Top Ketchikan Historical Tours

Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Ketchikan on this 2.5-hour tour. Discover the city's past with insights into the red-light district and Ketchikan Creek, especially captivating in July when salmon are seen spawning. Enjoy an Exclusive stop at Eagle Point for complimentary smoked salmon, free coffee, and learn about Alaska's indigenous wildlife. Also included at eagle point are professional mounted wildlife including a Black Bear, Brown Bear, Wolf, Wolverine, and many other animals. Visit the Saxman Totem Village, home to 29 authentic totem poles carved by Tlingit and Haida natives. Here you will get to see the carving center externally and learn more about the stories and legends of the poles. Saxman is the biggest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Finally, unwind at Herring Cove, where you have the best chance at seeing Bears, Eagles, Seals, and Salmon (Not Guaranteed). Concluding your tour at Creek Street or being brought back to your cruise ship.

Discover Ketchikan through the eyes of the Tlingit people on a private, family-friendly tour. Learn about local history and current events while visiting prime wildlife viewing spots, scenic beaches, and cultural landmarks. From eagles and whales to bears and totem poles, every stop offers something special. With spacious, accessible vehicles, comfort for all travelers is guaranteed, including those with mobility needs.

Experience the thrill of Ketchikan with this lively shore excursion that blends local flavor, rich history, and adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Walk through historic Creek Street, then head to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to watch world-class athletes compete in axe-throwing, log-rolling, and more. With heated seating and nonstop action, this high-energy performance captures the rugged spirit of Alaska.

Discover the best of Ketchikan on this full-day tour, featuring stunning wildlife and cultural highlights. Visit the salmon-filled Ketchikan Creek, explore Rotary Beach for sea creatures and potential whale sightings, and spot seals, eagles, and bears at Herring Cove. Conclude with a visit to Saxman Native Village to admire one of Alaska's largest totem pole collections and learn about indigenous traditions.

Ketchikan is now the home of the most dynamic experience in Alaska combining culture, history, excitement, and cuisine! This tour is in scenic downtown Ketchikan in the Thomas Basin historic district, home to the Salmon Fishing Fleet and Crab Fishing Boats. You will be hosted at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena and Harbor Haus Pavilion, landmarks of industry, food, and entertainment. Your tour starts at the historic site of the Spruce Mill, once the largest Sitka Spruce Mill in the World and now the home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This world-famous Lumberjack Show has World Champion athletes in a rowdy, no holds barred competition with twelve events such as chopping, climbing, sawing, axe throwing, and log rolling. Hang on to the edge of your seats for a rowdy good time! Just a few steps away, the Harbor Haus will be your destination to experience the most pristine Dungeness Crab feast. Enjoy an all you can eat Dungeness Crab feast!

Discover the beauty of southeast Alaska when you book this lighthouses, totems, and eagles tour from Ketchikan. Ideal for lighthouse enthusiasts, history buffs, and wildlife lovers, this tour explores Ward Cove's industrial history, Totem Bight State Historical Park, local lifestyles, and the iconic Guard Island Lighthouse. You also gain insights into Alaska's native cultures and the Tongass National Forest.

On this tour you'll enjoy a rich history briefing of the historic fire station, the process of distilling our local spirits, tastings of our house spirits, followed by a hands-on class of how to blend your own custom infusion. All botanicals, herbs, and spices are included in this experience. Once your signature creation is complete, create a custom label and enjoy your bottle back home with friends and family!

Spend several hours exploring the highlights of one of Alaska’s southernmost cities on this immersive, multi-stop tour of Ketchikan. Meet your guide at your cruise ship dock. See city highlights, including historical Creek Street and a local salmon hatchery, before continuing out of town: you’ll visit totem parks, pretty tide pools and beaches, nature preserves, and more. As you go, learn all about the region’s indigenous heritage.

The Alaskan city of Ketchikan is an urban setting against a backdrop of idyllic wilderness. Learn about native Alaskan culture while visiting traditional totem parks, soft sandy beaches, and thundering waterfalls on this half-day private tour of Ketchikan and the surrounding countryside that can be customized to the specific tastes of your party.

We are a Haida Alaskan Native Owned and Operated Guide Service here in Beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska. Let Us Share Our Culture and Way of Life with you as we tour parts of Ketchikan and the surrounding area. Learn how to spot medicinal plants that have been used by the Tlingit/Haida peoples for thousands of years and learn about their benefits. You will also learn How to Read the Characters of the Totem Poles, what they mean, and their history. See eagles in their nests and other wildlife such as Whales, Deer, Bears, Sea Lions, Seals, and plenty of salmon. We do our best to ensure a high chance of spotting wildlife but it is not gauranteed. This is a private group style tour so there is a lot of felxibility in terms of routes and preference of stops. We will accomodate your pick-up and drop-off locations so reach out to us for pick requests if needed! We look forward to meeting your group and giving you a taste of our culture and Ketchikan's Beauty! (Group size is limited to 14)

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ketchikan's Creek Street with a captivating burlesque show that intertwines history and modern artistry. This hour and a half performance features an array of thrilling acts, including hula hoops, fan dancing, and juggling, all set to the live music of the Slow Burn Band. Each performance pays homage to the pioneering women of Creek Street during the prohibition era, creating a unique storytelling experience. With limited seating for 35 guests, opt for VIP tickets for priority access and a complimentary drink. Enjoy a delightful evening filled with entertainment and history in a venue steeped in Ketchikan's rich past. - Experience a historical burlesque show celebrating Ketchikan's Creek Street - Enjoy live performances set to music by the Slow Burn Band - Choose VIP tickets for priority seating and a complimentary drink - Limited seating for 35, creating an intimate atmosphere

Both the US and Canada have a rich history of logging and lumberjacking. Cheer on your favorite team as you watch Alaskan and British Columbian woodsmen chop, saw, roll logs, and throw axes as they compete in the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Then, join in the fun as you learn how to throw a double-bit axe for yourself, trying to best your fellow attendees.

Lighthouse Excursions is a locally owned & operated Ketchikan tour company based out of Ward Cove. We pride yourselves on providing guests with an experience of Southeast Alaska through local eyes. Your Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion is a grab-bag of some of Ketchikan's top attractions, with a little something for everyone. Whether you're a lighthouse enthusiast, a history and culture buff, or love seeing wildlife in their natural environment, this tour is for you! We're passionate about where we live, and we love showing it off to guests from all over the world.

If you’re a fan of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. On this fisherman’s tour from Ketchikan, hop aboard the Aleutian Ballad and navigate through the waterways of the Inside Passage with a seasoned fishing crew. Touch some of the catch, take photos, and listen to entertaining sea lore.

Explore Ketchikan's rich history and vibrant Native culture on this immersive tour. Board a luxury coach for a scenic journey that includes a visit to Eagle Point for local heritage insights and smoked salmon tastings. Discover the world's largest collection of standing totem poles at Saxman Native Village, and drive through Ketchikan’s historic downtown, including the famous Creek Street. This tour offers a blend of storytelling, cultural understanding, and beautiful Alaskan landscapes, ensuring a memorable experience for couples, solo travelers, and families alike. - Luxury coach transport for a comfortable journey - Engaging guide providing cultural insights and stories - Visit to Saxman Native Village and carving center - Suitable for groups of all sizes, accommodating up to 44 passengers

Enjoy an experience most tourists miss and step off your cruise ship into a floatplane to admire the glassy blue lakes, waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks of Misty Fjords National Monument on this shore excursion from Ketchikan. Capture bird’s-eye views of varied landscapes and try your luck spotting eagles, bears, and plenty of other wildlife during the flight that includes a guaranteed window seat. It’s an ideal experience for nature-lovers.

Step aboard a comfortable, climate-controlled van and explore the charm, history, and natural beauty of Ketchikan—Alaska’s “First City.” This guided tour offers a relaxed, small-group experience with a knowledgeable Driver-guide. Photo opportunities abound as you travel along the scenic waterfront and through historic downtown, learning about Ketchikan’s rich fishing heritage. Visit the Totem Heritage Center to view historic totem poles and discover Alaska Native culture. Continue to the upper reaches of Ketchikan Creek, where spawning salmon and the iconic Bald Eagle are often seen. Then step into the lush Tongass National Forest and breathe in the rainforest wilderness fresh air as you enjoy this peaceful, unforgettable landscape.

Avoid the crowds easily during this Ketchikan Pub Crawl Experience as it changes its route nightly. Visit the area’s pubs and bars to grab drinks and hear stories of the city’s drinking past, including tales of prohibition. Plus, with a guide to lead the way and drinks included, prebooking this pub crawl makes things simple.

Explore Ketchikan with ultimate convenience and comfort on this private, fully-customizable tour, in which you design the route. Gain a comprehensive overview of the city with four main stops, including the early 20th century Creek Street where the buildings are mounted on stilts, and Herring Cove where you can spot salmon, bears and eagles. This engaging and insightful tour is suitable for all ages, and can accommodate cruise passengers.

Ride an electric bike to the end of Ketchikan's 'road to nowhere' and then hike thorough a wildlife-rich rain forest on this combo eco-tour. Pedal from the marina to the end of the island's paved road system on a battery-powered bike, and then dismount to trek through the wilderness of the Tongass National Forest, following a trail that passes an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall, beach views, and dense foliage that's home to an array of native Alaskan wildlife.

Make the most of your time in port in Ketchikan and discover Alaska’s natural wonders and cultural heritage on this half-day small-group tour. Enjoy a guided walk through the rainforest, stopping to admire a waterfall and native flora. And visit a Totem Park: learn about the ancient Alaskan tradition, the cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and explore a magnificently carved clan house.

Experience a delightful combination of private transportation and dining at the Eagles Nest Restaurant, where you can soak in stunning views of Downtown Ketchikan. Guests will have the chance to explore the fascinating history of sourdough and will receive a sourdough starter kit to take home. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to create your own personal-sized pizza using a variety of traditional and Alaskan-themed ingredients. Enjoy one alcoholic drink from the menu, which features locally crafted beer and wine, or opt for non-alcoholic beverages such as soda or water. To round off your meal, treat yourself to a delectable Cape Fox Cannoli for dessert.

Explore the sights of Ketchikan aboard a San Francisco–style cable car trolley. Traveling on this open-air vehicle, you'll see attractions such as the Fish Ladder and the Native American totem poles of Saxman Native Village, plus look for wildlife such as bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles at the Herring Cove viewing area. This is a fully narrated and guided tour.