Sitka National Historical Park & Raptor Encounter

OVERVIEW

Upon arrival at the Sitka cruise terminal, you will head outdoors for a leisurely self-guided walk in the Sitka National Historical Park. The trail is lined with colorful totem poles that the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people carved and painted. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in the forest, preying on salmon in the river that you will cross there. At the end of the walk you will return to the cruise terminal and head into the Alaskan Odyssey Theater, and watch a film about bald eagles on a large high-definition screen, followed by a real-life encounter with raptors and the chance to see Alaska’s most iconic animals in the wild. The film will be shown in the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on a 5-story high, 180° dome screen for an immersive experience that is as close to reality as possible. After the show, a professional raptor handler will bring in a real bird of prey and talk about its behavior and characteristics. It may be a peregrine falcon, a snowy owl or golden eagle as all reside at the nearby Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a film about bald eagles on a high-def screen so large, the images appear lifelike.
• See a real bird of prey up close in the theater following the show.
• Keep an eye out for bald eagles while hiking in Sitka National Historical Park.
• Cross a river where bald eagles often prey on fish, especially spawning salmon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.