Alaska Bears and Silver Bay Homestead

Your adventure begins with a fully narrated motorcoach tour through Sitka enroute to Fortress of the Bear, a home for once-orphaned brown and black bears. Following rescue, the cubs are brought back to health and provided a long life full of enrichment. The facility is presently home to 5 brown bears and 3 black bears of various ages. While you are observing the bears, the onsite interpretive staff will tell you about the bears, and the remarkable story of the couple that established the rescue facility.

Next, you will embark on a comfortable excursion boat to explore a glacier-carved fjord. While tracing the rugged coast, you will see historic sites and clues to the important role the region’s abundant natural resources have played – and still play – in Southeast Alaska’s economy. At the head of Silver Bay, you will step ashore at a private Alaskan homestead where your camp host will share knowledge that the original inhabitants of Southeast Alaska have used to thrive here for thousands of years. Enjoy spectacular views of the bay from the beach or while sitting around the campfire, complete with s’mores and cocoa.

Back aboard your expedition craft, you will cruise north in search of Steller sea lions, brown bears and other species of wildlife common to the area. At Sawmill Creek, you will transfer to a waiting coach to continue your exploration of the area by road. Along the way, your driver guide will point out the Alaska Raptor Center, the Sitka National Historic Park and other unique attractions that you might want to visit on your own before returning to your ship.