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Sitka Scenic Tour: Explore Alaskan Raptor Center, Bear Fortress, and Totem Park in Comfort

4.7

242 Ratings

Sitka

Embark on a 2.5-hour Sitka Scenic Tour and explore the Alaskan Raptor Center, Bear Fortress, and Totem Park. Avoid the crowds with a small group in a comfortable Nissan NV tour van. Hear captivating stories from a local guide equipped with a wireless microphone. Make the most of your time in Sitka with this private and fun adventure!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Silver Bay - Your local guide narrates what life is like in Sitka as you drive south to Silver Bay. Here, incredible beauty unfolds around each and every bend in the road. We will stop for an amazing photo opportunity and possible wildlife viewing. We often see whales, eagles, sea lions and salmon jumping.
Fortress of the Bear - Our most popular stop. Here you will have the opportunity to get within twenty-five feet of our distinctive Brown Bear in a naturalized setting.
The three-quarter acre habitat, set against the National Forest, is the largest bear habitat in North America and is complete with covered viewing areas.
Meet their experienced rescuers as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, but yet revered creature of the forest.
Learn the challenges they experience as they seek to rescue these incredible giants.
Alaska Raptor Center - Next you will start your private small group tour of this amazing raptor rehabilitation center. Located on a 17-acre campus bordering the Tongass National Forest and Indian River, its primary mission is the rehabilitation of sick and injured eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey which are brought in from all over Alaska. The Center (the largest of its type in the state, and one of the largest in North America) receives between 100-200 birds a year, with many suffering from gunshot wounds and traffic accident-related trauma. The Center’s goal is to introduce the birds back into the wild, once they are healed and retrained in “raptor life skills” (such as flying) in the enclosed, Bald Eagle Flight-Training Center. A few of the animals that could not be returned to nature have become permanent guests. You will see up to two dozen resident eagles, hawks, owls, and ravens, who assist in the Center’s secondary function, that of public education.
Sitka National Historical Park Main Entrance - You continue to the oldest national park in Alaska: Sitka National Historical Park. You’ll be amazed as you stroll among the stunning Tlingit and Haida totem poles amidst hemlock and spruce trees on the scenic coastal trail. After, join your guide on a beautiful walk overlooking the Indian River. In the middle of the season, witness salmon spawning while your knowledgeable guide teaches you about the amazing life cycle of the salmon.
All Guests will be given the choice to drive back with your guide or stay longer and stroll the beautiful Sea Walk back to town a 15-20 minute stunning walk.

What's Included

In-vehicle air conditioning
Accommodation as per itinerary

What's Not Included

Food and drinks
Gratuities (recommended) for great service.

Additional Information

Explore the three most popular attractions in Sitka! The Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears, and Sitka Historical National Park (Totem Park) are all must-see destinations. Instead of joining the crowded big bus tours offered by some cruise ships, sit back in our new model (10 passenger) Nissan NV tour van for a more intimate exploration.

Your tour guide is a native Alaskan who is passionate about their hometown and eager to share stories about life in Sitka. Equipped with a wireless microphone, your guide will ensure that everyone can hear clearly, even when he or she is outside helping you off the van–nothing will be missed!

To avoid large groups, we’ve scheduled this 2.5-hour adventure for off-peak hours, providing a more personal and enjoyable tour experience. Before your journey begins, you’ll have ample time to shop downtown (a mere 10-minute walk) or embark on a Marine Wildlife Adventure to make Sitka the highlight of your cruise!

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Standard seat size (17 inches) if you require more space, please book accordingly.
ALL tours start at Harrigan Centennial Hall 330 Harbor Drive Sitka Alaska 99835.
Please take the free down town shuttles to meet us for your tour! We will be at the drop off point with yellow trimmed signs and blue jackets.

Location

330 Harbor Dr

Harbor Drive

If your at the Sitka Terminal Cruise Ship Dock walk off the ship and follow the down town shuttle signs.They only drop you off at Harrigan Centennial Hall where we start all tours!The shuttle ride will take 12-15 minutes.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.7

(242 Ratings)

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Derrick_g

May 4, 2024

Great Tour - Yvonne was a great tour guide.. She was very knowledgeable...The Raptor center fun and the bear forte was informative... i would definitely recommend this tour

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Sophie_p

Sep 25, 2023

Great experience - The tour is well designed, and our guide, Tamsen, was exceptional! Informative, entertaining, interesting, I highly recommend.

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Andrew_g

Sep 24, 2023

Great day - We had a great afternoon on this great trip, it is a lovely town with ice shops and a great pub that is a must visit

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Michele_p

Sep 23, 2023

FABULOUS - Our guide Steven was INCREDIBLE! So knowledgeable about the local area and history. My daughter and I loved the eagle, bear and totem pole centers. Toby and all the bears were amazing to see so up close. We have an even greater appreciation for them. We were so lucky the salmon were still spawning in late September. Such a sight to see. Will recommend to anyone coming to your beautiful town. It has been the highlight of our entire cruise, even in the continuous rain. 🐻🐾🦅🐟🌲🌿

Review provided by Viator

Karon_a

Sep 22, 2023

Great way to see Sitka with a local - Tamsin was a great guide and clearly loves her town and the beautiful plants and animals in the area. The trip was well paced with loads of information about the bears and raptors. Great value for money.

Review provided by Viator

Chris_f

Sep 21, 2023

Worth it! - Great trip, Vaughan was a great guide, very knowledgeable and gave us great insights to Sitka. Would recommend this excursion to anyone wanting to see Sitka.

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Elizabeth_d

Sep 20, 2023

Sitka Gem - It was amazing to experience the bears, raptures, bald eagles and totem poles up close. Our guide Vaughn, was very knowledgeable about Sitka culture and economy. He made sure our trip was a memorable one. Vans were new and clean and group was small. Very comfortable tour. Recommend highly!

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Cathy_h

Sep 30, 2023

Multiple tours in one in Sitka, Alaska - The tour to the different areas was great, but Steve, our guide, was in so much of a hurry. I know he just wanted us to get thru the tour because of driving to the different places, but then the tour time should be adjusted to take that consideration. It would have been a better tour with another 1/2 hour of time.

Review provided by Viator

Corina_s

Sep 22, 2023

Nice rainy day visit - Very friendly guide, mini bus was comfortable, little bit of trouble with the audio, but appreciated a helping hand and stool to get in and out. Nice taste of Sitka on a rainy day, but stops are really too short if you like taking pictures:)

Review provided by Viator

Frank_f