What to do and see in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK): The Best Cultural Tours

February 23, 2022 Jeremy Dunfee

Ketchikan, one of Alaska's most Southeastern cities, is the first stop for many cruises on their way to more Northern climes. A stay in Ketchikan itself can be rewarding, however, as the city is the gateway to Misty Fjords National Monument, an area so beautiful, it is known as "The Yosemite of the North." With steep valleys formed by glaciers and lava flows left by volcanic activity, Misty Fjords offers gorgeous views of natural formations, all reflected in the calm waters of Pacific inlets.
Restaurants in Ketchikan

1. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour

Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Ketchikan Native Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Customize your tour to accommodate any group up to 11 total passengers! The options are unlimited as the tour guide will talk to you one on one to secure a perfect tour. Some options include: Local totem parks, Local Waterfalls, Beach, Salmon Hatchery, local hike, Bear viewing (in season), etc. etc.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 11 Passenger Maximum

Exclusions:

Reviewed By IslandLearner

Born and raised in Alaska. Melissa is an ambassador for the Tlinget, Tsimshian, and Haida Culture and heritage. She’s knowledgeable about the traditions and culture. Kevin’s professional and engaging. Overall I would highly recommend this tour.

2. 3 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park

Wild Wolf Tours
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Enjoy a rainforest walk and visit a Totem Park on our 3 hour excursion in scenic Ketchikan, Alaska on this small group tour with local guide. Explore the lush green rainforest of Alaska among huge old growth trees and moss blanketing the forest floor.  The remote nature trail follows a cascading creek and we stop at a beautiful waterfall viewing area.  The trail does have some stairs and uphill / downhill portions. Experience natures beauty up close and step into this treasured land on our approximately 1.5 mile hike.  Escape the crowds and take in the fresh air and peacefulness of the forest. We also journey to the Totem Park where your local guide will share stories behind the majestic totem poles and the Alaska Native culture with you.  Our excursions are small groups of 11 guests or less and we include pick up at the cruise ship dock. Wild Wolf Tours is a local family owned business and we love to share our beautiful surroundings with you.

Inclusions: Pick Up and Drop off at Cruise Ship Dock, Small Group Tour, Professional Local Guide, Bottled water, Snack of Smoked Salmon Dip with Crackers, Scavenger Hunt and Geocaching for Kids, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Jenkins3525

Wild Wolf Tours is a small female owned tour company. Tracy our guide (& owner of company) was AMAZING! She truly loves what she does and it shows. She's very knowledgeable on the area, customs and cultures in Alaska. We were able to see black bears and salmon spawning during our tour. I'd recommend this tour to anyone that's physically able to take the tour, as it does require the ability to walk for approximately 45min hike in the rainforest. If you're interested in supporting the local economy book with Wild Wolf Tours, you won't be disappointed!

3. 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour

Wild Wolf Tours
Excellent
82%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 13 reviews

Join this amazing 2-hour Eco Tour with an experienced local guide in a small group with maximum of 11 guests. Explore the Rainforest on a nature trail in the Tongass National Forest and stop at a beautiful waterfall viewing area. Admire the lush green rainforest with giant trees, cascading creek and moss blanketed forest floor. Journey to the Totem Park where you will hear stories behind the magnificent totem poles and learn about the fascinating Alaska Native Culture. We are local family owned business in Ketchikan and love to share our beautiful surroundings with you. Our rainforest walk and totem park tour allows you to visit 2 wonderful locations with knowledgeable guide.

Inclusions: Cruise Ship dock pickup and drop-off, Professional local guide, Bottled water, Snack of Smoked Salmon Dip, Scavenger Hunt and Geocaching for kids, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By BNightingale11

I was able to take the 3 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park excursion. Natalie was our group guide (I was solo) and I cannot be more grateful for her knowledge, attention to every detail, and warm personality. Her sense of wonder and excitement to share in the encounter made the trip one of the most special I've ever experienced. I continue to look back at photos taken there and hope to return soon--as soon as I can! I cannot recommend this excursion highly enough if you are looking to experience the beautiful peace the nature of Ketchikan has to offer in a small group setting. Learning the history and culture of the native Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian people was a huge highlight and unforgettable.

4. Ketchikan 4 in 1

Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Seaside Tours
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 39 reviews

On the Ketchikan 4 in 1 you get to experience a fully narrated 2.5 hour historical tour. Starting with the city, which includes: a view of Creek street (ketchikan's historical red light district) and the salmon ladder. Then take a 10 mile scenic seaside drive to explore an area rich in Alaskan Native culture. Here you will see 2 totem parks (Potlatch Park and Totem Bight State Park) that combined have 2 clan houses, 5 tribal houses, and 2 carving centers. Along with antique cars, rare firearms, a historical museum, and a beach walk to view the tidepools (also  a good chance to see eagles and sometimes whales as they migrate through the Tongass Narrows). 

Inclusions: All fees and taxes.

Exclusions: n/a

Reviewed By Kane1700

Outstanding customer service experience. Very welcoming positive atmosphere & staffing that will go out of they're way to give you an amazing experience filled with KETCHIKAN HISTORICAL EVENTS, HARD TO FIND FACTS & KNOWLEDGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL CULTURE THAT IS TRULY ALASKA AT IT'S FINEST ????????A MUST DO

5. Ketchikan Highlights Sightseeing Boat Tour

Ketchikan Visitors Bureau / Berth 2, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA Lighthouse Excursions

Your Alaskan captain & their crew provide a view of our community through the eyes of locals! We love sharing the beauty of our home with visitors from all over the world. Our tour provides a grab bag of Ketchikan highlights, including wildlife viewing, local culture, and history, all backdropped by the breathtaking scenery of our seascape. Special attractions include American bald eagles and their nests, Totem Bight State Park, and Guard Island Lighthouse.

Inclusions: Alder smoked salmon, salmon dip, crackers, bull kelp pickles, and artisan chocolate., Freshly brewed (locally roasted) coffee, hot chocolate supreme, or hot tea., Coke, Pepsi, Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Waterproof, fogproof Bushnell binoculars, Restroom on board

Exclusions:

Reviewed By cadillackid62

Both my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion, the Captain and Crew were so helpful and accomodating! The trip was leisurely and well narrated, refreshments were served and plentiful! We were invited to view the surroundings within the wheelhouse were we found the Captain to be highly competent and informative. He told us that his sister has her Captain's license as well and works on another boat-a family tradition. I would highly recommend this tour, we were able to see whales, eagles, sea lions, and historical structures, all up close and personal. This is a must do!!!!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.