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Sitka
 Resting
between snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sitka is easily
one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Alaska. It's certainly the
biggest. Encircling 4,710 square miles on Baranof Island, this former
Russian enclave covers more land than any other single city in
America.
View a video about
Sitka, Alaska
 
ST. MICHAEL'S
CATHEDRAL
Although the United States took control of Sitka in 1867, descendants
of the Russians who once owned the land still live there today. No
symbol shows their influence more than the landmark St. Michael's
Cathedral. Built in 1848, the original structure burned in 1966, only
to be replaced by a replica a decade later. Original artifacts and
icons, including the Sitka Madonna, were saved from the fire and are
on display.
RICH IN
RUSSIAN CULTURE
History enthusiasts will want to visit Castle Hill, once the site of a
two-story log mansion known as Baranof's Castle, which overlooked
Sitka Sound during the town's fur trading days. Today, only the stone
walls and mounted cannons remain as reminders of Russia's bloody
battles against the native Tlingit people. The Sitka National
Historical Park offers a wealth of information and artifacts relating
to the Tlingits, including totem poles that chronicle early life on
and around this fertile ground.
WILDLIFE
REHABILITATION
One of the most fascinating places to visit is the Alaska Raptor
Rehabilitation Center, which cares for as many as a dozen bald eagles
and other birds at any given time. The facility caters to rare
wildlife that is recovering from injuries incurred in the wild. Once
they've been nursed back to health, the animals are released back into
the wilderness, which you can also enjoy via numerous trails. Among
the more popular routes are the Indian River Trail, which parallels a
salmon-spawning stream, and the three-mile-long Gaven Hill Trail.
Princess also offers a Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest. |
