Met Les Kinnear, creator and director, of the Fortress of the Bear, a rescue and education center in Sitka, Alaska. We did the afternoon tour which was much quieter than the morning. The Fortress of the Bear is a stop on many half- and full-day tours of Sitka, including both private and small-group options. A free shuttle bus departs from Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal to downtown Sitka every 10-15 minutes. Fortress of the Bear is a relatively quick stop as the bears are rescued in "tanks" but magnificent animals are just the same. Guide was terrific. A member of our group took these photos at Fortress of the Bear refuge for orphaned bears in Sitka, Alaska. Our guide was knowledgeable about the general area of Sitka. It was ok. How to get to Fortress Of the Bear in Sitka by Bus? - Moovit When we used them from the Bliss, they picked us up at the pier and dropped us off right in the parking lot of the Fortress of the Bears. The community donates the food they feed the bears. The Fortress of the Bear is a must-see when youre in Sitka! These bears cannot be returned to the wild. Sign up for great Sitka-based content delivered straight to your inbox, and remember: curiosity encouraged. This trail is easily accessible for people of all ages, as a large stretch of it is a flat boardwalk. The Sitka Historical Museum is a must see! There is no reason to fear the local tours, they are professional and will get you back to your ship on time! All the bears had names and a short bio of why they were in the facility. Is there a shuttle? Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page. Thank you! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Unless youve never seen a bear at a zoo, this place is boring and overrated. Our shuttle driver was very knowledgeable. How do I get a ride to and from the airport? Just ask your bus driver when you get on the bus, and they will point you in the right direction! It was pretty cool to see bears up close. The bears were adorable, the staff was amazing, friendly and informative. The Bears Fortress of the Bear Tour guide was knowledgeable and took his time explaining everything! This was one of the best tours we ever took and the price was much better than from the ship. We bring orphaned bears from all over the state of Alaska and find homes for them in zoos and sanctuaries internationally. The Bears are fed throughout the day but not on a schedule. Its too far to walk there so youre only other option would be a taxi hope this helps cheers, Hi, We will be on the NCL ship, the Bliss. Still very lovable cause and is worth contributing. We met the Blue Line bus back at the bus stop at 11:15 for a ride back to town. By visiting early on a Friday in May, there were hardly any visitors and it seemed we could stand on the platforms and watch the bears as long as we wanted. Choose to knock out/kill or just keep walking . I have to go EVERY to see those beautiful creatures. It was approximately $30 per person. They inform about all the long process they had to do to be approved by government to have the rehabilitation center and show the coming projects to continue improving it. While vacationing in Sitka on May 27, 2022, my wife and i visited the Fortress Of The Bears. The admission fee was $15 each. If you like wildlife you cant get ay closure to a coastal brown bear(s) than this. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. We liked that it was a small group and the tour guide was very knowledgeable! We saw amazing Alaskan wildlife in the rescue centres. This was an overpriced excursion offered by our cruise to Sitka, Alaska. Fortress of the Bear - Tripadvisor You can reach Fortress of the Bear several ways. Worth contributing and nice to have a close look, This is a recovery center, sadly they cannot be released so it is kind of a sanctuary now. The only issue will be time, but you will certainly be able to do 2 of the 3. He also has blk bears that are pretty big size themselves! We provide protection and care to rescued orphan She was a member of New York University Shanghais third graduating class and explored her love of storytelling through the Interactive Media Arts program there. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. The Blue line route is really hard to follow. Totem Village was so beautiful. The easiest way to get to the Fortress of the Bear is by taxi or a driving tour, which typically includes a stop at the Fortress in the tour package. A one day pass on the Blue Line bus cost $5 each. Maybe try contacting Visit Sitka (above link, bottom of the page) to ask if any other taxi services will be running this year. The tour was very enjoyable. If youve seen bears at a zoo, then dont expect anything more. Learn about the life cycle of salmon on a beautiful walk overlooking the Indian River. I thought we would have seen more. Glad there is a place set up to help get the injured birds back up and flying and back into the wild. I recommend you contact Baranof Tours in Sitka. This tour was amazing. Many hiking trailheads are easily accessible from downtown. The bear and raptor rehab centers were