Whale watching is a great family-friendly activity when visiting Sitka.
For families looking to plan a trip, Sitka is an excellent choice. From child-friendly performances to old fashioned ice cream shops to soft outdoor adventures there are a number of suitable and worthwhile experiences for all ages. To help you plan your trip, here is a guide to Sitka for families.
New Archangel Dancers
Entertain your family with a performance by the New Archangel Dancers, who showcase Russian folk dances and music to remind people of Alaska’s Russian history. Performances take place at Harrigan Centennial Hall, and performances are narrated so audiences can better understand what is going on. Shows last about 30 minutes with seven different acts, perfect for getting a dose of culture and keeping little ones from getting antsy. Call 907-747-5516 for show times and to purchase tickets ($10).
Go whale watching
People of all ages can appreciate seeing a whale in its native habitat. On a Sitka Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour, you and your loved ones will board the Glacier Bay catamaran for a day on the Pacific Ocean. Along with humpback and gray whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, sea otters, bear on local beaches and over 280 bird species can be spotted (so make sure to have your camera ready!).
Glacier Bay Seaplane Tour
A Glacier Bay Seaplane Tour offers the opportunity for families to take in beautiful and rare scenery together. The experience will undoubtedly bring you and your family closer as you share the wonderful memory, all enjoyed from a three- to five-seater seaplane. From above, some attractions of note you’ll see include Chichagof Island (the country’s fifth-largest island), the Juneau Icefield, Glacier Bay National Park, Bartlett Cove and more.
Have a sweet treat
Those wanting to savor food in Alaska should head to Harry Race Soda Fountain. This old fashioned spot will induce nostalgia in adults and wonder in children, as along with pharmacy and photo services they serve delicious hot fudge sundaes, banana splits, shakes, malts, cones and, the highlight, root beer floats featuring locally-made root beer from Baranof Island Brewing Co. It’s a great place for a pick-me-up when you get tired from all your sightseeing.
Go for a hike
Alaska is known for its spectacular scenery, with Sitka itself offering a number of easy and scenic hikes suitable for the whole family. Some suggestions include Gavan Hill Trail, where you’ll walk on a boardwalk through spruce-hemlock and alpine woodland; the four-mile (six-kilometer) round-trip Blue Lake Overlook trail with crystal lake views; and the 15-minute Estuary Life Trail, excellent for bird watching. These are just a few of the many options for hiking.
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