Sitka is now our favorite Alaskan port. One of the main reasons we did this cruise was to see this beautiful city and it did not disappoint. We heard a local describe Sitka as “heaven on earth”. Yes, it came pretty close. This hidden gem was only accessible by plane or boat and there were plenty of fun things to do in Sitka with kids in tow.
We had an absolutely gorgeous day in the high 60s with the sun out. This town needed to be explored beyond its downtown area and there were many tour operators right by the tender port.
We booked the Raptor Center tour through the ship’s excursion only because it was the same price as getting it through the entrance and this was a tender port. We have to take smaller boats to dock into the ports since the cruise ships are too big to dock.
Our rule of thumb with tender ports has usually been to book the tours through the ship. This means we have a designated time to get off the ship instead of fighting the masses to get on the tender boats. Therefore, it means we usually get off earlier than most people who didn’t book shore tours.
Our tour guide greeted us, who had a vest with many pins people have sent him from all over the world. They converted an old school bus into a blue tour bus. We learned some great Sitka history and life in the town.
Alaska Raptor Center
The Alaska Raptor Center is a haven for injured birds where the staff takes care of, rehabilitates them and release them once they are well enough. There were a few cages outside and a very imposing bald eagle in a cage right by the entrance.
Each group was assigned a tour guide and we were led to an observation area to see the birds being re-trained to fly. There were some eagles and hawks and ravens. Additionally, try to stay in the middle of the group where you can stand by the glass but close enough to the door leading you to the next room.
The next area was a room with a little stage in the front with a big eagle picture in the background. My son and I were lucky enough to get the front row middle seats.
This was the best view when they brought out their resident bald eagle, Sitka. What a magnificent bird! It was quite exciting and memorable to be so close to an eagle. The trainer held Sitka as she answered questions and shared some information about the facility.
No loud noises and flash photography allowed as it may startle the bird. Unfortunately, we couldn’t pose next to or touch Sitka.
This same room had various exhibits (both on display and to touch) on various wild birds. They had a gift shop with some pretty varied items where all proceeds helped to maintain the center. My kids’ favorite was the little stuffed bald eagle key chains.
The surrounding area had enclosed sections of different birds including owls and golden eagles. There was a little path leading to the river with a warning about bears.
It was a truly beautiful and serene area and very much worth a visit with the kids. They have a program to adopt a raptor including one for classrooms across the country.
Explore Downtown Sitka
The downtown Sitka area has Lincoln Street where most of the shops and restaurants are located. The town center was a small gray building with a dome which was St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Obviously, this was a replica building since the original burnt down in 1966 but the original Russian relics are proudly displayed inside and could be viewed for a minimal fee.
There was also a park with a totem pole at the edge of town by the water across the street from Pioneer Home. There were some park benches and seating by the water’s edge and a good place to have a picnic lunch.
We walked across the street and up the stairs to Castle Hill where there were cannons and a panoramic view of Sitka. We were also on a top level view of O’Connell Bridge.
This was the place where Alaska was transferred from Russia to the USA in 1867. It was still a little overcast when we were there but spectacular views still surrounded us.
Sitka National Historical Park
From downtown , we walked about a quarter of a mile to the Sitka National Historical Park. There is a walkway by the waterfront passing the Russian Bishop’s House and the Sheldon Jackson College.
It was an absolutely gorgeous walk and time passed quickly as we admired the views around us. We passed by some enterprising children selling lemonade and jams. There was also a playground by the waterfront on the way for a quick stop.
The Sitka National Historical Park was an amazing place to visit. A Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center was on the same building as the visitor’s center. There was an interpretive fee for admission into the visitor’s center. Restrooms were on the outside premises before entering the center.
The side of the building had a fenced-in area where we saw old totem poles on display. There were various totem poles set around a grassy area in front of the visitor’s center. My kids were fascinated with the size and height of the surrounding totem poles.
Trails and Beaches
There was an uphill trail that lead to a rainforest into a river where at certain times you could watch migrating salmon. Since it was a national park, the kids could participate in the Junior Ranger program. We got too busy with what was around the vicinity that we forgot to ask for a booklet.
We walked on the little pathway for a quick hike to a river. My daughter and I followed the little trail into the footbridge and it was an easy walk surrounded by huge trees. There were other trails within the park which could be seen here.
We found a beach behind the visitor’s center that had some breathtaking views of the mountains and the surrounding islands. Luckily, there were also some tables and picnic benches looking out into the beach. It was a perfect place to relax, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy Sitka.
if you’re visiting Sitka for a day while on an Alaska cruise, make the most of your day by exploring the town and these nearby attractions. They were all fairly cruise to where the tender boats dock from the ship. Thus, it makes it easier to see several attractions while in port.
*Any other things to do in Sitka you can add?
Other Shore Excursion with Kids
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I found your blog through Japan-guide and when I saw a link for Alaska, I had to give it a click.
Being from Sitka, I’m glad to hear you had such a great time! The Sitka prank story is one we share with all tourists, since it never fails to amuse =)
Many people visit Sitka and find it hard to believe that it’s part of Alaska.
Many also come and have a horrible time since there is so little to do.
But for many of us, it really is a slice of Heaven where we can sit back and relax.
Thanks Zia! We loved Sitka! We were glad we got to see most of the main attractions and we were lucky it was nice and sunny when we visited.