Ghosts of Historic Sitka – Walking Tour

Sitka’s haunted past comes alive through a captivating one-hour walking tour that immerses visitors in the city’s dark history. Led by a storyteller guide dressed in 19th-century attire, the "Ghosts of Historic Sitka" explores significant sites, from the Rose Hill House to the former Red Light District, revealing chilling tales of ghostly activity and mysterious shipwrecks. Whether you’re a history buff or a paranormal enthusiast, this tour promises a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

Key Points

• One-hour walking tour exploring Sitka’s haunted history, led by a storyteller guide in late 19th-century costume.
• Visits significant sites like the Rose Hill House and former Red Light District, with chilling tales of ghostly activity.
• Provides insights into Sitka’s mysterious shipwrecks and their impact on the town’s haunted heritage.
• Accommodates up to 20 travelers and offers private group bookings, with a price of $60 per person.
• Operates rain or shine, with moderate physical fitness required and comfortable walking shoes advised.

Tour Overview

The Ghosts of Historic Sitka – Walking Tour offers visitors a one-hour exploration of Sitka’s darker history and haunted sites. Priced at $60 per person, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and is available for private groups.

Guests will be led by a storyteller guide in late 19th-century costume, who’ll explore Sitka’s haunted past. The tour visits the Rose Hill House and the former Red Light District, as well as sites related to mysterious shipwrecks.

An atypical downtown Sitka experience, the tour operates rain or shine and requires moderate physical fitness. Confirmation is provided upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Highlights of the Tour

A storyteller guide in late 19th-century costume leads guests on an immersive exploration of Sitka’s haunted past.

The tour visits the Rose Hill House and the former Red Light District, unearthing the town’s darker history. Guests learn about mysterious shipwrecks that haunt the waters around Sitka.

The walking tour offers an atypical experience, straying from the typical downtown Sitka sights. Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories that bring the city’s ghostly legends to life.

This spooky yet informative tour provides an unorthodox glimpse into Sitka’s haunted heritage.

Meeting Point and Arrival

Travelers meet outside Harrigan Centennial Hall at 330 Harbor Dr, Sitka, AK 99835, USA.

Guides dressed in late 19th-century costumes hold a "Ghosts of Historic Sitka" sign, making the meeting point easy to identify. The tour returns to this same location at the end.

• Look for the guide in period attire holding the sign
• Arrive on time, as the tour departs promptly
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather
• Be prepared to learn about Sitka’s haunted past and local lore
• Follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a smooth experience

Exploring Hauntings and Dark History

As the tour progresses, guests embark on an immersive exploration of Sitka’s haunted past and darker historical narratives.

The storyteller guide, dressed in 1860s attire, shares chilling tales of ghostly activity and unsettling local legends. Visitors learn about mysterious shipwrecks that haunt the shores and visit the former Red Light District, where the guide recounts the area’s seedy underbelly.

The tour culminates at the eerie Rose Hill House, rumored to be home to restless spirits. Guests are captivated by the guide’s engaging delivery, leaving with a deeper appreciation for Sitka’s enigmatic history.

Visiting Rose Hill House and Red Light District

The tour ventures to the former Red Light District, where the guide recounts the area’s seedy underbelly and sordid history.

Visitors learn about:

• The infamous Rose Hill House, a notorious brothel that catered to wealthy clientele
• Crackdowns on prostitution and the impact on local businesses and residents
• Mysterious deaths and disappearances linked to the district’s dark past
• Superstitions and urban legends surrounding the area’s haunted legacy
• Efforts to preserve and revitalize the neighborhood while honoring its complex history.

The walk through this once-thriving, yet shadowy part of Sitka offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the town’s complex past.

Learning About Mysterious Shipwrecks

What mysterious shipwrecks lurk beneath the waters surrounding Sitka?

During the tour, visitors learn about the treacherous seas that have claimed countless vessels over the centuries. From the wreck of the steam-powered Princess Sophia in 1918 to the mysterious sinking of the wooden steamship Portland in 1910, the guide recounts tales of maritime disasters.

Visitors discover how hazardous navigation was in the early 20th century, with strong currents, hidden reefs, and unpredictable weather conditions contributing to these tragic events.

The guide shares chilling details about the loss of life and the lasting impact these wrecks had on the Sitka community.

Experiencing the Atypical Tour of Downtown Sitka

Beyond the tragic tales of maritime disasters, the Ghosts of Historic Sitka walking tour offers an atypical experience exploring the downtown area.

Participants are guided by a storyteller in 19th-century costume, bringing the history to life. The tour visits sites such as:

• The Rose Hill House, once a prominent brothel
• The former Red Light District, a hub of vice and intrigue
• Cemeteries, where the restless spirits of Sitka’s past are said to linger
• Significant landmarks with haunting backstories
• Establishments where guests can further enjoy the town’s captivating history.

This unique tour provides an engaging and memorable glimpse into Sitka’s darker past.

Important Details and Practical Information

As participants book their Ghosts of Historic Sitka walking tour, they’ll receive confirmation details.

The 1-hour tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately.

Meeting location is outside Harrigan Centennial Hall, where they’ll look for the guide in 1860s costume holding a "Ghosts of Historic Sitka" sign.

The tour returns to the starting point.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Stops Are Included in the Tour?

The tour includes visits to several locations, though the exact number is not specified. The overview highlights key stops like the Rose Hill House and former Red Light District, as well as exploring the hauntings and darker history of Sitka.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues. The overview states that the tour requires "moderate physical fitness" and is not wheelchair accessible.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Any Additional Resources?

The tour guides don’t provide additional resources, but they do recommend following up at local establishments for more information and atmosphere after the tour. The guides focus on delivering an engaging, informative experience during the 1-hour walking tour.

What Safety Precautions Are Taken During the Tour?

The tour operators take several safety precautions, including limiting group size, requiring adult supervision for children, and operating the tour in all weather conditions. They also emphasize the need for moderate physical fitness from participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for Children?

Children must be accompanied by an adult on the tour. There are no specific age restrictions, but physical fitness is required as the tour involves moderate walking. Traveler discretion is advised for young children.

The Sum Up

The "Ghosts of Historic Sitka – Walking Tour" offers a captivating exploration of Sitka’s haunted past. Led by a storyteller guide in period attire, this immersive one-hour experience delves into chilling tales of ghostly activity and mysterious shipwrecks. Suitable for history and ghost enthusiasts, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers and operates rain or shine, providing a unique glimpse into Sitka’s darkest corners.