Name: Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems
SKU: 64781P20
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (474 reviews)

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Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems

4.6(474)· Sitka· By Baranof Tours

From

€112per person

1 to 14 travelers per booking.

Time

1 × Adult × €112€112

Total€112

About the activity

Avoid large tour buses and lengthy queues with this intimate small-group excursion, guided by a knowledgeable local. This tour uniquely features Sitka's top three attractions, allowing you to experience the best of our beautiful town while still having ample time for personal exploration. Join us to discover the Alaska you've always imagined through the insights of a local resident.

What's included

✓Admission to Fortress of the Bear
✓Admission into the Alaskan Raptor Center
✓Air-conditioned vehicle

What is not included

✕Gratuities

Itinerary

1
Harrigan Centennial Hall
This incredible tour covers four of Sitka's most popular destinations. Our journey commences at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where you'll board a comfortable, full-sized passenger van. We will then travel south along Sitka's road system. Keep an eye out for bald eagles perched in the trees and Sitka Black-tailed deer grazing nearby. We'll drive along the scenic Silver Bay, a waterway framed by majestic mountains. During certain months, humpback and minke whales can occasionally be spotted here. Weather and time permitting, we will pause for photographs. As we approach the end of the road system, we will reach The Fortress of the Bear. This non-profit sanctuary is home to seven Alaskan bears. From a viewing platform, you'll have a close-up, yet safe, encounter with our six rescued Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears and three Black Bears – the only black bears found on Baranof Island. Our next stop is The Alaskan Raptor Center. This facility is dedicated to rehabilitating birds of prey and features a state-of-the-art flight room. It is currently home to several rescued eagles, owls, and other birds of prey native to Southeast Alaska. Following this, we will proceed to Sitka National Historical Park. This protected temperate rainforest extends onto a peninsula, offering several easily navigable trail loops that wind along the Indian River and the Eastern Channel. Totem poles mark these trails. The park also holds historical significance as the site of a 19th-century conflict between the Sheetka Kwan Kiksadi Clan and Russian American forces. Visitors can opt for a walk through the park or a visit to its remarkable cultural center, which provides on-site interpreters, exhibits, and demonstrations of traditional skills like carving, fur work, beading, and metalworking. To conclude our tour, we will stop for refreshments at a locally owned pub in the heart of historic downtown Sitka. They offer a diverse selection of Alaskan beers on tap, with a rotating menu. Non-alcoholic options are also available, catering to all tastes and ages. Enjoy your selections in this welcoming, family-friendly establishment.
· 5 min
2
Alaska Raptor Center
The Alaska Raptor Center, which began as a volunteer-run initiative in a backyard, has evolved into Alaska's premier bald eagle hospital and educational center, as well as a leading visitor attraction. Each year, the center provides medical care to between 100 and 200 injured bald eagles and other birds. Our primary aim is to release our patients back into the wild; however, some birds sustain injuries too severe for survival in the wild even after rehabilitation. These birds may become part of our Raptors-in-Residence program, offering engaging educational experiences to over 36,000 annual visitors and 15,000 schoolchildren through our Adopt-A-Raptor program and classroom presentations nationwide. The Alaska Raptor Center's 17-acre campus is situated adjacent to the Tongass National Forest, a temperate coastal rainforest, and the Indian River in Sitka, Alaska. It features award-winning natural habitats for our 19 resident raptors.
· 25 min· Admission included
3
Fortress of the Bear
Established in 2007, this center currently houses seven bears and attracts over 20,000 visitors annually who come to witness the magnificence of these incredible animals. We have successfully placed bears with institutions such as the Bronx Zoo, Montana Grizzly Encounter, and the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas. Our objective is to collaborate with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to facilitate the release of rehabilitated bears back into their natural habitat. As a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, The Fortress of the Bears relies entirely on admission fees and donations for its funding.
· 25 min· Admission included
4
Sitka National Historic Park
Sitka National Historical Park, located on an island surrounded by towering spruce and hemlock trees, preserves the site of a historical battle between invading Russian traders and the indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit people. Visitors to the park are captivated by the Tlingit and Haida totem poles displayed along the scenic coastal trail. Additionally, the restored Russian Bishop's House offers a glimpse into Russia's lesser-known colonial history in North America.
· 25 min

How to use your ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.

Meeting point and return

Harrigan Centennial Hall

Please note: We do not meet at the cruise ship terminal. All guests are required to take the complimentary shuttle to reach us at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Harrigan Centennial Hall

Please note: We do not meet at the cruise ship terminal. All guests are required to take the complimentary shuttle to reach us at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Please note: We DO NOT provide pick-up directly at cruise terminals.

Our location is Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK 99835.

We are within walking distance of most downtown hotels and a short taxi ride from the Sitka airport and the Alaskan Marine Highway terminal.

If you are a cruise ship passenger, there are two ways to access Sitka, Alaska:

1. Old Sitka Dock: If your cruise ship docks at the terminal north of town (Old Sitka Dock), you will need to take the free shuttle (Green or white and green buses) to downtown Sitka, disembarking at the visitor drop-off point, Harrigan Centennial Hall. Look for a row of tour vendors; Baranof Tours displays a blue sign with our red and gold logo.

