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Guided Walking Tour of Sitka: Explore Historic Downtown and Russian America
4.9
38 Ratings
Sitka
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Sitka on a guided walking tour of the historic downtown area. Discover Russian buildings, gold-rush architecture, and local seafood restaurants.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 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.
- Sitka 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.
- St. 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.
- Sitka 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.
- Castle Hill - 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.
What's Included
- Local tips for restaurants and exploration
- Resident Guide (Contact us for Spanish-speaking and other private tour options)
- All fees and/or taxes
- Umbrella
What's Not Included
- Transportation (Tour starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off)
- Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!)
Additional Information
Maximize your holiday time in Sitka with a 60-minute guided exploration. This unique tour takes you around the central district of Sitka, an area awash with Russian edifices, gold-rush era infrastructures, and exceptional seafood eateries.
• Unparalleled tour traversing the historic heart of Sitka
• Experience an offbeat promenade of Sitka under the guidance of a local
• Perfect tour for enthusiasts of history, local traditions, & insider’s tips
• Delight in numerous tales from Alaska’s Russian Era
Formerly the political hub of Russian America, this quaint angling village will offer an exclusive local view of Sitka as you journey through the historically substantial downtown teeming with Tlingit native culture.
Location
Harrigan Centennial Hall
Harbor Drive
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(38 Ratings)
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Terry_m
May 17, 2024
Walk Sitka! Chat and learn …. - The guide was very friendly and flexible. He knew his stuff and was interested in dialogue. The salmon hatchery was fascinating.
Review provided by Viator
Carol_b
May 16, 2024
Informative - Chris, our guide, is from the continental US. He obviously loves his adopted town, and shared that love with us. He was well-organized and well-prepared. He kept to a very comfortable place, and we were able to take pictures, without feeling like we were being an inconvenience. He has a wealth of knowledge, even about things that are not part of the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Carol984010
May 16, 2024
Informative - Chris did a wonderful job. He was personable and knowledgeable, even about things that weren’t part of the tour. He clearly loves his town!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_m
May 12, 2024
Great tour guide, great information!! - I honestly didn’t realize it was entirely a walking tour when I booked it. I’m a very poor walker but John was EXTREMELY PATIENT and understanding and walked slower for me!! He was delightfully full of great information and we really enjoyed our entire time with him!!
Review provided by Viator
Billyblack2023
Oct 31, 2023
Excellent Historical Tour for the Family - My grandparents and I had a lovely time on this downtown tour. The tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and happy to answer all our questions. The walk around town was nice and easy and we were in an excellent location to grab lunch afterward.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emilyty2806lf
Sep 4, 2023
Great walking your of Sitka - Our tour guide Reid was extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. Really enjoyed the walking tour and would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michellebk8329fw
Sep 4, 2023
Do this tour! - Amazing tour of town. Great local knowledge.
We did the hour long tour of about a 1 mile and it was an excellent start to our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laila_v
Aug 23, 2023
Great Walking Tour - We had a private tour with Reíd, our tour guide. All six of us had a great time listening to the history of Sitka. The walking tour was amazing. Reid was polite and graciously answered all questions. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
David
Aug 1, 2023
Wonderful hour long tour in the heart of Sitka! - Reid is a personable tour guide; he is knowledgeable and kind! If you’re in Sitka, even just for a couple of hours, doing his walking tour is a must!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marilyn_w
May 16, 2024
. - Enjoyed hearing the history and a few insider bits of knowledge. It was an easy walk about a nice little town.
Review provided by Viator
