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Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M
Ketchikan: (extended) a Wee Place Between the Sea and the Mountains
4.8
(6) reviews
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3 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
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3 hours
30 minutes
1
Cruin M.
4.9
Guide rating
121
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30 hrs
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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
An extended Wee Place, that allows us to see more of the town and Island. * 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
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Other
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.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
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EnglishActivity level
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Ketchikan
6 reviews
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3 hours
30 minutes
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3 hours
30 minutes
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