OVERVIEW

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center, a guided walk-through Sitka National Historical Park, and a visit to Fortress of the Bear. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window and gift shop. Guests can also stroll the outside deck habitat areas for an up-close look at bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey in residence. Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits, and carving rooms where Native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bear, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get an up-close look at a variety of birds of a prey at the Alaska Raptor Center.
• Photograph Alaskan brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility.
• Delve into the history of Sitka at a park that recounts the watershed Battle of 1804.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the pristine waters off Sitka in search of marine life such as sea otters while listening to a naturalist elaborate on the most intriguing characteristics of the species. You may settle into a comfortable seat in the boat’s main cabin or remain topside on the observation deck. Either way, you will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea. As you scan the waters for marine life, the naturalist will describe how humpback whales feed here in the summer and how animals such as sea otters now thrive. The animals were nearly extinct due to aggressive fur hunting in the early 1800s, and their comeback is a wonderful success story. Other creatures commonly spotted include sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals and a huge variety of seabirds. Puffins are particularly easy to identify because of their bright orange beaks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scan the waters off Sitka for marine life such as whales and sea otters.
• Look along the shore for brown bears and skyward for bald eagles.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the animals’ unusual habits and habitats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

OVERVIEW

Spend the day fishing for salmon in Sitka Sound, an area teeming with these highly prized sportfish and rockfish. Your boat will be a comfortable 26-foot Hewescraft or 28’ North River outfitted with all the necessary bait and tackle. The captain offers tips tailored to your level of skill to ensure to best chance of reeling in a lunker. The exact method of fishing will depend on the conditions, but trolling with a downrigger often proves to be the most effective. You might land a coho salmon or a king salmon, the largest and most powerful fighter in these waters. If you hook a rockfish, the captain will identify the type as there are dozens of species in these waters. Your catch can be processed and shipped to your home if you wish.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a full day fishing for hard-fighting salmon in Sitka Sound.
• Follow the captain’s tips to ensure the best chance of catching salmon.
• Enjoy the comfort and amenities of the boat, a 26-foot Hewescraft or 28’ North River.
• Ship your catch home if you choose.
• Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and look for wildlife, which is abundant.
• A sandwich lunch is provided. Snacks, water, and soda are available on the boat.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles or rubber boots.
• A rain jacket is recommended

OVERVIEW

Fish for salmon from the comfort of a 26-foot Hewescraft or a 28’ North River boat with all the bait and tackle you need for a successful outing on Sitka Sound. It won’t take long to reach these prime fishing grounds, so you can make the most of your half day on the water. To increase your chances of catching the salmon, the captain will offer valuable tips tailored to your fishing skills. Salmon are highly prized sportfish, so be prepared for a hard fight. You might reel in a coho salmon or a king salmon depending on the season, the largest and most powerful fighter in the sound. King and Coho salmon are both very tasty, so if you want your catch to be cleaned, vacuum-sealed and shipped to your home, it can be arranged.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend a full day fishing for hard-fighting salmon in Sitka Sound.
• Follow the captain’s tips to ensure the best chance of catching salmon.
• Enjoy the comfort and amenities of the boat, a 26-foot Hewescraft or 28’ North River.
• Ship your catch home if you choose.
• Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty and look for wildlife, which is abundant.
• Snacks, water, and soda are available on the boat.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles or rubber boots.
• A rain jacket is recommended

