Haunted Tours in Sitka, Alaska: Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the meeting location from the cruise shuttle?

• Haunted Sitka meets outside Harrigan Centennial Hall, the downtown cruise shuttle drop-off location. Once your shuttle arrives downtown, we're just steps away.

Will I make it back to my ship on time?

• Yes. Our tours were designed with cruise passengers in mind. Guests have plenty of time to enjoy the tour and return to the shuttle before all aboard.

Can I book if I'm not on a cruise?

• Absolutely. Our tours are open to everyone visiting Sitka, whether you're arriving by cruise ship, ferry, airplane, or you're staying locally.

Can I book at the last minute?

• Sometimes—but tours often sell out on busy cruise days. We recommend reserving in advance whenever possible.

Do you offer private parties?

• Yes! We offer private tours for families, friends, corporate groups, wedding parties, reunions, and other special occasions. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want a more personalized experience, a private Haunted Sitka tour lets you enjoy the stories at your own pace with just your group. Contact us to discuss availability, group size, and pricing.

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More information can be found on our Sitka Cruise Port page which is linked here! 

Is the tour scary?

• Not really. We focus on authentic local history with ghost stories mixed in. Most guests describe it as entertaining, fascinating, and fun rather than frightening.

Is the tour appropriate for children?

• Our Historic Haunted Walking Tour is recommended for guests around age 12 and older, although parents know their children best. The Haunted Pub Crawl is strictly for guests 21 and older with valid photo ID.

How much walking is involved?

• Both tours involve approximately half a mile of easy walking with frequent stops. There is at least one set of stairs along the route and one hill.

Does the tour happen if it rains?

• Yes. Sitka is part of a temperate rainforest, so light rain is common. Please dress for the weather.

Where do I meet my guide?

• Meet outside Harrigan Centennial Hall (330 Harbor Drive) in the vendor area. Your confirmation email includes meeting details and photos of your guide.

How early should I arrive?

• Please arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

What is your cancellation policy?

• Cancellations made at least 48 hours before your tour receive a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Do you offer any discounts?

• Yes. Guests who book directly through our website can use code GHOST10 to save 10%.

Why choose Haunted Sitka instead of a large cruise excursion?

• We keep our groups small so there's time for questions, conversation, and storytelling. Rather than following a flag through a crowd, you'll experience Sitka with a local guide who loves sharing the town's history and hidden stories.​

Who will be our guide?

• Most tours are led by me, Emily, the owner and founder of Haunted Sitka. The tour is a  combination of years of research with a passion for Sitka's history, legends, and colorful characters. I love answering questions and helping visitors discover the stories that make Sitka unlike anywhere else in Alaska.

Why did you start Haunted Sitka?

• I've always been fascinated by history and storytelling, and Sitka has no shortage of either. After years of researching the town's past, I realized many of its most memorable stories weren't being shared with visitors. Haunted Sitka was created to bring those forgotten tales to life through an entertaining blend of history, local legends, and a few ghost stories along the way.

Do you live in Sitka?

• Yes! Sitka is my home, and I'm proud to share it with visitors from around the world. Living here gives me the opportunity to continually learn more about the community, its history, and the stories that make it such a fascinating place to explore.

How long have you been giving tours?

• I've been guiding Haunted Sitka tours since 2017 and have had the pleasure of welcoming thousands of visitors to Sitka. Every tour is a little different because every group brings new questions, conversations, and curiosity.

What makes your tours different from the large cruise excursions?

• Haunted Sitka is a locally owned small business. You'll enjoy a relaxed, interactive experience where there's plenty of time to ask questions and hear the stories behind Sitka's historic buildings, colorful residents, and haunted legends. My goal is for every guest to leave feeling like they've explored Sitka with a local friend, not just checked another excursion off their cruise itinerary.

Have you ever experienced anything paranormal yourself?

• Yes! And I'd love to tell you all about it when we meet on the tour. Some stories are simply better shared in person.

Has anyone ever seen a ghost during the tour?

• Whether it's a ghost is up to each guest to decide, but people frequently email me photos after the tour asking about unusual figures, lights, or shadows they captured. Some have perfectly ordinary explanations, while others remain a bit of a mystery.

What's the most surprising piece of Sitka history you share?

• That's a tough one because Sitka is full of incredible stories! Many guests are surprised to learn about the colorful characters who once called Sitka home and the dramatic events that unfolded here. I'll save the details for the tour—you might just discover your favorite story along the way.

What's your favorite stop on the tour?

• The last one! It's my favorite story to tell, and I think it makes for the perfect ending. I won't spoil the surprise here—you'll have to join the tour to hear it.

What's your favorite local restaurant?

• For food, I love the black cod tips at Ashmo's food cart—they're a local favorite for a reason. If I'm looking for a drink, you'll often find me enjoying a beverage at our local Moose Lodge. It's a great place to relax and visit with friends after a busy day.

Is Haunted Sitka close to the cruise shuttle?

• Yes! Haunted Sitka's meeting location is just steps from the downtown cruise shuttle drop-off at Harrigan Centennial Hall. It's an easy walk from where the shuttle lets passengers off, making it one of the most convenient tours for cruise visitors.

Why is Haunted Sitka a popular excursion for cruise passengers?

• Haunted Sitka offers a fun blend of local history, ghost stories, and storytelling—all within easy walking distance of the downtown shuttle stop. It's a memorable way to experience Sitka without spending time traveling to and from an attraction.

What makes Haunted Sitka different from other Sitka excursions?

• Unlike many large cruise ship excursions, Haunted Sitka offers a small-group experience led personally by the owner. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, interact with your guide, and enjoy Sitka's history at a relaxed pace.

Is Haunted Sitka a good choice if I only have a few hours in port?

• Absolutely. Our walking tour is designed with cruise schedules in mind, making it easy to fit into your day while still leaving time to explore downtown Sitka, shop, or enjoy a meal before returning to your ship.

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 culture and nature. 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 drop-off point.