Sitka Sightseeing Tour: Totem Poles & Brown Bears

Brown bears, towering totems, and the Sitka shoreline in one morning

A 2-hour guided tour of Sitka by 10-passenger van with a local guide, covering Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park's totem poles, Japonski Island, and surrounding landmarks. The small-group format keeps the van under 10 people, and the guide shares expertise on local wildlife and cultural sites. All tours depart from Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown and operate in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sitka wildlife and landmarks

• Learn about totem poles and plants
• See an eagle nest
• View local resident bears at Fortress of the Bear

The Experience

The tour starts at Harrigan Centennial Hall on Harbor Drive, where your local guide meets you 30 minutes before departure. From there, the van moves through Sitka's highlights: you'll walk among the towering totem poles of Sitka National Historical Park, watch the brown bears at Fortress of the Bear, and pass Japonski Island, the O'Connell Bridge, Alaska Pioneer Home, Sheldon Jackson Museum and St Michael's Cathedral. The guide points out local plants and eagle nests along the way, sharing knowledge about the area's wildlife and history as you move between stops.

Two hours covers the main sights without rushing, and the van's heater keeps you comfortable while you're riding—though you'll want to step out at each stop to take in the fresh air and get closer looks. The tour runs in all weather, so dress in layers and bring comfortable shoes; the guide and route don't change for rain or wind. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed, and the small-group limit means you're never packed in with strangers.

If you're arriving by cruise ship, free shuttle service runs from the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to downtown (book your shuttle ticket an hour before tour time); if you're tendering, it's a 1.5-block walk from the tender landing to the meeting point. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• air-conditioned van with heater.
• stops at Fortress of the Bear, Sitka National Historical Park, Japonski Island, O'Connell Bridge, Alaska Pioneer Home, Sheldon Jackson Museum and St Michael's Cathedral.
• specialized infant seats available if needed.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sitka Wildlife Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship or staying in Sitka and want a guided route through the main sights in two hours—the van stays under 10 people and moves at one pace, so there's no planning or navigating on your own.

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Top questions

What exactly is Fortress of the Bear and what will I see there?

Fortress of the Bear is a wildlife facility where you watch the brown bears that live there—the tour includes time to observe their behavior and antics up close as part of the 2-hour route.

Are the totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park original, and how long do we spend there?

Sitka National Historical Park holds towering totem poles that are central to the tour; the guide walks you among them and explains their significance, though the exact time at each stop depends on the day's flow within the 2-hour window.

Will I definitely see bears and eagles on this tour?

Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed—the guide looks for bears at Fortress of the Bear and points out eagle nests along the route, but animal presence depends on the day and season.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to do this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness; the tour involves walking at several stops and getting in and out of the van, but it is not strenuous.

If I'm arriving by cruise ship, how do I get to the tour meeting point?

If you're docking at Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal, book a free shuttle ticket online one hour before your tour time and allow 45 minutes for the shuttle to reach Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown; if you're tendering to shore, it's a 1.5-block walk to the meeting point.

What should I wear and bring for this tour?

Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes—Sitka weather changes throughout the day, and you'll be stepping out of the van at each stop; the van has a heater, but you'll want to be outside to see and photograph the sights.