Nestled on the mountainous Baranof Island on the outer waters of the Inside Passage, Sitka is considered by most Alaskans to be the most beautiful sea-side town in Alaska. The Sound's pristine waters are abundant with wildlife including Giant humpbacks, sea otters, eagles, harbour seals and boisterous sea lions.
As the capital of Russian-America, Sitka was the site of the ceremony in which the Russian flag was lowered and the United States flag raised after Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867. Sitka served as the capital of the Alaska Territory until 1906, when the seat of government was relocated to Juneau.