Choose a currency
Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M
Ketchikan: a Wee Place Between the Sea and the Mountains
4.9
(60) reviews
-
2 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
Start time
-
2 hours
30 minutes
1
Cruin M.
4.9
Guide rating
121
Reviews
Tours delivered
30 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Cruin M.
Totem poles, mountains, forests, salmon, wildlife, art & History in Ketchikan. What's not to love?
Overview of your Ketchikan tour
There is so much to see and do in Ketchikan you might decide to come back again. Then you might decide to stay. I did! Everything I love is here: Snow-covered mountains and vast temperate rain forests full of huge trees, birds, and animals. Deer, wolves, bears, eagles, whales, salmon, and halibut. I mean -- how could I not love this place? I would delight in showing it to you and telling you all about it. Ketchikan also includes a huge ancient native tradition. Totem poles, woodcarvers, weavers, and dancers. My wife weaves and I myself am an amateur carver. I will show you my hand-forged carving tools, and demonstrate their use. And I can show you the work of some of the greatest carvers living today. Ketchikan is a small town, with an active arts community, and a long, and often amusing history. I will show you a wee bit of all of these things that I hold dear to my heart or we can concentrate on the things that interest you! ***Norwegian Cruise Line Passengers Please see note in Itinerary below***
Your Ketchikan tour itinerary
What follows is the itinerary for a "usual" tour. We can change it if we want. * I will meet you at ship's exit ramp. * North Ketchikan (New Town), Shipyards, Wolf Point, Tongass Narrows, and the Airport. * "Old-town" Ketchikan. * Whale Park and nearby Creek Street, we shall look at some totem poles. * Chief Kyan Pole, Fog Woman Pole, & Raven Steals the Sun and Moon. * I shall tell you the stories portrayed on these poles, and about the carvers * A demonstration of carving tools with my own, hand-forged tools. * Ketchikan Creek & Creek Street | from mid-July a large salmon run. * South of town, a scenic drive to Herring Cove, Mountain Point, and a pretty waterfall. ***Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin, Oceania, and Viking passengers*** Tour starts in downtown Ketchikan. You can book it if you shuttle bus in from NCL Ward Cove Dock. If you want a tour that picks up and drops at NCL dock, see tour: Ward Cove & Ketchikan. https://www.toursbylocals.com/WardKetchikan
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minibus
I conduct small tours in my personal minibus - a 2015 Toyota Sienna. There is one driver seat and six passenger seats: 1 up front, 2 bucket seats second row, and 3 row seats in the third row (the middle one is for a skinny person). I can fold away a back seat or two if we need to carry a wheelchair or scooter (I am happy to do so).
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Meeting at airport means at the Airport ferry dock. If you need pick-up at the Airport Island itself ($40) contact me.
Other details
Tour categories
Tour reference number
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Accessibility
Traveller reviews for this private tour in Ketchikan
60 reviews
Frequently asked questions
Who is this private tour in Ketchikan best suited for?
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Ketchikan be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
Is this private tour in Ketchikan suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
Start time
-
2 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
Start time
Explore more of Ketchikan
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.