Our kayaking experts will choose the landing site depending on water conditions and land first, assisting participants to get in/out. Kayaking at a leisurely pace for approximately 2-1/2 hours; walking for approximately 1 hour on dirt/sand/gravel paths. Walking up to 2-1/2 miles in the afternoon.
At the hotel restaurant to include choices such as egg dishes, cereals, toast, yogurt, fresh fruit, plus coffee, tea, and water.
We will walk to the center of town and meet our kayak outfitter, Sitka Sound Ocean Adventures who will start with an orientation to the equipment. We'll then head out on our kayaking adventure in the sound. With our expert, we will paddle near fisherman, tug boats, and other vessels before heading out of the harbor to explore island shores and kelp forests keeping an eye out for wildlife. We'll then head to Fort Rousseau where we will explore on foot with our experts.
Enjoy an early lunch picnic on the beach including smoked salmon, fresh fruit, veggies and dip, gourmet crackers and hummus and assortment of large homemade cookies plus bottled water.
We'll return to the hotel to freshen up and prepare for our walks to the Sheldon Jackson Museum and National Historic Park. With museum staff, we will explore the oldest museum in Alaska, founded in 1897 and learn about Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson’s collection and artifacts. At the National Historical Park, we will walk through Totem Park to learn about the totems and the symbols within them. One of Alaska's most charming communities, Sitka has a complex history. Kiksadi Tlingit people have lived in the area for 8,000 years or more. The protected harbor and rich natural resources made it attractive to European explorers. Serious Russian interest began in 1725 when Tsar Peter the Great sent Vitus Bering to explore the Pacific coast of North America. A Russian trading enterprise called the Russian American Company was eventually formed. After much fighting between Russian forces and the native Tlingit people, Sitka became the administrative center and remained so until the sale of Alaska to the United States in 1867. The name “Alaska” is a Russified version of an Aleut word meaning “great land.”
We'll celebrate Sitka with a plated meal in a local restaurant, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Walk back to the hotel enjoying the sights and sounds of Sitka.