Sitka Scenic Sightseeing and Fortress of the Bear Excursion

Description

• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier!
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides!
  
• Photo stop at Japonski Island!
  
• Guided walking trip at Sitka National Historical Park!
  
• Visit and entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear!
  
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Sitka and the surrounding area!
  

See what treasures the charming port of Sitka holds for guests. Get insider information about Sitka, the area, and the sites you will be seeing including the Fortress of the Bear Center.

This small group exploration of Sitka, the former capital of Russian America, starts right from the tender pier area shoreside. Departing the pier area in a comfortable 14-passenger van you will first drive over the O'Connell Bridge. From the highest point in downtown Sitka, you will get a great overview of this charming town that is only accessible by air or water. No roads lead into Sitka!

On the other side of the bridge, is Japonski Island, which means Japanese in Russian. It was named by the Russians in 1806 after some Japanese fishermen were stranded there and rescued by the Russians living there. In the 1940s, it served as the headquarters for military forces based in Sitka. The surrounding islands contained bunkers and gunning sites, the ruins of a few still exist. Today, it's the location of the Sitka airport, famous for its Russian Borscht soup and homemade pies, and the University of Alaska Southeast.

Driving back through town you will pass by and see the Pioneers Home built in 1913, Sheldon Jackson Museum, St Michael's Cathedral built in the mid-1800s, and the Sitka Sound Science Center as you make your way to the other end of town and the oldest national park in Alaska, Sitka National Historical Park. As you stroll along the path through hemlock and spruce trees you will discover hand-carved wooden Tlingit and Haida totem poles.

After your guided walk along the Indian River, you will drive along Silver Bay to the Fortress of the Bear, North America's biggest bear habitat. Designed as a natural setting for orphaned bear cubs, it also allows you to observe the brown bears from as close as 25 feet (8 meters), observing their play and learning about the habits of these magnificent animals. The staff can answer any questions that you may have about the bears and their rehabilitation at the center.

Throughout the cruise shore excursion, your guide will point out other historical treasures along the way that only a local can provide always keep an eye out for wildlife and have your camera handy!

Your transportation will then return to your cruise ship tender pier in downtown Sitka.

What is included?

• Air-conditioned and licensed round trip transportation from your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier
  
• English-speaking, local, and trained Sitka shore excursion guides
  
• Photo stop at Japonski Island
  
• Guided walking trip at Sitka National Historical Park
  
• Visit and entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear
  
• All fees and taxes included

Excursion Notes

• Please wear sensible walking/hiking shoes that may get wet.
• Guests must be able to navigate the tender pier ramp, which may be quite steep at low tide. There are railings on either side to assist. Walking on the tour includes over paved, rock, and packed dirt surfaces.
• We suggest you have cash on hand for refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, etc.
• Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.
  

Where we meet

For this Sitka Scenic Sightseeing and Fortress of the Bear Excursion, you will meet your guide on your Sitka Alaska cruise ship tender pier shoreside. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests must be able to step into and out of transportation.
  
• Guests must be able to walk approximately 450 yards (411 meters) over paved, gravel, boardwalk, and uneven surfaces, some on inclines.
• Lightweight, layered clothing that will keep you warm even in wet weather, and sturdy, comfortable shoes are suggested.
• Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms) will have to purchase an additional seat to reserve adequate space in the vehicle or vessel.
  

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.