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*Check with your Shore Excursions Officer after boarding your ship to check availability. Limited space available.
Your experience will start with a narrated tour through Ketchikan, followed by a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Within a very short time, you’ll find yourself in bear country. This is one of the most accessible bear-watching areas in Southeast Alaska….
Your tour will cover a lot of ground and include many highlights.
When you arrive at the sanctuary, a naturalist guide will join you, bringing the rich forest to life as you walk along an improved trail. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. And soon you’ll be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. These are safe, protected raised boardwalks, and you can expect to have an intimate viewing experience. To reduce environmental impacts, only a limited number of groups have access to this private bear viewing area.
Your guide will lead you along another boardwalk system perched over the grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek. You’ll now observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears and seals that come to fish for them, along with bald eagles and other birds that wait for scraps in the tidal estuary nearby.
Next up, the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company Sawmill and the Tsimshian totem pole park, home to an impressive 40-foot totem and 13 other poles, all from one master carver. And don’t miss the General Store where you can shop for that perfect souvenir.
Please Note: The half-mile long trail is over relatively flat terrain. The focus of your tour will be on viewing black bear in their natural habitat. Your guide may change the order of the tour or time spent in any one area to give you the best chance to see bears. Although the chances for seeing bear are excellent, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The wildlife viewing time is approximately 60 minutes. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No food or drink is allowed on the trail. You must follow your guide’s instructions at all times to ensure your safety.
This tour operates in all weather conditions.
3 hours
Minimum age is 8 years old
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and waterproof jacket are recommended
Shopping opportunities are available at the General Store
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This experience includes walking for short distances over gently sloping terrain, possibly with a few steps or slight inclines. The path is a lightly graveled trail. Please expect to be on your feet (either standing or walking) for the entirety of your tour. Participants should be able to move into and out of buses or vans.
In the heart of the Tongass National Forest lies Kawanti Adventures’ very own Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known for its forest trails and boardwalk system that leads to an open estuary complete with a creek running out to the famous Herring Cove. The sanctuary is a hot spot for all wildlife, but specifically bald eagles and black bear. You will also find our old historic sawmill and carving center, complete with 17 original Alaskan Native totem poles. Visit our gift shop, grab a freshly brewed coffee, or specialty Alaskan beer, and explore everything the sanctuary has to offer!
We had the best time ever. We were able to observe 5 different bear in the wild eating salmon from the safety of the elevated walkway. If you ever have the opportunity to go with them on a tour take advantage of it. The tour guides were great and informative. |
Jeri S.
- 2024
We are so glad we did the Black Bear tour, we were not disappointed as we spotted our first bear within 5 minutes of walking. Seeing them in their natural environment was amazing, thank you to our tour guide Sarah. |
Sharon B.
- 2024
Justin and Lila were excellent tour guides. We were able to see 7 bears, 3 enjoying a salmon buffet. It did require walking and standing so wear appropriate footwear. Lots of great information. I would highly recommend this tour. |
Kim S.
- 2024
Our guides Sara and Valentina were amazing. They worked so well together and had such positive energy. They made the excursion memorable and we got to see bears catching salmon in the river. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you Sara and Valentina for a great experience. |
Andrea Z.
- 2024
Our family of four had a wonderful time on the bear watching tour with Erin and Justin. They were very friendly, funny, and knowledgeable. We saw a number of very active bears along with other wildlife. |
Amy R.
- 2024
*Check with your Shore Excursions Officer after boarding your ship to check availability. Limited space available.
Kawanti Adventures and Taquan Air take you places you’ve only imagined. Live your dreams. Check us out and book your adventure today.