2. Tendering In: If your cruise ship anchors offshore, you will be tendered from the ship to Sitka's downtown tender dock, which is located at the back of Harrigan Centennial Hall. Please proceed to the front of the building. Here, you will find a row of tour vendors. Baranof Tours displays a blue sign with our red and gold logo.

Important: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour departure time. We advise disembarking your ship at least one hour before the tour's departure to ensure you do not miss your tour.

Meeting point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Practical information

Public transportation options are available nearby.
Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
PLEASE NOTE: As of 2025, the Sitka Sound cruise terminal requires guests to reserve seats on their complimentary shuttles to and from downtown Sitka to improve wait times and enhance the visitor experience. Priority boarding will be given to those with reservations, and it is crucial to make these reservations well in advance to ensure you arrive on time for your tour departing from downtown Sitka. To reserve your seat(s) on the complimentary shuttles between the Sitka Sound cruise terminal and downtown Sitka, please visit [insert reservation link/instructions here]. When making reservations, it is HIGHLY recommended that you plan to board the shuttle AT LEAST one hour prior to the scheduled tour departure time indicated above, and book an earlier shuttle time if that is not available when you make your reservations. For your return trip to the Sitka Sound cruise terminal, it is recommended that you book a shuttle departing AT LEAST one hour prior to your scheduled cruise ship departure time.

Activity options

Simply Amazing Sitka Tour
Admissions: Skip-The-Line Access to Fortress of the Bears & Alaska Raptor Center
Duration: 2.5 hours

Duration

2 h 30

How to prepare for your experience

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Disembark your cruise ship at least one hour before the tour to ensure timely arrival.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the park.
Dress in layers as Alaskan weather can change quickly.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings along the route.

Experience the best of Sitka on this intimate small-group tour, featuring its most acclaimed attractions.

Cancellation conditions

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Any questions?

Product code: 64781P20

Activity offered by Baranof Tours via Viator.

Who is this activity suitable for?

Nature enthusiasts
Wildlife lovers
History buffs
Visitors seeking a local perspective

Activity essentials

Small group tour for a personalized experience
Visit Sitka's top three ranked attractions
See rescued bears at Fortress of the Bear
Learn about birds of prey at the Alaskan Raptor Center
Explore the historical Sitka National Historical Park with totem poles
Enjoy a local refreshment stop

Sitka: good to know

Population: 8,458 (2020)
Elevation: 8 m
Currency: United States dollar
Driving: on the right
Power plugs: A, B · 120 V
Emergency number: 911
Capital city: Washington, D.C.

Average temperatures

2°Jan
2°Feb
2°Mar
5°Apr
8°May
11°Jun
13°Jul
13°Aug
12°Sept
8°Oct
5°Nov
3°Dec

Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Harrigan Centennial Hall, 330 Harbor Drive, Sitka, AK 99835. Please note that we do not meet at the cruise ship terminal; all guests must take the complimentary shuttle to Harrigan Centennial Hall.

How long is the tour?

The tour duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes admission to Fortress of the Bear, admission to the Alaskan Raptor Center, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What should I bring?

We recommend comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and a camera. Binoculars can also enhance wildlife viewing.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, with options to walk through the park or visit the cultural center.

What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?

The tour will be cancelled if there is bad weather. Information regarding cancellations will be provided.

Reviews

4.64.6(474)

5 stars

371

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.

★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Sitka is a Lovely Town - Take a Tour!
patricial190, October 2026
Great way to tour the highlights in Sitka. We enjoyed learning about the raptors (would love more time there) and their gift shop is exceptional. The visit at Fortress of the Bear was fun. We got to hear about the bears getting ready to hibernate and watched a feeding. Our guide was informative and gave us great information about the area as well as the sigths we were visiting. The van was very comfortable.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
worth seeing
AlvinaH_12, October 2026
loved it. great host beautiful animals
★★★★★Viator review
You will be happy you did this
Billie_F, September 2026
Wayne was an excellent guide who made the day fun and full of local insights. One of the highlights he stopped and took us to the salmon run by the totem poles. One of the best days on our trip.
★★★★★Viator review
I took this trip with my...
Jennifer_I, September 2026
I took this trip with my elderly mother and disabled teen daughter. It was perfect, Jim was an amazing tour guide and we had a great time. We learned a lot as well. Highly recommend.
★★★★★Tripadvisor review
Family Fun
Vacationer605237, September 2026
Jim was great! Our kids had an absolute blast as did we!

3 activities · United States

Sitka, United States, has 3 activities, tours and experiences to book.

01Activities to book

The best experiences in Sitka

3 in the catalogue

Free cancellation

Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems

from €118★ 4.8

Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems

from €112★ 4.6

Free cancellation

PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour

from €100★ 4.8

All activities · Sitka · 3

02Categories

Guided tours in Sitka

3 activities

Free cancellation

Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems

from €118★ 4.8

Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems

from €112★ 4.6

Free cancellation

PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour

from €100★ 4.8

Frequently asked questions about Sitka

What is there to do in Sitka?

Sitka has 3 activities, tours and day trips you can book online. Among the most booked: « Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems », « Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems », « PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour ».

What are the top-rated activities in Sitka?

According to traveller reviews: « Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems » (4.8/5, 397 reviews) ; « PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour » (4.8/5, 510 reviews) ; « Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems » (4.6/5, 474 reviews).