Cruise Holidays To Sitka

Overview

Sitka is a tender port, so less visited than some of the other towns, but is fascinating for its Russian heritage. Ships drop anchor in a beautiful bay, fringed by pine forest.

Sitka was the capital of Russian Alaska from 1799 to 1867, when Alaska was sold to the USA. St Michael's Cathedral still has a very Russian look about it, and shops are filled with Russian souvenirs like religious icons (imitation ones) and stacking dolls.

Things to see include the Alaska Raptor Center, a hospital for bald eagles where injured birds are taught to fly again. This is a great excursion if you have children and there's a pleasant hike through the forest back to the town. The Sheldon Jackson Museum houses 5,000 pieces of native art, while the Russian Bishop's House gives an insight into Sitka 200 years ago.