Known for its fresh seafood, Native culture, and gorgeous scenery, this small town is often a favorite among those cruising to Alaska. Sitka Scenic Tour. Following the Battle of Sitka, the Russians established New Archangel as a permanent settlement where they continued to control the land until the Alaska Purchase in 1867. This education and rescue center reside on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska. A popular spot for the many young single (and married) men working men in Ketchikan, houses of prostitution were active on Creek Street throughout the first half of the 20th century. Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking scenery via a kayak, hike, or harbor cruise. Sitka Scenic and Fortress of the Bear Excursion. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? If not, just leave blank, Congress members call Canada's ban of cruise ships "unacceptable", I cruise to Alaska every year. An Alaska cruise provides the opportunity to spot some of the states remarkable wildlife. The trailhead is located 1.3 miles from where cruise ships dock in Ketchikan, but it is a very steep walk through town to get there. Offering a blend of Russian, Tlingit, and American cultures, Sitka offers everything from breathtaking day hikes to historic monuments. Hundreds more arrive each year and are re-released into the wild once theyre healthy enough. Mobile ticket Offered in: English Explore our promoted experiences Likely to Sell Out Sitka, Alaska Bird lovers will enjoy a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for injured raptors. Finally, we were conveniently returned to the ship. The district was founded around 1903, when the Ketchikan Town Council ordered all brothels to relocate to the east side of town. Offering a blend of Russian, Tlingit, and American cultures, Sitka offers everything from breathtaking day hikes to historic monuments. A two-hour excursion shows you why Sitka is one of the most charming ports in Alaska. The Russian Bishops House is a popular spot to visit, which was the residence of Ivan Veniaminov, the first Bishop of Alaska and the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. (501 Lincoln Street; 907-747-0110; open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the cruise season; tours every half-hour). Then stop in at the Sheldon Jackson Museum for an in-depth look into the Tlingit people and their history. Weather permitting, take in the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Edgecumbe, Sitkas majestic stratovolcano. Youll learn all about how these magnificent birds fly, feed, and nest in the Alaskan wilderness. Powered by Invision Community. Your booking confirmation will contain clear instructions on where and when to go to start each of your tours. Our most popular tour is the Sitka Scenic Tour, which includes Fortress of the Bears, Totem Poles, and Sitka History. Learn and gain a deeper appreciation for Alaska's indigenous culture on this hour-long excursion. In nice weather, you can dine on the back porch. If you plan to explore Sitka on your own, youll find the town is very walkable. If youve booked any tours or excursions with a local company, Harrigan Centennial Hall is probably the starting point. Visit and entrance fee to Sitka National Historical Park! (200 Katlian Street; 907-747-7137; check online calendar for show times, which are often around midday), Harris Aircraft Services: This local company operates a floatplane business that takes visitors on flightseeing tours over the scenic backcountry and glacier ice fields of Baranof Island. The maximum number of participants is 6 guests. 13 Apr 2022 By: Jenna DeLaurentis Sitka is a common port on Royal Caribbean cruises to Alaska, located on the western side of Baranof Island and directly facing the Pacific Ocean. For all tours in Alaska we recommend wearing layers, the top one waterproof. English speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides! Depending on the cruise company, your ship may drop anchor offshore instead of pulling into the port. Guests with mobility issues should reconsider this tour as there is some minimal walking involved. The first stop of our tour was the Alaska Raptor Center. The center is also home to a studio where you can watch native artists at work on traditional crafts. For something different, try a brew flavored with spruce tips. With maximum five passengers on board the 24-foot vessel, you're guaranteed an intimate and immersive tour experience. (Each vehicle accommodates up to 7 passengers). From the comfort of a gazebo-covered picnic area, you can look out over the water and watch for humpback whales on their annual migration to Hawaii. Heres adetailed packing listto ensure you have everything you need for a safe and memorable Alaskan cruise. Having once been a part of the Russian empire, the small town of Sitka, in Alaska, has a fascinating history that also includes a rich indigenous culture. Whether or not the fish are biting, you'll take home a unique souvenir from your time in Alaska. The perfect blend of adventure and exploration as you set off on a captivating water taxi ride and breathtaking scenic expedition. Your experienced guides will take you through the southeastern waters of the state, searching out seals, sea lions, otters, birds, and making stops for humpback whales and orcas. Castle Hill was originally inhabited by the Native Tlingit people who built a fortification on the land. