4 Hours in Sitka
Russian Sitka on foot from the shuttle stop: the cathedral, Castle Hill and the Bishop's House.
By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026
- Start at Harrigan Centennial HallThe free shuttle from the cruise terminal drops you here, and tenders land at Crescent Harbor next door. The hall has the summer information desk, tour vendors and the Sitka History Museum. Sitka History Museum →
- St. Michael's CathedralA three-minute walk west along Lincoln Street. On ship days from May to September it opens 9am to 4pm, and most of the icons inside are the ones parishioners rescued from the 1966 fire. St. Michael's Cathedral →
- Climb Castle HillTake the stairs from Lincoln Street or the paved ramp from Harbor Way to the spot where the American flag replaced the Russian one on October 18, 1867. Entry is free. Castle Hill (Baranof Castle State Historic Site) →
- The Russian Bishop's HouseBack east along Lincoln Street, past the shuttle stop. From May to September rangers lead a tour of about 30 minutes through the bishop's rooms and chapel upstairs. Russian Bishop's House →
- Lunch without a tipBeak, at the foot of Lincoln Street, runs without gratuities and opens Wednesday to Saturday. Leave time to get back: the last shuttle leaves downtown 30 minutes before all-aboard. Beak Restaurant →
Walking map: the shuttle stop and downtown Sitka
The free shuttle from the cruise terminal stops at Harrigan Centennial Hall on Harbor Drive, and tenders land at Crescent Harbor beside it. St. Michael's Cathedral and Castle Hill are a few minutes west along Lincoln Street, the Russian Bishop's House is a few minutes east, and the totem trail in Sitka National Historical Park is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot at the east end of the street.
Map: USGS elevation; streets and buildings © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Questions visitors ask
When does the last shuttle leave?
The last bus leaves downtown 30 minutes before all-aboard. Work back from that time, not the sailing time, and allow for the queue at Harrigan Hall.
How far apart are the stops?
St. Michael’s Cathedral is a three-minute walk from the shuttle stop, and the cathedral, Castle Hill and the Bishop’s House are all within about 10 minutes of it.
Can I fit in Fortress of the Bear?
Not on foot: it is about 6 miles east and needs a ride. Best of Sitka Land Tour adds it with the totems and the Raptor Center in about 3 hours, which uses most of a short call.
Is the cathedral open when ships are in?
On ship days from May to September, St. Michael’s opens 9am to 4pm.
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