
Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour worth booking?
Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour is a 2-hour experience in Sitka, United States, from $99 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 21 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (21)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $99 per person
If you prefer land over water, you can enjoy our two-hour historical and wildlife life tour in the comfort of a passenger van. On this tour you will see bears at the Fortress of the Bears and totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park, and learn about the history of this beautiful city.
What you get
About this experience
If you prefer land over water, you can enjoy our two-hour historical and wildlife life tour in the comfort of a passenger van. On this tour you will see bears at the Fortress of the Bears and totem poles at Sitka National Historical Park, and learn about the history of this beautiful city.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Driver/guide
- Skip the line
- Admission Fees
- 2-Hour scenic tour by 12 passenger van
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Sitka National Historic Park
On an island amid towering spruce and hemlock, Sitka National Historical Park preserves the site of a battle between invading Russian traders and indigenous Kiks.ádi Tlingit. Visitors are awed by Tlingit and Haida totem poles standing along the park’s scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop’s House speaks of Russia’s little known colonial legacy in North America.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Fortress of the Bear
This center opened in 2007, and now houses 7 bears. More than 20,000 visitors per year come to experience the majesty of these amazing creatures. We’ve sent bears to the Bronx Zoo, Montana Grizzly Encounter and the International Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Boyd, Texas. Our goal is to work with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game to someday release rehabbed bears back into the wild. As a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization, The Fortress of the Bears rely solely on admission fees and donations for funding.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Harrigan Centennial Hall
This is our tour pickup point
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Sitka
Departure Point: Harrigan Centennial Hall Address: 330 Harbor drive Sitka, Alaska Directions: 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 Buses) to downtown Sitka to the visitor drop off point (Harrigan Centennial Hall). Here you’ll see a row of tour vendors. Tendering In If your cruise ship anchors offshore, you will be tendered from the ship to Sitka’s downtown tender dock; this is the back side of Harrigan Centennial Hall. You’ll need to come around to the front side of the building. Here you’ll see a row of tour vendors. Baranof Tours holds the blue sign with our red & gold logo Dates: See Availability Return point: Same as departure
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departure Point: Harrigan Centennial Hall Address: 330 Harbor drive Sitka, Alaska Directions: 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 Buses) to downtown Sitka to the visitor drop off point (Harrigan Centennial Hall). Here you’ll see a row of tour vendors. Tendering In If your cruise ship anchors offshore, you will be tendered from the ship to Sitka’s downtown tender dock; this is the back side of Harrigan Centennial Hall. You’ll need to come around to the front side of the building. Here you’ll see a row of tour vendors. Baranof Tours holds the blue sign with our red & gold logo Dates: See Availability Return point: Same as departure
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Baranof Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Photos




What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Donna
Donna is a complete sweetheart! I enjoyed having her as my guide
via Tripadvisor
Fortress of the bear
Grace, our tour guide at Fortress of the Bear, was fabulous. She gave us a great insight into why the bears are there and shared lots of interesting information about their care and rehabilitation. The trip through the National Park and the visit to the totem poles were excellent. Grace’s clear and informative explanation of the salmon run really added to the experience. She was knowledgeable, friendly and made the whole tour very enjoyable.
via Tripadvisor
Fun at Bear fortress
These bears were beautiful and the staff was very knowledgeable about the animals. The gift shop was reasonably priced and had great items. The totem poles at the national park were interesting and fun to walk and look at. The guide was very friendly and shared fun facts about Sitka with us.
via Viator
Chaotic and expensive
The tour in a minbus was rather chaotic. Soon after setting off at 1.15 on the advertised 2.5 hour tour 4 of the 14 passengers advised they had to be back by 3.00 so only had time to see the Fortess of the Bear (which was great in itself, but not enough time was allowed). There followed a protracted discussion with the driver/guide about logistics and who wanted to do what, including substituting the Raptor Park for the Totems Park, as some of the group had already been to the latter on foot earlier in the day. Also the guide, although very friendly and knowledgeable, had problems working the headset to give commentary while in the van. All in all it would have been better for us to have got a taxi to/from the Fortress (about $20 each way) and paid entry ($15 each) and walked to the Totem Park (about 1/2 mile from town, free entry), plus it would not have been so rushed at either location.
via Tripadvisor
Darby was AMAZING. Super...
Darby was AMAZING. Super knowledgeable and very on top of things. The bears were super cool to see, and the photo ops were great.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Baranof Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.3.
See everything Baranof Tours runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sitka.
How much does Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour cost?
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Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sitka usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sitka is not rushed.
Is Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Sitka, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sitka can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sitka and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sitka within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sitka?
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Sitka runs sea otter and whale quest boats, bear and raptor rescue centre visits, Tongass rainforest hikes, kayak paddles through the islands and Russian colonial history walks. On Outty we rank every Sitka experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour, Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems, Sitka Whale Watching & Wildlife Adventure. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sitka?
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May to September. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sitka?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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Included: Local guide; Driver/guide; Skip the line; Admission Fees; and 2-Hour scenic tour by 12 passenger van. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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Departure Point: Harrigan Centennial Hall Address: 330 Harbor drive Sitka, Alaska Directions: Old Sitka Dock If your cru. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sitka. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Fortress of the Bear & Totems Historical Tour?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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