Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Sitka, Alaska
Year Listed: 2010
Tucked away on the coast of Baranof Island in Southern Alaska, Sitka is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and rests in the shadow of the dormant Mt. Edgecumbe volcano. The town boasts a history dating back 10,000 years when the Tlingit Natives migrated to what is now the largest remaining temperate rainforest in the world. Later, Sitka became the Russian-American capital and was known as the "Paris of the Pacific." Many of the sites and traditions that make up Sitka's cultural heritage are still at the center of daily life in the bustling downtown.
Activities
As Sitka is only reachable by boat or plane, visitors will find that most of the town's noteworthy sites are within a short distance of each other and are easily accessible on foot, bike or via public transportation. Art lovers will enjoy the Sheldon Jackson Museum, housed in the first concrete building in Alaska and containing the most extensive ethnographic collection of the indigenous peoples of Alaska and the North Pacific Region. The nearby 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest provides ample opportunity for hiking, backpacking and camping and the island boasts world class diving and charter fishing trips.
National Trust Tours: Journey to Alaska, last of the great American frontiers, on a cruise of the Inside Passage aboard the six-star Silver Shadow.
Culture and Tradition
The Tlingit and Russian cultures are alive and well in the city of Sitka – so much so that the native Tlingit language is still taught in the local schools. Visitors will notice that many of the city's landmarks are still in use for their original purposes; the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall established in 1914 is a meeting place and activity center for the local indigenous culture. Castle Hill, located downtown, served as the center of power for both the Tlingit and Russian cultures and was eventually the site of the territory's transfer from Russian to American hands. Visitors can experience both cultures through the performances of the Sheetka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers and the New Archangel Dancers who demonstrate traditional Tlingit and Russian dances daily in the summer.
Don't Miss:
To plan your trip and learn more about Sitka, visit the Sitka Historic Preservation Commission.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Old Duffer at: May 16, 2010
Great Sitka Videos. Nearly 100 online. Free to view or use. sitkaalaskavideo.blogspot.com
Submitted by Mumsy at: April 12, 2010
I was born and raised in Sitka and there is no place more beautiful on God's green earth. You should visit it before you die and you will think you are in heaven...well, only if it sunshines. And that happens at least twice every year when you pray hard. :-)
Submitted by John D. at: March 30, 2010
i lived in Sitka by the sea for 15 years. worked at KIFW/KSBZ for 15 years. was the voice of the Sitka Wolves and Mt. Edgecumbe Braves for 10 yrs. got to visit last summer. saw some old friends and even did "problem Corner" while i was there. really miss diving with my partner Frank. sorry if i did not get to see you....
Submitted by Kris at: March 23, 2010
We loved the wonderful people we met who shared their love of Sitka with us. We can't stress enough - "be an independent traveler and spend as much time as you can exploring this great community". We were there a week and could have stayed longer! Hope to be able to return again some day - wonderful experience for our 40th anniversary.
Submitted by Ustman at: March 8, 2010
I have lived here for 30 years. I have been everywhere in Alaska and across the US. Sitka is truly the Paris of the Pacific. It has it all!!! Breathtaking, heartstopping beauty, and people who appreciate and take care of each other.
Submitted by Bluebear at: March 5, 2010
Experience the peace, solitude,beauty and quiet of small town S.E. Alaska, Sitka - loaded with signs of ancient indigenous Tlingit presence and recent Russian history. Smell and experience the salt air and the rain forest.
Submitted by jack mac. at: February 28, 2010
Alaska is so great love it up their .
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 27, 2010
Great sunsets and great people....
Submitted by Anonymous at: February 27, 2010
Sitka is one of a kind....
Submitted by CB at: February 25, 2010
Here's some interesting info ... xo
Submitted by patouli at: February 24, 2010
I came to Sitka as a traveling tech about 2yrs ago. I fell in love with it as soon as I got off the plane. I made my decision to stay and haven't looked back. There is not a place more beautiful than Sitka, even when it is raining. Haha, all ya'll Sitkans know what I'm talking about. Love this place!!!!!
Submitted by Gaines at: February 24, 2010
the P bar was great fun while I was in Alaska on a business trip. I enjoyed the native dancers that I happened upon on an Alaskan holiday. The Russian influence in the architecture was really facinating
Submitted by khaki at: February 24, 2010
When I first saw the whales I couldnt believe it. I shared all the pictures with my class when I did a class project on Alaska. Sitka was the prettiest city we went to on our Alaskan cruise ..and the shopping was great. the redheaded lady at the informatin booth was really funny.
Submitted by Maggie at: February 24, 2010
The people of sitka with their warm and inviting hospitality make my #1 destination anytime I venture away from the deep south. The majestic mountains and beautiful hiking trails leave you breathless by their beauty.
Submitted by Sitka John at: February 23, 2010
Sitka is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I try to stop and look every day, in awe even after 15 years of living here.
Submitted by joe the foot at: February 23, 2010
the movie the proposal takes place here sitka has great brick stores and cool banana trees
Submitted by Funstuff at: February 23, 2010
Sitka is a beautful family oriented town that has something to offer for every age and stage....
Submitted by sitkadiver at: February 23, 2010
Good quality of life! Great people, not to big but not to small, if you can handle a little rain its paradise. Oh yes and the scuba diving is the best!
Submitted by Bea at: February 23, 2010
a great place to visit.
Submitted by AnamCara at: February 23, 2010
This is one of the most sacred places in North America...you can truly feel the presence of Spirit in this place and the beauty is breathtaking. The people are also warm and kind.