OVERVIEW

Watch a film about bald eagles on a large high-definition screen, followed by a real-life encounter with raptors and the chance to see Alaska’s most iconic animals in the wild. The film will be shown in the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on a 5-story high, 180° dome screen for an immersive experience that is as close to reality as possible. After the show, a professional raptor handler will bring in a real bird of prey and talk about its behavior and characteristics. It may be a peregrine falcon, a snowy owl or golden eagle as all reside at the nearby Alaska Raptor Center, which rehabilitates injured birds. You will then head outdoors for a leisurely hike in the Sitka National Historical Park. The trail is lined with colorful totem poles that the indigenous Tlingits carved and painted. Bald eagles are frequently spotted in the forest, preying on salmon in the river that you will cross there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a film about bald eagles on a high-def screen so large, the images appear lifelike.
• See a real bird of prey up close in the theater following the show.
• Keep an eye out for bald eagles while hiking in Sitka National Historical Park.
• Cross a river where bald eagles often prey on fish, especially spawning salmon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Watch an enlightening movie on bald eagles followed by a live demonstration of these majestic raptors and a driving tour through downtown. A short walk to the cruise terminal will bring you to the state-of-the-art Alaskan Odyssey Theatre, where a high-definition film will be projected on an enormous 180-degree screen that will show bald eagles in stunning detail. These regal raptors have never been endangered in Alaska, but they are sometimes severely injured and brought to the Alaska Raptor Center for rehabilitation. After the film, a professional raptor handler from the center will bring one of these magnificent birds into the theater so you can see it up-close. You will also hear all sorts of intriguing facts about bald eagles, the only eagle native to North America. Afterwards, you will enjoy a panoramic drive through Sitka and see landmarks such as the University of Alaska Southeast, which overlooks the harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a movie on bald eagles on a big screen for an immersive experience.
• See a Raptor up close during a live demonstration after the movie.
• Learn about bald eagle characteristics and behavior from a professional raptor handler.
• See some of Sitka’s most iconic landmarks while driving through downtown.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Create your own Alaska themed piece of spectacular metal art in a hands-on art class at the Salty Sitkan workshop. Choose from a salmon, halibut, humpback whale, Orca, Bald Eagle, Octopus and more! The fun will begin with the instructor demonstrating how to use the computer-controlled plasma cutter to precisely cut through metal – with sparks flying – so that the finished product looks just like the pre-programed wildlife design. Then, it will be your turn to get creative. Take advantage of a fully outfitted workshop as you will learn from your instructor how to use a die grinder to smooth and texture the raw steel, give 3D life to your creature with a tear drop mallet and then get out your torch and play with fire! Draw out deep hues of bronze, purple and blue and make your unique Alaskan souvenir sparkle! By the end of the class, you will have created a beautiful piece of metal art to hang on our wall as a conversation starter for all your Alaskan tales!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a computer-controlled plasma cutter create a basic metal fish as a starting point.
• Learn to grind, shine and hammer the raw metal into a beautiful Alaskan themed piece of metal art.
• Paint by torch - color your art with fire!
• Take your finished fish sculpture home as a souvenir or have it shipped by The Salty Sitkan for an additional shipping charge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Trace Russia’s influence on Sitka in the 19th century and tour a raptor center that rescued injured birds in hopes of returning them to the wild. The Russians first gained a foothold in Alaska in 1804 by overpowering the indigenous Tlingits. That battlefield is now part of the Sitka National Historical Park, where you will browse exhibits explaining the conflict. Here you can walk the forest trail lined with totems and view cultural exhibits This tour also presents the chance to see Alaskan wildlife up close at the Alaska Raptor Center, a rehabilitation facility for birds of prey. This Bald Eagle Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how Russia controlled Sitka until selling Alaska in 1867.
• Explore Sitka National Historical Park and walk along totem lined trails.