very informative, and the Totem Village/park was beautiful. This place was amazing. This is a wonderful place to see bears up close and personal at a safe distance. If you can visit on a day when there are no cruise ships in town that would make the experience less obnoxious as when bus of cruise excursion people pulls in, it's very crowded very quickly. View rescued brown bears and eagles up close on this premium tour of the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and Totem Village in Sitka. That was amazing! Guide was good spending just enough time at right places. I believe all places would be able to accommodate a wheelchair. We met the owners at the tour depot area, who were very nice and knowledgeable. We would like to go to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? These orphans are very playful and curious and the staff works very carefully with them to keep the bears happy and healthy. Best way to get to FOTB and raptor center from cruise dock? Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation and change requests in writing. Unfortunately, due to poor weather, we were unable to spend any time at the Totem village. There is open seating on the tour van, however if you require a certain seat due to aphysical impairment then please inform your tour guide. We look forward to your visit! I appreciate that these bears were rescued but I find it difficult to imagine they are not stressed living in these enclosures. Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. Fortress of the Bear Sitka, AlaskaSuper Mario Bros Main Theme - Geek Music. While the airport is technically within walking distance (a 20-30 minute to the city center), most visitors call a taxi or rent a car. It is a good place to get photos of real bears in a safe environment. Due to problems with the cruise line, we missed the start of the excursion. This was an amazing tour! Fortress of the Bear -- Sitka Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. We will be arriving by cruise ship, Hi we also arrive by cruise ship my recommendation is to take the free cruise shuttle into the centre at the drop-off point you will see some ladies selling tickets for both the bear and raptor tours they were half the price the cruise company wanted. If you sign up for a wildlife tour around Sitka through one of the various tour companies, we are usually a stop on their tour. Maria was a fantastic guide, sharing with us her experiences of being born and raised in Sitka. (Note: Cruise ship excursions are probably too expensive- try to use a taxi?). Friendly, informative and made the experience even better. There used to be other taxis, though I don't know if they're still in business. It is a good place to get photos of real bears in a safe environment. These enclosures mimic the natural settings that they would normally be . Plus, a wonderful restaurant recommendation. Beautiful bears and a wonderful mission. Far better than large, hurried groups. Its too far to walk there so youre only other option would be a taxi hope this helps cheers, Hi, This very unique attraction is a sanctuary for abandoned bears in Southeast, Alaska. The driver was particularly attentive. Just had a private tour with the owner Les, omg, hes got an incredible history in Alaska. Fantastic excursion with our guide Maria. I can't say enough about my tour guide, the owners or the tour itself. Thank you, We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. What is the best way to get to Fortress of the bear? Enclosures appeared to be similar to an industrial junk yard. Fortress of the Bear (Sitka) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The Fortress Of The Bears consists of two large concrete enclosures formerly used by the Alaska Pulp Company. Check out other frequently asked questionshere! She made us feel very welcome and comfortable. We spent about 40 minutes there. Maria the guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Can we take a bus from visitor centre ( downtown ) to/ near you @ FOTBears? Best tour on the trip we took, due in part to what we saw and our guide, down to earth, fun and her love of what she does, high five Maria! There will be a small fee to pay when you get on the shuttle, which does not include your entrance fee to Fortress of the Bear ($10 per adult). You can find several contact numbers for wildlife tour companies on our website. I wish we could have spent even more time there! Sitka's Colorful and Diverse History That said, our guide was extremely nice and knowledgeable having grown up on the local area. By visiting early on a Friday in May, there were hardly any visitors and it seemed we could stand on the platforms and watch the bears as long as we wanted. By visiting early on a Friday in May, there were hardly any visitors and it seemed we could stand on the platforms and watch the bears as long as we wanted. charged if your order can be completed in time for your requested excursion. Can we take a bus from visitor centre ( downtown ) to/ near you @ FOTBears? Not interested in taking a tour -- done that already. Raptor centre was made very interesting by the