Culture, History, & Nature

Sitka was a port we had never visited before, but it was one of the easiest to research before sailing. We already knew what we wanted to see and do, which made us excited for the day.

Our ship docked at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, about five and a half miles from downtown. We boarded the free shuttle bus, and Benson was thrilled to ride. Our driver, however, left much to be desired. His jokes were more obnoxious than funny, and the short drive could not end fast enough.

Sitka National Historical Park

The shuttle dropped us off at the Sitka Historical Society & Museum, which also served as the pickup point. We hoped to get a taxi for my dad, but most were booked. Numbers I was given either did not work or went to voicemail. He and my mom started walking the mile toward Sitka National Historical Park until a taxi stopped and another passenger offered to share the ride. Dawn and I continued the walk as I pushed the kids in the sit-and-stand stroller.

The park highlights history, culture, and nature. The museum was a decent size, though the exhibits were small. They included artifacts and information about the Tlingit people and their conflicts with Russia beginning in 1802 and lasting until the sale of Alaska in 1867. The museum also displayed historic totems in Totem Hall.

Inside the visitor center was the cultural center, where artist and woodcarver Tommy Joseph worked. He creates totem poles, bentwood boxes, masks, and armor, and visitors can learn about the meaning behind his work. The park also includes a totem walk through the forest.

At Indian River, visitors can stand on a bridge and watch salmon spawn. While we were there, other guests asked why the fish were not harvested. A ranger explained that salmon at the end of their life cycle lose food value and are left for the ecosystem. They often feed bears, though since the return of tourism, the bears have avoided the area. Part of me wanted to see one, but I was also thankful because fewer encounters mean less risk to the animals.

Exploring Sitka National Historical Park was a highlight of our Sitka Alaska cruise port visit, blending culture, history, and nature.

Exploring Downtown Sitka

From the park we made our way into town and browsed some of the local shops. I treated myself to a cup of local coffee, which turned out to be the most expensive drip coffee I have ever had.

A short walk away was St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, founded in 1834. Although I have visited many churches over the years, I had never seen one like this. The exterior was plain, gray with white trim, and topped with tarnished green copper. If I had not known it was a church, I might not have guessed. The interior was the opposite. Gold and white paint covered much of the space, and a chandelier hung for candles to be lit. What surprised me most was the absence of pews or seats.

After visiting the church, we explored the shops nearby. As I have gotten older, I try to buy fewer things that lack long-term meaning. Even so, Sitka had tempting options. The hand-painted Matryoshka dolls were stunning but far too expensive. The Santa statues were also unique but well beyond what I considered my “fun budget.”

While shopping, we overheard locals discussing an incoming storm. Heavy rain and gale-force winds were expected that night. I found a hat I liked and bought it, while my mom found a full-sized suitcase. This was a lucky break since hers had been damaged when it was loaded onto the ship. With a new bag, she avoided struggling with a broken wheel the rest of the trip. As a reminder, if your luggage is damaged, always report it rather than paying out of pocket.

Rain in Sitka

By early afternoon the rain began as a light sprinkle but quickly turned into a downpour. Navigating Sitka’s streets with a stroller was already difficult, and in heavy rain it became miserable. Our jackets were water resistant, but they were not enough. Our clothes were soaked, we were cold, and I was frustrated. Even though we had a couple of hours left before we needed to head back, we cut the day short.

We returned to the museum and caught the city bus back to the Sitka Alaska cruise port. Our driver that afternoon was a friendly grandfather who had lived in Sitka most of his life. He talked about his plans to spend winters in Arizona near a golf course, and he was a pleasant contrast to our morning driver.

Storm at Sea

That night the storm arrived exactly as predicted. The National Weather Service reported 2.86 inches of rain along with gale-force winds. At sea it made for our roughest night on board. The ship pitched back and forth in a steady rhythm, and the closet door creaked open and shut with every sway.

It was a memorable ending to our Sitka Alaska cruise port visit and a reminder that Alaska’s weather is as much a part of the journey as the destinations themselves.

For more travel inspiration and tips about exploring Alaska, visit travelalaska.com or alaska.org. To dive deeper into what Icy Strait Point offers, check out their official site for up-to-date details and excursions.

Stay tuned as we share more from our adventure at sea! To read about day five of my Alaska adventure, visit Day 5: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska or Day 7: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska. Also explore the whole story at 2025 Second Alaska Cruise.