Sitka or Icy Strait Point

[peggyy]

Looking at 2 RCL intineraries that are the same with that one exception. Looks like the Icy Straight route is "inside" more but lots to do in Sitka. Any comments? Thanks...

[Yukon]

We prefer Sitka by far - a more vibrant community, far more to do, and amazingly rich country around it for bird/marine wildlife viewing. We're still trying to figure out how to get down there for a week in June for the Music Festival, but will be there in July on the Amsterdam, and have booked Captain Davey for the entire day....

 

Murray

[peggyy]

Thanks. I was leaning that way and RCCL board agreed with you 100%.

[JohnQ]

Murray,

What kind of wildlife or scenic tours have you done in Sitka? On our only trip there, we did 2 bus tours for native culture and russian influence. Looking for something different in mid Sep. We preferred ISP for its more natural setting and would like to go back for the bear viewing. We don't get to Skagway this time, darn!!! Next trip. Thanks.

[martinsfo]

Sitka is wonderful. Lots of hiking in the forest areas, as well as some very interesting cultural areas.

[agabbymama]

Haven't been to Icy Straight, but thoroughly enjoyed Sitka. The first thing you see is a huge building that is the Pioneers Home (and still in operation today). It was built in the 1800's for penniless pioneers ( I found it so interesting that it is still there for the poor and homeless). The once off the tender, across the street from the pier is a Baranhof (Sp?) Hill. The former site of the Russian Castle of the same name, but also the site where the first U.S. flag was raised when we purchased Alaska from Russia. Lots of Russian History and influence in Sitka. Then onto a hop on/hop off shuttle for $10 that makes about 7 stops around town at the most interesting sites. We rode it to the top of a hill to the Raptor Center (separate entrance fee). The driver showed us a path to walk DOWNHILL through the rain forest to a museum with totems and canoe carving. Then the Russian Orthodox Cathedral right in the center of town. Other museums too. And of course shopping in the downtown area. Sitka is a walkable town. We loved it, even in the pouring rain.

[Yukon]

Murray,

What kind of wildlife or scenic tours have you done in Sitka? On our only trip there, we did 2 bus tours for native culture and russian influence. Looking for something different in mid Sep. We preferred ISP for its more natural setting and would like to go back for the bear viewing. We don't get to Skagway this time, darn!!! Next trip. Thanks.

 

We do a lot of walking in Sitka (the forest trails through the totem pole park are fabulous), and go out on Esther G ( http://puffinsandwhales.com ). In July we're going on an all-day charter with them that includes a gourmet beach picnic, and if we get down for that week in June we'll be looking at hiking Mt. Edgecumbe, the dormant volcano that dominates the view.

 

Murray