8 Hours: Whales, Totems and Raptors

By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

1. Whale watching on Sitka SoundSitka Expeditions, one of the top-rated boats, leaves from the float behind Harrigan Centennial Hall, right by the shuttle stop, for two hours on the water. Book before you sail, as some of the small boats take only six people. Whale Watching Boats →
2. Walk the totem trailSitka National Historical Park is about 20 minutes east of downtown along Lincoln Street. Its trail of about a mile passes 18 carved poles on the way to the site of the 1804 Tlingit fort. Entry is free. Sitka National Historical Park and Totem Trail →
3. The Alaska Raptor CenterKeep going east past the park to the center beside the Indian River, where injured eagles, owls and hawks are treated. Adult admission was $17 when we checked, and summer hours were 8am to 4pm. Alaska Raptor Center →
4. A Tlingit dance performanceBack on Katlian Street, the Sitka Tribe's community house stages half-hour performances on Saturdays, alternate Sundays and cruise-ship days. Adults paid $10. Sheet'ká Kwáan Naa Kahídi (Tribal Community House) →