Private Ketchikan Tour: Wildlife, Totems & Tongass Forest

Three hours to see what matters most in Ketchikan

A 3-hour private tour of Ketchikan tailored to your group's interests, starting at the Port of Ketchikan. Choose wildlife viewing, hiking in Tongass National Forest, totem pole sites, or cultural landmarks like Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Your guide adapts the route based on weather and what you want to see, covering everything from Creek Street to Misty Fjords National Monument.

Step-by-step itinerary

Custom 3-hour Ketchikan tour

• Start tour at Port of Ketchikan
• Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Explore Tongass National Forest
• See Totem Heritage Center
• Pass by Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
• Pass by Creek Street
• Pass by Saxman Native Village
• Pass by Dolly's House Museum
• Pass by Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
• Pass by Tongass Historical Museum
• Pass by Misty Fjords National Monument
• Customize stops based on interests

The experience

The tour starts at the Port of Ketchikan and adapts entirely to what your group wants to explore. If wildlife is the draw, you'll head out looking for whales and bears. If you're after the forest, the guide takes you into Tongass National Forest. Interested in totem poles and Native Alaskan culture? Stops can include Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center. The guide knows the weather and the island's options, so the three hours go where they'll matter most to you.

Ketchikan's history and quirks come up naturally: Creek Street's old storefronts, Dolly's House Museum, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, or local pubs if that's your pace. The route can swing toward Misty Fjords National Monument or the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary depending on conditions and what catches your interest. You get binoculars, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive, plus pickup is included.

What’s included

• Binoculars.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• pickup from the Port of Ketchikan.
• WiFi on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ketchikan Custom Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours is enough to explore one or two sides of Ketchikan deeply (wildlife and forest, or totems and museums), but not all of them in one tour. Tell your guide what matters most and the route builds around that, leaving the rest for another visit or a different day.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What wildlife might we see on a Ketchikan tour?

Whales and bears are the main draw, though sightings depend on the season and where the guide takes you based on current conditions and your interests.

Can we hike in Tongass National Forest on this tour?

Yes, hiking in Tongass National Forest is one of the options you can choose. The guide will tailor the hike to your group's fitness level and the time available within the three hours.

What is Saxman Native Village?

Saxman Native Village is a Native Alaskan settlement near Ketchikan where you can see traditional totem poles and learn about local Indigenous culture and history.

Does the tour include meals or drinks?

Meals and drinks are not included, though the tour can pass through areas like Creek Street where you can stop to eat or visit local pubs if you want to build that into your three hours.

How does pickup work for this tour?

Pickup is included in the tour price and starts at the Port of Ketchikan, so you don't need to arrange separate transportation to meet the guide.