Sitka - Site of Russian Discovery of Alaska and First Capital of Alaska

Sitka Faces Open Sea and Retains Its Russian Flavor

Sitka is the only port on Alaska Inside Passage cruises that faces the open Pacific. Small ships like the Spirit of Yorktown can navigate the very narrow Peril, Olga, and Neva Straits connecting the Chatham Strait with the Pacific Ocean before reaching Sitka. Larger ships like the Seven Seas Mariner arrive via the sea, anchor in the harbor, and tender passengers into town.

Sitka is celebrated as the site of Alaska's discovery in 1741. Sitka was the site of Alaska's transfer to the U.S. in 1867 and remained Alaska's capital until 1912. Sitka retains much of its Russian heritage, and St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Church is reminiscent of the town's past.

Sitka is an interesting port for walking, and it also has numerous outdoor activities such as salmon fishing. Our small boat with 4 passengers landed 10 coho (silver) salmon in just a couple of hours. We had several others hooked. It was an exciting afternoon, and our captain, Foy Nevers, entertained us with local stories.