Ward Cove Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ward Cove. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour

• 4-Hour Ketchikan Private Custom Tour (4 People) Wildlife + More

Ward Cove, an Alaskan cruise-port town just outside of Ketchikan, is free to explore. You can also book guided tours from Ward Cove for a fee. Group tours, such as off-roading excursions in Tongass National Forest, start at US$250, while private experiences with customized itineraries are around US$800.

Tours from Ward Cove focus on nature, since Alaska’s Tongass National Forest is a short drive. Choose from pontoon cruises, hiking tours, and e-bike excursions to see the area’s seals, salmon, and wildlife. If you’d prefer a cultural experience, book a sightseeing tour of Ketchikan’s Creek Street and totem parks.

For cruise travelers docking at Ward Cove, take the complimentary round-trip shuttle from the port to downtown Ketchikan. Shuttles take 20–30 minutes and run to Berth 4 in Ketchikan, about a 15-minute walk to downtown attractions. If you’d rather skip the shuttle line, book a private transfer or water taxi.

Yes, there are plenty of family-friendly Ward Cove tours. While some outdoor activities have minimum age requirements for kids, many are open to children. Kids can spot wildlife and mountainscapes on Ward Cove kayak and pedal-boat tours, and walk among towering trees on a guided hike through Tongass National Forest.

Located near Ketchikan, Ward Cove is generally cool, with frequent rainfall. For most outdoor tours, wear closed-toe walking shoes, comfortable pants, and waterproof layers. Many tours provide activity-specific equipment, such as lifejackets and helmets, but you’ll usually need to bring a photo ID. Pack binoculars and a camera, too.