Sitka Bears, Raptors & Totems Guided Tour

More about Fortress of the Bear

Fortress of the Bear sits just a short drive from downtown Sitka, tucked into the lush rainforest of Baranof Island, and it is one of the most memorable stops on the Best of Sitka Land Tour. This nonprofit rescue center is home to orphaned brown and black bears that would not have survived in the wild, and it offers something you simply cannot find on a typical Alaska sightseeing stop: an up close, respectful look at these massive animals in spacious, naturalistic enclosures built inside former pulp mill clarifier tanks. The setting feels wild and quiet, framed by towering Sitka spruce and the distant sound of running water, giving visitors a real sense of the coastal wilderness that defines this corner of Southeast Alaska.

On the tour, your guide brings you to Fortress of the Bear at an unhurried pace, leaving time to walk the elevated viewing platforms and watch the resident bears wrestle, splash, and forage just below. You might see a young brown bear flipping logs in search of treats, or a pair of black bears lazing in the grass after a swim. Staff are often on hand to share each bear's rescue story, explain the sanctuary's conservation mission, and answer questions about bear behavior in the wild. Compared to the totem trails and raptor center also featured on the tour, Fortress of the Bear delivers a raw, powerful encounter that tends to be the highlight people talk about long after the day ends.

This stop is perfect for families with curious kids, wildlife photographers, and anyone who wants to understand Alaska beyond its scenery. Travelers who care about animal welfare will appreciate that Fortress of the Bear exists to give these bears a safe forever home, and seeing them thrive makes the visit feel meaningful rather than performative. If you want a Sitka day that blends culture, nature, and a genuine wildlife connection, the time spent at Fortress of the Bear will be the moment you carry with you.