City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing

Ketchikan, Alaska offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. This tour showcases the city’s iconic totem parks, where towering poles stand as a testament to the artistry and traditions of the indigenous peoples. Alongside the totem parks, the tour also explores Ketchikan’s stunning natural scenery, including cascading waterfalls and thriving salmon streams. With the chance to spot wildlife such as black bears and bald eagles, this small group adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But what secrets do Ketchikan’s totem parks hold, and what stories do they have to tell?

Key Points

• Explore Ketchikan’s iconic totem parks, featuring towering, intricately carved totem poles showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Visit Saxman Native Village to learn about the history and significance of totem pole carving through interactive demonstrations and storytelling.
• Witness the natural beauty of Herring Cove, where you may spot bald eagles, salmon streams, and cascading waterfalls.
• Set out on a small group tour (maximum 13 travelers) for a personalized experience and the potential to see black bears in their natural habitat.
• The tour departs from the Berth 2 Visitors Center, with a free 20-minute shuttle available from the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Ward Cove.

Tour Overview

The small group tour of Ketchikan’s Totem parks, Herring Cove, Saxman Native Village, and Creek Street offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s highlights.

With a maximum of 13 travelers, the tour ensures personal attention. Guests can enjoy black bear viewing when present.

The tour price is $59.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Meeting at the Berth 2 Visitors Center, guests should arrive 30 minutes early. Those arriving from Ward Cove can take a free 20-minute shuttle to the meeting point, which is also the tour’s end location.

Meeting and Logistics

Meeting at the Berth 2 Visitors Center, Booth 15 at 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA, guests should arrive 30 minutes before the tour time. If arriving from Ward Cove "Norwegian Cruise Line," a free 20-minute shuttle transports guests to the meeting point. The tour ends at the same location.

Meeting Point	Arrival Time	Shuttle from Ward Cove
Berth 2 Visitors Center, Booth 15	30 minutes before tour	20 minutes
131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
USA

The tour ensures a personal experience with a maximum of 13 travelers.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The tour includes bottled water for guests.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and allows service animals.

Infants can join the tour and must sit on laps, with infant seats available.

Most travelers can participate in this tour.

• The tour is stroller accessible
• Service animals are allowed
• Infant seats are available
• Most travelers can participate

Customer Experiences and Feedback

According to the 44 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.0.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, like Debby and Jessica, who provide informative storytelling and engage the group. Travelers enjoyed the beautiful scenery and cultural significance of the totem poles.

However, some mentioned logistical issues, such as a broken van and dissatisfaction with tour timing.

While wildlife sightings can be unpredictable due to weather or timing, most guests appreciated the overall experience and interaction with the guides.

Wildlife and Scenery Highlights

The tour features sightings of black bears, bald eagles, salmon streams, and waterfalls, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region.

Guests often express enjoyment of:

1. Observing the majestic bald eagles soaring overhead.
2. Witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of salmon spawning in the streams.
3. Admiring the serene beauty of the cascading waterfalls.
4. Appreciating the rich history and artistry of the towering totem poles.

While wildlife sightings can be dependent on weather and timing, the overall experience and guide interactions leave many travelers delighted by the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the area.

Exploring Ketchikan’s Totem Parks

What makes Ketchikan’s totem parks so captivating? The towering cedar totem poles stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. Visitors can wander through the lush parks, marveling at the intricate carvings and learning about the stories they convey. From the iconic Saxman Native Village to the stunning Totem Bight State Historical Park, these outdoor galleries offer a glimpse into the region’s indigenous traditions. Whether admiring the bold colors and mythical creatures or listening to the guide’s insightful commentary, guests are immersed in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ketchikan.

Totem Park	Location	Highlights
Saxman Native Village	Saxman, AK	Over 20 totem poles, cultural performances, carving demonstrations
Totem Bight State Historical Park	Ketchikan, AK	Replica clan house, 14 restored totem poles, interpretive trails
Potlatch Totem Park	Ketchikan, AK	Collection of 19 intricately carved totem poles
Totem Heritage Center	Ketchikan, AK	Exhibits featuring historic totem poles and indigenous art
Tongass National Forest	Ketchikan, AK	Scenic wilderness with opportunities to view wildlife and totems

Discovering Saxman Native Village

Why visit Saxman Native Village? This authentic Tlingit community showcases the rich cultural heritage of southeastern Alaska.

The tour includes a [1] guided exploration of the world’s largest collection of totem poles, [2] demonstrations of traditional dance and craft, [3] visits to the ceremonial house and carving shed, and [4] opportunities to purchase Native-made souvenirs.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and stories that have been passed down for generations. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on cultural preservation, Saxman Native Village offers a genuine connection to the indigenous roots of Ketchikan.

Strolling Through Creek Street

After exploring the rich cultural traditions of Saxman Native Village, visitors can stroll along the historic Creek Street in downtown Ketchikan.

This wooden boardwalk follows the banks of Ketchikan Creek, once home to a thriving red-light district. Today, the street features quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

Visitors can admire the colorful Victorian-style buildings and learn about the area’s saloon days and bootlegging history.

Creek Street offers a glimpse into Ketchikan’s lively past, with stunning views of the creek and surrounding forested hills.

It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy the city’s unique character.

Sum Up

This tour offers an immersive experience in Ketchikan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Guests can explore iconic totem parks, learn about their significance, and witness the region’s captivating wildlife and scenery. With personal attention and unforgettable memories, this small group adventure provides an excellent way to discover the unique charm of this Alaskan city.