Sitka: A Diverse Community,
Offering Many Attractions
Sitka has a population of
approximately 8,600 permanent
residents, more than 20% of
which are members of Alaska
Native groups. A small Russian
emigrant community and a
substantial Filipino community
also thrive in Sitka.
The Historic Russian And Alaska
Native Presence Is In Evidence
Throughout Sitka
St. Michaels Russian Orthodox
Cathedral dominates the skyline
of downtown Sitka. The Sitka
National Historical Park has
preserved important Russian
colonial elements throughout the
community, including the 1804
Tlingit/Russian battle site and
Bishop Innocent's former home,
the "Russian Bishops House".
Castle Hill, the downtown Sitka
site of the Russian/American
transfer in 1867, is an
important element of the Alaska
State Parks system. Both the
Sheldon Jackson Museum, on the
Sheldon Jackson College campus,
and the Isabel Miller Museum,
located in Sitka's convention
center (home to Russian
folkdance performances by the
New Archangel Dancers), offer
glimpses into the community's
Russian colonial and Alaska
Native heritage.
The Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi
(tribal community house), on
Katlian Street, features Native
dance performances througout the
summer months. Handcrafts from
Native artisans, in addition to
being available at the Sheet'ka
Kwaan Naa Kahidi, can also be
seen at the Southeast Alaska
Indian Cultural Center located
in the Sitka National Historical
Park visitor center.
Sitka's Natural Wonders Are
Boundless
Wildlife is abundant as a result
of a rich maritime environment
and a low human population
density in the Sitka area. Sitka
remains one of the best places
to view wildlife in Alaska.
Humpback whales feed in the area
in the summer, fall and early
winter. Eagles and ravens are
found throughout the area and
bird watching is top notch at
the nearby at St. Lazaria
National Wildlife Refuge where
puffins and other sea birds are
the star attractions. Ample
opportunities to spot sea
otters, sea lions, and other
marine wildlife are also
available while out on the
waters of Sitka Sound.
Well-marked mountain trails
provide easy access to
spectacular forest vistas near
Sitka and sport fishing in Sitka
is among the best available on
the west coast of North America.
Kayaking adventures through the
many picturesque local islands
are also popular with visitors.
