Guide #23434
About me: I grew up in Scotland. Then, at 17, I went to Canada for while. I lived in the Laurentian Mountains, in a cabin in the woods, and I worked as a freelance journalist and columnist. I moved to Ketchikan, Alaska 18 years ago, and finally found a home. I worked on the Alaska State Ferry System for about 8 years. But I married a local girl, a beautiful Tlingit Raven-Clan woman named Elizabeth. She did not like me spending weeks away from home, so I left the Ferry System. I started work as a tour guide, driving large tour groups, 40-60 people, around Ketchikan. I love being a tour guide - every human being has a story to tell, and as a tour guide, I get to hear those stories. But coordinating large groups of tourist often left me too busy to hear some of their stories. I am pleased that ToursByLocals gives me that opportunity to conduct smaller, more intimate, tours. That gives me the time to get to know people a bit better, and to hear their stories. I hope you will come and let me show around Ketchikan, and tell you about South East Alaska, the native culture and carvers, and the plants and animals of the Tongass National Forest. I look forward to hearing your own stories. I have had many jobs in my life. I have been a Journalist and writer, SE Alaska Ferry Worker, a professional tour guide. I have taught writing, and biology. I have loved life (and I still do). I speak marginally well in English (Scots) I write well but speak poorly in French (Quebecois). Bidh mi a’ sgrìobhadh agus a’ bruidhinn beagan Gàidhlig. (Scottish Gaelic). Driving tours max of 5 or 6 travelers (although sometimes I can charter larger vehicles for custom tours). Walking tours max of 25 people, or even more – contact me for walking tours with more than 10.
Ketchikan

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121 reviews

What a fantastic tour! Cruin is a lovely gentleman who LOVES Alaska! He has amazing insights to share. He has knowledge about the Totems and the tools used by the local artists as well as the rain forest and surrounding area. We took a lovely hike that surprised us all with the breathtaking views. NO coach busses around for miles! My 21 year old said, "What a wonderful...

Replied from Cruin M.
Thank you Christy, for this kind review, and thank you for letting me share a little time with you family. It was my privilege to meet all of you. I really do hope we get to meet another time. Cruin.

We enjoyed our tour with Cruin very much. We toured with him back in 2018. When we were going to visit Ketchikan again, we knew whom we wanted to book with. Cruin did not disappoint. He feels like a close friend. Very friendly, jovial, easy going and very knowledgeable. He is professional and took such good care of us. We hope to have the pleasure of visiting and touring...

Replied from Cruin M.
Thank you, Tracy for this very kind review. It was such a pleasure to meet you both. I really do hope we meet again in the future. What a lovely day that was! I will remember it. Please keep in touch. Regards, Cruin.
Rained all day, but Colin did the best he could to give us a flavor of Ketchikan . Very knowledgeble about Ketchikan. Very nice , and made us real comfortable. Great job and would use him again if we get back!!

Replied from Cruin M.
Thank you Joseph for this nice review, and than you both for being such good sports about the weather. I really enjoyed meeting you, and hearing your stories. I do hope we meet again.
Cruin picked us up at Ward Cove so we didn't need to deal with NCL's shuttle into Ketchiikan. This tour was a perfect way to take advantage of the short stop and see more of Ketchikan. Cruin was quick to reply when booking. He showed us and shared some history on the totem poles, creek street and the road to nowhere.

Replied from Cruin M.
Thank you, Sara. It was my pleasure and my privilege to meet you and tour with you. I do hope we get to meet again. Regards, Cruin.