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

4.6

43 reviews

Excursion Overview

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

Embark on a 2-hour small group tour for an in-depth exploration of Sitka’s breathtaking scenery and rich history. Led by knowledgeable local guides, you’ll begin with a drive through the town, passing by landmarks like O’Connell Bridge, Japonski Island, and the Alaska Pioneer Home. Along the way, you’ll learn about Sitka’s historical significance, including its role in World War II.

The tour includes a visit to Sitka National Historical Park, where you’ll stroll among towering totem poles in a peaceful coastal setting, learning about the indigenous Tlingit and Haida cultures. You’ll also stop at the Fortress of the Bears, where rescued brown bears are housed in the largest bear habitat in North America, offering a rare opportunity to observe these majestic animals up close. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating details about the area’s wildlife and history, with plenty of chances to spot local creatures. The tour concludes with a return to the Visitor Center, where you can explore the area further or catch 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.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Entrance and activity fees

Requirements:

New for 2025: To avoid long wait times, guests are now required to book their complimentary shuttle to and from downtown Sitka in advance! Days that require a ticket will be highlighted in red. All guests should book a shuttle at least one hour before their scheduled tour departure time to ensure they have enough time to check in and be ready for their tour. On days not highlighted in red, a ticket is not required for the shuttle.

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

Yes! New for 2025: To avoid long wait times, guests are now required to book their complimentary shuttle to and from downtown Sitka in advance! Days that require a ticket will be highlighted in red. All guests should book a shuttle at least one hour before their scheduled tour departure time to ensure they have enough time to check in and be ready for their tour. On days not highlighted in red, a ticket is not required for the shuttle.

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.

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

4.6

43 total

Therese T

On Oct 2024

Our guide, DeeAnna, was very knowledgeable and pleasant. Tour had a nice, comfortable pace. No rushing. Scenery was beautiful and we lucked out with a mostly sunny day. Especially enjoyed the rainforest walk and the bear sanctuary.

Michael C

On Sep 2024

Our tour guide had so much knowledge. It was informative, fun, and relaxing.

Susan H

On Jul 2024

Would definitely do this again!! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, personable and just overall a great person!! Loved the totem poles and the BEARS!! Would definitely book through Alaska Shore Excursions again!!

Barbara F

On Sep 2023

Beautiful day. Stopped for photos along the way. The Fortress of the Bear was wonderful. Great guide

Brian R

On Aug 2023

The tour guide gave us a very interesting history of Sitka, the fortress of the bears was a little less than what I was expecting and we were only shown 2 totem poles.

$89.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$89.00

Duration: 2 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 2 hours

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Max of 14

Passenger: $89.00

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

Excursion Overview

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