Join an unforgettable deep dive into science and nature in Southeast Alaska.
This all-inclusive and unique itinerary includes all lodging, meals, transportation, workshop equipment, and excursion fees. Your adventure encompasses a whole spectrum of activities, including small group workshops featuring artists and local culinary traditions, an exclusive cruise in and around Sitka, to in-depth conversations with leading scientists. This week-long journey will be like none other, fully immersing you in the world of Southeast Alaska with its majestic old-growth forests and wild oceans. This unique event is limited to 10 participants and your registration fee will directly support the Sitka Sound Science Center and all its activities.
Experience Sitka up-close
Go behind the scenes of our aquarium, salmon hatchery, and regional research projects while supporting Sitka WhaleFest and the Science Center.
Harvest and eat local foods
Salmon, berries, mushrooms, and more! The Sitka Sound and the Tongass National Forest are rich in foods to forage.
Dive into what makes you curious
Time with local experts and the symposium speakers will have you diving deep and investigating your questions about the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Alaska.
Trip Overview
Tuesday, November 4 – Sunday, November 9
Where Science is Wild
Experience Sitka WhaleFest like never before. View marine wildlife with scientists onboard a half-day cruise, participate in private workshops that combine science and art, and enjoy the community celebration of marine science.
Activity Level: A Walk in the Park (or on the beach)
There will be a couple of 1-2 mile walks on a gravel trail, a tidepool exploration on our rocky shores, and an option snorkel/swim in the ocean. We will be based out of Sitka for the whole trip, allowing you time to explore the quaint downtown streets, walk along the harbor docks, or take a stroll through Sitka’s National Historical Park. Through our connections, you will have the unique opportunity to sit down with Sitkans who can share their knowledge and expertise as leaders in our community. November is a special time of year where the town comes together to celebrate science, art, and our community.
The cost for this special WhaleFest experience is $10,000. This amount supports early career scientists who attend the WhaleFest symposium. Students from University of Alaska Fairbanks, Iḷisaġvik Tribal College, and University of Alaska Southeast visit Sitka to experience a scientific symposium and network with leading scientists. This trip package includes lodging, meals, and travel from the airport, as well as all workshop fees, supplies, and equipment. It does not include air fare to and from Sitka, or other associated travel fees.
Secure your spot
Sitka Sound Science Center staff will be in touch with information and special announcements about WhaleFest as we look forward to November!
Sample Itinerary
Tuesday, November 4
Morning: Get to know your hosts! Tour the Sitka Sound Science Center, meet the staff, and overview the week of WhaleFest activities. Help Matt Wilson, aquarist, as he feeds the aquarium animals.
Afternoon: Take a guided hike in the Tongass National Forest at the Kaasda Heen (Indian River) Trail. You will follow a glacially-fed river and see the old-growth giants of the temperate rainforest.
Wednesday, November 5
Morning: Snorkel or cold dip in the Sitka Sound to wake up like a local! Warm up with coffee and a sauna session.
Afternoon: Spend time with the Science Center hatchery crew and sample young king salmon that are part of a research project.
Evening: Learn from Mary Goddard (right), also known as Alaska Mary, as she shares about her foraging journey. This workshop is the official community kick-off to the week. Taste salmon, bull kelp pickles, beach asparagus, and more. Check out her food blog, Forest Fresh Alaska, to get a preview of some of her favorite recipes.
Thursday, November 6
Morning: Take to the water for a chance to view wildlife in the Sitka Sound. Sea otters, seabirds, whales, eagles, and sea lions are popular residents to see this time of year.
Afternoon: Practice the traditional Formline art style with painter and carver Aandaa Robert Hofmann, whose work is featured in the Stonington Gallery, Seattle.
Evening: The Film Night is a WhaleFest staple. Featuring a film relevant to the theme, you will watch the film and have a Q & A with the filmmakers.
Friday, November 7
Morning: Sit down with a cultural educator and discuss place, language, and Indigenous Science in Southeast Alaska. Depending on the speaker, this could include a walk through the Sitka National Historical Park (known as Totem Park).
Afternoon: Attend the first day of the science symposium and hear from three scientists about their work as it relates to this year’s theme: entwined.
Evening: The Maritime Grind is a beloved WhaleFest tradition, with local talent performing sea shanties, tales of whales, or other exciting acts.
Saturday, November 8
Morning: WhaleFest weekend includes community activities like the Fun Run 5k, a marine necropsy, or a community wildlife cruise. You can opt in to one of these activities or enjoy a morning to yourself.
Afternoon: The symposium continues at Centennial Hall. Three speakers will present and the break times allow for shopping at the WhaleFest market.
Evening: Marine Trivia is a popular and fun event for the community. Do you know.
Sunday, November 9
Morning: Create unique metal whale art with Mike Viera, or participate in another WhaleFest event.
Afternoon: the third day of Sitka WhaleFest features the final three scientists of the symposium.
Evening: WhaleFest after-party with staff, scientists, and several community members.
Monday, November 10
Morning: Debrief the week over coffee and pastries while we share photos with Sitka Sound Science Center staff.
Lodging and Food
Stevenson Hall, a building of Sitka Music Festival, is located on the historic Sheldon Jackson campus. You will be one minute from the Sitka Sound Science Center and within 10 minutes of downtown Sitka. Each room has a private bathroom and there are laundry facilities on-site. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a half kitchen upstairs.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided for you. Stevenson Hall also has a communal kitchen for any foods that you would like to have available. Local caterers and chefs will create menus to showcase the foods of Southeast Alaska.
In November, we can harvest low-bush cranberries in the muskeg. We will also taste-test kelp and other beach greens, as well as locally caught fish and shellfish. As the late cultural leader Daanax.ils’eix, Chuck Miller, has taught us, “when the tide is out, the table is set.” Food here is abundant, diverse, and healthy, so we will be sure to spend time harvesting and cooking these traditional foods.
Meet the Team
While you will be meeting scientists, artists, and cultural leaders from around Alaska, the staff of the Sitka Sound Science Center will be your hosts. Our small field station is operated by educators, research staff, the hatchery crew, our facilities and aquarium team, and our administrative department. Pictured below is part of the staff while meeting with Senator Lisa Murkowski.
Suggested Packing List
Weather will range from cold to cool and will likely include rain. Wool, Smartwool, or polypro fabrics are recommended for clothing. Also, Sitka is a casual place where rain boots are an everyday item.
Personal Clothing:
- Rain gear – jacket and pants if you have
- Warm coat – an insulated/wind-breaking layer
- Long underwear
- Jacket – a warm fleece or thick wool sweater
- Boots – if you have rubber boots, bring them
- Sturdy shoes for walking and hiking
- Warm hat (and/or rain hat)
- Gloves or mittens
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Wool socks (multiple pairs)
- Swimsuit (for snorkeling and polar dips!)
Gear:
- Backpack – something comfortable enough to carry while hiking
- Binoculars
- Water bottle
- Reusable coffee/tea mug (can be handy to have and avoids one-use cups)
- Umbrella – optional, if you have a collapsible one that fits in your luggage
- Snorkeling – we will provide gear, but you are welcome to bring your own mask if you prefer
Photo credits to Caitlin Blaisdell and Sitka Sound Science Center Staff.