About Sitka, Alaska

Situated on the west side of Baranof Island and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, islands, bays and inlets, Sitka is a natural wonder ripe with a vibrant history. Everywhere you look you'll find Mother Nature's handiwork, from bald eagles, seals, and sea lions to whales, and sea otters. Plus, the fishing is amazing.

Sitka was originally named Shee-Atika by Tlingit (pronounced Klink-et) natives. Russians were the first settlers to Sitka in 1799. By 1840, Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminon) had St. Michael's Cathedral built in downtown Sitka. Sitka was the Capitol during Russia's reign of Alaska. Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million – just pennies per acre. Today, you'll find plenty of reminders of the Tlingit and Russian histories throughout the community.


Finding Sitka

Sitka is accessible by plane or boat. Contact Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air at 800-426-0333. They have daily 737 flights into Sitka from Seattle. In addition, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferries provide ferry services to Sitka. They can be reached at 800-642-0066.

seattle-sitka map
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Why Sitka?

  • Highest catch rate for King salmon in Southeast Alaska: You will catch more fish.
  • Consistent fishing May-September: Continuous migration of fish with no down time.
  • Ocean bright feeding salmon: Fish bite all day long. Better fighting fish. The best table fare.
  • Multiple species each day: Catch salmon, halibut and bottom fish in the same day.
  • Fish are densely schooled feeders: Multiply hook-ups are common.
  • No strong tidal currents to tend with: Fish halibut anytime of the day
  • Inside/Outside waters: Never lose a day's fishing to weather.

Things to See and Do in Sitka

Alaska Raptor Center
Alaska's foremost bald eagle hospital and educational center is located on a 17-acre campus bordering the Tongass National Forest and provides medical treatment to 100-200 injured bald eagles and other birds each year.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
The oldest museum in Alaska, it was built in 1895-97. The museum is now on the National Register of Historical Places. All the Native groups in Alaska have artifacts on exhibit.
Russian Bishops House
One of four surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. Visitors can take Ranger-led tours and view exhibits. The Russian Bishop's House is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Sheet'Ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House and Dancers
The Naa Kahídi Dancers share their oral history through songs, stories and dances that have been passed down, generation to generation, for thousands of years.
Southeast Alaska Indian Culture Center
Housed in the Sitka National Park the visitor center offers the opportunity to learn about Northwest Coast native art. Visitors can view Sitka Tlingit community artists working and can talk to them about their craft and culture.
New Archangel Dancers
The New Archangel Dancers are a group of about 35 women who perform authentic Russian and Ukranian dances in full costume.
Isabel Miller Museum
Features the history of all cultures of Sitka's past in a museum operated by the Sitka Historical Society.