on site guide. Providing a safe haven for Alaska's orphaned bears. via email. I felt very bad for the bears. Several people we had talked to touted the Fortress of the Bear as "must see". We will be on the NCL ship, the Bliss. The Fortress Of The Bears opened at 10:00 and we arrived around 10:25. You can reach Fortress of the Bear several ways. 983 reviews #5 of 26 things to do in Sitka Zoos Closed now Visit website Call Email Write a review About A 501 (c)3 non-profit educational bear sanctuary in Sitka, Alaska. How to get to the Blazing Fortress in Hypixel Skyblock - YouTube If you would like to travel to us independently, you can hop on the shuttle bus to our facility, currently run by Sitka Tours (a company that also run wildlife . Three black bears were in the first section. What is the best way to get to Fortress of the bear? Details Frequently Asked 4.7 (70) View rescued brown bears and eagles up close on this premium tour of the Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and Totem Village in Sitka. Raptor Center was excellent--their tour guide provided background information on all the raptors and whether or not they could be released into the wild. We were happy to support the project of providing refuge to orphan bears, but it was crowded with tourists and I did not learn much from this experience that I did not already know or could read online at their website. Bears at Grouse Mtn. Loved the small size of our group. It was intimate and relaxed. Non-alcoholic beveragesin a closable containers and snacks are allowed on tour. The stops were pretty short, but plenty of time for the Fortress of the Bear and Raptor Center, because there isn't a lot to see there anyway. You can find more information and schedules on their website, simply search on Google for 'Sitka Community Ride'. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. . We are taking the royal cruise and will be in Sitka on June 22. Two brown bears in the third section. Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems, Sitka Sightseeing Tour including Fortress of the Bear and Totem Poles, Sitka Premium Tour- Private- Alaska Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bears,Totems, Guided Walking Tour of Sitka | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN, Amazing Whale Watching and Marine Wildlife Shore Excursion, Sitka Shore Excursion: Bears, Raptor Center, & Totem Park Tour (Small Group), Sitka Shore Excursion: Whale-Watching and Marine Life Tour. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-90933599', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Fortress of the Bear while we are in Sitka. Good tour of the bears and raptor center. We have booked a tour with Martins Taxi. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It was approximately $30 per person. I believe all places would be able to accommodate a wheelchair. Their van held 12 passengers so with 8, the wheelchair will easily fit provided it's a regular wheelchair and not a motorized chair. Our tour also included stops at the Alaska Raptor Center and the Sitka National Totem Park. Transportation was clean and efficient. A lovely little walk along a forest trail leading to the beach to finish the trip. Did you try contacting Martin's Taxi & Tours? According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Fortress of the Bear: Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems (From $89.00) Sitka Sightseeing Tour including Fortress of the Bear and Totem Poles (From $79.00) Sitka Scenic Tour (From $79.00) PREMIUM Sitka Scenic Tour (From $89.00) Thanks. We recommend booking Fortress of the Bear tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Got to see a lot in a short amount of time. we feel that everyone should get the same lowest price possible regardless of how many How do I get to Fortress of the Bear? We would not have missed this tour. For more unique ways to explore Sitka, book a flight seeing tour around Baranof Island or a water taxi to explore Sitka Sound. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our. Do you need to book in advance to visit Fortress of the Bear? Is it a sure bedt? About a half dozen bears are kept in two large concrete enclosures that are about an acre each. How much to enter? Wish we had more time to spend in Sitka to shop and tour the totem museum, although the video presentation gave me better understanding of the indigenous people of Alaska.. Fortress of the Bear (Sitka) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Bear Manager Three brown bears in the second section. Glad this place is a sanctuary for bear cubs who have lost their momma bears. It was pretty cool to see bears up close. About the same as you could see at the Bronx Zoo without the extra miles. this tour hit all the highlights of Sitka without sacrificing space or time. It was a rusty enclosure where a couple of bears were kept. She was very informative! The respect and care off the wildlife of Alaska is on view here. In the summer, during the tourist season, a local tour company offers a shuttle service to and from the Fortress of the Bear. There were three areas in which bears resided. excursions you book. Our guide was Tlingit Indian and very well versed in the culture and arts of her people. Tour Duration: Our tours run two (2) hours in length. Posted by Maike Prewett on August 17th, 2021. Particularly loved the totem poles and walk. Simply superb!! The full cancellation policy can be found here. A one day pass on the Blue Line bus cost $5 each. