We did a bike/hike through our cruise lines, which we thoroughly enjoyed!!! If I'm correct, it was one of the lesser priced activities, as well.

I forget the name of the park/beach we biked out to, was beautiful, the hike was very, very green!!! Crossed a small bridge where we stopped to watch the salmon running, incredible.

Have planned our own activities in other locations, but chose to go w/the cruise line on this one.

Had time to wander back in town after the bike/hike.

Enjoy!

My first time in Sitka will be in November. But here is what I have in my file for Sitka:

http://www.nps.gov/sitk/ - Sitka National Historic Park

http://www.fortressofthebear.org/

There are excellent boat tours from Sitka that are independent. www.sitkasoundtours.com is one I have heard recommended in the past.

Don't worry about booking with independent vendors - tell them you are on the cruise ship and they will know when to get you back to the ship.

John

Take a walk in the Totem Park and tour the Bishop's House.

Go to the Wintersong Soap Company for handmade soaps from Alaska.

Take a walk through the Russian Cemetery. Very interesting.

Walk to the Raptor Center if you are interested in seeing the wildlife there. There are also presentations there I believe.

I did a whale watching trip while I was there.

Was in Sitka 2 years ago and remember it as one of my favorite days in the Inside Passage. Walked from the dock to the Totem Trail park and walked the entire trail. The totems were inspiring and the walk so peaceful. Not crowded at all as many visitors do not get past the front entrance. You can then take a back trail out of the park which leads to the Raptor Center. This trail goes along a stream which was full of spawning salmon. The Raptor Center was very nice with a terrific talk using a live eagle and many other birds to be viewed. There was a back trail that you could take out of the Raptor center as well which went by a steam and then over a wetland area. I then walked back to town and visited some of the local galleries. If I can find the source for the map I used I will post later. I am also an outdoors/nature person and this was perfect! My husband sent the day fishing and did not have near as much fun as I did.

You could go fishing. We did and shipped my fish back to Ohio via a local processor there. You can also buy additional fish so that you have a full shipment since it's a bit pricey to dry ice and ship. But so worth it. We don't get salmon or halibut like this in Cincinnati!

Go to http://experience.fishsitkarose.com/ The captian is Rey and he is retired from the coast guard.