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Sitka Premium Scenic Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totem Village

4.8
110 reviews

Excursion Overview

See Sitka’s top three attractions in one amazing tour!

View rescued brown bears and eagles up close on this premium tour of the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and Totem Village in Sitka.

After a quick shuttle ride into the town of Sitka, guests will begin their small group tour from the Visitor Center. A comfortable and smaller capacity van will transport guests throughout their expedition in Sitka; positioned at the edge of Baranof Island towards the end of the Inside Passage.

A local guide depicts everyday Sitka life on the way to the first stop along this extensive tour, Silver Bay. The stunning beauty of the region reveals itself with every turn of the road south. The van will stop for an incredible photo opportunity along the way and there is always the potential wildlife spotting along the way; eagles, whales, sea lions, and salmon are among the common sightings along this region.

The next stop brings guests to the popular Fortress of the Bears; a naturalized habitat offering visitors opportunities for up-close viewing (within 25 feet!) of local rescued brown bears. Set along the National Forest, the 3/4 acre environment is the largest bear dwelling in North America. Skilled rescuers will share their experience, care and knowledge of a generally feared, yet revered forest dweller. Guests will learn the challenges these rescuers face in the pursuit to protect these amazing creatures.

The intimate small group tour will continue onto the Raptor Center, a 17-acre habitat against the Tongass National Forest and the Indian River; its mission to rehabilitate injured and/or ill birds of prey like hawks, eagles, owls, and falcons. Being the largest rehabilitation center in Alaska, and one of the largest in North America, it takes in between 100 and 200 birds each year. Many of the birds are recovering from gunshot wounds as well as trauma related to traffic incidents. It is the goal of the center to heal and introduce the birds back into the wilderness. Guests will learn about the part of that healing process that focuses on retraining the birds to fly within the expansive flight training center. While birds that can no longer return to the wild are often sent to wildlife centers and zoos throughout the country, a few do remain as permanent guests. Visitors can often view more than two dozen winged inhabitants who aid in the public education mission of the Raptor Center.

Guests will then be transported within their small group to the final stop along the tour and Alaska's oldest national park, Sitka National Historical Park. A stunning stroll through the Tlingit and Haida totem poles among spruce and hemlock trees awaits each guest on the breathtaking coastal trail. Joining a guide on a scenic walk looking out over the Indian River will educate guests on the salmon life cycle, and midseason opportunities to observe spawning. As the tour concludes, guests are given the option of riding back to town with their guide or staying longer and strolling along the beautiful Sea Walk back to town (about a 15-20 minute walk to the ship shuttle).

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation
  • Entrance and activity fees

Requirements:

  • Due to seat availability and guest safety/comfort, passengers weighing 250 lbs or more should purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Sitka.)

  • 35 minutes - total transport time to all attractions
  • 40 minutes - Fortress of the bears
  • 40 minutes - Alaska Raptor Center
  • 35 minutes - Sitka National Historical Park
  • Guests will have a choice to drive back with a guide or stay longer and stroll the Sea walk back to town (a 15-20 minute walk to ship shuttle)

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets downtown, and some guests will need to take a free shuttle. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The transportation van does not have the capacity to accommodate most wheelchairs, collapsible or not, unfortunately.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Wildlife is abundant in Southeast Alaska and sightings are possible on any tour. Bears will be viewable at the Fortress of the Bears stop during the tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

No food or drinks are included.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

The maximum capacity for this tour is 10 guests. If you have more than 10 passengers in your party, multiple vans will provide transportation for your group.

There is open seating on the tour van, however if you require a certain seat due to a physical impairment then please inform your tour guide.

Yes, the ticket price covers all associated entry costs.

 

Guest Reviews

4.8

110 total

79%
19%
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Sheila C

On Sep 2024

Our tour guide was very informative and punctual about how much time we spent at each location. It felt a little rushed, but we got to see everything we wanted and was an overall great experience!

Robert A

On Sep 2024

We really enjoyed seeing the bears & raptors. Our guide was great, very informative

Josh A

On Sep 2024

It was a great experience. At the end when we were in Sitka park, we decided to walk back rather than take the ride and it was great.

Jann W

On Sep 2024

Our driver was great! Shared a lot of information.

Marianne S

On Sep 2024

This was definitely a nice experience. We were able to see the bears and birds up close, and the totem poles were very interesting. We also were able to see tons of salmon spawning and learned a lot from our guide.

$99.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$99.00

Duration: 2.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2.5 hours



Passenger: $99.00

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