Sitka, located on Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, was once the capital of Alaska. It was the first city that I visited in Alaska, thanks to a cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Most cruise ship visitors arrive at Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, some way out of town, but are well served by local bus transfers.
The downtown area has plenty to entertain both first-time and repeat cruisers for the day, along with excursions options to get involved with excellent wildlife resources and local culture. Let’s dive in.
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Arrival at the Port & Transfers to Downtown Sitka
Our arrival and disembarkation at Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal felt very easy, with both the local shuttle bus and shore excursions clearly signposted.
1. Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal — What you need to know
The vast majority of cruise ships use Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, which is 5.5 miles out of town. A very small number of ships tender passengers ashore.
You can find details of what your particular cruise will do by checking the 2024 Cruise Line Agencies portal here and then click on the Sitka PDF. Beside each ship is a short code: STI or STO means you’ll be at Sitka Cruise Port. If the code for your ship’s arrival at Sitka begins with a number (1XXX, 2XXX), then that indicates a tender.
2. Shore Excursion Pick-ups
Most excursions organised by your cruise line leave from Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal. However, if you’ve organised your own excursion (I used Viator to keep the costs down), most of those leave from the Visitor Center in downtown Sitka so you’ll need to transfer into town ahead of pick-up.
3. Local Shuttle Bus to Downtown Sitka
The City of Sitka runs free coach transfers into the downtown Sitka area, arriving at Sitka Visitor Center. They run regularly throughout the day.
If you’re asking is Sitka walkable from a cruise ship, the answer is technically yes, if you want to walk 5.5 miles. But for your personal safety on a public road, take the shuttle bus into downtown. If you want to walk, do the Sitka Sea Walk, which starts from near the cruise shuttle drop-off point!
4. Exploring the Downtown Area
Downtown Sitka is compact and easily walkable, so it’s easy for most visitors to explore the town on foot.
If you’re not heading out on an shore excursion, there’s enough sights in town (and local stores) to keep you interested and fed!
As you disembark, you’ll find a welcoming Visitor Center with maps, brochures, and helpful staff ready to assist. Plus they have good free wi-fi.
Arrival at the Port & Transfers to Downtown Sitka
Hear my suggestions and watch my personal Sitka experiences in this video:
5. Sitka National Historical Park
A short walk from the downtown area, this park offers beautiful walking trails and totem poles that tell the story of the Tlingit people and Russian colonization.
The visitor center provides exhibits and films about Sitka’s history. Check for opening times: by the time I visited, the Center was about to close.
6. St. Michael’s Cathedral
This iconic Russian Orthodox church, located in the heart of downtown Sitka, is a must-see.
If you’re interested in Alaska’s Russian heritage, then this building is a way into understanding the religious influence of Russian Orthodox missionaries.
7. Sheldon Jackson Museum
Home to an impressive collection of Native Alaskan artefacts, this museum helps first-time visitors like me to understand the cultural heritage of the region’s indigenous peoples, particularly the Tlingit People.
8. Sitka Sound
Sitka Sound is the name given to the body of water near Sitka. In the 19th century, it was known for its connection to the fur trade.
Nowadays, the waters here are rich with marine life such as sea otters, seals and whales. You can get a good view across Sitka Sound from downtown.
9. Hiking Trails
For those looking to stretch their legs off the ship, the nearby Indian River Trail offers a moderate hike through lush rainforest, leading to a beautiful waterfall. It’s a great way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty up close.
10. Shore Excursions
Your shore excursion might include many of the same locations that I just mentioned, but you can also explore some of those, for free if you feel like walking.
I took an excursion that got out of downtown Sitka and included a visit to the Fortress of the Bear (in the photo above you can see just how close I got!) and went on to explore the National Historical Park.
You could also visit the Raptor Center which works with injured birds of prey to release them back into the wild. Note: I book my shore excursions through Viator.
Check that your excursion provider guarantees a return to your ship well ahead of departure. We were back in plenty of time.
Even with an excursion, I had time to explore downtown, visit St Michael’s Cathedral and see the local heritage of totem poles.
11. Shopping
Sitka’s downtown area is lined with independent stores offering local crafts, souvenirs, and artworks.
I loved the Raven’s Hook craft store opposite the Cathedral. The stores here are used to cruise visitors and are very welcoming. This is a great place to pick up a unique piece of Alaskan art or jewelry.
12. Dining
There are several excellent dining options near the port, featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine. You’ll find something for most appetites.
My favourite spot was an independent coffee shop called Highliner.
13. Practical Tips
Weather: Be prepared for variable weather. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket. It absolutely poured down during my visit. The evidence is in the photo below!!
Currency: Of course, US dollars are accepted everywhere, and credit cards are widely used.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Center in town as well as in some cafes, but it can be spotty. I use Airalo, an e-sim for data, to stay connected.
Final Thoughts
I could have stayed in Sitka a lot longer, and I’m sure it’s even more charming in better weather! Be warned, there’s a lot of local stores at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal near the shuttle bus drop off area, so leave a little time to explore those.
I admit I was glad to see my Royal Caribbean ocean view room and a hot shower at the end of a long day!
If you’re wondering whether to skip Sikta and stay on board, go ashore! This is a charming small city with a lot worth seeing. I hope I get the chance to return.
Sitka Essential Links
Sitka National Historical Park Website
St Michael’s Cathedral Website
“The Ride” — Sitka’s local bus timetables
Full list of Sitka shore excursions from Viator
This Sitka article is one of my Alaskan Port Guides. Click on Juneau, Skagway or Haines if you missed those editions!