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. Book your shore tour with us for an unforgettable day in Sitka. We are currently offering 7 excursions in Sitka. Season: Late April-early October $189 per person 3 hrs. What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska? We offer the absolute best options for your tours and cruise shore excursions in Sitka! Today, cultural influences from all three groups remain. While an Alaska cruise brings stunning landscapes and wildlife, there is also the opportunity to learn more about southeast Alaskas Native culture and history. Named after the married men who would take a more conspicuous path to Creek Street as opposed to being seen on the walk in town, this is a short nature trail that offers nice views of town while walking through the forest. Visitors can explore the trails on their own or join a guided walk with a park ranger. Your ship has docked, and youre surrounded by the stunning mountains and waters of Sitka Sound. From USD $8999 Reg Price: USD $128.99. Check with your provider before your trip to see where youll have coverage. Guests will enjoy a locally guided, small group tour highlighting Sitka's abundant wildlife in both naturalized and wild environments. Read Also: How Much Does an Alaskan Cruise Cost? If you want another chance to see wildlife up-close, book an appointment to visit theAlaska Raptor Center. Whale watching, sea lions, otters, seals, dolphins, birds, and more are possible! Please note: prices are per VEHICLE. The grown bears sadly can't be returned to nature, according to local law, so you'll see some impressively large inhabitants. Round out your colonial Russian education with a tour of the nearbyBishops House. Scenic Tour of Fortress of the Bears, Raptor Center & Totem Village, Harbor & Islands Guided Paddle Kayak Tour, 212 Admiral Way Ste. 4.6 (36) Experienced local guides will share their knowledge of the beautiful Sitka region and wildlife with guests on this 2-hour tour. Shore Excursions in Sitka Enter dates Filters 1 Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Product Categories Ports of Call Tours Sightseeing Tours Bus Tours Private Tours Flexible booking Free cancellation COVID-19 You will enjoy approximately 2 hours of kayaking with gorgeous views of the Sitka coastline as well as panoramic views of Sitka Sound with its accompanying small island systems and estuaries. The most popular time to visit Sitka is summer, when most cruises run and when the weather is more temperate. Fortress of the Bear has a three-quarter acre habitat in the Tongass National Forest, and visiting the facility offers the opportunity to get within just 25 feet of Alaskas brown bears in a natural setting. From hiking through nature to learning about the towns history and Native people, theres sure to be an activity waiting for you in Ketchikan. Sitka Marine Adventure. Verstovia at 3,300 feet. Today the Russian Bishops House has been transformed into a museum, offering artifact displays and information about daily life in Russian Alaska. By My Holidays Online - Alaska. These include the Russian Orthodox St. Michaels Cathedral and Bishops House. The most famous attraction on Creek Street is Dollys House Museum. After receiving a comprehensive lesson on how to navigate your kayak as a team with your paddling partner, launch in a 2-person kayak from a dedicated dock at the cruise ship terminal. Tlingit, Russian and American settlers have all called Sitka home. Visit the Fortress of the Bears, home to several rescued Alaskan bears. Theres Chicos Mexican restaurant which, despite its name, is said to have the best pizza in town. Visit the rescue center for Alaskan brown and black bears then travel to the Alaskan Raptor Center, a rehabilitation center for birds of prey. A cruise to Sitka, much like other Alaska cruise ports, brings the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife, particularly in the ocean waters. The Sitka Sound Science Center is another activity to add to a day exploring town. Also called theSheetka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House, this house offers an intimate look into native Alaskan heritage. St. Michael's Cathedral 3. