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

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

Paddle a two-person kayak around the sheltered waters of Sitka Sound, an area teeming with wildlife. After an orientation and a few minutes to practice paddling, you will skirt along the stunningly beautiful coastline. The guide will lead the way and acquaint you with the marine environment. The backdrop of towering forest-blanketed mountains will be absolutely inspiring, If the weather is clear, you will see Mount Edgecumbe, a massive but dormant volcano that dominates Kruzof Island. While scanning the water’s surface, you may spot Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and porpoise. Humpback whales voraciously feed in the sound before migrating to Hawaii to breed and calve, and the sight of one breaching the water is a mesmerizing spectacle. Be sure to look skyward as bald eagles are commonly sighted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle a two-person kayak through the sheltered bays and inlets along Sitka Sound.
• Look for humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
&buEnjoy the inspiring scenery and, if the day is clear, the volcano Mount Edgecumbe.

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

Alaska's diverse marine and wildlife are yours to discover during this intimate wildlife-viewing adventure aboard a deluxe expedition-style catamaran, and a visit to a remote island. Depart the pier aboard a beach landing vessel for a cruise along Sitka Sound's rugged coastline. Your captain will use understanding of tides, weather and seasonal changes to design an expedition uniquely suited to the day. The high speed and maneuverability of your vessel will allow you to explore areas unreachable by conventional boat and witness the very best of Sitka Sound's marine and coastal wildlife. During your ride, you may see whales, sea otters, brown bears and other diverse species that thrive in this pristine environment. As animals are sighted, the captain will skillfully maneuver the vessel to provide optimal viewing, and your naturalist guide will explain their fascinating life cycles and behavior. You can take in this encounter from the comfort of the window-lined cabin or indulge all your senses by experiencing it from the open deck. Next, you will step ashore on a remote island to explore colorful tide pools, trace the meandering tracks of wildlife, or settle on a giant beach log and take in the splendid beauty of your surroundings. While beachcombing, keep your eyes peeled for Japanese fishing floats and other exotic flotsam.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise serene Sitka Sound in an exclusive beach landing vessel, looking for marine life such as whales.
• Take in majestic scenery in every direction.
• Visit a remote island of the captain’s choosing to observe marine life in the tidal pools.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Help pedal a unique group bicycle from pub to pub and enjoy entertaining commentary at each venue, culminating with a craft beer tasting. It won’t take long to reach Ernie’s Old Time Saloon, a landmark that locals have frequented for years. While there, you will learn a bit about the history of Sitka, which was the capital of Russian America until 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska. The second pub will be the Pioneer Bar, a longtime watering hole for fishermen. Between fish stories – which may or may not be true – be sure to check out the photographs of historical fishing boats and shipwrecks that cover most every square inch of wall space. Afterwards, you will pedal off to the Bayview Pub, a local favorite known for its selection of locally brewed craft beers. You will be offered a sample of some of the most popular ones.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pedal through downtown in a unique group bicycle that you will help power while the guide steers.
• Stop along the way at three classic pubs that are local favorites.
• Enjoy a beer tasting and hear all sorts of entertaining stories at each pub.

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

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

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

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

Cruise along the shores of Sitka Sound on a custom-built expedition vessel and look for iconic Alaska wildlife on land and in the sea. The captain will determine the exact route based on the weather and tidal conditions, animal migration patterns and recent wildlife sightings. That way, your chances of seeing wildlife will be maximized. Whether you take a seat inside the vessel or find a prime spot out on the open deck, you will enjoy spectacular coastal views of the west side of Baranof Island, which was named for the first governor of Russian Alaska. Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka’s iconic dormant volcano, and Annahootz Mountain, named for a Tlingit chief, are some of the many majestic mountains that can be seen along the way. Commentary will describe the glacial and volcanic activity that created them and the surrounding landscape. Harbor Porpoise and sea otters are frequently spotted and at times humpback whales can be seen breaching the water’s surface. It is an unforgettable spectacle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through pristine Sitka Sound on a sleek expedition vessel and take in the natural beauty.
• Look for whales, porpoise, sea otters and bald eagles soaring overhead.
• Hear enlightening commentary about the area’s history, geology and animal life.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly 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.