Description
Your adventure begins with a narrated tour through Ketchikan, followed by a scenic coastal drive to the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, you will walk along a boardwalk through magnificent stands of spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees. You'll soon be watching for wild bears in search of spawning salmon and ample berries. The safe, protected raised boardwalks are exclusively for bear tours, ensuring an intimate viewing experience with limited groups to reduce environmental impact.
The boardwalk system will take you over grassy wetlands alongside Herring Creek, where you can observe a rich run of spawning salmon and the bears that come to fish for them. You may also spot bald eagles and other birds waiting for scraps in the nearby tidal estuary. Your transportation will be waiting to pick you up where the tour began.
Please Note: The half-mile-long trail is relatively flat. While the chances of seeing bears 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, and you must follow instructions at all times to ensure your safety.
This tour operates in all weather conditions.
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for bear viewing?
Much of the local wildlife including the eagles and bears centers around the salmon run. Typically, late-July through September are the best times for bear viewing in this area, but they can be spotted throughout the season. Though we can't predict Mother Nature's schedule, it's always a pleasure to see bears when they are out!
What is the walking path like? Is it suitable for wheelchairs?
The 3/4-mile walking portion of the tour is on a well-maintained forest trail, with compressed gravel as well as an elevated wooden boardwalk. Most of the trail system is flat, however there are short (30 yards) sections with moderate inclines and declines. The walks occur over compressed gravel and wooden boardwalks that are accessible to wheelchair users, but are weather dependent. During periods of heavy rain the trail can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. Wheelchairs are not provided on site, however with at least 24 hours notice we can provide an able-bodied person to push/assist anyone in a wheelchair.
What should I wear?
This tour operates in all weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, and waterproof jacket are recommended. Don’t forget your sunglasses and camera!
What if our cruise ship's schedule is canceled or delayed?
We will try our best to work with you to reschedule the tour to a later time. If that is not a possibility or your ship doesn't make it into port, then you will receive a refund, less any non-refundable fees.
Know Before You Book
Quick Facts
Itinerary • 2h 00min • 3 activities
Your guides will pick you up from Berth 2 (one of the downtown cruise docks) to drive the excursion base.
Walk along the boardwalk to see black bears.
At the end of your tour, you will have a transfer back to the Berth 2 to either explore downtown or return to your cruise ship.