While Sitka isn’t as popular as Alaska’s “big three” ports – Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway – it’s an adventure in its own right. Located on the rugged coast of Baranof Island, Sitka is attracting more cruise ships than ever before, thanks to its new Sitka Bay Cruise Terminal, which can accommodate up to two large ships at a time.
This Pacific Coast city is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s home to the Alaska Raptor Center and Bear Fortress, giving you an insight into Alaska’s wildlife like no other port of call.
Sitka also has something that other Southeast Alaska ports lack: a deep Russian history. The settlement was under Russian control from 1799 to 1867, when it was known as “New Angel”. In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million, and the transfer ceremony marking the purchase of Alaska was held here.
Today, Sitka is a blend of Tlingit (pronounced kling-it) history, Russian influence and Southeast Alaska’s unique Americana. Combine that with incredible nature, wildlife, and scenery, and Sitka makes a great addition to any Alaska cruise itinerary.
What TPG loves about Sitka
- It is home to the only Russian Orthodox building in Southeast Alaska.
- Abundant nature is at your fingertips.
- This town has many shops and restaurants.
There’s nothing we can do
- The cruise ship terminal is further out of town and wait times for the shuttle can be long during peak hours.
Sitka News
- language: English is the official language.
- currency: All purchases in Sitka are made in U.S. dollars.
- Time zone: Sitka is located in the Alaska Time Zone (GMT-8), which is 1 hour behind Pacific Standard Time and 4 hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Arrival details
While some small boats still anchor in the bay and ferry passengers to downtown Sitka, most cruise ship passengers will find themselves docked at the Sitka Bay Cruise Terminal, located approximately 6 miles northwest of downtown Sitka. A free shuttle brings passengers into town, but when two ships are in port at the same time, queues can be long. In fact, passengers now have to reserve shuttles to town in advance, but no reservations are required to return to the dock from Sitka. The new terminal was upgraded in 2020 and 2021, with new facilities including shops, restaurants, bars and information services on the pier.
Unless otherwise stated, shore excursion passengers will be picked up and returned from the cruise ship terminal.
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Popular Attractions in Sitka Cruise Port
By far the most popular things to do in Sitka are nature-related. The Alaska Raptor Center is a fascinating rehabilitation, education and research center just 30 minutes’ walk from downtown and included on many Sitka shore excursions. If you’re going alone, plan to spend at least an hour here (maybe more if you’re bringing along bird-obsessed young children).
Another major attraction in Sitka is the Bear Fortress, a rescue sanctuary for orphaned bears. The center’s mission, which opened in 2007, is to care for bears orphaned as cubs, nurse them back to health, and give them longevity, which may include working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to eventually release them back into the wild. Although you can visit alone, due to long wait times, especially on busy ship days, it is recommended that you book as part of the cruise’s shore excursions.
Kayaking is also a popular pastime in Sitka due to the pristine waters surrounding the city and its outer islands.
Related: The 10 Best Alaska Cruises in 2025 and 2026 for Every Type of Traveler
Popular Sitka Shore Excursions
If you’re into outdoor adventure, Sitka is a place you should seriously consider for a more active excursion. There are plenty of great shore excursions available, from wildlife viewing to kayaking, fly fishing, rafting and even guided hikes.
Siguinaka Islands Cruise and Kayaking Adventure
This 90-minute kayaking lesson gives you the opportunity to see marine wildlife up close from the comfort of a two-person ocean kayak. The Siguinaka Islands are the perfect location for this adventure, with numerous narrow channels and calm ocean currents, allowing you to easily float or paddle and enjoy the scenery.
Bear’s Fortress
Cruise lines offer several different excursions to Bear Fortress, and on many Alaska cruises this is the only guaranteed opportunity to see a bear. Trips to Bear Fortress Rehabilitation Center sell out on nearly every cruise, so booking in advance is crucial.
Alaska Raptor Center and Cultural Exploration
Like Bear Fortress, a trip to the Alaska Bird of Prey Center was one of the first shore excursions to disappear. Popular with families, this excursion often also includes a panoramic drive, a guided tour of the Alaska Bird of Prey Center, and cultural performances by Alaska Storytelling Dancers.
