Qualified medical team available

You can access both facilities quickly from the terminal, and each centre has certified doctors and nurses ready to help you with any medical emergencies.

Is the Water Safe to Drink in Sitka’s Public Fountains?

The tap water from Sitka’s public fountains meets basic EPA standards but contains higher-than-ideal levels of haloacetic acids and radium. You should choose bottled water instead for your safety and peace of mind.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities at the Cruise Terminal?

The Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal doesn’t offer luggage storage facilities. You can store your bags through these alternative options:

• Your cruise line’s storage service
• Local hotel storage services
• Tour operator storage arrangements

When planning your visit, contact your preferred option in advance to confirm availability and costs.

Can I Fish Without a License During My Port Visit?

You need a valid Alaska state fishing licence to fish legally. If you are over 16 years old, you must carry your licence whilst fishing. Fishing without a licence will result in fines, just as driving without a licence would. Keep your licence with you at all times during your fishing activities.