Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Make the most of your vacation time in Sitka by taking a 1-hour guided tour. This is the only tour in Sitka that brings you through the downtown area. Sitka's downtown is full of Russian buildings, gold-rush architecture, and fantastic seafood restaurants.
• The only tour to go through Sitka's historic downtown area
• Enjoy an alternative walking tour of Sitka with a local guide
• Tour is perfect for those interested in history, culture, & local tips
• Hear many stories from the Russian Era of Alaska
This small fishing town was once the capital of Russian America. You will gain a unique local perspective of Sitka as you are led through the historic downtown of a city rich with Tlingit indigenous culture.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
CRUISE PASSENGERS: Take the free shuttle from the cruise ships into downtown. Your guide will be dressed in a red jacket, at the LEFT CORNER of the main building in front of the shuttle drop-off (Centennial Hall). If you are not on a cruise: please still meet in front of Centennial Hall.
Top of Baranof Castle State Historic Site or "Castle Hill". This location is a 5 min walk from the cruise ship shuttle drop-off site (tour meeting point) and a 2 min walk from downtown Sitka.
Itinerary
-
1
The first stop on the tour is in front of picturesque Crescent Harbor. The guide will explain the daily workings of a fishing town in Alaska from the personal perspective of a commercial and charter fisherman.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Our guide will discuss the role the famous Sitka Sound Science Center plays in researching sustainable fishing. If one of the salmon runs is occurring it is possible to see salmon jumping up the stream into the hatchery processing station.
Admission ticket free -
2
Taking a step back in time, our guide will tell the history of the Sheldon Jackson College campus. The campus has transformed dramatically over its 145 year history: originally founded as an "Indian Boarding School" this campus is now the Sitka Fine Arts Camp.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Our guide will highlight the history, architecture, and significance of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the center of downtown Sitka. Note that this walking tour takes place entirely outside.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Here you will see the grounds of the Sitka Pioneers' Home. This majestic building has a rich history and still plays an important role in the lives of Alaskans. Our guide will showcase the totem pole and prospector statue that stand in front of the grand building. Note that this walking tour takes place entirely outside.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
The tour ends at Baranof Castle State Historic Site, also known as "Castle Hill". This is the location where Russian Alaska was purchased by the United States. After the tour the guide will accompany anyone who would like to make the ascent of Castle Hill. The end point is a 5 min walk to the cruise shuttle loading zone, and a 2 min walk from downtown Sitka.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
