Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M

Ketchikan Walking Tour: A Walk into Southeast Alaska History

4.8

(11) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Cruin M.

4.9

Guide rating

121

Reviews

Tours delivered

36 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.

Overview of your Ketchikan tour

One of the things I really love about Ketchikan is that you can see a whole bunch of nature and history on an easy walk around the "Old Town. " There are some great old totem poles, and some more modern poles done by today's greatest carvers. There is Thomas Basin Harbor. There are salmon leaping over the rapids, or climbing up the fish ladder. Often you see eagles, and seals chasing the salmon. Songbirds, dippers, and swallows skim the surface of the water. There is the historic "red light district" with colorful houses built on pylons into the creek. The is a beautiful park, a museum, and the Tongass Heritage center, which preserves some really old totem poles, and examples of native art. Join me!

Your Ketchikan tour itinerary

I will meet you at the exit ramp from the ship. I shall carry a big sign with your name on it, and I will wear distinctive clothes (often I wear a kilt!). We will walk into Old Town, and look at some of the buildings and statues of Ketchikan. In Whale Park we will look at our first Totem pole. I will bring my carving tools and explain their use, tell you some of the stories behind the poles. Optionally, we can visit Tongass Museum. (Entrance fee < $10/person not included) In Bear Valley we will look at the rapids and the salmon ladder. Time permitting, we can walk to the beautiful Ketchikan City Park, and the Totem Heritage Center, where some of the older poles are kept. We will walk down Married Man's Trail, and look at some forest, and the colorful buildings on the Creek (most of which were, at one time, brothels). Then I will walk you back to your ship. **The pace will be easy to moderate. If everyone says they want a more challenging walk, we can take in some of the stairway streets and lookout!

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking Tour

What's included
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. ** You might want to bring binoculars, a camera, some good walking shoes, some layered clothing, a raincoat, a hat, and some sunscreen for the occasional sunny day we get here. ** Entrance to Tongass Museum (Entrance fee < $10/person)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
334467
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
4.8

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Ketchikan

11 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Ketchikan best suited for?

This private tour in Ketchikan is perfect for travellers who want to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Southeast Alaska on foot. It's especially suitable for those interested in local culture, history, and nature, as you'll see historic totem poles, wildlife like salmon and eagles, and the charming Old Town. The tour is also ideal for families, seniors, and those with mobility concerns, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.

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

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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