Sitka, Alaska Cruises

Sitka, Alaska Cruise Port

Sitka has Alaska’s strongest ties to Russia. It was the capital when Russia controlled Alaska. Sitka was also the hotspot for lots of commerce, especially the fur trade where many locals sold sea otter pelts. Sitka was also the location where America officially signed the papers to welcome Alaska into her arms. Nowadays, Sitka is a town known for its seafood. The port produces the sixth largest amount of seafood (in monetary value) in the United States. It’s also a great place to learn about Alaska’s Russian past. Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Sitka, Alaska:

• Visit Totem Park, also known as Sitka National Historical Park, where you’ll see lots of totem poles carved by the native Tlingit people. This was also the site of a historic 1804 battle between the Russians and the Tlingits.
   
• Get some real face time with eagles, owls and ravens at the Alaska Raptor Center. This is a hospital that rehabilitates birds of prey.
   
• Explore St. Michael’s Cathedral, which is a great example of Russian architecture with its onion dome roof. This church burnt down in 1966 but was rebuilt to its 1844 specs.
   
• Climb to the top of Castle Hill. This spot offers a great view of Sitka and was also the spot where the American flag was first raised in Alaska.