Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Sitka

Nancy Nehring/iStockphoto.com
In 1804 Russians led by Alexander Baranov established a settlement on the site of an ancient Tlingit (KLINK-it) village; that settlement became the capital of Russian America. Originally named New Archangel, it was a thriving port of nearly 3,000 when San Francisco was just a mission village. Castle Hill marks the site of Baranov's headquarters and commemorates the 1867 ceremony that transferred ownership of Alaska from Russia to the United States. St. Michael's Cathedral, a restored Russian church with an onion-shaped dome, contains a collection of religious icons and artwork; phone (907) 747-8120.

The colorfully costumed New Archangel Dancers perform Russian dances in the Harrigan Centennial Hall auditorium, 330 Harbor Dr., during summer when large ships are in port; phone (907) 747-5516. Performances by the Sheet'ka Kwaán Naa Kahidi Native Dancers are given at the Tribal Community House on Katlian Street; phone (907) 747-7290.

For cruise ship and ferry passengers, Sitka Tribal Tours offers a short bus tour of Sitka, which includes guide service and round-trip transportation from the port; its native Alaskan guides all live in the Sitka community. The company also offers performances by native dancers as well as walking tours of the town and Sitka National Historical Park; phone (907) 747-0110.

Visitor Centers

Visit Sitka 104 Lake St. Sitka, AK 99835. Phone:(907)747-8604 or (800)557-4852

Things to Do

Alaska Raptor Center

Sheldon Jackson Museum

The Sitka History Museum

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP