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Experience the Most Unique Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska
Step beyond the ordinary with unforgettable haunted tours, immersive storytelling, and local experiences you'll only find in Sitka.
Cruise Stops Here. Their Stories Never Left.
Ghosts of Historic
Sitka:
Haunted Historic Walking Tour
Walk with the spirits left behind from the Russian-American era as you step back in time with the "Ghosts of Historic Sitka." Prepare to be captivated with chilling and ghostly tales as you uncover the charms of the most undoubtedly historic city in all of Alaska. Gaze upon the old military barracks and wooden sidewalks as you learn about Sitka’s rich and turbulent history of battles, hangings, prostitution, and even disappearing ships.
You are invited to unlock the secrets of an era when Russian explorers clashed with the indigenous Tlingit people at this truly historic seaport. Hear the saga of October 18, 1867, the day of the infamous transfer of the Alaskan Purchase and Seward’s Folly.
Ghosts of Historic Sitka:
Haunted
Pub Crawl
Escape to a private club that was once a secret gambling hall during the early Alaska territory days. Listen to tales about the soldiers that passed through the club and the fate that awaited them.
Next, journey beyond the Russian Cemetery as you make your way to the second stop, an established fisherman's bar. Hear tales about some of Sitka's more colorful characters and how they still haunt the place today. View hundreds of fishing photographs that cover nearly every inch of wall space.
Finally, make your way to the scene of the infamous murder from the late 1800s. Enjoy crafted cocktails while hearing stories of the many haunts that frequent the old time saloon.
Before the Crowds:
Waking Up with the Ghosts
Tour Highlights
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45-minute guided walking tour
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Explore historic downtown Sitka before the crowds arrive
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Hear true stories, local legends, and haunted history
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Visit some of Sitka's oldest and most historic locations
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Ideal for cruise ship guests with morning availability
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Small-group experience with plenty of opportunities for photos
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Family-friendly historical storytelling with light spooky elements
Some towns wake up with the sunrise.
Sitka wakes up with its stories.
Experience Sitka in a way that few visitors ever do. Before the cruise ships fill the streets and before the shops open their doors, the town is quiet, the harbor is wrapped in morning mist, and the stories of Alaska's past seem just a little closer.
Before the Crowds: Waking Up with the Ghosts is a 45-minute guided walking tour through historic downtown Sitka that blends fascinating local history with the legends, mysteries, and ghost stories that have lingered here for generations. Rather than relying on darkness or jump scares, this morning experience embraces the peaceful atmosphere of an awakening town, creating the perfect setting to explore Sitka's haunted past.
As you stroll through the nearly empty streets, you'll hear stories of Russian America, frontier hardships, shipwrecks, forgotten cemeteries, and the people whose lives helped shape one of Alaska's oldest communities. Along the way, you'll visit some of Sitka's most historic locations while discovering why so many locals believe not every resident has left.
Designed specifically for cruise visitors and early risers, this tour finishes before most shore excursions begin, making it an easy addition to your day in Sitka. You'll enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter streets, and exceptional opportunities for morning photography while experiencing a side of the city that most visitors never see.
Whether you're fascinated by haunted history, love local storytelling, or simply want to experience Sitka before the crowds arrive, Before the Crowds: Waking Up with the Ghosts offers a memorable and uniquely Alaskan way to begin your day.
Why Visit Sitka, Alaska?
There are plenty of beautiful cruise ports in Alaska—but there's nowhere quite like Sitka.
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the lush Tongass National Forest, Sitka is a place where towering mountains meet the sea, bald eagles soar overhead, and centuries of history are woven into everyday life. Unlike many cruise destinations, Sitka isn't a town built for tourists. It's a vibrant coastal community where commercial fishing boats still head out before sunrise, locals greet one another by name, and visitors are welcomed into a place with a story unlike anywhere else in Alaska.
For thousands of years, Sitka has been the homeland of the Tlingit people. In the late 1700s, Russian explorers established New Archangel here, making Sitka the capital of Russian America. Then, on October 18, 1867, history was made when Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States at Castle Hill. Today, those remarkable chapters of history are still visible as you stroll through downtown, from the onion domes of St. Michael's Cathedral to the totem poles of Sitka National Historical Park.
But Sitka is much more than its history.
It's one of the best places in Alaska to watch humpback whales feeding in Sitka Sound, spot sea otters floating through kelp forests, or photograph snow-capped Mount Edgecumbe rising above the harbor. Food lovers can enjoy freshly caught halibut, salmon, king crab, and locally owned restaurants that reflect Sitka's welcoming spirit. Whether you're exploring museums, walking quiet forest trails, browsing local galleries, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee while watching fishing boats return to the harbor, Sitka invites you to slow down and experience Alaska at its own pace.
As someone who has the privilege of sharing Sitka with thousands of cruise visitors each season, my hope is that you'll discover more than just another stop on your itinerary. I hope you'll leave with a genuine appreciation for this remarkable town, its people, its history, and the unforgettable landscapes that make Sitka one of Alaska's most rewarding destinations.
Whether you're here for just a few hours or lucky enough to stay longer, welcome to Sitka. I think you're going to love it.
-Emily
Which Haunted Sitka Tour Should I Choose?
Not sure which tour is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best Haunted Sitka experience for your visit:
Best for: Cruise passengers with limited time, families, and first-time visitors
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Duration: 1 hour
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Experience: Historic ghost stories, hidden alleyways, and Sitka’s haunted past
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Pace: Easy walking with frequent stops
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Great if you want: A quick, immersive experience near the cruise port
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Meets downtown
👉 Perfect for cruise ship guests looking for a short and memorable Sitka shore excursion.
