Your Visit
This page is being updated as new information becomes available.
General Admission Ticketing
New for 2026 - beginning January 1st!
General Admission tickets will soon be available online, BUT not everyone will need a ticket - see below:
IF - you choose to purchase a SHORE EXCURSION through a cruise ship, your ticket is included.
IF - you choose to purchase a tour through a LOCAL VAN TOUR company (ONLY those companies listed on our Alternative Transportation segment), your ticket is included. **These companies sell tours in advance or alongside the dock until they are fully booked.
ALL other forms of transportation out to Fortress of the Bear will be able to purchase tickets in advance. Depending upon advance ticket sales, there may or may not be tickets available on site, day of.
About Tickets
At Fortress of the Bear, our #1 priority is the healthy care of our resident bears. As part of this care, and keeping visitor safety in mind, we have a maximum capacity on our viewing deck. To keep from being over capacity, our available tickets will be for specific time frames that are 40 minutes long. Up to the first 10 minutes are educational with casual bear viewing, followed by primary viewing on the outside deck.
Beginning January 1, 2026, our booking system will be active and time frames will become available. Only 2026 tickets will be available.
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:
NOVEMBER-MARCH CLOSED
(so the bears can hibernate)
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2026
ADMISSION
Cash - Check - Cards
(3% credit card charges incurred up front)
Adults (13+) $20.00
Discount w/ID:
Military (active, vet, spouse),
Crew, Local Adult $15.00
Youth (5-12) $10.00
Child (3-5) $5.00
Infant (0-2) Free
Season Pass
$85.00
(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 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