Fortress of the Bear
Fortress of the Bear
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A 501(c)3 non-profit educational bear sanctuary in Sitka, Alaska. Providing a safe haven for Alaska's orphaned bears.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Jackie gPaeroa, New Zealand13 contributionsGreat place to visit while in SitkaWe grabbed an excursion to this place at the port of Sitka and it did not disappoint. Watching the short video was really informative. There were 5 big brown orphaned bears and 3 black bears. One of the brown bears spent most of our visit trying to put a road cone on his head as a hat. The staff were lovely and the excursion was worth doing as when there are numerous cruise ships in they stop allowing walk-in visitors.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 21, 2024
- Becky D1 contributionAmazing Day in Sitka Thanks to Fortress of the Bears!I don't typically post or do reviews...but I have to tell you about our experience at the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka, AK. Today my husband and I did not have any plans for while at Sitka, but last minute I propsed we look into visiting Fortress of the Bear. So we took the blue line bus for $2 (caution the bus is not very big and there's only 1 bus for the whole loop). We got there and bought our ticket at the door. It was pretty simple to get to after walking a couple of minutes after the bus dropped us off. I can't even describe in words how AMAZING this place is. I'm from Delaware so I've not seen bears outside of the zoo. The passion of the workers and just the idea behind the safe place for the orphan bears to be kept/loved/cared for actually moved me to tears. Seriously. I was in just awe. The workers at the observation platform were amazing and just watching the bears was indescribeable. When we started to leave, I could feel myself so excited and happy we decided to pop by and I actually was overcome with emotion! As we were exiting I recognized the owner from the video sitting off to the side. I got myself together and went over and thanked him and he was so thankful and his passion was also evident (and authentic). The best $15 I have ever spent! Please go and see for yourself!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 24, 2024
- RichardFlorida116 contributionsYou see bearsFortress of the Bears is a small rescue center about 5 miles from town center in Sitka. We chose to ride the public bus system there but that was an absolute poop show. The very small buses only run once an hour and hundreds are trying to get on these buses since this is the most popular attraction in Sitka. When the bus arrived people were freaking out nearly trampolining children to get on. Some A-hole even screamed out push your way to the front inciting madness. People are just awful sometimes and we were pushed away missing that bus. Not wanting to wait another hour we chose to leave that non sense and just have a tour company drive us. It cost a lot more but was worth it in the end not dealing with that craziness. These bears are rescued black and brown bears that cannot be released back into the wild. The bears have large natural habitat pins they roam freely in. They seem to be very well kept and happy. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable about the animals. Even saw a bald eagle that hangs around the pins. Overall I’d say it was well worth the time and money to see the Fortress of the Bear. I would highly recommend, just make sure you have transportation.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 26, 2024
- Kevin BDenver, Colorado834 contributionsBest of Sitka Tour stopStopped here on a 3 part best of Sitka tour. Guaranteed to see bears for sure lol. Awesome mission and friendly staff. Spent only about 20 minutes so not sure what price is if not part of tour. Several Black bears and brown bears. A few signs to read and a short video presentation.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten July 5, 2024
- David LSilver Spring, Maryland398 contributionsBetter than viewing bears at a zooEnjoyed our visit. My 4 and 6 year old granddaughters were thrilled to see the Alaska Brown bears and the black bears. The introductory video was informative and despite the busload of visitors there were plenty of opportunities for viewing them. The gift shop seemed to have every item about bears ever made.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 10, 2024
- NiniBugLondon, United Kingdom330 contributionsFortress of the Bears is not to be missed in Sitka!The Fortress of the Bears is a wonderful refuge to rehabilitate orphaned bears back into the wild. The area is very relaxed and isn't just about bears. We saw plenty of bald eagles flying over head. Purchasing any item from the information center goes back to funding the bear orphanage.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 30, 2024
- Southwest_GauchoLake Havasu City, Arizona1,276 contributionsAn actual bear fortress.....We were lucky to visit early in the day with our local friends and avoid the madness of all of the cruise ship passengers. Rescue center is very well done and provides good habit to bears that cannot be released back into the wild. Glad to see structures have been repurposed for bear habitat. Staff was knowledgeable and polite.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 7, 2024
- littlejet405 contributionsHighlight of our Alaskan cruise vacation!Came here as part of an Alaskan cruise. Came on our own, not part of a boat excursion. We loved it! This was one of the highlights of our trip. The workers were soooo knowledgeable. Loved learning about the different personalities of the bears. Really enjoyed our time here.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 15, 2024
- Kevin T13 contributionsYou will be sorry if you don’t visitThis is must visit in Sika! Amazing to see the interface with the bears and their trainers. Who would have known that bears can sign language with mankind?! As the owner said - they are very smart. And playful and adoring with personalities. Never saw something like this in a zoo. Pay the small admission price as it is well worth it (we got retired military rate). And your money goes to a great cause to save the lives of the orphaned cubs.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 17, 2024
- David F81 contributionsSafe way to see bears up closeGreat morning or afternoon trip. The Sitka bus will almost take you there, then short walk to the site. Two large concrete tanks from past use in water treatment or sewage treatment have been recycled into bear areas where bears that are thought to not be releasable to the wild are kept. Bears can be viewed on an elevated platform or at ground level. There are quite robust glass windows keeping you safe at ground levels. The tanks have areas for the bears to sleep in as well as swim. Sometimes the bears will roughhouse with each other. Stories of how the bears came to the shelter are presented and it’s all well done. Next door is “The Shed”, which provides snack food, hot dogs, etc to eat while waiting for the bus to come back. Much more interesting than seeing bears in zoos, and safer than seeing them in the wild. Leave the bear spray at home. Open seasonally.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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1,031 reviews
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WeLoveDisneyland
Forked River NJ296 contributions
May 2023
This is a wonderful place to see bears up close and personal at a safe distance. These orphans are very playful and curious and the staff works very carefully with them to keep the bears happy and healthy. I bought a membership so I could visit more than once during my 2 week stay in Sitka. It's at the end of the island so you either need a rental car or a tour bus/private tour. (Note: Cruise ship excursions are probably too expensive- try to use a taxi?)
