From Cache

Sitka Small Group Scenic Tour: Totem Poles, Sitka History, and Fortress of the Bears

4.7
60 reviews

Excursion Overview

Explore Sitka’s History and Wildlife on a Scenic 2-Hour Guided Tour

Join a small group tour through Sitka with a local guide. You'll drive through town and pass landmarks including O’Connell Bridge, Japonski Island, and the Alaska Pioneer Home while learning about Sitka’s history and its role during World War II.

At Sitka National Historical Park, take a walk among the park’s totem poles and learn more about the Tlingit and Haida cultures. The tour also includes a visit to Fortress of the Bears, a sanctuary for rescued brown bears. Your guide will share stories about Sitka’s wildlife and history, and you'll have opportunities to look for wildlife along the way.

The tour ends at the Visitor Center, where you can spend more time exploring or take a shuttle back to the ship terminal.

Please note: Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. A small amount of walking is involved. Maximum of 14 passengers.

This tour is typically available from May through September. Our excursions were designed for cruise ship passengers but are available to everyone.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Entrance and activity fees

Requirements:

  • Sitka Courtesy Shuttle: To reduce wait times, all guests are now required to book their complimentary shuttle to downtown Sitka in advance! Please reserve your shuttle at least one hour before your scheduled tour departure to allow enough time for check-in and to ensure you're ready for your tour.
  • Due to seat availability and guest safety/comfort, passengers weighing 250 lbs or more should purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours (Roundtrip from downtown Sitka)

  • 40 minutes - total transport time to all attractions
  • 15~20 minutes - at Japonski Island for a photo opportunity
  • 30 minutes - Fortress of the bears
  • 30 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 departs from Harrigan Centennial Hall - the main meeting point for cruise passengers. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

    • Fully Wheelchair Accessible: No
    • Limited Mobility Accessible: No
    • Stroller Accessible: No
    • Collapsible Wheelchair & Stroller Storage Available: No

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

Yes! Sitka Courtesy Shuttle: To reduce wait times, all guests are now required to book their complimentary shuttle to downtown Sitka in advance! Please reserve your shuttle at least one hour before your scheduled tour departure to allow enough time for check-in and to ensure you're ready for your tour.

If you have any questions regarding this please contact our customer service team in advance.

Yes, the ticket price covers all associated entry costs.

The maximum van 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.

All passengers on this tour need to have a seat of their own. Please leave a note in your order if you will be having a child under the age of 3 on the tour.

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.

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.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Layered clothing and waterproof outerwear are recommended. For more detailed packing tips for your Alaskan vacation, check out our What to Pack for Your Alaskan Cruise guide.

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

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

No food or drinks are included.

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

 

Guest Reviews

4.7

60 total

77%
18%
3%
2%
0%

Kaitan A

On Aug 2026

Highly recommended, knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Jatish P

On Jul 2026

Tour guide was excellent and appeared to have good knowledge about local history. Enjoyed the tour!

Michelle S

On Jun 2026

This was a great tour. Tour guide was amazing very passionate about her job. She was knowledgeable, friendly, sweet. She couldn t do enough for you. I wish I could remember her name. She deserves a kudos

Teri S

On Jun 2026

Our tour guide was informative and very friendly. Enjoyed the time spent with her seeing what we did.

Michael M

On Jun 2026

Great tour. Loved learning about the flora and fauna. Fortress of the Bear was very cool!

$100.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$100.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours



Passenger: $100.00

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