Sitka Culture & Russian History

This tour is also know as Colonial Russian America & Cultural Tour.

This tour is great for anyone wanting to learn about Alaska’s first capital city. Alaskan history has been well-preserved in Sitka and this tour allows you the opportunity to learn about the early American Indian civilization, the Russian colonial era and the Pacific Theater involvement in World War II.

Visit the Sheldon Jackson Museum, one of the two Alaska State Museums, and learn about the four major Native groups who lived in Southeast and see an amazing collection of artifacts from those times.

You will then travel past the Russian Bishop’s House, Castle Hill, the Russian Blockhouse and the site of an early Native village as you learn about the Colonial Russian period that changed Sitka and Alaska forever.

Your tour then crosses the bridge to Japonski Island to view the former buildings and barracks from WWII when Sitka was home to a PBY Aircraft Base. From here, you can see spectacular views of the once-volcanic Mount Edgecomb.

Next, travel back to Sitka to visit the famous St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, where priceless icons and religious artifacts are displayed. The tour concludes a short drive away at the Sitka Centennial Building where you will enjoy a rousing performance by the New Archangel Dancers with authentic music and period costumes. From here, town is just a short walk or you can enjoy a nice walk along the harbor.