Written May 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolene K
Vero Beach, FL3 contributions
Oct 2021
Just had a private tour with the owner Les, omg, he’s got an incredible history in Alaska. His got a heart as large as the state when it comes to his bears! Claire was wonderful as well, I got to be there when the fed the bears it’s incredible. If you like wildlife you can’t get ay closure to a coastal brown bear(s) than this. Please consider donating to this cause, they are not funded by anyone but by donations and revenue with tickets purchased at the door. I have to go EVERY to see those beautiful creatures. He also has blk bears that are pretty big size themselves!
This is a RESCUE center so had it not been for Les the owner these bears and others that he’s sent to different zoos around the US would have been euthanized!
One cool thing to do, they are building a brick walkway for the bears, you can personalize them and help in that manner and your name or your loved one will always leave a piece of yourself in Sitka By The Sea!
This is a RESCUE center so had it not been for Les the owner these bears and others that he’s sent to different zoos around the US would have been euthanized!
One cool thing to do, they are building a brick walkway for the bears, you can personalize them and help in that manner and your name or your loved one will always leave a piece of yourself in Sitka By The Sea!
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah P
Cape Girardeau, MO29 contributions
Sept 2021
We visited via a escorted trip. This is a wonderful up close and personal but safe way to see the alaskan bears. Also, it is interesting since the facility was an old pulp mill which has been repurposed and makes an excellent enclosure. Highly recommend a visit, but they need a better donation system for visitors to be able to donate while on site.
Written November 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XXNYC
NYC87 contributions
Jul 2023
This is a really great opportunity to see brown bears up close. There were five bears when we visited. The staff who work here are really knowledgeable and happy to answer all of your questions. We watched them feed different types of food to the bears and also watched them play.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IndieBajan
New York City, NY152 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Amazing opportunity to real life bear up close in their natural habitat. I visited as a stop on Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Sea from July 7th- July 14th. Instead of a cruise excursion, I took a taxi from Centennial Hall, charging $50 for 4. I then paid the admission fee of $15 for adults and $5 for youth(13-17 yrs), this saved me a bunch. On our way back we got off at The Raptor Center to explore and walk back to the Centennial which was only a 15 minutes walk away.
If you're able body and can read a map I suggest this experience without going broke via the cruise excursion.
If you're able body and can read a map I suggest this experience without going broke via the cruise excursion.
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie B
7 contributions
Jul 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect but I was more than satisfied. We happened to be there on the day when the owner was too. The bears, who are very easy to see even with multiple visitors, did hand gestures/tricks and he fed them. It was amazing to see the love he has for these powerful creatures and how well they are treated. I wish we could have spent even more time there!
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nunya B
67 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Very disappointed in the size and condition of this place. The cruise ship really pumped this place up only to add to our disappointment. Was basically an old sewage treatment plant and a little natural area. Maybe five bears. We got off the shuttle bus, paid and once we saw the poor condition of the place we tried to hop back on the departing shuttle to leave. Sad really.
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lanamom
Sunnyvale, CA674 contributions
Aug 2021
we had seen a lot of bears on our Alaska trip so I was lukewarm to the idea of coming here and saved it for our last day if we had time. I'm so glad we had time - it was amazing!!! The bears have a great habitat and you really get to see them itneracting with each other. They even have a pond where they can catch salmon.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YuontoGo
Huntsville, AL165 contributions
Jun 2021
We actually ended up going twice during our stay in Sitka and enjoyed it each time. The bears are always doing something different and they are very entertaining. We even saw a Bald Eagle swoop down and take a fish from the paws of a Black Bear. The eagle was happy, the bear was not. They said sometimes the bears will win.
