Sitka scenic private tour: Bears, totems and fjord

Brown bears rescued from the wild live here year-round at the Fortress.

A private two-hour tour of Sitka with a local English-speaking guide covers Fortress of the Bears rescue center, Sitka National Historical Park totem poles and Silver Bay fjord. Transportation in a Nissan Armada SUV for up to seven passengers, all entry fees and taxes are included. The tour departs from Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown. Cruise passengers can book a free shuttle from the ship or tender to the meeting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Old Sitka Dock20m · entry included
2. Fortress of the Bear30m · entry included

Explore Sitka's wildlife and history

• Learn about totem poles
• Visit river salmon spawn
• Learn about local plants
• Visit resident bears at Fortress of the Bear

The experience

The tour starts at Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown and moves through Sitka's main attractions in a single loop. You'll walk among the towering totems at Sitka National Historical Park and learn the stories behind them, then head to the Fortress of the Bears to see the rescued brown bears that live there year-round. The guide also takes you to Silver Bay, a scenic fjord, and stops at the Old Sitka Dock where you can watch salmon spawn in the river and learn about local plants that grow along the shore.

The Nissan Armada holds up to seven passengers, so the group stays small and the vehicle moves easily through Sitka's narrow downtown streets and out to the park. Your guide is a local who knows the city's history and wildlife. They'll share the true stories of Alaska's most historic town as you move between stops. The tour runs in all weather, so bring layers and waterproof gear: Sitka's rain is part of the experience, not a reason to cancel.

If you're arriving by cruise ship, the logistics are straightforward. Passengers from Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal can book a free shuttle ticket (contact the operator for details) and ride downtown to meet the guide at Harrigan Centennial Hall about an hour before departure. Passengers tendering to shore walk 1.5 blocks to the same meeting point. The guide will be outside in the vendor sales area 30 minutes before the tour starts, wearing a bright blue jacket with a yellow sign.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a Nissan Armada SUV for up to seven passengers.
• entry to Fortress of the Bears and Sitka National Historical Park.
• a local English-speaking guide for the full tour.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 3 May 2027

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sitka Wildlife Tours

Is this one for you?Two hours is enough to see the main attractions without rushing, but tight if your ship's schedule is short or if you want to explore downtown Sitka on your own afterward. The tour departs from downtown, so cruise passengers need to factor in shuttle or tender time before the meeting point.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What are the Fortress of the Bears and why do the bears live there?

The Fortress of the Bears is a rescue center where brown bears that were rescued from certain death now live year-round. You'll visit them as part of the tour and learn their stories from your guide.

How do I get from my cruise ship to the tour meeting point?

Cruise passengers from Sitka Sound terminal can book a free shuttle ticket to Harrigan Centennial Hall downtown (contact the operator for booking details). Allow 45 minutes for the shuttle ride. Passengers tendering to shore walk 1.5 blocks from the tender landing to the same meeting point.

What happens at Sitka National Historical Park?

You'll walk among towering totem poles and learn about them from your guide, who shares the stories and meaning behind each one.

Can I bring my infant or small child on this tour?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available in the vehicle if you need one.

What's included in the price?

Private transportation in the Nissan Armada SUV, all entry fees to the attractions, all taxes, and a local guide for the full two hours are included.