Top Ketchikan Culture

There are few options for public transportation in Ketchikan, Alaska—but this efficient sightseeing tour makes it easy to explore the area. Meet your guide at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau near the ship docks and head out to see area highlights such as Ketchikan Creek, Herring Cove, and Saxman Native Village, which has 25 locally carved totem poles.

Discover the wildlife and native cultures of Ketchikan on this half-day nature excursion for your private party. Visit an old Native American village to learn about its culture and see the intricately carved totem poles. Learn about the edible plants of the region, see local wildlife such as salmon, whales, and eagles, and visit several of the area’s beautiful beaches.

Immerse yourself in living history by visiting Saxman Native Village for a look at the rich native culture of Southeast Alaska combined with the action-packed head-to-head lumberjack competition. At the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, you will celebrate a bygone era as you see the logging history come to life with thrilling displays of strength and agility. At Saxman Native Village, your Tour Host will welcome you and take you to the Beaver Clan House for a traditional performance by the Cape Fox Dancers. After the show, you will visit the Carving Center to watch totem pole carving and paint making. Finally, explore the totem pole park to learn about the figures carved on each pole and their cultural significance. This tour also includes a scenic drive throughout Downtown Ketchikan. Your Driver will point out significant landmarks and share the rich history of this fishing town. Routes may vary depending on which meeting point you are picked up from.

Get acquainted with Ketchikan on this 90-minute tour on a state-of-the-art amphibian vehicle that goes on land and water. Take a tour of Ketchikan's rustic streets before splashing into the harbor for a different perspective of "Alaska's First City." Stop often to marvel at the beauty of it all, including the many gorgeous totem poles.

Explore the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car trolley. Traveling on this open-air vehicle, you'll see attractions such as the Fish Ladder and the Native American totem poles of Saxman Native Village, plus look for wildlife such as bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles at the Herring Cove viewing area. This is a fully narrated and guided tour.

Ketchikan is one of Alaska’s most visited cruise ports, renowned for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and indigenous heritage. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. See the famous salmon ladder, admire the traditional totem poles at the Saxman Native Village, enjoy whale-watching from Rotary Beach, and look out for seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove.

While in port in Ketchikan, take to the skies over stunning Misty Fjords National Monument on this 1-hour flighted tour. Board a floatplane and fly over the lakes, sheer cliffs and waterfalls of Misty Fjords, a part of Tongass National Forest covering more than 2 million acres (900,000 hectares) of alpine wilderness. Keep an eye out for any wildlife including bears, eagles and other marine life. Tour duration includes a 1-hour flight, safety orientation, loading and unloading time and gift shop time. • Fly on an incredible journey with breathtaking views of the Misty Fjords National Monument with Ketchikan’s premier flight seeing operator • With 45 years in business and trusted legacy partnerships with all major cruise lines, we bring the experience and the knowledge that will make your trip unforgettable • Window seat guaranteed • Unique pilot narration • 100% Guarantee that you will NOT miss your cruise ship all-aboard • Private van transportation including pickup and delivery

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

While your ship is docked in Ketchikan, kayak around Eagle Island, part of Tongass National Forest, on this 3.5-hour guided shore excursion. Enter the protected waters of Clover Pass and as you paddle around the island, spot wildlife including bald eagles, seals, salmon, and perhaps even humpbacks and orcas. The tranquil waters provide a perfect opportunity for beginning kayakers and the more experienced alike to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness.

Misty Fjords National Monument is a remote, road-less wilderness area that can only be reached by air and sea. This floatplane flightseeing tour takes you into the heart of the park where you can see untouched areas of Alaska far from the hoards of cruise ship passengers that flock to more accessible areas. The tour includes a water landing—a unique experience only a floatplane can provide.

Navigate the waterways and islands of Clover Pass on a small-group kayak eco-tour from Ketchikan. Along the way, spot native Alaskan wildlife that inhabit this protected region where the thick foliage of the Tongass National Forest meets the sea, from sea lions and migratory humpback whales to eagles' nests and exposed starfish colonies. Paddle with two guides and a small group for a more personalized wildlife-watching journey.