It is sad that these bears can never be released into the wild, but they are healthy, happy and have a great home.
We recommend a visit to Fortress of the Bear during your visit to Sitka. It is pretty far out of town so plan on taking a taxk.
It is sad that these bears can never be released into the wild, but they are healthy, happy and have a great home.
We recommend a visit to Fortress of the Bear during your visit to Sitka. It is pretty far out of town so plan on taking a taxk.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellensbee
Kansas City, MO21 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
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. She inspired us to visit! We went with my Coastie son, his wife, my veteran hubs and I. Military discount for all!!! Thank You!
Orphan bears usually are dispatched (shot and killed) these were saved by Evy and Les to educate the public. They are treated with respect and have continuous change of sensory experiences (music, scents, foods, objects) to stimulate them in captivity. This place is a labor of love. The gift shop is really nice too!
Orphan bears usually are dispatched (shot and killed) these were saved by Evy and Les to educate the public. They are treated with respect and have continuous change of sensory experiences (music, scents, foods, objects) to stimulate them in captivity. This place is a labor of love. The gift shop is really nice too!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are 2 from Ireland.
Arrive 4th May tomorrow
Can we take a bus from visitor centre ( downtown ) to/ near you @ FOTBears?
Written May 3, 2023
We are a group of 8 adults, 6 of us are seniors.... very senior. Our 90 year mom is in a wheelchair. We will be on the NCL ship, the Bliss. What would be the best way to get to you from the ship since we will have a wheelchair and she cannot do steps.
Written January 30, 2023
I recommend you contact Baranof Tours in Sitka. Since you have a group of 8, you should be able to do a private tour. 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. Our tour also included stops at the Alaska Raptor Center and the Sitka National Totem Park. 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. The only issue will be time, but you will certainly be able to do 2 of the 3. Note: If you're looking for a tour in Ketchikan recommend you contact Wild Wolf Tours.
Written January 30, 2023
We will be in sitka on July 19. do we need advance reservations. We will be arriving by cruise ship
Written June 22, 2022
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. It’s too far to walk there so you’re only other option would be a taxi hope this helps cheers
Written June 23, 2022
Hi,
We are taking the royal cruise and will be in Sitka on June 22. What is the best way to get to Fortress of the bear? Is there a shuttle?
Regards,
Murugan
Written April 21, 2022
Don't think there is a shuttle but taxi is probably available
Written April 22, 2022
How much to enter? Also, would you catch the bus from the cruise dock or once we get into town?
Written May 4, 2018
We signed up at the dock for a combo Fortress of the Bears and Eagle Sanctuary bus tour. It was approximately $30 per person. It was a far better deal than any preorder trip on the ship! The guide told us all about the area as he drove.
Written May 5, 2018
I understand that the bus runs during the summer. Our ship will be stopping in Sitka mid-Sept. Will the bus still be running or will we need find other transporation ?
Thank you
Jim H
Written March 15, 2018
We took the bus in mid-Sep on a Frriday, which went to Fortress of the Bear and a bird place on the same trip.
Written May 20, 2018
Hola, podrĂan decirme como ir hasta fortress of the bears from Sitka city please?
If there are somo local bus, could you say me where is the bus stop, the name of the bus the timetable and the price please?
Or where i can see this information please?
Written January 11, 2018
BearManagerFoB
Sitka, Alaska
Hello! You can catch the Blue Line bus out to the Gary Paxton Industrial Park, which is a 3 minute walk from the Fortress of the Bear gates. You can find more information and schedules on their website, simply search on Google for 'Sitka Community Ride'.
Written January 12, 2018
We will be on a cruise in late August and are looking forward to visiting! My only concern is how many steps to the platforms do you have? Read where the best viewing is on the platform but interested in knowing how many steps and how steep they are? Are they dry or slippery? Looking forward to your prompt response to my inquiries.
Written June 19, 2017
How close are you to the Raptor Center?
Written April 26, 2017
BearManagerFoB
Sitka, Alaska
We are 5-6 miles from the Raptor Center. You can reach us by cab, take the local bus (weekdays only) or use one of the shuttle bus services providedo by Sitka Tours or Tribal Tours.
Written April 27, 2017
Will Fortress of the Bear be open in mid- May, when the cruise ships start sailing up to Sitka?
Written March 18, 2017
BearManagerFoB
Sitka, Alaska
Absolutely! As of May 1st, we will be open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week. We look forward to your visit!
Written March 18, 2017
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