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. Downtown Sitka, (Harrigan Centennial Hall) or Sitka Visitor Center. Climb aboard a comfortable, full-size passenger van and begin to make your way south on Sitka's road system. Youll find tour operators offering whale watching shore excursions throughout the season. Learn more 2 hours (approx.) In order to receive a refund, changes and cancellations must be made more than 7 days prior to your tour date. This park is also the site of a battle between . Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier! If not, just leave blank. Finally, cap off the tour with a stop at the Sitka National Historical Park. Its golden crosses and green domes are an architectural masterpiece, with a beautiful and surprisingly spacious interior. Fortress of the Bear is a bear rehabilitation facility, offering a second chance at life for orphaned and sick brown bears in Alaska. If you happen to take a September cruise, make sure you plan time to visit theWhale Park. The Indian River trail -- 4.1 miles each way -- makes an easy, gradual climb to a waterfall. The best excursions in Sitka, Alaska are: Yes! The lumberjack show is located near where cruise ships dock in Ketchikan and lasts only around an hour, making it a nice option to add to other activities during the day. Please select a tour departure date and time in order to add this product to your cart. Edgecumbe providing a dramatic backdrop. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Fishing excursions can also be booked through Royal Caribbean directly. Sitka is unique amongst towns in Southeast Alaska due to its location on the Outer Coast. Sitka National. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. The Sheldon Jackson Museum makes for an interesting activity in Sitka, which houses a collection of Alaska Native ethnographic material including totems, baskets, masks, and traditional clothing. Luckily, the peak time to, An Alaska cruise is different from cruises to the Caribbean or Europe, and there's a whole bunch of easy tips and, Royal Caribbean has introduced a new Alaskan experience on its newest and largest ship to visit Alaska Ovation of the, Vancouver is one of Canada's premier cities, and it's also a wonderful place to visit before or after your Alaska, It has been almost a week since Canada banned cruise ships for one year, so why hasn't Royal Caribbean cancelled those, One of the first decisions youll make when planning an Alaska cruise is selecting a cruise ship cabin. There are standard 20-, 40- and 60-minute tours. Enjoy the premium package Nissan Armada with up to 7 of your friends and family as you take your own custom scenic drive in Sitka. Tickets can be purchased via a Royal Caribbean shore excursion or at the door. Russian Bishop's House 4. If youre in the mood for a burger, dont hesitate to try Burger Queen, a no-frills restaurant serving up fish and chips, big burgers, and milkshakes. Kayak excursions in Sitka take visitors to nearby destinations including Sitka Sound and the remote Siginaka Islands. This small group adventure offers just that in a setting that is indescribably beautiful! For a more casual meal, head to Ashmos food truck for fish and chips, salmon mac and cheese, and black cod over rice. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan coastal brown bears and three black bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. A beautiful and scenic location originally settled by the Russians and the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka is a perfect place to relax and explore the outdoors when your cruise ship is docked in port. I assume RCCL is the same. (2 Lincoln Street, in the back of the Cable House building shared with a radio station; 907-966-2326; Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Ludvig's Chowder Cart: For a quick and tasty lunch, do as the locals do and pop into the Sitka Sound Science Center gift shop for chowder and baguette sandwiches with fillings like prosciutto or salmon salad. Space is limited so book today as not to miss out. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Birds whose injuries are too severe become permanent residents that help to educate visitors. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. The full cancellation policy can be found here. Like what you see? The U.S. dollar is the official currency. Walk the streets of historic downtown Sitka on your way to one of Southeast Alaska's highly-rated destinations, the Sitka National Historical Park. From paying baggage fees to risking lost luggage, I find, Royal Caribbean has released its Alaska cruises for 2023 season. Spend two hours being introduced to Southeast Alaska and still have time left to explore, shop and taste local cuisine on your own afterwards. Another adventure by air takes guests to scenic, remote destinations near Ketchikan that offer a high chance of spotting bears and other wildlife. (1000 Raptor Way, off Sawmill Creek Road; 907-747-8662; open daily May