Sitka's past is a unique blend of Tlingit culture and Russian history. Museums, parks, the Sitka Centennial Building, and many other informational historic activities are all part of the rich history of the city of Sitka. Mount Edgecombe, the Fuji-like dormant volcano rises above Sitka at 3,201 feet high. Wildlife adds to Sitka's natural beauty. With a mild climate, rich habitat and relatively low human population, Sitka is one of the best places to view Alaskan wildlife.
Nearby waters are a popular feeding ground for humpback whales in the late fall and early spring.
Summertime provides a wonderful opportunity to view tufted puffins and other sea birds at St. Lazaria National Wildlife Refuge. Sitka likes at the heart of the largest temperate rain forest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. This national forest encompasses 16.9 million acres. Wildlife abounds in the forest, with black tailed deer and its 2 main predators, the wolf and the bear. Mountain goats, lynx, wolverines, foxes, mink and land otters range widely through the area.