Situated on the Alaskan Panhandle, Sitka is connected to the mainland by a ferry system. At Hostelling International - Sitka you will find mountains right outside your window and the waterfront just a short walk away. Picturesque Mount Edgecumbe, a snowcapped volcano, and the Pacific Ocean coastline offer limitless opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The Sitka National Historical Park is noted for its excellent collection of totem poles. Don't miss the view from Castle Hill, where the transfer of Alaska from the Russians occurred. Visit historic Saint Michael's Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church that displays priceless icons. Sitka also commands a fine reputation for its festivals, especially for its Summer Chamber Music Festival.
The Sitka International Hostel is now in operation at historic "Tillie Paul Manor" (the former Sheldon Jackson College infirmary), 109 Jeff Davis Street, Sitka, Alaska 99835. At one point Tillie Paul Manor was a part of the Sheldon Jackson College ("SJC") campus. It has now been segregated from the campus, but lies directly across Jeff Davis Street from Stevenson Hall (the location of the former SJC President's Office).
Tillie Paul Manor has undergone a successful renovation so as to be suitable for use as a hostel. Prior to 2010, the Sitka International Hostel had its home (summers only) in the basement of the Sitka Methodist Church. Relocation to Tillie Paul Manor will permit the Hostel to remain open all year long. The phone number for the Sitka International Hostel remains as it has been, (907-747-8661). Reservations may be made by calling that number or by e-mailing the Hostel staff at sitkahostel@yahoo.com. Tillie Paul Manor has a capacity of 23 in its single gender dormitories ($24.00 per person per night for those 12 and older) and a capacity of 2 in the facility's single family room ($60.00 per room night). All hostellers under 17 years that make use of dormitory rooms must be accompanied by a parent or guardian of the same gender.