Sitka Excursion Guide

A growing number of cruise ships and independent travelers are making a stop in Sitka, Alaska. It’s a harbor town known for fishing, the Fortress of the Bears, eagles seemingly everywhere, and a lot more. Sitka is one of my favorite stops in Alaska, and there’s a lot packed into a small harbor town.

Sitka Self-Guided Jeep Adventure

I found this to be one of the easiest ways to pick up a car and just go explore. You can do some research ahead of time and figure out how you want to spend your day in Sitka, but honestly, it’s just beautiful to drive around.

It really depends on what you’re most interested in. You could grab some rods and head out fishing, or, like me, look for scenic photo stops and places to spend some time in nature. I talked with the local guide before heading out, and they pointed me in the right direction, which was really helpful.

I also liked the pre-programmed GPS. It takes you to local highlights, so you don’t have to spend your day figuring out where to go. I liked being able to explore at my own pace and then simply drop the car back off at the cruise ship terminal. Easy peasy.

Tongass National Forest Guided Hike

Hear me out on this one. Yes, you can absolutely go explore on your own ,but what I loved about this hike was being with locals who have grown up around these forests.

For them, it’s not just a place to visit; it’s home.

I loved the interpretive walk. There were so many little things the guide pointed out that I definitely would have missed on my own. We even tried berries I probably would have walked right past otherwise.

It was an easy hike, but I often think the people you experience a place with can make all the difference. This was definitely one of those times.

Wildlife Cruise & Alaskan Feast at Fin Island Lodge

I came hungry to this one!

There’s something pretty special about dining on a barrier island in Sitka Sound. We had some rain in the forecast, but it definitely didn’t dampen our spirits at Fin Island Lodge.

The wildlife viewing really never stopped. I saw whales and sea lions on the boat ride, and once we got to the lodge, it just kept going. Spying bears across the shore and lots of eagles.

I love playing “spot the eagle.” It’s basically the Where’s Waldo of Alaska, and somehow it never gets old.

Simply Amazing Sitka Tour

This one gives you a pretty good introduction to Sitka, and I liked that it was designed around the cruise ship schedule. My only wish was that I had a little longer at each stop.

The Raptor Center is my personal favorite. Hearing the stories behind the rehabilitation work makes you appreciate how much goes into caring for these birds and the research behind it.

The Fortress of the Bears can get quite busy, but it gives you a close-up look from the viewing platforms. They had a guide on hand to answer questions, and I always like asking how they decide on a bear’s name. Most had cultural influences, while Toby seemed to be a nod to The Office for fans of the show.

Then there’s Sitka National Historical Park, where you can walk along the shoreline, see the towering Tongass trees and take in the totem poles. I also really enjoyed the Alaska Native Heritage Center. There’s a lot to see and learn there, so I was glad we had time to visit.

By Lexy | Alaska Shore Excursions

Lexy is the Business Development Manager at Alaska Shore Excursions and has spent the past five years working with the local partners who operate Alaska excursions. She loves to travel and regularly gets to experience the tours she recommends firsthand. She enjoys getting out and exploring Alaska herself so she can share those experiences with travelers.