Ketchikan: Private Native Culture Tour & Totem Parks for 6

Summary

Totem poles, Tongass forest air & laughter echoing down Creek Street

You’ll feel like part of Ketchikan’s rhythm—walking among towering totems at Saxman Village, tasting smoked fish along Creek Street, breathing deep in Tongass forest air with your own group of six. Your private tour flexes to your pace and mood, with a local guide who shares real stories (and maybe a laugh at your pronunciation). Rain or shine—it’s all part of it.

What’s the experience like?

“We’re not in a rush here,” our guide said, grinning as we piled into the van just off the dock in Ketchikan. I could smell the sea on my jacket from the walk over. There were six of us—my aunt’s umbrella already half-broken—and somehow that made it better. First stop was Saxman Native Village; our guide, Daniel, grew up nearby and told us how he used to sneak out to watch the carvers work. He pointed out a raven pole and tried teaching us how to say ‘Gunalchéesh’ (thank you) in Tlingit. I butchered it—he laughed, but not unkindly.

Creek Street felt like something out of an old storybook—wooden boardwalks over salmon-thick water, and wind that tasted faintly of cedar. We wandered past little shops while Daniel chatted with a woman selling smoked fish (she gave us a sample; still salty on my tongue hours later). At Totem Bight State Park, rain started—soft at first, then real Alaskan drizzle. They handed out ponchos without fuss. I liked that nobody cared about getting wet; we just kept going under those carved faces staring down through the mist.

Somewhere near Ward Lake, we stopped to listen for eagles. It was quiet except for someone’s boots squelching in moss and Daniel telling us about his grandfather’s fishing stories. No bears today—he shrugged—but honestly I didn’t mind. The Tongass National Forest felt ancient and alive even without wildlife showing up on cue. The whole day felt loose around the edges in a good way, like we could ask to stop anywhere—a beach here, a local store there—and Daniel would just nod and turn off the road.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Custom private tour of Ketchikan

• Meet local guide
• Discuss tour preferences
• Visit local totem parks
• Explore local waterfalls
• Stop at beach
• Take local hike
• Optional George Inlet crab feast
• Look for wildlife
• Visit special surprise spots

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Ketchikan private group tour?

Yes, private transportation is included for your group of up to six people.

What attractions are visited on this native culture tour?

The tour includes Saxman Native Village Totem Park, Totem Bight State Park, Creek Street, Herring Cove, Ward Lake area, and Tongass National Forest.

How many people can join this private Ketchikan tour?

The price covers up to six passengers per booking.

Are rain ponchos or umbrellas provided if it rains?

Yes, rain ponchos and umbrellas are available for guests during the tour.

Can we customize stops or request specific locations?

Absolutely—the itinerary is flexible based on your interests or requests.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller and specialized infant seats are available.

Are wheelchairs accommodated on this Ketchikan day trip?

The tour can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs but guides are not required to load/unload them.

Will we definitely see wildlife like bears or eagles?

No wildlife sightings can be guaranteed as animals are wild and unpredictable.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation for up to six guests with pickup right from town; entry fees to Saxman Native Village Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park; stops at Herring Cove and Ward Lake; time exploring Creek Street; walks through Tongass National Rainforest; plus all taxes and use of rain ponchos or umbrellas if needed before you’re dropped back off where you started.