Ketchikan: Lumberjack Show, Saxman Village & Alaska Food Tour

Summary

Lumberjack thrills native flavors & ketchikan’s stories in one lively day

You’ll catch flying axes at Ketchikan’s lumberjack show, taste wild Alaskan ingredients at Saxman Native Village with local chefs, and ride through town hearing stories from your guide. By the end, you’ll have real memories—some loud, some quietly lingering—that stick long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s swinging an axe before I’ve even found my seat—chips flying, the crowd roaring. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan is way more rowdy than I pictured. Our guide, Jamie, grinned at my surprise and leaned in to explain the rules (I honestly lost track after the third event—there’s a lot of yelling and sawdust). The smell of fresh-cut wood mixed with rain on my jacket. My hands still felt cold from the walk over but I barely noticed once the chainsaws started up. It’s not just a show—it’s like everyone’s rooting for their team, even if you have no idea who’s winning.

After all that noise, stepping into Saxman Native Village felt like flipping a switch. There was this hush under the tall totems—carved faces staring out over us—and someone from the village waved us inside for lunch. I’d never tried smoked salmon chowder before (creamy, smoky, somehow sweet?) and there was a berry dessert that tasted like something wild and tart at the same time. Chef Annie showed us how she uses local seaweed in her cooking—she let me touch it, slippery and briny—and laughed when I asked if she ever gets tired of salmon (“Not possible here,” she said). The art on the walls told stories too; Jamie pointed out which animals meant what in Tlingit culture but honestly I just liked how bold the colors looked against all that gray light coming through the windows.

Driving back through downtown Ketchikan, Jamie kept up a steady stream of stories about old canneries and how people here still wave to each other from their trucks. I caught sight of someone tossing fish scraps to bald eagles behind a market stall—just casual, like it happens every day (maybe it does). The bus heater hummed quietly while we rolled past painted storefronts and wet wooden boardwalks. I didn’t expect to feel so connected to such a small place or remember those flavors as clearly as I do now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lumberjack show, cultural meal, scenic drive

• Watch Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
• Learn Tlingit culture with 3-course meal
• Drive through Downtown Ketchikan

Top questions

How long does the Ketchikan lumberjack show last?

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show lasts about 1 hour as part of this tour.

Is food included during the Saxman Native Village visit?

Yes, a 3-course Alaskan meal with beverages is included during your time at Saxman Native Village.

Are transportation and pickup provided for this tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transport between venues is included in your booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including transportation options.

What will we learn about Tlingit culture?

You’ll see Alaska Native art at Saxman Village and hear cultural stories from guides during your visit.

Can infants join this Ketchikan tour?

Infants and small children can join; they may ride in prams or sit on an adult's lap as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to the lively Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, comfortable transfers between downtown Ketchikan and Saxman Native Village in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus a full 3-course meal featuring true Alaskan ingredients with drinks—all guided by locals who share stories along the way.