☕ 45-Minute Before the Crowds: Waking Up with the Ghosts
Best for: Early risers, cruise passengers, photographers, and guests looking to explore Sitka before the crowds
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Duration: 45 minutes (allow additional 30 mins for shuttle)
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Experience: A peaceful morning walk through historic Sitka featuring haunted history, Russian-era stories, and local legends
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Pace: Easy walking with frequent stops
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Great if you want: A shorter tour that finishes before most shore excursions begin
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Meets at the cruise ship pier
👉 Perfect for cruise ship guests who want to experience Sitka's haunted history in the quiet of the early morning before the town comes alive.
Best for: Adults (21+), couples, and groups looking for a social experience
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Duration: 2 hours
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Experience: Ghost stories + stops at local Sitka bars
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Includes: First drink at each stop (3 total)
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Pace: Relaxed walking with time to enjoy each location
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Meets downtown
👉 Perfect for cruise passengers who want a longer, fun, and unique evening-style shore excursion.
🎯 Still Not Sure?
If you’re short on time or traveling with family, go with the 1-hour or 45-minute walking tour. If you want a more social, adults-only experience, choose the 2-hour pub crawl.
Best Things to Do in Sitka for Cruise Passengers
Welcome to Sitka! Whether you're stepping off a cruise ship for a few hours or spending several days exploring Southeast Alaska, I hope these local guides help you experience the very best our community has to offer. From the best things to do in Sitka and unforgettable shore excursions to favorite restaurants, hidden gems, and local tips, I've gathered the advice I share with my own tour guests every day. My hope is that you'll leave Sitka not only with beautiful photos, but with a genuine appreciation for the people, history, and natural beauty that make this town so special.
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🍽 Where to Eat in Sitka
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🐋 Whale Watching in Sitka
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🌧 Rainy Day Guide
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📸 Best Photo Spots
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🚢 Cruise Port Guide
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👻 Haunted History of Sitka
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⚓ Sitka Shore Excursions
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⭐ Top Things to Do in Sitka
What are the best shore excursions in Sitka?
- The best shore excursion depends on what you're hoping to experience. Whale watching is ideal for wildlife lovers, the Alaska Raptor Center and Sitka National Historical Park are excellent for history and nature, and Fortress of the Bear offers a chance to see rescued brown and black bears up close. If you're looking for something different, Haunted Sitka combines local history, colorful storytelling, and ghost legends in a small-group walking tour just steps from the downtown cruise shuttle.
What are unique things to do in Sitka?
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One of the most unique things to do in Sitka, Alaska is a haunted tour with Haunted Sitka, combining real history with ghost stories.
Are there tours near the Sitka Cruise Port?
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Yes—Haunted Sitka tours are located via free shuttle to downtown Sitka and are easily accessible for cruise passengers.
Best Things to Do in Sitka | Haunted Tours & Cruise Excursions
If you're looking for an adventure or something to do in Sitka, Haunted Sitka is the place to start! We offer shore excursions for Alaska cruise ships as well as tours for people visiting Sitka for longer stays. Whether this is your first trip to Alaska or you've been here before, Haunted Sitka is guaranteed to be one of your favorite Alaska tours. Join us for a shorter one hour walking tour or embark on a 2 hour haunted pub crawl - both are filled with spooky fun.
Sitka Haunted Walking Tour FAQs | Times, Location & What to Expect
Where does the tour start from?
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The tour begins OUTSIDE of the Harrigan Centennial Hall building (330 Harbor Dr.) in Sitka, AK.
For the Haunted Historic Walking Tour: please look for the guide dressed in 1860s period costume dress and holding a sign.
What time should I get there?
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Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
How do we get around?
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This is a walking tour – we will be walking the whole way. One must be capable of walking at least a half-mile, with frequent stopping and standing. There is at least one set of stairs on the tour.
What time should I get there?
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Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
What if it is raining?
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Sitka is located in a temperate rain forest and it frequently rains here. The tour goes in the rain. Please dress accordingly.
How long will the tour take?
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The historic walking tour is 1 hour.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of the tour start time will receive a full refund.
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Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour are non-refundable.
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No-shows will be charged the full tour price.
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Tours may be canceled due to severe weather or safety concerns—in this case, guests will receive a full refund or option to reschedule.
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If your cruise ship schedule changes, please contact us as soon as possible—we will do our best to accommodate rescheduling when available.
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We understand cruise schedules can change. If your ship is delayed or unable to dock, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund when possible.
Sitka Haunted Pub Crawl FAQs | Times, ID & What to Expect
Where does the tour start from?
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For the Haunted Pub Crawl: please look for the guide wearing a teal coat that reads “Haunted Pub Crawl” and is holding a sign.
How do we get around?
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This is a walking tour – we will be walking the whole way. One must be capable of walking at least a half-mile, with frequent stopping and standing. There is at least one set of stairs on the tour.
What time should I get there?
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Please arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
What do I need to bring with me?
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A legal photo ID that verifies your birth date (passport, state ID, state license, etc.). You must be 21 or over to participate.
Can I bring my child if they are under 21?
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No. Only guests who are 21 or over are allowed on this tour. For guests under 21, please consider our Historic Haunted Walking tour instead.
What if it is raining?
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Sitka is located in a temperate rain forest and it frequently rains here. The tour goes in the rain. Please dress accordingly.
How long will the tour take?
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The pub crawl typically takes 2 hours, depending.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of the tour start time will receive a full refund.
-
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour are non-refundable.
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No-shows will be charged the full tour price.
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Tours may be canceled due to severe weather or safety concerns—in this case, guests will receive a full refund or option to reschedule.
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If your cruise ship schedule changes, please contact us as soon as possible—we will do our best to accommodate rescheduling when available.
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We understand cruise schedules can change. If your ship is delayed or unable to dock, we will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund when possible.