Your Visit
Walk-in UPDATE !!
{PLEASE SEE THE HOMEPAGE FOR TODAY’S VISITOR FORECAST}
We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support and the number of visitors we have been receiving!
Occasionally, our popularity exceeds our viewing deck capacity. Our commitments to bear comfort, safety for all, and visitor experience, have encouraged us to implement a new process for unscheduled guests (a.k.a. walk-ins).
We will not turn away walk-ins, but please note:
there may be varying, undetermined wait times.
We will do our best to get you in as soon as we can, but safety is priority! We have asked our local transportation sources to assist us by limiting the number of drop-offs per hour on busy ship days.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. **Please take note of the weather when you come out to visit our bears. Our waiting (and viewing areas) are outside in the open air.
**We are unable to offer advance admission or reservations at this time.
If you have any further questions, please email barb@fortressofthebear.org.
“If you want to see bears, this is the place.”
This is your opportunity to get within 25 feet of Alaska's distinctive brown bears in a naturalized setting. Our three-quarter acre habitats are located about 5 miles from the town center, set against the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy 3 populations of bears and observe their unique personalities from a large, covered viewing platform, indoor balcony windows, or ground level windows. Meet experienced naturalists as they share their love and knowledge of this often feared, yet most revered creature of the forest. Learn the challenges we face as we work to rescue these incredible giants.
“The highlight of our trip!”
In order to discourage the bears from getting into a routine, there is no set feeding time. However, the bears love to have visitors and interact with the keepers. Tours last approximately 30 minutes, followed by time to view on your own and visit the gift shop. A beverage area and restrooms are also available.
“Sitka’s most popular tour.”
Keep up to date with news and events by joining our mailing list.
2025 OPEN HOURS:
MAY - SEPTEMBER
Open DAILY:
9am - 4pm
Last Admission @ 3:30pm
OCTOBER
Weekends ONLY:
10am-2pm
Last Admission @ 1:30pm (weather permitting)
OCTOBER SHIP DAYS TBD
NOVEMBER-MARCH CLOSED
(so the bears can hibernate)
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ADMISSION
(no advance purchases
or reservations)
Cash - Check - Cards
(credit card charges incurred up front)
Adults (19+) $15.00
Youth (8-18) $5.00
Children (0-7) free.
Season Pass
$65.00
(for Alaskan residents = unlimited seasonal visits for you and all your guests + 10% off purchases in our gift shop!)
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ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Alternative: Van Tours
Baranof Tours
(907) 738-9135
Specialized Tours of Sitka
(907) 623- 7716
Sitka Tours
(907) 747-5800
Sitka Wildlife Tours
(907) 738-1733
Cpt. Gary's Sitka Adventures
(907) 738-6901
Bumble Expeditions
(907) 796-9713
Sight See Sitka
(907) 738-4123
Sitka Tundra Tours
(907) 738-8688
Alternative: Shuttle Buses
Tribal Tours
(907) 747-7137
Sitka Tours
(907) 747-5800
Alternative: Taxis and Shuttle Vans
Baranof Taxi
(907) 738-4722
Tidal Taxi
(907) 623-2646
Bayside Taxi & Tours
(907) 623-8958
Sitka Shuttle Service
(907) 623-8011
Sitka Rides (The Cool Bus)
(907) 623-7267
Alternatives: Other
Yellow Jersey Cycles
(907) 747-6317
Car Rentals
Avis 907-966-2404