Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

4.7 (135 reviews) one hour Free cancellation

out of 5

135 reviews

4.7

Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Seasonal Shore Excursions Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: one hour
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Sitka Walking Tours

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local tips for restaurants and exploration
Included: Resident Guide (Contact us for Spanish-speaking and other private tour options)
Included: All Fees and Taxes

Not included

Not included: Transportation (Tour starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off)
Not included: Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!)

Itinerary

Stop 1

10 min

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

Passing 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.
Stop 3

10 min

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

5 min

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.
Stop 5

10 min

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.
Stop 6

15 min

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

Totem Square. At the base 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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.