Private tour in Ketchikan Cruin M

Ward Cove & Ketchikan: Linked by History

5.0

(6) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours 30 minutes
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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

123

Reviews

Tours delivered

23 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

*** A special tour for travelers cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin, Oceania, and Viking and docking 20 minutes north of Ketchikan at NCL Ward Cove Dock *** I will pick you up and NCL Ward Cove Dock, and drive you south, showing you "North Town" as we go. Then I will show you around Ketchikan. I will tell you some of the stories behind the Totem Poles, and show you the carving tools that I forged. I will show you the historic red light district, Creek Street. July, August, September the Salmon are running, and I will show you them, and a ladder that was built to help them climb the stream. You will see areas that most travelers never see! On the way back, I will show you a beautiful pond, in front of a mountain. Note: You might catch an NCL shuttle buss to Ketchikan, and pick up a tour of Ketchikan, but I thought some people might like a combination tour that starts right from the ship, and delivers you back to the ship at the end.

Recent Reviews

Sara S.United States
September 2025

Cruin picked us up at Ward Cove so we didn't need to deal with NCL's shuttle into Ketchiikan. This tour was a perfect way to take advantage of the short stop and see more of Ketchikan. Cruin was quick to reply when booking. He showed us and shared some history on the totem poles, creek street and the road to nowhere.

Don R.United States
August 2025

GREAT GUIDE! Great Person! Knowledgeable, entertaining, and just a really nice person. Highly recommend!

Kenneth E.United States
July 2025

Cruin is an excellent tour guide. As a long time resident, he knows all the “nooks and crannies” in Ketchikan. He also is easy to talk to and he sensitive to the special needs of his customers. You can’t go wrong with Cruin.

Amanda B.United States
July 2023

Cruin did a fantastic job on our private tour of Ketchikan. It was fun and informative to hear from a local who has been part of the community for over 25 years. My kids especially enjoyed the chance to try his tools after his demonstration of totem carving. Cruin went above and beyond on our tour and we would recommend his services to anyone wanting to learn more about Ketichikan.

Elaine K.United States
June 2022

Cruin was an excellent guide. He is truly a local and well known in town due to his Scottish dress and his knowledge of Native art and totem carving. He actually is a carver and showed us authentic tools and method of carving. We learned quite a bit about Native history and customs. He has lived in Ketchikan for over 20 years and is married to a Native Tlingit woman. Thank you Cruin for an enlightening tour!

Your Ketchikan tour itinerary

What follows is the itinerary for a "usual" tour. We can change it if we want. * Pick up at NCL Ward Cove Dock * South to Wolfe Point. Great view of the Narrows, the airport, and the sight of the "Bridge to Nowhere. " * North Ketchikan (New Town) * Downtown Ketchikan. * Whale Park and nearby Creek Street, we shall look at some totem poles. * 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. *Back of town, City Park, the high pass. Some great views. * Back North A wee pond, a mountain, and a story. * Back to your ship.

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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.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

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).

What's included
Other: - I carry water in the car. - For the duration of the covid crisis, I will not be offering snacks. Scheduled (on the Itinerary) stops at museums, parks, view site access points etc. are all already included in the tour price. Unscheduled stop (ones we decide to go to on the day) are not, and may have admission fees.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
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.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Alaska, Alaska, United States

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: NCL Ward Cove Dock -- Bus Loading Park

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Museums
History
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
901159
Languages
English
Activity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Ketchikan best suited for?

This private tour in Ketchikan is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the area, including totem poles, salmon runs, and the historic Creek Street. It's especially suitable for cruise ship passengers docking at NCL Ward Cove Dock, as it offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off right from the ship. The tour is also ideal for those who want a personalized experience with a local guide, Cruin M., who can provide deeper insights into the region.

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
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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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