SITKA HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHT TOUR
2.5 Hours • Up to 14 People • Ages 0 -100
About
Come join us on a 2.5 hour experience of Sitka's highlights, history and breathtaking views!
One of Sitka's highlights that we stop at is the Fortress of the Bear. A non-profit bear rescue sanctuary for orphaned Coastal Brown Bear and Black Bear. The orphaned cubs are placed in Fortress of the Bear after the loss of their mother. These bears are given a chance to live long lives. As of now, we have five Coastal Brown Bear and three Black Bear ( the only black bear in Sitka) residing here. Our guide will mention the background of these bears and where they are from while on the tour. This is a thirty minute stop.
Another highlight included in the tour is Sitka National Historical Park, also known as Totem Park. This stop dives into Sitka's Russian and Alaskan Native history depicted from the totem poles. This part of the tour is a 40 minute guided walk through the park. The guide takes you to see multiple totem poles while sharing some of Sitka's history along the way. This is a great stop for photos of Sitka's forest, history and shore line view of our rocky beaches. Sitka National Historical Park is a mild walking experience so if you would like to still see some of what the guide shows, but need a small resting break, you are most welcome to depart from the group to go inside our museum. Gentle reminder that we are not ADA accessible.
Our last stop is Japonski Island. This is a small island that connects to our main island by bridge. Japonski Island has our Rocky Gutierrez Airport, Coast Guard Air Station/Boat station, Mt Edgecumbe High School, UAS Campus and SEARHC ( Sitka's hospital). Japonski Island is also known for its WW2 history. Fort Ray and Fort Rousseau were Sitka's Army and Navy stations. The Army Hanger was converted into Mt. Edgecumbe High School. The guide will illustrate the history of WW2 while driving around the Island and showing some of these sites.
We have two additional photo stops while on the tour that each have different scenic views. On Japonski Island, there is a great waterfront view of downtown with the mountains in the background. Silver Bay is our other photo stop that overlooks a beautiful water view, surrounded by mountains.
Book with us for a personal experience of Sitka!
Highlights
Our guides are all local and mostly family. We aspire to present Sitka from a local's perspective and give an exclusive feel to the tour even if there may be a few others on the tour with you. The guide will be with you every step of the way and there if you have any questions.
One of the things that sets us apart is our brand new equipment. Our vans are 2023/2024 High Roof Ford transit vans that hold up to 14 people. We have the high roof vans so you have the ability to stand up getting in/out of the van. We also have large windows on all sides of the van to ensure you see the most while traveling the road system. Other than a large group who is traveling together, we only book up to 13 max per van to ensure our guests are comfortable.
We have head sets that connect to our speaker system so that while we drive to each destination, the guide narrates some of Sitka's history, local life and answers questions you may have.
What's included
Fortress of the Bear Admission Fee Totem Park Admission Fee
What to bring
Please dress accordingly to the weather conditions.
Layers are a great way to pack for Sitka due to our constant change of weather. We would recommend a long sleeve shirt, light layer, and jacket (preferable water proof).
Sneakers are the preferable shoe since Sitka is a walking town.
Hats/gloves during the months of May, June and September are good to pack
Water/snacks are recommended to bring on the tour.
Cancellation
Customers will receive a full refund within a 72 hour notice of cancellation. Same day bookings are NOT refundable. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
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