• Get an up-close look at a variety of birds of prey.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a winding trail through the gorgeous wilderness that surrounds Sitka with a local guide that will describe the flora, fauna and natural beauty in fascinating detail. The guide will select a trail that is ideally suited to your group so everyone can enjoy the experience. You can expect to hike six to 10 miles, mostly likely through the Tongass National Forest, a massive protected woodlands that covers most of southeast Alaska. After considering the weather conditions, the sights that would be most appealing to the group and all the possible trails, the guide will choose one that will best present the pristine wilderness. Many of the trails rim crystal-clear mountain lakes, others such as the Indian River Trail follow salmon streams, while still others offer views of Sitka Sound and the islands just off shore. Every trail has unique attributes that will make for a memorable, immensely scenic hike.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike along a scenic trail that the guide selects specifically for your group.
• Enjoy the serenity of the wilderness and one gorgeous view after another.
• Gain an understanding of the flora and fauna as the guide describes them.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow a nature trail through Sitka National Historical Park that showcases totem poles just like the ones that were exhibited at the 1904 World’s Fair. Created in 1910 to commemorate the Battle of 1804 between the Tlingits and the Russians, the forested park is Alaska’s oldest and is rich in history. During this self-guided walk, you will learn about the many ecosystems in the surrounding rainforest and the unusual tale of how Alaska’s first governor gathered the original totem poles to promote the state. The indigenous Tlingit people carved and painted the totems, which feature stylized human, animal and supernatural forms that are highly symbolic. Some of the totems honor important people or events, such as the Bicentennial Pole of 1976, which was carved under the direction of the park’s first Native American superintendent. When crossing the bridge over Indian Creek, you can see the salmon spawning during the months of mid-July into September. At the conclusion of the walk you’ll have the option to either enjoy the short walk along the waterfront back into downtown on your own or board again the motorcoach to be dropped off at Centennial Hall. From here, you can make your way back to the ship on your own via the free shuttle, which also departs from Centennial Hall.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander along an easy trail lined with totem poles in Sitka National Historical Park.
• Gain an understanding of the symbolism and history of the hand-carved totem poles.
• Learn about the park’s creation and the flora and fauna that thrive in the rainforest.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow an old logging road through the wilds of Tongass National Forest to a camp near Eureka Falls, where you can participate in all sorts of fun activities. Your group of no more than six hikers will take a scenic boat ride to Camp Coogan Bay, where you will have the option to stop at a Historic 1920’s era float house for rain gear, boots, and snacks. The woodlands adventure then begins in earnest as you will hike through dense forest, across a small stream and on to Eureka Falls and the Camp Coogan Bay Estuary. Eureka Falls is a beautiful cascade in America’s largest national forest and the Estuary offers views of eagles, wildlife, and salmon. Feel free to gather around the crackling fire at the campsite and cook hot dogs and make s’mores over the open flame. You could also pan for gold like the prospectors in the Gold Rush that began near Sitka in 1872. Be sure to keep an eye out for deer and bald eagles in the forest and for sea lions and otters while cruising.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for marine life on a scenic boat ride to and from Camp Coogan Bay.
• Hike through America’s largest national forest on an old logging road.
• Pan for gold, cook hot dogs over the campfire and admire the beauty of Eureka Falls.
• Enjoy a level of personal attention only possible in a small group of no more than six.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the ultimate treetop adventure and come away with a newfound confidence in your physical abilities, mental fortitude and sheer willpower to push yourself to new heights. These aerial ropes adventure involves traversing swinging ropes, balance bridges and daring climbs into the tree canopy while wearing a harness and using a smart belay system. An orientation and practice run on the ground will help prepare you for the fun and challenges that lie ahead. Afterwards, you will warm up on the easy Squirrel Course, move on to the moderate Fox Course and then pull yourself along a rope while hanging high above the forest floor on a Tyrolean Traverse. That’s the Bear Course. With your confidence now soaring, you will be ready for the high-flying Eagle Course, which ends in the treetops 50 feet above the ground. The descent will be just as exhilarating as you soar back to earth on an auto-descent device, called the “Eagle’s Flight”.

HIGHLIGHTS

• These aerial ropes adventure will have you swinging, scrambling, and climbing through multiple elements.
• Climb high into the tree canopy by negotiating a series of aerial ropes courses.
• Prepare for the ultimate challenge by warming up on easier aerial ropes courses.
• Enjoy literal bird’s-eye views of the forest from high above.
• Gain newfound confidence in your abilities to meet new challenges.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.