Weekend Window: Sitka, Alaska
Nov. 12, 2006 — -- Nestled between forested mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Sitka Sound is one of Alaska's hidden treasures.
"Sitka is often called the Paris of the Pacific," said John Dunlap of Allen Marine Tours. "There are mountains that just come right to the sea. And right now they're very snow-capped so it's very spectacular."
Situated on Alaska's Baranof Island, Sitka is known for whale watching.
"People come from around the world to watch whales here," Dunlap said. "Whales have a special place in the heart of most people. But even if you live right here in Sitka … it's not uncommon to pack up the family and watch whales for the day.
"They're just amazingly accessible," he added. "Hop on a boat, get under way and odds are within five minutes you're going to be watching humpback whales."
Spectacular sights abound on land as well as in the sea: The majestic volcano Mt. Edgecumbe towers over Sitka.
"Edgecumbe is really kind of iconic," said Dunlap. "You can't think of Sitka after you've been here without picturing the volcano in your mind."
The area is rich in history. Tlingit Native Americas lived in and around Sitka centuries before the Russians or Americans ever set foot on the island's rocky shores.
"There have been people around this area for maybe the last 8[000] to 10,000 years," said Karen Meizner of the Sitka Historical Society. "For anybody who comes to Sitka, plan to spend some time to investigate not only the history of Sitka, but also the culture that Sitka has."
With a wealth of natural beauty and intriguing history, Sitka offers something for everyone.
"It's hard without seeing it, but to put it into words, Sitka Sound is one of the most dynamic environments you can imagine," said Dunlap.
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