Wildlife Adventures and Fin Island Lodge
This tour is one of many excursions to visit Fin Island Lodge in Sitka Bay, popular for its wildlife cruises, where you have the chance to see whales, sea otters and even distant brown bears. After disembarking at the lodge, guests can stroll along the shoreline or sit by the fire pit before feasting on Alaskan crab, fresh-caught fish, prime rib and dessert before boarding the boat back to the cruise terminal.
How to visit Sitka alone
- on foot: Once the cruise ship shuttle drops you into town, you can easily explore much of the city center on foot.
- taxi: While taxi service is available in Sitka, it can be difficult to find one without booking in advance. Use the cruise ship’s shuttle to take you into the city centre, or book an excursion if you’re interested in exploring further afield.
- Bicycle or scooter: There are several bicycle and e-bike rental shops in Sitka.
- car: Car rentals are not widely available in Sitka, but you don’t need a private car here.
Sitka Restaurants Near Cruise Terminal
You don’t have to venture far from your ship to get something to eat, as there are several restaurants at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. These include Halibut Point Crab and Chowder, which sells locally sourced Dungeness crab, and Wheelhouse Pub, which serves cold Alaska beers and pub-style Alaskan cuisine and seafood.
In town, the long-time favorite Bayview Pub on Lincoln Street overlooks the inner harbour, serving pub-style solid food and plenty of local beers.
The Mean Queen restaurant on Harbor Drive also overlooks Sitka’s Inner Harbor and serves sumptuous cuisine from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Some of the best pizza we’ve ever had was at Harbor Mountain Brewing Company. About a 30-minute walk from downtown, past Sitka National Historical Park, lies Campfire Kitchen Pizza. Order a pint and settle in – these pizzas take time, but they’re worth the wait.
For an authentic Alaska bar experience, head to the Pioneer Bar on Katlian Street, right next to the Sitka Pioneer Home. It’s not as rough as it looks and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Or for something a little different, try pelmeni at Sitka Pel’Meni, a popular spot that pays homage to the town’s rich Russian history.
Related: Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions
Dishes worth trying in Sitka
In Alaska, the key word today is seafood. Ask if there’s anything locally caught or in season; seafood or salmon chowder is always a great choice in Sitka, as is crab. Locally brewed beers are a great choice to accompany any meal. It’s hard to go wrong with burgers and pizza, too.
Sitka Cruise Port Shopping
Downtown Sitka has all your shopping needs covered, with a wide variety of stores ranging from large multinational companies to local, independently owned stores. So while you’ll find stores like Diamonds International in Sitka (which you’ll find everywhere in Alaska), you’ll also find local items.
Stores are located on and near Lincoln Street, which runs through the city center. There are fine art galleries, shops dedicated to local Tlingit culture, and a gift shop selling standard merchandise like T-shirts, salmon, ulu knives, and other merchandise.
Sitka does have a great bookstore on Lincoln Street (Old Harbor Books) with a wonderful local interest section, while more practical stores like Russell’s (also on Lincoln Street) offer outdoor gear for those who may need to upgrade their outerwear for Alaska’s liquid sunshine.
Free Activities at Sitka Cruise Port
Although cruise lines offer excursions to explore the old-growth forests of Sitka National Historic Park, there’s no reason you can’t visit on your own. A leisurely stroll from downtown leads to the center of the park, which includes the visitor center and Tlingit totem poles.
You can also stroll around the city center and visit attractions such as the Russian Patriarch’s House, the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, and the Baranov Castle National Historic Site completely free of charge.
Families should visit the Community Kids Playground on Lincoln Street, about a 10-minute walk past the Russian Bishop’s House and adjacent to the Sitka Sound Science Center.
bottom line
Sitka is an excellent port of call and offers some wonderful excursion options not found elsewhere in Alaska. Although the cruise ship terminal is further from town, proper planning can make your day here unforgettable.
