Guided Walking Tour of Sitka: Historic Downtown
Guided Walking Tour of Sitka: Historic Downtown
Make the most of your vacation time in Sitka by taking a 1-hour guided tour of the Alaskan fishing town that was once the capital of Russian America. You will gain a unique local perspective of Sitka as you are lead through the historic downtown of a city rich with Tlingit indigenous culture. You will enjoy a carefully crafted itinerary including totem poles, a prominent harbor for fishing boats, the Russian Bishop's House, St.
Michael's Orthodox Cathedral, and much more. In addition you will hear personal stories from your resident guide about commercial fishing, industry, education, and daily life in Sitka, Alaska.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Crescent Harbor
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 minutesSitka Sound Science Center
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.
Sitka Fine Arts Camp
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 minutesSt. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral
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 minutesSitka Pioneers' Home
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 minutesCastle Hill
The tour will climb 3 flights of stairs to the top of Baranof Castle State Historic Site, also known as "Castle Hill". This is the location where Russian Alaska was purchased by the United States. Note that the stairs at this attraction are the most physically strenuous part of the tour. The end point is a 5 min walk to the cruise shuttle loading zone, and a 2 min walk from downtown Sitka.
15 minutesIncluded
- Umbrella
- All Fees and Taxes
- Resident Guide (Contact us for Spanish-speaking and other private tour options)
- Local tips for restaurants and exploration
Not Included
- Transportation from the Cruise Ships (tour starts from shuttle drop-off)
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.