Recently Viewed
Guided Walking Tour of Sitka: Explore Historic Downtown and Russian America
5.0
45 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
5.0
(45 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Jan_b
Jul 24, 2024
A delightful walk-through downtown Sitka - This was a delightful walk through downtown Sitka. John was very informative and able to hold everyone’s interest. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Donna_e
Jul 15, 2024
Great info - Marshall gave a great walking tour. Lots of information on Sitka. Very impressed with how much knowledge he had learned about the area after only being in Sitka a short time
Review provided by Viator
O746ccsallyp
Jul 7, 2024
Overview of Sitka - We all thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Sitka. None of us had been there before, and our guide, Marshal was extremely knowledgeable and personable. I'd recommend this as a great tour for a short amount of time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olijomp
Jul 7, 2024
Great introduction to Sitka with a very friendly guide! - Chris was an awesome guide, full of information, very pleasant and friendly, adapted the tour to our needs, it was a great introduction to Sitka.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Troy_d
Jun 27, 2024
Nice tour of Sitka - We had v ery nice leisurely walk though Sitka, and learned a lot from our guide, Jordan. She was great!
Review provided by Viator
Charliewn2426fm
Jun 19, 2024
downtown tour was interesting - Took downtown tour with Reid, who was very engaging and informative. Downtown Sitka is quite small but chock full of interesting history. Our time was well spent on this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Francescolon
Jun 14, 2024
A must!! - The guide was very informative. Nice walk around the town . It is a must when you visit Sitka! Jason did a great job!
Review provided by Viator
Becky_p
Jun 12, 2024
Sitka tour - Jason was our tour guide and he did an excellent job! He was informative, friendly, and answered any questions we had. I would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
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