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Both the ship's excursion and Sitka wildlife tours are sold out for that day. I was a little upset that the Totem Village didn't include more than the totem next to the parking lot. We are 2 from Ireland. The bears would wander around, interact with each other, play in the water and be on the lookout for staff throwing food into the water. The bear habitats are in the old "siloes" where the paper pulp was mixed. Akaacheq (sp?) Incredible tour guide! Half-day Tours in Sitka: Check out 4 reviews and photos of Viator's WWII Bunker Exploration/Kayak Paddle in Sitka, Alaska . Highly recommend. We were lucky enough to see an eagle perched in a tree overlooking the black bears. Our trip guide was a very enthusiastic lady who provided us with plenty of information of interest throughout the trip. Was very attentive to the kids in the group. She was raised in Sitka and was very informative. Military discount for all!!! Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. 2 Fortress Of The Bear. Their tour buses are clean and comfortable and tour sizes are moderate. The Estuary Life Trail The Estuary Life Trail is a very pretty, scenic trail through a temperate forest. Or where i can see this information please? Sitka Marine Wildlife Exploration by Boat, Sitka Small Group Scenic Tour: Totem Poles, Sitka History, and Fortress of the Bears. It looks like there are 2 entrances to the Park. 6.71 miles (10.8 km) with 15 min travel time. We happened to be there on the day when the owner was too. Maike Prewett is the Visitor Services and Community Coordinator at Visit Sitka. The bears would wander around, interact with each other, play in the water and be on the lookout for staff throwing food into the water. We loved this excursion. But this is the best way to see Brown and Black bears up close safely. I believe the last stop which is noted as Gary Paxton Industrial Park is a short distance from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Yes, I lived here for 18 months. I cannot recommend this tour enough! We will be arriving by cruise ship, Hi we also arrive by cruise ship my recommendation is to take the free cruise shuttle into the centre at the drop-off point you will see some ladies selling tickets for both the bear and raptor tours they were half the price the cruise company wanted. We would definitely use them again. 3 St. Michael's Cathedral. I bought a membership so I could visit more than once during my 2 week stay in Sitka. Its too far to walk there so youre only other option would be a taxi hope this helps cheers, Hi, If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The RIDE is a fixed-route bus service with three lines that access residential areas of the community and run nearly all 14 miles of road. Definitely recommend. Our tour started with a harbor view from the opposite end of town that, in my option, could have been cut out to spend more time at the other places. Free cancellation Flexible bookings on most hotels* Where to stay near Fortress of the Bear? If you have never been close to bears before it's worth seeingand they do a good thing by rescuing these cubs. The tour company is called Sitka Tours. Arrive 4th May tomorrow They are not physically handicapped, and could have been released to areas uninhabited by humansit is Alaska. Thank you Maria!! Really enjoyed the excursion and the opportunity to see bears up close. These orphans are very playful and curious and the staff works very carefully with them to keep the bears happy and healthy. Our tour also included stops at the Alaska Raptor Center and the Sitka National Totem Park. So glad we did not pay $$ for a tour. The small group is a bonus. Does anyone know how much the taxi fare to Fortress of the Bear (FOB) facility would cost? Likely to Sell Out. Everyone was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable! The Fortress Of The Bears opened at 10:00 and we arrived around 10:25. This taxi fare estimate from Sitka Harbor to Fortress of the Bear was updated 4 days ago . Our 90 year mom is in a wheelchair. Fortress of the Bear (Sitka): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go All reservations must be made through the website as our customer service representatives cannot take credit card information over the phone. She has so much to share and does it in such a friendly and compelling manner. 93% of travellers recommend this experience. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Murugan, Don't think there is a shuttle but taxi is probably available. Visit Fortress of the Bear to get an up close view of rescued wild bears living in a naturalized setting. Purchas a tour ahead of time or visit Harrigan Centennial Hall to buy a same day tour. While she worked with Visit Sitka she participated in the Alaska Fellows Program, a nine-month residential fellowship program nurturing the next generation of Alaska- based leaders. Maria was the guide and was excellent. The tour did not spend enough time there to visit the museum just an easy walk down a path into the rainforest. There are no trees for cover, just piles of dirt and logs mixed together to simulate what, I have no idea. See Bears Up Close (but not too up close). Your Visit Fortress of the Bear Quite frankly, I do not see what the attraction is for this place. While we were there, we saw berries, apples and salmon tossed down to the bears. If you have already received tickets, please call the local tour operator phone number listed on your tickets for tour-specific questions as they will be the best resource to answer unique questions. This tour was the highlight of my trip. Note: If you're looking for a tour in Ketchikan recommend you contact Wild Wolf Tours. I'm so glad we had time - it was amazing!!! Our guide was very knowledgeable, and shared so much about the town. If you have further questions please email [emailprotected] or if it is an urgent matter you can call 1-888-586-8489. What restaurants are near Fortress of the Bear? From uniquely Sitkan stories to insider tips for your visit, we want to share what makes our island so special. Providing a safe haven for Alaska's orphaned bears. Your guide, who navigates for you, brings you to four highly-rated attractions, including Fortress of the Bear, the Alaska Raptor Center, and the Sitka National Historic Park. Being able to see a good number of bears up close, safely, made this a must stop while in Sitka. Due to COVID, the bus system is currently operating with limited hours and capacity. We met one of the founders, Evy, in the Seattle airport and chatted a lot about her life in Sitka as a co founder/owner of the Fortress of the Bear. Horrible, Fortress of the Bear (Sitka): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. We so enjoyed the eagles, bears and the hike to the river teeming with salmon swimming upstream. Three brown bears in the second section. We will be on a cruise in late August and are looking forward to visiting! 6,604 were here. Fortress Of The Bear, A Hidden Gem In Sitka - Forever Karen I appreciated the small group aspect of the tour. What would be the best way to get to you from the ship since we will have a wheelchair and she cannot do steps. We loved this excursion, especially Totem Park. The Fortress Of The Bears consists of two large concrete enclosures formerly used by the Alaska Pulp Company. Sitka Premium Scenic Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center & Totem We went early and the bears were being fed so they were pretty active and close. The bus costs $5 for the round trip, which arrives at the site once an hour for pick ups and drop offs. This is a good excursion if you want to see nature at different spots while relaxing. Please consider donating to this cause, they are not funded by anyone but by donations and revenue with tickets purchased at the door. These orphans are very playful and curious and the staff works very carefully with them to keep the bears happy and healthy. The Sitka, Alaska Travel Guide - Everything You Need To Know The three younger bears may be introduced to the older bears. Our tour only spent 30 minutes at the Fortress of the Bear, and it honestly wasn't long enough. A couple of enclosures with 3 black bears - which at least had some forest area. Our tour guide was super friendly and very funny. During the season, with several cruise ships stopping in Sitka each week, I would imagine thousands of visitors at $15 each. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. They pace back and forth, back and forthunable to do bear things. Watch bears in their natural habitat as they swim, play, sleep, and eat. Hopefully they will increase each environment. 3 enclosures with a total of 8 bears. Enjoy walking through the valley and staring up at the snow-covered peaks. Maria is a beautiful person and a great asset to your company, she made sure we had a wonderful experience. Two brown bears in the third section. Excellent company to use. The full cancellation policy can be found here. more. As of May 1st, we will be open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week. The Fortress of the Bears is a great facility, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured bears, with a population of several recovering Alaska Brown Bears that you can observe close up. A great opportunity to see Alaska's wildlife in a controlled environment. Sitka, Alaska. Thanks for a wonderful tour! Where do we find the local bus and shuttle bus. Please The Raptor Center was great to see some Eagles and other birds up close and see what they are doing to help get some of them back into the wild. @SitkaFoB @OceaniaCruises @nonconfromist Thanks! When we used them from the Bliss, they picked us up at the pier and dropped us off right in the parking lot of the Fortress of the Bears.
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