top of page
Text: 907-738-1743
Book Direct and save 10%
Use code GHOST10
Emily's Ultimate
Sitka Cruise Guide
A Local's Insider Guide for Cruise Ship Visitors
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Alaska Cruise Stops in Sitka
-
Rainy Day Guide
-
Wildlife Guide
-
Museum Guide
-
Sitka Cruise Port Guide
Introduction
The Ultimate Sitka Cruise Guide
If you're reading this, chances are you're planning one of the most exciting parts of your Alaska cruise—your day in Sitka.
Welcome!
I'm Dr. Emily Davis, owner and guide of Haunted Sitka. Every summer I spend my days walking the streets of downtown Sitka with visitors from all over the world, sharing stories about Alaska's history, Russian America, Native culture, colorful characters, and yes...the ghosts that may still linger here.
One question comes up almost every single day.
"Emily, if you only had a few hours in Sitka, what would you do?"
This guide is my answer.
Unlike most travel articles, this one wasn't written by someone who spent a weekend in Sitka or copied information from another website. I live here, work here, and spend hundreds of hours each season helping cruise guests discover what makes this town unlike anywhere else in Alaska.
My goal isn't to convince you to buy a tour.
It's to help you have the best day possible.
If that means recommending a museum instead of my tour for your family, I'll tell you.
If there's a hidden viewpoint most visitors miss, I'll tell you.
If there's a restaurant I'd send my own family to, you'll find it here.
Think of this as advice from a local friend who wants you to fall in love with Sitka the same way I did.
Let's explore.
Cruise Port
Why Sitka Is Different From Every Other Alaska Cruise Port?
Many visitors expect Sitka to look like other Alaska cruise towns.
It doesn't.
One of the first things you'll notice is that there isn't a massive cruise dock downtown.
Instead, most large cruise ships are at the cruise dock 5 miles away, and passengers ride a free 15 minute shuttle into town. While that may seem inconvenient at first, I actually think it's one of the things that helps preserve Sitka's character.
Once you're downtown, you'll quickly realize Sitka feels like a real Alaska community—not a town built solely for tourists.
Fishing boats unload their daily catch.
Kids ride bicycles through neighborhood streets.
Bald eagles soar overhead.
Locals wave to each other while walking down Lincoln Street.
And behind it all stand snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Sitka is Alaska's only community where you'll experience thousands of years of Tlingit history, the legacy of Russian America, and modern coastal Alaska all within a few walkable blocks.
That's what makes this place so special.
Sitka Sound Port
Before You Get Off the Ship
A little planning can make your day in Sitka much more enjoyable. Here are the questions I hear most often from cruise guests.
Shuttle
How do I get from the ship to downtown?
Most large cruise ships tie up at the cruise ship dock and passengers are transported to town using the free shuttle systems organized through the port. Shuttle bus reservations are recommended, but not required. You can easily make them using the port website: Sitka Sound Cruise Ship Port. Once you're downtown, many of Sitka's historic attractions are within walking distance.
Getting Around
Is Sitka Walkable?
Absolutely.
In fact, one of my favorite things about Sitka is that you can experience so much without ever getting into a vehicle.
Many of the town's most fascinating historic sites, restaurants, museums, shops, churches, and waterfront viewpoints are only a few minutes apart.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and you'll be surprised how much you can see.
Clothing
What Should I Wear?
Even in the middle of summer, Sitka's weather changes quickly.
My recommendation is simple:
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light layers
• Small backpack
• Camera
If the forecast predicts rain, don't panic.
Some of my favorite days in Sitka have been rainy ones.
The mist hanging over the mountains often creates the most beautiful photographs.
Wildlife
Will I See Bears?
Maybe—but probably not downtown.
Most bears stay outside town where food sources are more abundant. During peak salmon runs, bears can be seen at the Sitka Totem National Historic Park. Visitors are cautioned about being bear aware and to make noise while walking to avoid surprising them.
Photo credit to Mark A. McCaffrey
Planning
How Much Time Do I Need?
I recommend planning your day around your "all aboard" time rather than your arrival time.
Give yourself at least 45–60 minutes to return to the shuttle area before your ship departs.