to September, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). It's one of the oldest examples of Russian architecture in the U.S., and Sitka's oldest intact building -- now restored to the 1850s historic period when it functioned as a school, as well as the Orthodox Bishop's residence. Russians were victorious during the 4-day long Battle of Sitka in October 1804, though, and established a settlement named Novo Arkhangelsk (New Archangel). What to Budget. This was common at the houses on Creek Street, as they often had a secret door beneath the house allowing liquor to be brought in. Think you're on the wrong board, try lookin at Rcl. Most tours booked with the ship that use buses will pick you up on or near the pier. One of the most popular things to do in Sitka, Alaska, is a visit to theFortress of the Bear. Youre sure to see plenty of deer, eagles, and other wildlife along the way. Explore the Historic District on Foot 2. To learn more about the town's unique history, cruisers should book a shore excursion to Sitka National Historical Park to see the totem poles. (Inside the Sitka Sound Science Center gift shop, 834 Lincoln Street; 907-966-3663; May through mid-September, open Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), Backdoor Cafe: Another local favorite, this cozy downtown coffeehouse in back of a bookstore is filled with local artwork and serves custom-roasted espresso, homemade soup, bagel sandwiches and pastries. The only Inside Passage community that fronts the Pacific Ocean, hugging Baranof Island's west shore in the shadow of the impressive Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano with a graceful cone reminiscent of Japan's Mount Fuji. (Each boat holds 1-6 passengers). On top of the totem park visit, scope out Russian Bishop's House, Crescent Harbor, Sitka Sound Science Center, and more. In fact,New Archangel (as Sitka was then known) served as the capital of the Russian-American colony from 1808 until 1867. Check out Ernies Old Time Saloon for a variety of beers on tap or a cocktail. Climb atop a covered platform to get a bird's-eye view of the bears as they loll on logs, splash through water features and hunt for live salmon. Ready to revisit that bucket list? This private group excursion offers just that in a setting that is indescribably beautiful! A small group tour to give guests an intimate experience of Sitka's beautiful scenery and history through the eyes of a local guide. The tranquil waters are surrounded by snowcapped mountains and Alaskas temperate rainforest. St. Michaels Cathedral (arguably one of the most popular Sitka attractions) is a perfect example. While these day excursions are larger in size, our focus on quality remains extremely high. Seek out the heart and soul of Sitka on a small group walking tour through the historic downtown. Inside, you'll find a museum on the ground floor, with exhibits on the building's history, the bishops who lived here, the Russian-American Company and the fur trade. Following a canoe ride is a nature hike where visitors can learn more about the native flora and fauna of Tongass National Forest. We enjoyed seeing black and brown bears in a "natural" habitat. Explore the breath-taking beauty of Sitka on this private 2.5-hour scenic tour to the city's most sought-after landmarks. For such a small town, Sitka offers some interesting eateries. Sitka lies on the western shore of Baranof Island along Alaskas famous Inside Passage. On this tour, guests will stroll through Sitka National Historical Park along the Indian River and observe brown bears at the Fortress of the Bears. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. (For those looking for a briefer walk, the first quarter-mile of this trail, which starts from the Baranof Street trailhead, is ADA-accessible.) In the waters between the Tongass Rainforest and the Alexander Archipelago, set out to explore coves and islands in search of a vast array of Alaskan wildlife. The Alaska Fish House is sure to be a busy lunch spot while in Ketchikan, offering some of the freshest seafood in town. A fresh take on Alaskan fishing. Come experience and get to know Alaska's first capitol on a small group private tour! Your experienced guides will take your private group through the southeastern waters of the state, searching out seals, sea lions, otters, birds, and making stops for humpback whales and orcas. Expert guides will lead your snorkel from Magic Island for an hour of snorkeling fun. Kayaking is a sport popular for visitors to Alaska, allowing the chance to explore the states breathtaking scenery and wildlife from the water. Your party will get to choose which attractions you want to see and how long you want to stay at each site. There's a kids' menu (macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, grilled cheese), plus coloring books and board games to keep them occupied.