Sitka occupies a natural harbor on Baranof Island, one of the pieces of land that form Alaska's panhandle. No roads reach Sitka from the mainland; the city is accessible only by air or sea. Once in Sitka, visitors without cars can travel by foot, taxi, tour bus, or bicycle. The downtown area is not very large; most points of interest are within walking distance of each other.

Sitka's attractions reflect the rich cultural history of the area. Sitka is the ancestral home to the Tlingit Indians, was governed by Imperial Russia, and then was sold to the Americans. Several museums explain the story of Sitka through exhibits, demonstrations, and special programs. In addition, Sitka is home to twenty attractions listed on the National Register of Historic Places, eight of which are National Historic Landmarks.

Sitka experiences a temperate marine climate, characterized by heavy precipitation and a small temperature range between seasons. The temperatures in the Sitka area are moderate, ranging from an average daily low of 31 degrees Fahrenheit in January to an average daily high of 55 degrees in July and August. Most of the 96.6 inches average annual precipitation in Sitka occurs as rain. In early and mid-summer, Sitka experiences a relatively dry season. April through July receive 3 to 4 inches of rain per month. The wettest months of the year are September through November, with October receiving an average of 14.8 inches.

For more information about Sitka and southeast Alaska please visit one of the sites below.

Sitka
Sitka Convention and Visitor's Bureau
City and Borough of Sitka

Other National Parks in southeast Alaska
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

State of Alaska
Alaska Marine Highway System
State of Alaska
Southeast Alaska Travel Guide