Sitka Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour

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.

Meeting Point

Harrigan Centennial Hall

330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

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.

What's included:

• Local tips for restaurants and exploration
• Resident Guide (Contact us for Spanish-speaking and other private tour options)
• Umbrella

Not included:

• Transportation (Tour starts from free cruise shuttle drop-off)
• Gratuities (Always appreciated by our passionate guides!)

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour

Crescent Harbor

Lincoln St, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

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

Sitka Sound Science Center

834 Lincoln St, , Sitka, 99835-7650, Alaska

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.

Pass by without stopping

Sitka Fine Arts Camp

Sitka, AK 99835, USA

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

St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Lincoln and Cathedral Streets, , Sitka, 99835, Alaska

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

Sitka Pioneers' Home

120 Katlian St, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

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

Castle Hill

Castle Hill, Sitka, AK 99835, USA

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