Ketchikan: Private Custom Excursion with Wildlife & Totems

Summary

Totem poles, wild eagles and real stories in Ketchikan’s rainforest

You’ll set your own pace on this private Ketchikan excursion—choose between spotting salmon or eagles, exploring clan houses or museums, or learning about wild plants from your local guide. Expect laughter, real stories, snacks and coffee breaks along the way. You might end up thinking about Alaska’s quiet forests long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what it feels like to step out of the cruise port and just… not follow the crowd? That’s how our day started in Ketchikan. The air had that damp, mossy smell — you know, like wet wood after rain — and our guide (I think his name was Mike?) greeted us with this easy smile that made it feel less like a tour and more like meeting up with a local friend who actually knows where to find things. Not just the “top 10” stuff either. We piled into the van (there were ten of us, but it’d fit more) and he asked what we wanted to see. Someone blurted out “totem poles!” so off we went.

The drive was slow in a good way — windows down, a bit chilly but fresh, and Mike pointing out patches of wild berries along the road. He pulled over at one spot where salmon were fighting their way upstream (late summer), and I swear I could hear them splashing even before I saw them. Eagles circled above; one swooped so low my cousin tried to snap a photo and nearly dropped her phone. At another stop, we wandered through this little forest clearing where he showed us edible plants (I tried one… tasted kind of peppery?). There was this old clan house too, carved wood that felt smooth under my hand — I kept thinking about the stories those walls must’ve heard.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a day trip in Ketchikan from our ship. Mike told stories about growing up here — some funny, some kind of sad — and answered every weird question we threw at him (like whether bears ever show up in town; apparently yes). We stopped for coffee at this tiny roadside place where everyone seemed to know each other; I fumbled my order but nobody cared. The rain started again as we headed back, soft drumming on the roof while I watched mist roll over the trees outside. It felt quiet in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Custom private Ketchikan excursion

• Meet local tour guide
• Drive to preferred locations
• View totem poles and museums
• Visit Native American clan house
• Learn and pick wild edible plants
• Visit dispensary and shop art
• View wildlife: salmon, bears, eagles
• Enjoy narrated island excursion
• Take photos of scenery

Top questions

How many people can join the private custom excursion in Ketchikan?

This private tour is for groups of up to 14 people.

Are snacks and drinks included on the Ketchikan custom tour?

Yes, bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea are included during your excursion.

Can we choose what sights to visit on this day trip in Ketchikan?

Yes, you can customize your itinerary based on your group’s interests with help from your guide.

Is hotel or port pickup provided for this private excursion?

The tour includes pickup; details can be arranged when booking.

Will we see wildlife like bears or eagles on this tour?

You’re likely to see eagles year-round; salmon runs are seasonal and bear sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Are there stops at local museums or clan houses during the trip?

You can include visits to museums or Native American clan houses if you wish—just let your guide know.

Is this Ketchikan day trip suitable for families with young children?

Yes, all ages are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are service animals allowed on this private excursion?

Service animals are permitted on the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible pickup arrangements from port or hotel, all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water plus snacks along the route, hot coffee or tea for chilly weather moments, and comfortable transport in an air-conditioned vehicle before returning when you’re ready.