Get to know Alaska’s first capitol and experience this unique city through the eyes of a local guide, there is no better way to learn about a place you have never been. Your group is purposely kept to a small number of only 10 guests, allowing for a much more intimate and one-on-one experience with your friendly, knowledgeable and professional guide.

Boldly existing between the mountains and the sea, Sitka is an island community where the arts flourish and an ancient native culture still thrives. Tlingit, Russian and American settlers have all called Sitka home. Today, cultural influences from all three groups remain. From viewing traditional dancing to hiking a totem-lined trail through the rainforest, visitors still experience the cultural richness that inspired Sitka’s 19th century nickname, the “Paris of the Pacific”.

Begin your tour at the Harrigan Centennial Hall. Climb aboard a comfortable, full-size passenger van and begin to make your way south on Sitka’s road system. Always keep your eyes peeled as you might spot bald eagles in the tree-tops and Sitka black tail deer grazing on brush. Drive around Silver Bay, a body of water surrounded by high mountains where in the later months of the season humpback and minke whales can sometimes be seen here. With time and weather permitting, make a stop here for photos.

Near the end of the road system you will arrive at The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit rescue facility is home to seven Alaskan bears. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan coastal brown bears and three black bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. This education and rescue center reside on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska.

After spending time with the bears travel next to The Alaskan Raptor Center. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey has a state-of-the-art flight room and is home to multiple rescued eagles, owls and other birds of prey found in Southeast Alaska.

To cap off this tour your final stop will be at Sitka National Historical Park. This protected area of temperate rain forest stretches out to a peninsula and offers multiple, easily accessible trail loops that contour Indian River and the Eastern Channel waters. Totem poles punctuate these trails. This park is also the site of a battle between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American troops, during the 19th century. Choose to walk through the park or visit the amazing cultural center, which offers its own onsite interpreters, as well as exhibits and demonstrations for traditional techniques such as carving, working with fur, beading, and metal working.

A well-rounded introduction to all things Sitka awaits on this best of tour. Spend two hours being introduced to Southeast Alaska and still have time left to explore, shop and taste local cuisine on your own afterwards. Space is limited so book today as not to miss out.

This 5-hour combination adventure offers both land and sea viewing opportunities to experience the very best Sitka is known for, capture two worlds in one memorable half-day. Surrounded by rainforest, Sitka shares a home with brown bears, bald eagles, and all five species of Pacific salmon. The picturesque remnants of its Russian heritage are evident in the onion-shaped domes and gold colored crosses of the beloved Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

The city and borough limits include most of Baranof Island, where the city of Sitka is located, along with south Chichagof Island and many other small, forested islands along the coast. Although first inhabited by Native Tlingit Indians, Sitka is recognized as the heart of the Russian influence in Alaska. The Russians arrived by 1741 and in 1804 attacked a Tlingit fort. Originally established as New Archangel, Sitka became the capital of Russian-America in 1808. When Russia sold Alaska to the United States on October 18, 1867, the transfer ceremony took place on Sitka’s Castle Hill.

Sitka is located on Baranof Island, making it only accessible by plane or boat. It’s extraordinary location between mountains and the Pacific make this region incredible for wildlife both on land and in the water.

Drive around Silver Bay, a body of water surrounded by high mountains wherein the later months of the season Humpback and Minke whales can sometimes be seen here. With time and weather permitting, make a stop here for photos.

Near the end of the road system you will arrive at The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit rescue facility is home to seven Alaskan bears. Get up close and personal with the four rescued beautiful Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears and three Black Bears, the only black bears on Baranof Island. This education and rescue center resides on an exquisite three-quarter acre habitat for orphaned brown bear cubs complete with covered viewing areas in a natural habitat setting which replicates Southeast Alaska.

After spending time with bears, travel next to The Alaskan Raptor Center. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey has a state-of-the-art flight room and is home to multiple rescued Eagles, owls and other birds of prey found in Southeast Alaska.

To cap off this tour your final stop will be at Sitka National Historical Park. This protected area of temperate rain forest stretches out to a peninsula and offers multiple, easily accessible trail loops that contour the Indian river and the Eastern Channel waters. Totem poles punctuate these trails. This park is also the site of a battle between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American troops, during the 19th century. Choose to walk through the park or visit the amazing cultural center, which offers its own onsite interpreters, as well as exhibits and demonstrations for traditional techniques such as carving, working with fur, beading, and metalworking.

Take to the water next where your small, intimate group of no more than six guests will explore Alaska’s southeast waters aboard a 24-foot sea-worthy vessel with both an inside cabin and a forward and aft viewing deck. This allows for a truly personal experience as you explore coves, islands and search for an array of marine life.

Your sea adventure will provide you with a local, knowledgeable guide who is a US Coast Guard licensed captain with years of experience who will lead you to the very best viewing options based on the day’s weather and conditions.

Make the very most of your time in Sitka and experience both land and sea viewing opportunities combined to make for a day you will remember for the rest of your life.

Escape the packed school bus tour offered by some cruise lines on this fun and adventurous tour in a new model, spacious 10 passenger van. Your local guide is a true Alaskan who really knows the land and the unique Alaskan lifestyle. Make the most of your trip to Sitka on this small group tour with a local guide who truly understands life in Alaska.

After driving down the town’s main street, you will take in the sweeping view of downtown Sitka from the O’Connell Bridge as you explore Japonski (the Russian word for Japanese) Island’s rich history and wildlife. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you will most likely see eagles, sea lions, otters, and various other animals during the tour.

Your small group tour continues with a scenic drive to Silver Bay, where your local guide will explain its rich history and be amazed by the scenery and photo opportunities.

Next, it’s on to the “Fortress of the Bear.” Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the distinctive brown bear in a naturalized setting, while your local Alaskan guide will give you a thorough education on the species itself. The three-quarter acre habitat includes a large covered viewing area, where you will observe the bears in safety and comfort.

The last stop on your small group tour is the Sitka National Historical Park, also known as Totem Park. You will stand on a bridge over Indian River and learn about the salmon and their life cycle, then take a walk in the amazing old growth rainforest. Your Alaskan guide will tell you all about native culture as you view the totem art and scenery. Don’t miss this exciting small group tour of Sitka!