Castle Hill is the site of where the transfer from Russia, of what is now Alaska, occurred in 1867. Castle Hill was the summer home of Katlian, the Tlingit Chief and his clan, until the hill was occupied by Lord Baronof. Guest will learn how a voyage Eastward from Russia by Vitus Berring in the 1730’s was instrumental in Russia’s involved in the “Great Land”. From the Hill, visitors have a good view of Sitka Sound and the community of Sitka. Also visible is Sitka National Historic Park, where the tour will end.

Sheet’ Kwaan Naa Kahidi is a modern example of a traditional Tlingit clan house. Tour guest will have an opportunity to view the massive door post, which portrays an art form, known as formline. The Community House is in the downtown area and is location at what used to be the boundary between the old Native village and Russian New Archangel.

Sitka Pioneer Home is one of five in Alaska. These ‘homes’ were created by the Territorial Government for the pioneers of the Territory of Alaska. Pioneer Home serves as a nursing home for Sitka and surrounding villages. Visitors always enjoy walking the gardens or in visiting the gift shop within the building.

Harry Race is at the town end of Historic Lincoln Street which then ends a few blocks away at Totem Park. In Harry Race guest will receive a locally made chocolate bar. From the pharmacy guest will continue walking down Lincoln Street to visit several other tour attractions. The first stop is at Winter Song; here you will meet Ruth who uses an old family Native recipe for Devils Club salve and soap. Then on to Building 29, an original structure from the Russian occupation days. Next stop is the Russian Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church, both buildings built in the 1840's. In the next block is where you will meet Ken and Rachel, owners of a small boutique with local art. Next is Salmon Express, to sample smoked salmon. Last stop before the sea walk to Totem Park is Alaska Pure Sea Salt where you can sample several flavors of a unique flake or finishing salt. Tour guest when returning to town can purchase selected items from these merchants getting a 10 percent discount.

The Bishops House was built by the Finns in the 1840’s, and was the focal point of Russian Orthodoxy in North America for many years. It is now operated by the US Park Service with no admission fee required to visit the first floor. Tour guest returning from the Park to town often visit the Bishop House. After leaving the Bishop House, tour guest will be continuing the tour on the sea walk that ends at Totem Park.

At the Science Center, tour guest will learn of my wife's Tlingit heritage and of her grandparents, Jack and Sasha Calvin. For their honeymoon, in1929, Jack and Sasha traveled from their home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA to Day Island (Tacoma, WA) and purchased a14- foot Willards Brothers canoe. They then paddled the 1000 miles from Day Island to Sasha’s parents’ home in Juneau, AK. Tour guest will be taken to the second floor of the Center to view the canoe in the Jack Calvin Room. Tour guest will also be able to spend time at the tide pool aquarium before going on to Sitka National Historical Park to view totems and an eagle nest.

The tour ends at one of the smallest National Parks in the country. Guest will first learn the location of the rest rooms before going on to view a large eagle nest. When salmon are running, tour guest will see salmon spawning in Indian River. The carving shed is next as it is where totems are carved or repaired. The last stop is to view a large Devils Club plant used locally for making salve and soap. Tour guest will receive an envelope containing a two-page description of tour attractions, a map of Sitka, discount card for select Sitka merchants, and a pass to Sitka History Museum at Harrington Centennial Hall. At the park, visitors can visit the Center, walk the trails to view a number of totems, visit the Tlingit Fort site, or just enjoy walking the broad paths that surrounds the Park. The Park is a short walk back to town or to the Raptor Center.