What do you do in the winter?

Sitka’s fall and winter are very busy for the local community. Sitka is known for being very social and full of hospitality. An array of music, talent shows, art-inspired events, educational speakers, fundraising events and other exciting happenings take place frequently during this time frame. If you visit Sitka in fall or winter, please check out the local events through the Sitka Community Calendar or visit the Events Page for a list of annual events.

Are the large ship docking areas far from town?

Old Sitka Dock is located about six miles north of downtown district. A free shuttle bus service is provided by the port to and from downtown Sitka. The drop off / pick up location is Harrigan Centennial Hall. The shuttle ride is 10 to 15 minutes and the buses depart every 10 minutes.

The two larger ship lightering areas, Crescent Harbor and O’Connell Bridge, are both located in Sitka’s downtown area.

Are there paid public showers available in Sitka?

Yes, at the Hames Center and Blatchley Middle School.

Hames Center
121 John Brady Dr. Sitka, AK 99835
907-747-5080
hamescenter@gmail.com

Blatchley Middle School
www.sitkaschools.org
601 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
(907) 747-8672)

Will my cell phone work in Sitka?

Probably. However, you might want to check with your cell phone provider to see if you have coverage in Sitka. In Sitka, there are places that cell phones may not work at all (i.e., at the end of our road systems or certain places out on the ocean).

Can I bring my pet to Sitka?

Yes, but please check with the airlines or Alaska Marine Highway for their regulations regarding pet health certificates because they may require a health certificate that is dated within a certain time frame of your departure. We also suggest you check with your lodging accommodations to see if pets are accepted or if a deposit is required. Sitka has an enforced dog leash law.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are no commercial luggage storage options in town, however, many lodging facilities are generous in their luggage storage offerings.  Check with your hosts.

Are there transportation options available to Sitka's main attractions?

There are a variety of options available including tours, direct shuttles, taxis, scooter and bike rentals. Please see Transportation.

Is local bus service available?

Yes, Sitka’s public transit, the Ride, operates Monday-Friday, 6:30am-6:30pm. The hourly routes include Halibut Point Road, the ferry terminal, Japonski Island (does not include the airport, but includes Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital and the University of Alaska), Sawmill Creek Road ending at Gary Paxton Industrial Park from downtown Sitka. Please note The Ride is primarily for residential transit in and out of city center. Please visit ridesitka.com to download their route and pickup stops, time schedule and fees.  All buses are wheelchair accessible.  Please call (907) 747-7103 for more information.

Where can I do laundry?

Sitka Laundry Center, 906 Halibut Point Road
Baranof Laundromat, 1211 Sawmill Creek Road

Can I see the northern lights from Sitka?

Sometimes, when the conditions are just right! Check out our blog post about northern light viewing in Sitka for the right conditions and the best viewing spots.

Aurora Forecast

Do you really have 6 months of daylight and 6 months of darkness?

Not in Sitka, although that statement isn’t too far off for Alaska’s highest northern villages, such as North Pole or Utqiagvik. In the summer months, Sitka sees daylight from around 4:00 am – 10:00 pm. During the winter, the sun rises close to 9:00 am and sets around 3:30 pm.