Sitka Harbor

The communities of Alaska are unique in many ways, and Sitka is no exception. As an island city located in the ABC islands of Southeast Alaska, Sitka relies on its harbor system to bring goods, residents, and tourists in and out of the city. Sitka’s location and economy has led to the creation of the largest boat harbor system in Alaska.

About Sitka Harbor

The stunning scenery of Sitka makes it a popular place for cruise ship travelers to stop for both rest and adventure, and the harbor system of the city allows for beautiful views of the surrounding ocean and mountain peaks.
The Sitka Harbor Department operates several different boat harbors for the city, including:
• Crescent Harbor
• Sealing Cove Harbor
• ANB Harbor
• Thomsen Harbor
• Eliason Harbor
While many of the harbors are bustling operations for industry and tourism, visitors to the various city harbors can enjoy sightseeing and a firsthand look at life in an island city.

Visiting Sitka Harbor

Kayaking and day excursions around Sitka and its many harbors are popular attractions in the city, and the biggest draw to the area is the stunning natural scenery and wildlife. With its location on both Baranof Island and Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive every year by cruise ship—and boat, plane, or ferry are the only ways to access the city.

History

When the Russians invaded and occupied portions of Alaska in the 1800s, Sitka was a busy west coast seaport. When the land was transferred from the Russians to the United States in 1867, tourism quickly became a major part of the area’s economy. The Pacific Coast Steamship Company started cruises to Sitka as early as 1884—and within six years, the city was welcoming over 5,000 tourists every year.

Interesting Facts

There is plenty to see and do in Sitka, from visiting the docks and harbors to taking a walk through Old Sitka State Historical Park just north of Old Sitka Dock. Sitka’s five harbors are the centerpiece of the town’s survival, offering exciting opportunities to learn about the Alaskan lifestyle, get up-close to wildlife, and take in the incredible views of the surrounding area.

• Smithsonian magazine named Sika in the list of “Top 20 Small Towns to Visit in 2013.”
• Considered the largest harbor system in Alaska, Sitka’s ports offer 1,347 permanent slips.
• Sitka Harbor does relatively little international trade, but it is the 6th largest port by value when it comes to seafood harvest in the United States.
• The majority of cruise ships that arrive at Sika berth at Old Sitka Dock—a private deep water port at Halibut Point.
• The city of Sitka was mentioned many times in Dana’s Two Years Before the Mast—a 1834 account of a sailing voyage.
• Alaska Day is celebrated in Sitka on October 18th every year to commemorate the Alaska purchase. With an entire week of events, tourists and local residents come together for historical tours and programs, food, contests, and Native dancing.
• Sitka holds the honor of being the first bicycle-friendly community in Alaska, and it is the only Alaskan city to hold the designations of a Bicycle Friendly Community and a Walk Friendly Community.

Points of Interest

Sitka Harbor is the gateway into one of Alaska’s most interesting and beautiful cities—and there’s plenty to see and do once you land on Sitka’s shores! From hiking trips and historical tours to watching the ships dock at the local harbors, there’s no better way to spend a day than exploring Sitka’s many attractions.