Sitka Bears & Totems Historical Tour
Watch bears in a sanctuary, then walk a coastal trail lined with totem poles
A two-hour historical and wildlife tour of Sitka by passenger van with a live English-speaking guide. You visit Fortress of the Bear to see rehabilitated bears, then Sitka National Historical Park to walk among Tlingit and Haida totem poles and the restored Russian Bishop's House, learning about the battle between Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit that shaped the city. Admission fees and live commentary are included; the tour departs from Old Sitka Dock.
2h
Step-by-step itinerary
Historical and wildlife van tour
- Meet at tour pickup point
- Visit Fortress of the Bears
- See totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park
The Experience
Two hours in a 12-passenger van means you move between two distinct stops without the logistics of driving yourself. The route starts at Sitka National Historical Park, where a coastal trail winds past Tlingit and Haida totem poles standing on the site of a 19th-century battle between Russian traders and the indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. The restored Russian Bishop's House sits within the park and speaks to Russia's colonial presence in Alaska—a chapter of North American history most visitors have never encountered. Your guide provides live commentary throughout, contextualizing what you're seeing as you walk.
From there, the van takes you to Fortress of the Bear, a rehabilitation center that has housed seven bears since opening in 2007. The facility works with Alaska Department of Fish & Game toward eventual release of rehabbed bears back into the wild. You watch the animals in their enclosure and learn about the center's conservation work. The whole sequence—park, totem poles, Russian history, then the bears—unfolds in the time it takes to see both without arranging separate transportation or entry tickets.
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if a companion assists with boarding and disembarking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour suits all fitness levels, and public transportation options are available near the pickup point if you need them before or after.
What’s included
- Live English-speaking guide.
- admission to Fortress of the Bear and Sitka National Historical Park.
- two-hour scenic tour by 12-passenger van.
- live commentary on board.
Operated by Baranof Tours
Is this one for you?The live English guide delivers commentary as you travel, so you follow the history and wildlife without needing to read a map or plan stops yourself. This works well if you're visiting Sitka for a short time and want to see both the Russian colonial sites and the bears in one morning or afternoon.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 7 similar options
Sitka Bears & Totems Historical Tour★ 4.84 (19)2hENUS$ 99
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Sitka Scenic Tour: Three Top Sites in a 10-Passenger VanSmall-group Sitka tour in a 10-passenger van with a local guide, hitting the Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bear★ 4.77 (507)2h 30mENUS$ 110View ›
Sitka Private Tour: Bears, Raptor Center & Castle Hill ViewsStep off the dock in Sitka for a private tour with rescued bears, raptors, and sweeping harbor views—includes pickup, local guide, and custom stops.★ 4.98 (135)3hENUS$ 429per groupView ›
Sitka: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totems Small Group TourWatch rescued bears, meet raptors up close, and walk among totems in Sitka with a small group. Includes all entry fees and downtown pickup for easy booking.★ 4.61 (461)2h 30mENUS$ 124View ›
Sitka Sightseeing Tour: Totem Poles & Brown BearsTwo-hour Sitka tour with local guide covering Fortress of the Bear, totem poles at the national historical park, and Japonski Island by van—small group★ 4.51 (86)2hENUS$ 100View ›
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Top questions
What exactly is Fortress of the Bear and why do people visit it?
Fortress of the Bear is a rehabilitation center for bears that opened in 2007 and now houses seven bears. Visitors come to watch the animals and learn about the center's work with Alaska Department of Fish & Game to eventually release rehabbed bears back into the wild; the facility receives over 20,000 visitors per year.
What will I see at Sitka National Historical Park?
Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between Russian traders and the indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. You'll walk a scenic coastal trail lined with Tlingit and Haida totem poles and visit the restored Russian Bishop's House, which documents Russia's colonial legacy in North America.
How long is the tour and what's included in the price?
The tour runs two hours and includes admission to both Fortress of the Bear and Sitka National Historical Park, transportation by 12-passenger van, and live commentary from an English-speaking guide.
Can I do this tour if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated if you're accompanied by someone who can assist you boarding and disembarking the van. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
