Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M
5.0
(7) reviews
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Cruin M.
4.9
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121
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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.
Imagine winding through thick forest. The branches above are twisted into spidery "witches fingers" (a reaction to dwarf mistletoe), and all the branches are hung with "Witches Hair" lichens. The air is wet and fragrant with the smell of mosses. Mosses cover all the ground, and fallen trees, and bright flowers poke through. Sunbeams slant through the canopy, and the fairy dust sparkles. A tiny Pacific Wren sings its beautiful wee song - welcome to the Tongass Rain Forest. There are about 50 wooden steps here, but it is a moderate to easy walk for people in good health. We will walk slowly and quietly, listening for wildlife.
For downtown docks: * Pick up at your ship * (optional) A short drive around town, and look at the Salmon Ladder or: * A drive through Ketchikan north "new town" * (op. ) Stop at Wolf Point, and look at the Narrows and Airport * (op. ) Lighthouse Coffee (or do this on the way back). Bathrooms! * Drive to the north end of North Tongass Highway (about 20 minutes) * Lunch Creek trail, past a waterfall, then along Settler's Cove * Shoreline of Settler's Cove on Clover Passage, beach-combing, looking for sea life * Lunch Creek outlet. After August, we can poke salmon (joking) * Back up the trail to Tongass Highway * Back to your ship ***Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin, Oceania, and Viking passengers *** NCL ships port at NCL Ward Cove Dock rather than Ketchikan. This tour is also available from Ward Cove as a 2.5 hour tour, at the same price. There are no stops in Ketchikan Please, message me for details.
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I conduct small tours in a 2025 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). I can take tours with more than 6 travelers, but I will need charter a larger vehicle, so the price will increase some.
Ketchikan, Alaska, 99901, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: or Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Port
7 reviews
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