Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Luckily, getting to Sitka is relatively easy. Thanks for reading, Elizabeth! Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Read more, Angoon is asmall Tlingit village with no public transportation, no car rental and no taxi. Decide what to pack. Not so in Sitka. Just follow our Sitka walking tour itinerary. First Russian Settlement on Baranof Island. Stacey Shriner leads the education department at the botanical garden. Book a trip in May or June and your group will typically be rewarded with good - excellent King Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, and Black Cod (Sablefish) fishing.Book a trip in August or September and you may only catch 1 King salmon for your 3 days of fishing, but instead catch . Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Hike the Harbor Mountain Trail 7. 4 helpful votes Transportation around Sitka? They wont be released, but that gives us all a chance to gain a greater appreciation for these incredible Alaskan animals. Park Read more. Which one is right for you? In case you didnt get enough history on your Taste of Sitka Tour and Sitka Checkered Tour, theres a museum for that! And theres a lot to pack in during a short time like that! Skirmishes with the local Tlingits ultimately led to the Native group's ousting from the land. Getting Here - Visit Sitka Flightseeing tours of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. From architecture to dance, the two prongs of this areas history meld into one rich historic potand an interesting short visit. Highlights plus less visited destinations. They also have an upstairs tapas and wine bar called Rios that's delightful (open Thurs, Fri, & Sat evenings, I think). He corrects Cecelia, and teaches her that she is actually holding a Birch Shield Bug technically not a part of the stink bug family Pentatomidae but they still release an odor when they are squished. The insect safari camp is a new option on the schedule this year. See our top recommendedtours, Set sail in Sitkas waters, then stop off for some fishing, ahike up Mt. Sitka was Alaskas first official Bike-Friendly Community, and it shows. Thats because the small lakes warm up in the summer (relativelyif youre from Florida you might disagree). ), Have an Extra Day in Sitka? Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! This morning we walked from the Super8 to the raptor center. (Getty Images) Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska" and one of the top places in the world to view the northern lights: Aurora chasers may want to visit the city during . Ketchikan Travel - ways to get here, routes, information & schedules Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage, The Hklea canoe has a special connection to Hydaburg, its last Alaska stop, Behind the scenes of plastic lumber production on the Kenai Peninsula, Anchorages less-than-sunny summer is likely to continue through July, Popular Anchorage dog park remains closed after oil spill, Its not right: Aniak residents share pain of spiking power bills with regulators. Photo Credit: istockphoto.com, Robson Abbot, Alaska Travel Tips for Your Alaska Vacation, OFFICIAL STATE OF ALASKA VACATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Alaska Travel Industry Association. Your email address will not be published. APPROXIMATE FLIGHT TIMES BETWEEN ALASKA COMMUNITIES. This is one of the prettiest trails for avisitor whos not abig hiker. What to Do in Sitka (When You Only Have One Day! Ryan said the camps at the Botanical Garden help kids gain a naturalist intelligence about the forest around them. Best Month for a Sitka, Alaska Fishing Trip - Cascade Creek Lodge If youre reading this post, its likely because youre either an independent traveler headed to Alaska or going on a cruise and want to do your own thing. more, Starting at the National Park Service Visitor Center, this trail system takes you through rich coastal forest and along asalmon stream, then opens to views of the shoreline and coastal mountains. Heres How to Fill It, Attend a Performance at Sheetka Kwan Naa Kahidi Clan House, https://www.valisemag.com/sitka-cruise-excursions/, https://www.valisemag.com/one-day-in-juneau/, https://www.valisemag.com/juneau-cruise-excursions/, https://www.valisemag.com/skagway-cruise-excursions/, St. Michael Cathedral which sits in the center of down town literally. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Sitka is, generally speaking, a summer destination like most places in Alaska. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. #alaskaadventure Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. The settlement traded hands a few times: from the Tlingit to the Russians, back to the Tlingit and again taken by the Russians, before America purchased Alaska in the 1860s and assumed control of Sitka and the whole rest of the Last Frontier. If they are learning to love to be outside, to respect it, to be curious about it, to wonder, then thats what I want them to walk away with, Shriner said.Parents in Anchorage have dozens of camps to choose from. Sitka is very walkable. Dive into the details to prepare you for your Sitka adventure. Heres alist of our favorites, Visit the Russian Block House from the early 1800s and stroll through the Sitka National HistoricalPark. Some operators offer shuttles to and from the Fortress. We like the idea of knocking several things out in a 3.5 hour timeframe so we'll be doing that. . The Sitka, Alaska charter fishing season typically begins in mid - late May and ends in early - mid September. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 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Avis NOT northstar :(, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Anchorage to Utqiavik (Barrow): 2 hours. If youre excited for Sitka and it turns out you have more time to spend here (this means youre probably not on a cruise, as they typically ony have a few hours in Sitka), here are some other ideas for spending a few more days in town. I just wasn't sure how the roads were. Get my 55-page ebook for just $9.99! Sitka was the seat of the Russian government in the Alaska territory, and there are still remnants and relics around town to serve as a reminder beyond a church and pelmeni restaurant. 907/747-8888; www.hankstours.com), can drive you around, like any taxi driver, but, if you ask, he offers something more. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Whether your must-see list includes national parks, glaciers, volcanoes, great fishing, bear viewing, or more, Homer is not only agreat base for flightseeing but also agreat home base for your trip. By the end, youll have a good one-day itinerary for Sitka, plus inspiration if you can stretch that to two days instead. K2 Aviation offers once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing tours among and above the Alaska Range. There are two ways up this mountain: abig climb or abig drive. This is just one of many reasons people want to visit Sitka on an Alaska trip; most of us dont have much time when we finally make it to this small waterfront community. The last armed conflict with the Tlingits in Sitka and the beginning of Russian rule, this battle is memorialized with aplaque installed in 2011. As part of your Sitka Checkered Tours, Jeff can take you to Fortress of the Bear one of the best, most popular, and definitely most fascinating attractions in Sitka. Once you arrive, you can travel within the state by plane, cruise, ferry, train, car, or motorcoach/bus. 9 years ago Save Is Sitka small enough to walk to the different sites and restaurants? This is agreat place to take the kids and keep an eye open for grayling in the lake. Alternatively, you may use, Hotels near Sitka National Historic Park/Totem Park, Hotels near St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Hotels near Baranof Castle State Historical Site. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Anice one-mile loop trail winds through the parkits agood place to stretch your legs. Besides 14miles of paved roads, there are many mountain biking trails, and even anew, single-track route of the intimate experience of riding through old-growth forest. The trail ends shortly thereafter. You can certainly visit Sitka in the non-summer months, as its more temperate than other parts of Alaska. The bears have their own trailon Sitka Cab +1 (907) 747 5001 & Hanks Cabs 747 8888. Sitka is located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of Alaska's Inside Passage. Paddle out to see it all on a sea kayaking tour you won't soon forget. The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. And intrepid hikers can walk all the way to the top. Sitka was originally settled by the native Tlingit people. No matter which mode you choose, traveling through Alaska offers a front row seat to experience inspiring scenery and exquisite wildlife. Hank's a good blues/folk musician with two CDs out, and he can really sing. Unless you plan a dedicated trip, youll probably have one day in Sitka maybe two. Read more, From Juneau Floatplane: 1hour Ferry: 5hours ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, you need advice for other town combinations. Juneau to Ketchikan: 1 hour. Or are shuttles available? DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES - Alaska Castle Hill, located west of town and easily visible from most of downtown despite no castle standing there. Read more, Take the train or motorcoach for excellent views, or drive there using our scenic driveguide Read more, Maximize your time in Alaska by mixing in afew flights to your drive or railroad vacation Be careful: the road is in decent shape, but its narrow. Getting Around in Sitka | Frommer's For visitors, plane travel helps maximize their limited time exploring the state, showcases spectacular views of the land, and gives an authentic peek into Alaskans air-centric lifestyle. Blog; Video Library; Photo Gallery; Things to Do. She was very excited.. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-64687261', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car rental from Avis which is located at the airport across the bridge. Whether by air, road,or sea, a vacation to Alaska includes a scenic journey that is sure to be as memorable as the destination - and each has its own unique set of benefits. You need many of the same items to visit Sitka as youll need in other parts of Alaska, so be sure to check my general guide on what to pack for Alaska; if youre visiting in winter, check that list instead. This hand-crafted adventure, aboard your own private expedition boat led by one of the most knowledgeable and experienced captains in Southeast Alaska, offers the best way to explore the natural wonders of Sitka Sound in a day. The Complete Sitka Guide will give you all the info you need to plan your Sitka trip in one convenient place. If you want to get atrue sense of the 13 million acres within Wrangell-St. Elias National Parkwhich has amere 100miles of roadwaysstart with an aerial view. No matter which mode you choose, traveling through Alaska offers a front row seat to experience inspiring scenery and exquisite wildlife. His two-hour Sea Walk tour starts near the History Museum, makes its way to Castle Hill, explores town, ends at Totem Park. Mr. V and I both fell in love with Sitka, so much that weve talked about spending a summer there next year (2022). Arriving at the tender terminal, a left turn onto Lincoln Street takes you to downtown Sitka. Is Sitka small enough to walk to the different sites and restaurants? To say that Sitka has an important and storied role in Alaskan history is an understatement. Bike lanes and racks abound. Transportation - Visit Sitka This is perfect as visiting the Sitka National Historical Park (Totem Park) is the next activity on your one-day Sitka itinerary! Read about their experience I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. more, This is agreat, easy walk that can be linked to the Forest and Muskeg Trail and Mosquito Cove Trail. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. I also have a handy guide on the best shoes and boots and the best jackets for your Alaska trip. Or, connect from other Alaskan cities like Anchorage, Juneau, Ketchikan, or Fairbanks. Stay downtown near the hustle and bustle of Sitka, or in a lighthouse on a private island! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If youre here on asunny day, you know this peakits the dominant, gentle volcano that fills the view to the west. Anchorage to Nome: 1.5 hours. Trees with yellow and orange leaves pop against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. Click subsc. Fly from Fairbanks into the Arctic, where youll land at Fort Yukon and learn the history of this fascinating, Fly from Fairbanks and travel 80miles above the across the Arctic Circle on ascenic and historic adventure. Its had recent upgrades, so its easy to follow and there are rock benchesand Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. While theres plenty to do in town, Sitka is also home to some incredible hiking trails and this is one of the activities I wish wed had more time for! Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. :-) Ketchikan Travel by Air Alaska Airline's Salmon-Thirty-Salmon airplane There are only two large commercial airliners that fly into Ketchikan: Alaska Airlines (year-round) and Delta Airlines (summer only). Old Sitka was founded in 1799 by Alexandr Baranov . So we learned about mosquitos and they have like a saw on their nose and they cut into your skin and they spit on your skin and its so it doesnt, you dont feel it when theyre biting you, Johnson said.Counselors or fairies, as the campers are told hide plastic bugs throughout the botanical garden that kids find each morning, but some of the bugs are very real. Learn about these ecologies while walking agently sloping trail of gravel and boardwalk. Anchorage to Kenai: 30 minutes. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Read more, Car: 8 9hours Train: Requires aone-night layover in Anchorage Highlights plus less visited destinations. Lunchtime just finished, and elementary-aged summer campers at the Alaska Botanical Garden are busy. Cruise Stop SITKA: Self-Guided Walking Tour Around Town! Here are three must-try spots: Since you only have time for one, Id choose the type that fits your style and budget: Mean Queen is casual and more budget-friendly; Mangiare is nicer and mid-level on the bottom line; Ludvigs Bistro is a splurge but (apparently) worth every penny. Is it an easy walk or need to take a shuttle or cab? Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Focused on rehabilitation and release programs, the Raptor Center is a popular spot for Sitka visitors because it gives you the chance to see Alaskan wildlife up close in a way you may not have a chance during the rest of your travels. Im working on a new packing list for visiting Alaska when the forecast calls for rain, and Ill add that link once its published. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. How to Get to Sitka One of the biggest obstacles people face when traveling to Sitka is how to get there! The Alaska Botanical Garden has been sponsoring summer day camps for about 20 years. Ravn Alaskas network offers flights to major Alaska cities such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, Prices seem to range from $138/night to $850/night depending on the property. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. How to get here: Travel by Air Alaska State Ferry Cruise to Alaska BYOB - Bring your own boat! This beautiful trail is part of an extensive local system of trails and boardwalks. There's also a tour that takes you to the National Historical Park and explains the totem poles, then you can see a Tlingit dance and also go to the Raptor Center- $70 each for the whole she-bang. #visitalaska Anchorage to Juneau: 1.5 hours. Its quite popular, and youll find the Herring Cove parking area crowded on the weekends. Stick with me through them, and then well talk about how to have one perfect day in Sitka. Traveling on The Alaska Marine Highway - A Firsthand Account, Travel to Small Communities in Southeast Alaska, Getting Around Southeast, Alaska and Tongass National Forest. Air travel includes jet service to Alaska's major airports of Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. Read more, Pros and cons of Thrifty, Budget, Avis, and Hertz in Alaska Air travel includes jet service to Alaska's major airports of Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Juneau. 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. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Join me for a walk around Sitka seeing the town, totem park and . The trail starts easily, with araised boardwalk that takes you through open meadows and then aforest of big hemlock and spruce to asteep trail, with stairs and steps. And you can continue along an alpine ridge to the next summit (about one hour), Arrowhead, which sits at 3,300feet! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-58715040', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');renting a car. Quickly learn major transportation options, how long each takes, whether you need a car in certain destinations, and what the experience is like for each mode of travel. Decide what to pack. Car, train, or group tour. Thats steepsteep enough to make for achallenging race, the Alpine Adventure Run, which coincides with an annual meeting of specialists in the sports medicine field. The fare is $5 round-trip or $10 all day. Once you have reached the lake, there is aboat available for public use. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. more, Starting from the Baranof Street trailhead, its about 2miles up to 2,400feet! Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. It was periodically stocked with grayling between 1986 and1991. By Shuttle Van: Sitka Tours Airporter Bus meets all Alaska Airlines Scheduled flights and runs into town (Hotels & Ferry terminal) for $6 one way, $8 return. While these bears are conditioned to human interaction and presence, theyre protected and allowed to hunt (fish in their waterways) and play (with big tires and other stimulants in their habitats). In any case, youre probably planning your first trip to Sitka, and need some advice to make the most of the short time you have. #wrangellsteliasnationalpark St. Michael's Cathedral 3. Hanks Taxi and Tour Service (907) 747-8888. Dive into the details to prepare you for your Sitka . 4 Home Destinations Sitka Alaska A century before the Klondike gold rush made Alaska world famous, Russian fur traders quietly settled the Sitka area as a colonial outpost of Russian America. It is situated on Sitka Sound, facing the Pacific Ocean which means it experiences different weather than other parts of the region. Air taxis can fly you to remote national parks, public use cabins, wild rivers for backcountry float trips, backpacking expeditions, and more. Which one is right for you? Getting Around Alaska | Best Options To Travel Between Towns traveling to and around Alaska by car or RV. Sitka Trail Works helps maintain the literally dozens of miles of hiking trails in the Sitka area. Once you arrive in the city center, your bus will drop you off at Harrigan Centennial Hall. Because of extended golden hours in places close to the North Pole, you can enjoy sunsets and these gorgeous colors for a much longer time when in Alaska. Sitka Parks & Trails | Best Hikes & Walks | ALASKA.ORG The U.S. Forest Service manages the area, andthe Juneau to Sitka - 2 ways to travel via car ferry, and plane - Rome2rio We end our adventure with visits to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Kinkaid Park, Anchorage Museum, and UAA. You can climb this for 1.6 Check Alaskas largest national park off your list with aflightseeing tour that includes alanding in the wilderness of the park. Most people arrive one of three ways: by plane (Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from both Juneau and Seattle, year-round), by ferry (on the Alaska Marine Highway ), or by cruise ship (both mega-ships and small ships make port in Sitka during the summer months). The area was first home to rich, sophisticated Tlingits, who put up quite a fight after the Russian Alexander Baranof established a headquarters here 1799 to grow even wealthier in the trading of sea otter fur. Which is your favorite among the images 1 to 8? With much of the rest of Alaska still relatively young, Sitka is the place for a dash of fascinating historyalong with its gorgeous scenery. The beauty of Alaska awaits. And theres an interesting modern totem pole, carved by Tommy Joseph in remembrance of Sitka National. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. The average daily temperature is usually above freezing in Sitka, even in the winter, though they certainly have some days below freezing and get snow. Overwhelmed by choices? Read more, Seward, Girdwood, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks &more The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. The tundra, Theres nothing quite as freeing as hitting the open road in Alaska with miles and miles of majestic mountains, peaceful coastline, lush forest, or flat tundra streaming past your car or RV windows. Sitka Alaska Cruise Port Information 20 Best Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska on a Cruise Located: 1000 Raptor Way, Sitka, AK . Sitka: Getting Around - Tripadvisor Read more, Located on Kupreanof Island, Kake is accessible by ferry or airplane The boardwalk trail travels through arich tidelands ecosystem, where youll find good bird watching for shore and seabirds. Sitka National Historical Park was established to protect the incredible carved totems that were present throughout Southeast Alaska in Native Alaskan communities as American pioneers and settlers came into the region in the late 19th Century. With only 20% of Alaska accessible by road, there is so much more to be discovered! (Its on a roundabout of sorts.). Stop for a stroll at Starrigavan Estuary Life Trail, where you can spot salmon in the streams if theyre running at the time of your visit. Read more, You wont find Greyhound in Alaska; learn which bus lines serve which routes As Sitka is one of the largest communities in the Southeast, its well-connected compared to other, smaller communities like Icy Strait Point/Hoonah or Wrangell. 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. The best way to see a lot of Sitka is by doing a walking tour the Taste of Sitka, specifically. We are in our 70's and didn't have a problem. #alaska Rusts experienced guides will fly you into to the Alaskan backcountry to discover world-class fishing for kings, silvers, grayling,.