We boarded the small tour bus (10 people) at Centennial Hall. One of the first rules for effective guides, presenters, or adult teachers is "know your audience". Asking what state I'm from and how I got to Sitka does not cover it. The woman who met us in the parking area was very nice, friendly, and asked meaningful questions. The driver did not. The driver/guide drove us along Silver Bay regaling us with a variety of incorrect facts, criticism of other tour operators, and a non-stop litany of useless commentary. I suggest he return to the used car lot he came from where his true calling is. I was ready to escape when we got to the bear place, along with a dozen other tour buses parked in random, chaotic fashion I last witnessed at the customs area in Tangiers, Morocco. At the haphazard parking area at the Sitka zoo, we entered through the gift shop overflowing with thousands of other tourists. Even though the travel brochures and guide didn't use the term, "zoo"; that's what it is. A small zoo with two types of animals: brown bear and black bear. I attempted to ask our used-car salesman a question about the species name for the bears, but the used-car salesman didn't like my question, so he interrupted me and answered a question I didn't ask. There's a fine line between a politician and used car salesman, but I was leaning toward a politician as my opinion of our guide. After we left the bear parking lot conundrum, we headed toward the National Historical Park with lots of good information about totem poles. Again our guide threw out more misinformation about everything, not pulling in any questions. Since we had been in Sitka 8 days and walked to the National Park twice, we decided to walk back to town in a light rain enjoying not being around that or anything. I was charged $179 /2 people for our tour. A taxi to the bear zoo would have been about $20, admission $15each. So skipping the tour would have saved about $110 and eliminated the annoying guide. To be fair to the guide, my wife and I have four college degrees between us and are history buffs, as well as expert gardeners. We are not your typical tourists. We pay close attention to what is said, so incorrect statements don’t pass muster with us.