It's much more relaxing than watching the clock all afternoon.
Sitka Visitors
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is especially helpful if you're:
• Visiting Sitka on an Alaska cruise
• Planning your first trip to Alaska
• Interested in history
• Looking for wildlife
• Traveling with children
• Looking for activities within walking distance
• Interested in local restaurants
• Wondering if a shore excursion is worth it
• Looking for authentic local experiences instead of tourist traps
Cruise Guests
How to Use This Guide
I've organized this guide based on the questions I hear every day from cruise visitors.
You'll find:
✓ The best attractions
✓ Hidden local favorites
✓ Suggested itineraries
✓ Restaurants I actually recommend
✓ Places worth skipping
✓ Rainy-day ideas
✓ Photography tips
✓ Wildlife viewing advice
✓ Walking times
✓ My favorite places in town
Whether you're here for three hours or an entire day, you'll be able to build an itinerary that matches your interests.
Let's get started.
⭐ Visiting Sitka this season?
Join me on a Haunted Sitka Walking Tour and discover the fascinating stories hiding behind the town's historic buildings.
The 9 Best Things to Do in Sitka
If you only have one day in Sitka, these are the attractions I recommend most often. I've ordered them based on how frequently I suggest them to cruise guests, not just popularity.
Everyone's interests are different. Some visitors love wildlife, others enjoy museums, while many simply want to soak up the atmosphere of a real Alaska community. My goal is to help you choose experiences that fit your perfect day.
Experience
Haunted Sitka Walking Tours
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: Don't miss it if you enjoy history, storytelling, and discovering the side of Sitka most visitors never hear about.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Walking Distance from Shuttle: Tour starts at shuttle drop-off
Family Friendly: Recommended for ages 12+
Rain Friendly: Yes
Budget: $$
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that Haunted Sitka is only about ghosts.
In reality, it's a history tour first.
Every story I tell is rooted in Sitka's remarkable past. Along the way, you'll hear about Russian America, colorful frontier characters, unexplained events, Gold Rush-era mysteries, tragic love stories, and the people who helped shape this community.
As we walk through historic downtown, I'll point out buildings most visitors pass without a second glance and explain why they matter.
Some stories are spooky.
Some are heartbreaking.
Some are surprisingly funny.
And a few still leave me wondering.
Whether or not you believe in ghosts, you'll leave with a much deeper appreciation for Sitka's incredible history.
For tickets Book Here
Emily's Local Tip: If you're arriving on a cruise ship, I recommend booking your tour before your vacation begins. Popular departure times often fill up well before the ship arrives in port.
Whale Watching with Gallant Adventures
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: My top recommendation for visitors looking for a small-group, personalized wildlife experience on the water.
Time Needed: 3+ hours
Walking Distance from Shuttle: Guide meets you at shuttle drop-off
Family Friendly: Yes
Rain Friendly: Yes
Advance Reservations Recommended: Absolutely
Budget: $$$
If seeing humpback whales is at the top of your Alaska bucket list, I wholeheartedly recommend Gallant Adventures. Captain Paul has spent 20+years exploring the waters of Sitka Sound and has built a reputation for providing personalized wildlife tours aboard small boats rather than large excursion vessels. That smaller group size means everyone has excellent views, plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and a more relaxed experience on the water. Gallant Adventures specializes in intimate wildlife and whale-watching tours through Sitka Sound, with options ranging from approximately three hours to extended five-hour adventures.
While humpback whales are often the stars of the show, every trip is different. Depending on the season and wildlife activity, you may also encounter:
-
Sea otters
-
Steller sea lions
-
Harbor seals
-
Bald eagles
-
Puffins
-
Porpoises
-
Occasionally orcas
-
Even coastal brown bears feeding along the shoreline
One of the things I appreciate most is that the tours aren't rushed. Captain Paul follows the wildlife and conditions each day, making every excursion a little different while sharing insights about Sitka Sound and the animals that call it home. His heated cabin, panoramic viewing windows, and maneuverable boat allow guests to comfortably explore areas that larger vessels often can't reach.
For tickets Book Here
Emily's Local Tip: If you're choosing between a larger wildlife excursion and small group experience, I almost always recommend going smaller. It's more personal and flexible.
