Historic Sitka & Nature Walk
This tour is also know as Sitka History & Nature Walk.
Explore Sitka on foot! Start your walking tour in the heart of Sitka’s historic district. Learn about Sitka’s Russian heritage as you walk past the famous Castle Hill, the Russian Blockhouse and the Russian Cemetery.
Next, walk through downtown Sitka, checking out its historic buildings. Walk along the harbor, past the famous Russian Bishop’s House, several churches and Sheldon Jackson College where James Michener stayed while writing his historical novel Alaska. During this tour you will have the opportunity to view and photograph bald eagles and other birds of prey at the Raptor Rehabilitation Center.
After leaving downtown Sitka, walk through the Tongass National Forest and Sitka National Historical Park. This park, known to locals as Totem Park, has level trails which lead to the site of the Battle of Alaska fought in 1804. Your tour includes a complementary ticket to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral which you may visit at any point during the day.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- This tour involves walking on uneven ground, trails and stairways; people with special mobility needs should not take this tour.
- The tour covers 2.5 miles of uneven ground, trails and stairways.
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
- Tour operates rain or shine.
- Rain ponchos and umbrellas are available.
- Bottled water and a granola bar are provided.
- All participants receive a ticket to St. Michael’s Cathedral to be used while browsing downtown on their own. A one way transfer is provided either to the Raptor Center or from the Raptor Center so passengers walk one direction without duplication of any area.
- Photography and video taping is not allowed at St. Michaels Cathedral.
- Tour order may vary.
- All cruise ships use tender boats to ferry passengers ashore in Sitka. Be sure to check your ticket for meeting place and time so you do not miss your tour. If your tour departs from shore allow yourself at least 45 minutes to tender ashore.
- Always check what time the last tender leaves shoreside back to your ship.
