Sitka: Bears, Eagles & Totem Trails Small-Group Tour

Summary

Meet brown bears up close then wander mossy totem trails with eagles overhead

You’ll meet rescued brown bears at Fortress of the Bear, watch eagles up close at Alaska Raptor Center, and wander among towering totems in Sitka’s lush forest park—all with a local guide who knows every story. Includes snacks, entry fees, and pickup right from your ship. It’s an easygoing way to really feel Alaska for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a bear yawn?” That’s how our guide, Jamie, kicked things off as we rolled into Fortress of the Bear just outside Sitka. I honestly hadn’t — and when one of those huge brown bears stretched out on its back and let out this lazy, jaw-cracking yawn (with a sound somewhere between a sigh and a grumble), the whole group kind of froze. There was this damp cedar smell in the air — Alaska always smells like something alive. Jamie told us about each bear’s rescue story while we watched them lumber around their big enclosure. It didn’t feel like a zoo at all; more like you’re peeking into someone else’s wild morning routine.

The van ride between stops was surprisingly chill. Big windows, some rain streaks sliding down — which is just Sitka being Sitka — and every so often Jamie would point out something random: “That’s where my uncle saw a moose last winter.” We stopped at the Alaska Raptor Center next. If you’ve never been eye-to-eye with a bald eagle that looks like it could read your mind (or steal your lunch), well… it’s humbling. The staff were patient with our questions — even the silly ones (“Do they ever try to escape?”). I still think about one owl there; its feathers looked almost blue in the gray light.

I didn’t expect to get so quiet at Sitka National Historical Park. The forest felt soft underfoot, all mossy and green with these carved totem poles standing tall along the trail. We crossed a little bridge over Indian River — someone said you can spot salmon in late summer but we just got that fresh river smell and the sound of water moving fast over rocks. A local woman passed us on her morning walk and nodded hello; everyone here seems to know everyone else.

Snacks in the van were simple but hit the spot (granola bars taste better after you’ve been outside for hours, you know?). The whole day felt easy — no rushing, just drifting from one wild thing to another with time to listen or laugh or stare out at the ocean for a minute too long.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sitka's top wildlife and history

• Visit Sitka National Historical Park
• Walk totem-lined trails and forest
• Explore visitor center exhibits
• See rescued bears at Fortress of the Bear
• View bears from elevated platforms
• Visit Alaska Raptor Center
• See bald eagles and raptors
• Walk Raptor Woodland and aviary

Top questions

How long is the Sitka small-group tour?

The tour covers several key attractions around Sitka within a half-day timeframe.

Are entry fees included in this Sitka land tour?

Yes, all admission fees are included in your booking price.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, transportation is by comfortable 14-passenger van with large windows.

Will I see real Alaskan wildlife?

You’ll meet rescued brown bears at Fortress of the Bear and eagles at Alaska Raptor Center.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, transportation options and most areas are wheelchair accessible; strollers are welcome too.

Does this Sitka tour include snacks or drinks?

Snacks and water are provided during your day trip around Sitka.

Can I join if my cruise ship arrives later?

The tour schedule is designed to work with cruise ship arrivals and departures.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your ship or downtown Sitka, all entry fees for Fortress of the Bear and Alaska Raptor Center, snacks and water throughout the trip, plus rides in a comfy van between each stop before returning you back on time.