Walk Through Sitka National Historical Park
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: One of the most peaceful walks in Alaska.
Time Needed: 45–90 minutes
Walking Distance from Shuttle: 15–20 minutes
Family Friendly: Yes
Rain Friendly: Yes
Budget: Free
If someone tells me they've never visited Alaska before, this is almost always one of my first recommendations.
The towering spruce forest, coastal views, and impressive collection of Tlingit and Haida totem poles make this one of the most photographed places in Sitka.
Take your time here.
Don't rush from one totem to the next.
Listen to the ravens.
Watch the salmon stream during the summer months.
Enjoy the quiet.
This park tells the story of the 1804 Battle of Sitka and preserves one of the most important historic landscapes in Alaska.
Emily's Local Tip: Walk the ocean side trail all the way to the beach. Many visitors turn around too soon and miss one of my favorite viewpoints.
Visit St. Michael's Cathedral
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: Sitka's most iconic landmark.
Time Needed: 20-40 minutes
Walking Distance from Shuttle: 5-10 minutes
Rain Friendly: Yes
Budget: Donation appreciated
Even if you're not particularly interested in churches, I encourage you to step inside.
The cathedral represents an important chapter in Sitka's Russian history and houses beautiful religious icons and artwork that survived fire, rebuilding, and dramatic changes in Alaska's history.
The distinctive green dome has become one of Sitka's defining landmarks.
Emily's Local Tip: Morning light usually provides the best photographs of the cathedral's exterior.
Visit Castle Hill
⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: The most important historic site in Alaska.
Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
Walking Distance from Shuttle: 5-10 minutes
Budget: Free
This is where Alaska officially became part of the United States.
On October 18, 1867, the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag raised during the formal transfer of Alaska.
Standing here, it's remarkable to think how much history unfolded on this small hill overlooking Sitka Harbor.
The panoramic views are worth the short climb.
Emily's Local Tip: If you only have fifteen minutes, it's still worth the steps for the incredible harbor photographs.
Browse Lincoln Street
⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: The heart of downtown Sitka.
Walking Distance from Shuttle: Less than 2 minutes
Budget: Depends on you
Forget rushing from souvenir shop to souvenir shop.
Lincoln Street is best enjoyed slowly.
You'll discover local galleries, bookstores, coffee shops, seafood restaurants, historic buildings, and plenty of opportunities to simply people-watch.
This is where Sitka feels most alive.
Emily's Local Tip: Look beyond the jewelry stores. Some of Sitka's best locally made art is tucked away in smaller galleries that many visitors never notice.
Visit the Alaska Raptor Center
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: Perfect for wildlife lovers.
Walking Distance from Shuttle: 20 minutes
Budget: Adults $17 Children $8
If you've always wanted to see bald eagles up close, this is one of the best opportunities in Alaska.
The center rehabilitates injured birds while educating visitors about Alaska's incredible bird populations.
Seeing a bald eagle from just a few feet away is something most guests remember for years.
Emily's Local Tip: Plan about an hour at the center if you enjoy reading the exhibits.
Simply Wander
This may sound like unusual advice.
But honestly...
One of my favorite things to recommend is leaving your itinerary behind for an hour.
Sit on a bench overlooking Crescent Harbor.
Listen to the ravens.
Walk side streets.
Sometimes the moments visitors remember most weren't scheduled at all.
Emily's Local Tip: Give yourself permission to slow down. Sitka isn't a place to rush through. It's a place to experience.
Visit the Russian Bishop's House
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily's Rating: A fascinating museum.
Walking Distance from Shuttle: 3 minutes
Budget: Free
One of the few remaining examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America.
If you enjoy history, this stop provides wonderful context for understanding how Sitka functioned during the Russian American period.
For Hours Click Here
Emily's Local Tip: If you only have time for one historic building in Sitka, make it the upstairs tour of the Russian Bishop's House. Every time I recommend it, guests are amazed by how authentic it feels.
Continue Exploring Sitka
Planning your perfect day? Here are a few more local guides you might enjoy:
-
📸 Best Photo Spots
-
🚢 Cruise Port Guide
bottom of page