Five Tips For a Cruise Port Day in Sitka Alaska

If you happen to take a cruise through Alaska’s inside passage you may well enjoy a port stop in Sitka Alaska. Only accessible by air or boat, Sitka is a quaint village that holds onto it’s Russian heritage and is a great city to explore.  Here are five tips for your visit 

No Tender Required
Sitka recently built a port for the many cruise ships visiting therefore there is no need to take a tender boat.  The port is a little out of the town though, so you need to take a shuttle bus upon arrival to get into downtown. The shuttles are complimentary and provide some great scenery along the way. The port terminal offers some shopping and the crab shack on the wharf offers beer, crabs and wifi.

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Fortress of the bear

If you fancy getting up close and personal to both Brown and Black bears, but want a different experience than viewing through the glass at the Zoo exhibit, Fortress of the Bear is a great option.

The sanctuary that rescues orphaned bears can be access via a shuttle bus from the cruise shuttle drop off point. We paid $10USD per adult round trip for the shuttle and $10USD per adult for entry to see the Bears. 

The shuttle will drop you at Fortress of the Bear and return one hour later.  You then have the option of taking the shuttle to the Raptor Park, or back to Sitka. 

For more details about Fortress of the Bear read my full review here.

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New Archangel Dancers

At 12:30pm on our visit a local volunteer all-female dance group  - The New Archangel Dancers - performed at the Harrigan Centennial Hall. Entry was $10USD adult and $5USD children for a 30 minute performance.  The group showcased traditional Russian heritage folk dancers and also gave some great insights, through an emcee, on the local history.

Also included was a presentation on the story of the Alaskan flag, how and when it came about and a recital of the State song. 

Just visiting the Centennial Hall was a highlight, the facility has a floor to ceiling glass wall with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
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Main street stores and sites

Sitka has a really quaint main street with wooden stores housing local arts, crafts and furs.  If you have a spare USD$15,000 you may want to buy a fur coat that the sales lady tells you will last your life time.   

Walk the streets of the tiny town made famous by the Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, film The Proposal. A walk along the main street will stroll you past St Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, Totem Square and The Sitka Pioneer’s Home and take the stairs up to the lookout where the official ceremony took place when Russia transferred Alaska to the US. 

WiFi Access
There is plenty of free wifi access at this port.  Upon arrival the crab shack offers access at the port terminal and once in town the library and community centre both offer really strong, free connections.

Enjoy your day in Sitka - such a pretty part of the world. There are so many other great things to do there that we did not get a chance to see - leave your comments below for any other tips or ideas to share with us and other readers.

Penny - Itchy Feet Family
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