Way up North…

Yes, Sitka, Alaska is way up north. In Sitka you will find the natural splendor of the city  along with its diverse history and cultural heritage making the town a great place for seniors to visit and explore. Some of Sitka’s key attractions are listed here and there are more on the Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau web site.

With a population around 9,000, Sitka is the fourth-largest city by population in Alaska. Sitka is said to be the most beautiful of southeast Alaska cities. Nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, it is flanked on the east by majestic snow-capped mountains, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The climate is mild, and they get more than a fair share of “liquid sunshine”.

WebCams are always neat and the one for Sitka is no exception. Scenic beauty abounds and the locals find Sitka a great place to call home.  I have heard that folks who move to Alaska just don’t want to leave.  A vacation to Sitka would be one great reason to want to stay there even longer. YouTube takes seniors on a visit to a church built by Russians.

Accommodations flourish and there are many fishing and wildlife tours for seniors to consider. Check out Sitka for it’s Four Seasons. Sitka has its share of historical sites and the local Historical Museum will treat you to exhibits, photos, artifacts and archives.

Things For Seniors To Do in Sitka

The listing of things to Do is long and adventuresome and seniors will find plenty to do from hiking trails, taking in a National Historical Park to visiting a neat aquarium. Although first inhabited by Native Tlingit Indians, Sitka is recognized as the heart of the Russian influence in the Inside Passage.

The Russians Are Coming

No, the Russians were here. They arrived by 1741 and in 1804 attacked a Tlingit fort. After creating a city and staying for more than a century, the Russians sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. The official transfer ceremony was held in Sitka. Russians established Southeast Alaska’s first non-indigenous settlement in 1799, and the town flourished on fur.  Today Sitka’s Russian history is interesting and well preserved. Take a short tour of Downtown Sitka.

Sitka is a common stop on cruise routes and a regular stop along the Alaska Marine Highway System. Alaska Airlines also operates flights from Seattle and other Pacific Coast and southwestern cities to Sitka. The best way to see Sitka’s sights is on foot. Frommers will  help you not only get there but keep you well occupied once you arrive. Should be a great adventuresome trip, seniors.

Enjoy and listen to Johnny Horton sing North to Alaska.  jeb