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Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M
The Spirit of Totem Bight -- Out of Ketchikan
5.0
(10) 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
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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, clan house, native art, symbols, myths and stories
Overview of your Ketchikan tour
There is an ancient tradition of totem pole carving in Ketchikan and Southeast Alaska. The tradition still lives and thrives. There are a number of poles in Ketchikan. And Totem Bight, a state park north of town, has about 30 beautiful poles, and a reproduction of a traditional clan house which we can enter. You can soak up the atmosphere of the clan house, while I tell you ancient stories. I will show the poles to you, and explain how they are carved. I am an amateur carver myself, and can show you my self-forged tools. I know, and am familiar with the work of many of the best modern carvers. Some, I can recognize from the distinctive adzing, the cut-marks of their tools. I have been a story-teller all my life, and I will delight in telling you some of the stories that lie behind the figures in the wood. Totem Bight also contains pretty walks through the Tongass Forest, nice examples of some of the local flora, and magnificent examples of SE Alaska trees.
Your Ketchikan tour itinerary
⦁Downtown Ketchikan: - Totem poles - Historic Creek Street - Salmon ladder ⦁ (optional) - Ketchikan Museum - A historical Ketchikan display and some native art ⦁(optional) - Totem Heritage Center - some really old poles ⦁A drive through Northern Ketchikan, and Ward Cove ⦁ Totem Bight State Park -- Forest Walk, Totem Poles, Stories and Carving ⦁(optional) - Clan House, Story of Raven Stealing Sun and Moon ⦁ Back to ship Note, we should have time for at least one of the optional stops. ***Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin, Oceania, and Viking passengers *** If you traveling with one of these cruise lines, then you will likely be at the NCL Ward Cove Dock, and might want pick-up or drop-off there. The is a $10 surcharge for each, and the Itinerary will change. Please, message me for details.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation
Room in back for bags and stuff, or even a wheelchair -- if the person in the wheelchair can get into and out of an SUV seat. I can arrange for a larger vehicle, but that will significantly increase the price of the tour.
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What's not included
Meeting location
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: or Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Port
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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Traveller reviews for this private tour in Ketchikan
10 reviews
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3 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
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3 hours
30 minutes
1
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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