Petersburg, Alaska
M/V Sikumi's summer home port
May to September

About

Petersburg, Alaska had its’ beginnings in the 1890’s when Norwegian pioneers settled there. It is a picturesque small town that still makes its living from the sea and still proudly embraces its Norwegian heritage today. Modern day Petersburg has a population of just over 3,000 people and the town has grown into one of the largest fishing communities in Alaska. Halibut, salmon, herring and crab are all fished for today, much like they were when this prosperous community was founded. Petersburg has remained an authentic and peaceful small town, largely due to the fact that the big cruise ships can’t enter its narrow harbor. The town is unspoiled by throngs of tourists and tacky gift shops; instead you will find family owned grocery and hardware stores and a bustling fish market.

Where is it? (see maps above and below)

Petersburg is located in South East Alaska on Mitkov Island, which is divided from the much larger Kupreanof Island by a channel called the Wrangell Narrows. Mitkov Island sits in the heart of Alaska’s Inside Passage with Frederick Sound being the other main body of water to surround it.

Getting There

By Air
Alaska Airlines
0800-252-7522, www.alaskaair.com
Provides a twice daily jet service from Seattle, WA and Anchorage, AK with several stops in between.

L.A.B. Flying Service provides service between Petersburg, Juneau, and nearby Kake on Kupreanof Island with single and dual-engine aircraft.

By Sea
The Alaska Marine Highway System
0800-642-0066, www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs
serves Petersburg with several ferries. The main departure points heading north to Petersburg are Bellingham, WA and Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, which connects with the British Columbia Ferry System. From the north, the ferry system is accessible from the Alcan Highway at Skagway (via Whitehorse, Yukon Territory) or at Haines (via Haines Junction, Yukon Territory).

By Land (but still requiring a ferry ride):
There is no road access to Petersburg. However if you wish to take you car to Petersburg you can catch the Alaska Marine Highway system (see above) at a road accessed port town.

Eating Out

Joan Mei Restaurant – Excellent Chinese in a large, bright dining room.

Rooneys Northern Lights – Amazing Location on pilings overlooking the boat harbor.

Alaskafe – Pleasant for lunches with local art exhibits and indoor and outdoor dining areas.

What to do

For more information and a list of operators
contact Viking Travel 800-327-2571

Fishing: There are various fishing streams and lakes that can be accessed by road or if you prefer join an ocean fishing charter.

Sea Kayaking: Explore the protected waters of the Wrangell Narrows. Guided and unguided Sea Kayak Adventures are available from Tongass kayak Adventures. 907-772-4600.

Hikes: There is a wealth of wonderful hiking trails around Petersburg, from short walks to overnight hikes. For detailed trail information contact the Petersburg Ranger District Offices
(907-772-3871) or for trail maps try the Visitor Center.

Eagle Roost Park: This is an excellent place to view eagles roosting in trees, or take the trail down to the waters edge and watch the eagles and the waterfowl or explore the tide
pools at low tide.

Clausen Memorial Museum: The best place to go to learn about Petersburg’s colorful history. The museum houses a wide variety of memorabilia, from Alaska Native Artifacts to early commercial fishing and processing gear. You can also view a wide selection of videos about the culture and history of Petersburg.

Petersburg Marine Mammal Center: Offers information, an awesome interactive whale learning display and videos on whales and marine mammals of South East Alaska. The centers mission is to assist researchers and help develop programs on local marine life.

Visit Downtown Petersburg: From Galleries to Outfitter stores, Petersburg has a great deal to offer. Stroll through town and look down to see the inlaid bronze artwork in the sidewalks or look up to see the Norwegian rosemailing that adorns the shop fronts and make sure you don’t miss Sing Lee Alley Books. Nearby is the hustle and bustle of the canneries and fishing fleet. Walk around the boardwalk streets of Hammer Slough the tidal mouth of a creek that feeds the waterfront.

Explore Mitkov Island: Take your own vehicle or rent one and journey out on the road to experience the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Visit Blind River Rapids fishing area hike the Ohmer Creek Trail and walk the beaches of Sumner straight. Explore the muskegs or visit the Man Made swimming hole and picnic area.