SHORE EXCURSIONS

Your tour begins with a transfer to the Alaska Raptor Center, where you’ll encounter the swamp-like muskeg soil and alpine meadow where most of Alaska's bird, plant and wild berries thrive. Then explore and photograph the Raptor Center's open bird habitat and new Eagle Flight Center, home to bald eagles, owls, hawks and other birds of prey. During your visit, the staff will explain the Raptor Center's mission and answer questions. Next, you’ll proceed for a visit to Sitka National Historical Park, where walking trails lined with authentic totem poles will guide you through the lush Tongass National Forest.

As you cross the bridge at Indian River, you’ll learn about the rain forest’s ecosystem, local plant and animal life. Afterward, you’ll walk along the harbor's shoreline to visit St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House. St. Michael's Cathedral is always the last stop on the tour. The Russian Bishop's House is a place the tour will pass. However, a visit inside the Bishop's House is not included in the walk. Along the way, you will see many Victorian-style homes and ornate churches before passing Sheldon Jackson College. Your tour will conclude with a transfer back to the pier. If you wish to explore more of Sitka, the transfer bus leaves downtown Sitka every 15 min to the pier.