Ketchikan’s colorful native totem poles, rugged coastline, and lively waterfront make it a prime destination for city tours. Unlike many cruise ports that just pass through, Ketchikan offers an authentic look at Alaska’s indigenous heritage and a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Its compact size makes it perfect for exploring by small group, private van, or trolley—each providing a different pace and perspective. Whether you’re captivated by native art and culture or eager for wildlife sightings, Ketchikan’s tours deliver memorable experiences that deepen your appreciation of this remote frontier town.
These tours stand out because they blend cultural insights at Totem Bight State Historical Park, outdoor wildlife viewing at Herring Cove, and vibrant city scenes along Creek Street. Planning your perfect day depends on your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend learning or exploring.
Quick Overview
Our list highlights six of the best city tours in Ketchikan, ranging from private, customized experiences to lively trolley rides. You’ll find options like the Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour, which is ideal for a personalized adventure. For a more active and flexible outing, the City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing offers a quick, engaging introduction. Budget travelers might prefer the City & Wildlife Trolley, while those seeking an in-depth private experience can opt for the Private Tour Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife.
Below, I’ve broken down each tour’s strengths, helping you choose the best fit for your travel style.
1. Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour offers a tailored half-day experience that’s perfect if you want flexibility and intimacy. For $525 per group (up to 6 people), this private tour gives you control over what you see and do, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking a customized Alaska experience.
The tour covers several key sites, including Totem Bight State Historical Park, known for its impressive collection of totem poles set in lush rainforest surroundings. You’ll also visit Potlatch Park, where native carvings, antique cars, and a gun museum tell stories of local history. Wildlife viewing at Herring Cove is a highlight, with opportunities to see salmon swimming upstream, eagles feeding, and possibly bears or seals (season permitting). The Rainbird Trail offers stunning views of Ketchikan’s skyline and the surrounding islands.
Guests love the personal attention, with reviews noting how knowledgeable and attentive the guide, Art, was. One reviewer said, “This was the most inspiring excursion we’ve had on our cruise,” emphasizing how the tour’s depth and flexibility resonate.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those craving a personalized, immersive exploration of Ketchikan’s culture and nature.
2. Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley
For around $85 per person, the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley offers a lively, guided 2-hour ride through Ketchikan’s highlights. The open-air trolley mimics San Francisco’s famous cable cars, giving you a breezy, panoramic view of the town’s sights.
The tour’s star attractions include Saxman Native Village, where the largest collection of authentic totem poles is on display, and the Herring Cove wildlife viewing area. Here, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot bears, eagles, and salmon, making it a hit for nature lovers. The guide’s narration adds context to the native art and the natural environment, enriching your understanding of Alaska’s indigenous traditions.
This tour scores well for its convenience—admission fees at Saxman are included, simplifying planning. One reviewer noted, “Bruce’s narration was fun and informative,” highlighting the engaging storytelling. While some found the start point a bit confusing, overall, the tour provides a quick, fun overview perfect for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: An excellent, budget-friendly way to see key sites and wildlife with a lively guide.
3. Ketchikan: Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour
The Ketchikan: Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour combines cultural sights with wildlife spotting in a 130-minute ride for about $85 per person. This tour uses an authentic trolley, providing a nostalgic, relaxed way to explore the town.
You’ll visit Saxman Native Village to see the world’s largest collection of totem poles and watch carvers at work in their shed. Then, the tour heads to Herring Cove for wildlife viewing, where eagles, seals, and bears are often seen. The guide, Jeff, is praised for his knowledge and helpfulness, with one guest saying, “Very informative and helpful guide.”
The tour’s flexibility was tested by weather, but the guide adapted by switching from trolley to coach, ensuring comfort. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a concise yet thorough overview of Ketchikan’s native art and wildlife.
Bottom Line: A traditional, comfortable way to see Ketchikan’s cultural and natural highlights in under two and a half hours.
4. Ketchikan: Potlatch Park, City and Wildlife Private Van Tour
For travelers seeking an in-depth, private experience, the Ketchikan Potlatch Park, City and Wildlife Private Van Tour is a 2.5-hour journey costing $950 for up to 14 people. It’s an excellent way to explore at your own pace, with a guide who shares stories of native villages, totem carvings, and local history.
You’ll visit Potlatch Park, where a clan house and carving shed showcase traditional native architecture and craftsmanship. The tour also includes wildlife sightings at Herring Cove, where bears, eagles, and salmon are common. The driver takes you through scenic coastal drives, and the guide’s local knowledge ensures you don’t miss any hidden stories or sights.
Reviewers comment on the driver’s friendliness and willingness to accommodate. It’s best suited for groups who want a private, tailored experience with deeper cultural insights. Keep in mind, the higher price reflects exclusivity and customization.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups valuing privacy, personalized storytelling, and a comprehensive cultural and natural tour.
5. City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing
If your time is limited, the City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing offers a quick 2-hour introduction for just $59 per person. Starting near the cruise ship docks, it’s perfect for those who want a compact overview.
The tour covers Herring Cove and Saxman Native Village, home to some of the largest totem poles in the world. Visitors can also take a break to observe black bears, if present, adding an outdoor wildlife element. The guide, Debby, is praised for her friendly demeanor and storytelling, making the experience both fun and educational.
While this tour is shorter, it packs in the main attractions and provides good value for travelers on a tight schedule. Reviews mention how the narratives on totem poles and local history make it memorable.
Bottom Line: A great option for travelers who want a quick, engaging taste of Ketchikan’s native art and wildlife.
6. Private Tour Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife
Finally, the Private Tour Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife is a six-hour, fully private experience costing over $1,040 per person. It’s the most comprehensive, tailored option, starting with hotel pickup and including all the major highlights.
This tour features visits to Totem Bight State Historical Park, Herring Cove, and more remote areas like Ketchikan Rainbird Trail, providing a complete immersion in native art, wildlife, and scenery. You’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, with time to photograph and absorb each site.
Reviews are sparse but emphasize the flexibility and personalized service. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a bespoke, in-depth exploration of Ketchikan’s culture and environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an all-encompassing, private tour with maximum flexibility and cultural focus.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in Ketchikan
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. For a private, in-depth experience that covers native culture, wildlife, and scenic drives, the Private Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife Van Tour is hard to beat, especially if you’re traveling with a small group. If you prefer a guided, budget-friendly overview, the City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing offers quick access to Ketchikan’s key sites.
For those wanting a lively, outdoor experience, the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley provides an open-air, narrated ride with wildlife viewing opportunities. And if privacy and a customized itinerary are your priorities, then the Private Tour Ketchikan City Totems & Wildlife is the best choice.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak cruise season, to ensure availability. Consider your preferences for guided storytelling, personal attention, or a quick glance at highlights when making your decision.
To sum it up, Ketchikan offers a variety of city tours tailored to different interests and budgets. Whether you choose a private, personalized adventure or a lively trolley ride, each option provides a window into Alaska’s native traditions, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife. For a comprehensive and flexible experience, the private tours stand out, but budget-conscious travelers will find plenty of value in the guided trolley or small group options. No matter your choice, early booking guarantees you a spot to enjoy these authentic Alaskan moments.