Sitka Walking??

[cle1]

We will be going to Alaska in May, for the first time. Sitka is the only place where the cruise line does not offer a tour that appeals to us. We were wondering if we could go off on our own, or find a guide, for a hike on some trails. Would appreciate some input......Thanks

[jukeboxy]

The tender pier is a quarter mile or less from downtown and you can wonder to your hearts delight. It is a small area and you lose some of the chatter from the tour guide but you will see the charm of the place.

I liked it myself.

[Mike2131]

We will be going to Alaska in May, for the first time. Sitka is the only place where the cruise line does not offer a tour that appeals to us. We were wondering if we could go off on our own, or find a guide, for a hike on some trails. Would appreciate some input......Thanks

 

With the National Park, the Russian heritage, and compact size, Sitka was made for exploring. Do you need a guide - not really. Get a good map and guide book, plan your areas of interest, then enjoy!

[RockyTopMom]

Sitka is an ideal "city" to explore on your own. We even took dirty laundry into town with us and found a little hotel on the Main Street, "Hotel Sitka", I believe, that advertised they had public laundry facilities. It was raining so we did our laundry, they stored it for us in a locked cupboard, we grabbed something to eat in the little cafe attached and then went wandering.

 

Be sure to bring your National Park Pass, if you have one. We walked to the end of town, into the National Park, viewed all the totem poles, went out the back way, over a little bridge and about two blocks left & up the hill, into the Rapture Center. We then walked back into the downtown area, viewed the Russian church, shopped for post cards, etc., picked up our clean/dry laundry (no charge), gave the gal at the desk a few dollars tip for holding it for us and made our way back to the tender.

 

Inexpensive and productive day!

[Budget Queen]

Very simple to go on your own, there is a loop bus if you have mobility limits. But a good idea is to purchase the cheap totem guidebook at the Sitka National Heritage Park and walk the mile loop trail. The guidebook will enhance the walk with the totems explained. Request their visitor guide http://www.sitka.org

[Onessa]

It's really the only way - Sitka has a great history and heritage that makes it best to just discover on your own. Do your reading - make stops at the Russian Orthodox cathedral and the Bishop's quarters. The national park is a nice walk the loop we like is very easy but still had a lot to see. Sitka's not quite as "touristy" as some of the other ports.