After relaxing aboard your ship, this off-road Ketchikan shore excursion will pump up your adrenaline. First, steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep Wrangler® deep in Tongass National Forest. Then, at Lake Harriet Hunt, paddle with your group a Native American–style, 20-person canoe! Keep watch for deer, moose, eagles and even bears along the way. Reward your outdoor activities with a delicious snack of smoked salmon, clam chowder, fresh bread with local wild-berry jam, and hot chocolate.

Focus on the scenery of Tongass National Forest and Totem Park on this eco tour from Ketchikan. Traveling with a small group of just 11 people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of time to ask questions of your guide. Follow your guide on a walk through the Alaskan rain forest and Totem Park, where you'll get views and photo ops of pristine creeks, ancient trees, and moss-covered ground. There's even a geo-caching scavenger hunt to keep kids interested and occupied.

Create beautiful memories of Ketchikan with this small-group photography tour. Your guide will lead you to all of the best photo spots in the area, including historical, cultural and natural attractions, and provide helpful tips and instruction on composition, exposure and more for all types of camera, from a DSLR to a point and shoot or cell phone.

The trail does have several sets of stairs and uphill / downhill portions. Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a natural waterfall and see the native flora. Then, visit a Totem Park, learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people and explore a magnificently carved clan house. This small-group tour ensures a more personal experience and includes pick up at the cruise port.

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Meet your guide at your cruise ship dock. See city highlights, including historical Creek Street and a local salmon hatchery, before continuing out of town: you’ll visit totem parks, pretty tide pools and beaches, nature preserves, and more. As you go, learn all about the region’s indigenous heritage.

Embark on an unforgettable private tour of Ketchikan that is customizable to suit your preferences. Uncover the beauty of Alaska's stunning landscapes while traveling in the lap of luxury with a private transportation service that ensures your comfort. Learn about Native Alaskan cultures at the Totem Park as you take in spectacular views along your amazing journey—all while sipping on the complimentary bottled water.

Combine a tour of Ketchikan with a night on the town with this small-group guided walking tour of the Old Town waterfront, Creek Street and three of Ketchikan's favorite watering holes. Learn all about the colorful events that have shaped Ketchikan, Alaska's First City as you sip on drinks at its historic bars.

Explore Ketchikan and the best of Alaska in this customisable tour for you and up to ten of your friends, family, or colleagues. Your guide will make sure all the sites are covered, and you can just relax and enjoy it all. Options to see are the Salmon Hatchery, Herring Cove, Local Waterfalls, Local Totem Parks, seasonal bear viewing, and exploring the Indigenous Cultures of Southeast Asia.

Ketchikan, Alaska, is truly the beginning of the last frontier. Set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage, a network of waterways snakes through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the world. Ketchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture. We are Native Americans, proud of our culture, and can't wait to share it all with you. This tour is completely flexible and can be tailored to your group's interests. Some options include visiting totem parks, beaches, waterfalls, or going on a hike. While you explore, we will teach you about our Alaskan Native culture and traditions.

From Alaskan history and native culture to a culinary tasting, enjoy all aspects of what makes Ketchikan unique! Begin your tour with an action-packed performance at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show where these world champion athletes wearing spiked boots and hard hats, compete in 12 athletic events that utilize seven-pound axes, six-foot razor-sharp saws, tree climbing gaffs, and souped-up chainsaws. Join us in Saxman Native Village for a culinary experience to learn all about Alaskan ingredients and their uses in a modern cooking environment. The culinary tasting will offer a unique setting to enhance your culinary knowledge and expand your palate with true Alaskan ingredients. The culinary demonstration is complemented by a cultural showcase of Alaska Native art. This tour also includes a scenic drive throughout Downtown Ketchikan. The Driver will point out historic sights and popular landmarks.

For 90 minutes we will wander in and among historical and modern points of interest, while enjoying the sights and sounds of an economically and culturally significant Alaskan coastal town. The tour will cover many well known attractions, as well as some of your guides favorite local spots. You will interact with authentic Alaskan Huskies and learn about their life and contributions to the history of Alaska. Bring your questions about Alaska life, we are prepared to engage in conversations about what it means to live and work here…and to be a husky dog here!