Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M
4.8
(11) reviews
1
1
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.
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!
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!
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.
Walking Tour
Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
11 reviews
Who is this private tour in Ketchikan best suited for?
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
1
1
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