Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley
Ketchikan, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Take a ride through Ketchikan on an open-air trolley
- Discover a variety of sights, from totem poles to native animals
- Learn about the area from a guide
- Park admission fees included for a hassle-free experience
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Saxman Native Village
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Herring Cove
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 34 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.9
based on 143 reviews
Frank_W, May 2026
Though the trolly car was not available we went in a van instead however the tour was fabulous. The guide was native Alaskan friendly and knowledgeable. We saw black bear roaming free, breathtaking waterfall ,sea lions and lots of totem poles . A good day was had by all.
Andrew_N, Sep 2025
Our driver was very engaging, but accepted that it was late in the season. As a result there was very little wildlife to see in the creek he took us to approx 8 miles away. A stop at the totem pole park on the way back was OK, but he couldn't get us into the workshop (which took in other visitors) to see a new totem pole being crafted.
Overall, very disappointed.
Willem_V, Sep 2025
It was an interesting and informative outing. The guide was personable and didn’t let the drenching rain dampen his mood or get in the way of taking us to the wildlife viewing spots. It was just difficult to get beyond the cold rain and being soaked, even with rain repellent clothing. Can’t control the weather.
deborah_A, Sep 2025
This was good but trolley very crowded for sitting….guide was good and we lucked out with sunny day.
Sylvia_C, Aug 2025
The tour itself was OK. They take you out to the totem pole park, which is a distance from downtown so it would be hard to get there otherwise. We could only look through the window at the woodcarver whereas I saw other groups going inside that building. I guess there’s a price difference on that. The main downside of this tour was the guide himself. I think he was just done for the season. He seemed to lack any enthusiasm for his job and only provided basic information. At the totem park, I could overhear other operators who spoke at length and enthusiastically while describing the totem poles. Stopped and saw an area where the salmon are spawning so that was interesting. We were running short on time to catch another tour so he was amenable to dropping us off quickly.
Beverley_O, Aug 2025
Did not leave on time. Waited for late arrivals, so had to hurry through tour to get back to ship on time.
Terry_G, Aug 2025
The meeting place wasn’t specific. I thought I read that we were to meet at berth 2 when actually he was all the way on the other side of the visitor center past berth 1. After being 15 minutes late the tour guide called us. Other than that the tour was good.
Mary_W, Aug 2025
Very convenient trip with the trolley at the NCL drop off in Ketchikan. Jeff the tour guide was very knowledgeable of local history and was very earnest in his desire for us to see a bear. We did see a small cub, eagles and seals. A great alternative to expensive shore excursions from NCL and you see the same things.
nelle_n, Jul 2025
Great way to learn the history and customs of the area. Combination of walking and riding.
Jeff was a fabulous guide.
Lisa_A, Jul 2025
Great tour! We saw lots of eagles and a black bear. The totem poles were interesting. The tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. The only issue is that it was difficult to hear the tour guide in the back of the trolley while we were moving with the road noise and wind.
Ana_F, Jul 2025
Jeff and Alexander provided great information about bears, eagles and wildlife. Great to see the bears.
Jodi_S, Jul 2025
This was a good trip but we went in the 4th of July. Our trip was shortened due to road closures. It was still a good trip and we had a great day
Kathryne_B, Jul 2025
The trolley is not enclosed, has open sides. It was raining and cold, minimal wildlife. Second stop was closed except for the gift shop.
Mayura_K, Jul 2025
Unfortunately, our experience with the tour on July 4th was disappointing. Due to the holiday, the trolley was unavailable, and instead, we were overbooked into a single van shared by three large families. This resulted in children having to sit on adults’ laps despite everyone having paid full price—an issue both of safety and fairness.
While I understand that road closures may have required changes, it’s reasonable to expect the tour company to anticipate these challenges and adjust the schedule accordingly, perhaps by starting earlier to stay on track.
Additionally, the wildlife tour portion was a letdown. Since it is not salmon season, there were no bears to be seen, making this segment feel like a waste of time. If bear sightings are not feasible at this time of year, this tour should not be offered—or at the very least, this should be clearly communicated to guests in advance.
That said, I would like to highlight that our tour guide was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and professional throughout the experience. It’s unfortunate that the logistics and planning did not match the quality of the guide.
We were looking forward to a well-organized and enjoyable experience, but unfortunately, this did not meet expectations.
Robert_L, Jul 2025
Lots of eagles everywhere. Salmon running upstream at the last wildlife stop. Come at low tide for best viewing.
Cassandra_C, Jun 2025
We had the best guide! During the trip we saw more bald eagles than we ever have before and the totem park was beautiful.
Cristina_P, Jun 2025
Our tour was very in Cable Car Trolley an unique experience, the driver explained everything about our tour been fun and playing trivia with all the information giving to us. 100% recommendable and also for the cold weather he has blanket to used
irvin_m, May 2025
Employees are very friendly and knowledgeable. Denise,Jeff and Taylor were great. Would recommend this tour.
Yvonne_P, May 2025
Very disappointed with this tour. People with very limited mobility should not book. If you are without mobility issues - it’s a nice tour. FYI: If weather is rainy - your tour will be via shuttle bus not cable trolley. My booking Ref #: 1177409937 (on 5/20/25)
I tried calling (907) 247-8889 several times - I will try again to speak to somebody.
***I just spoke to Diane @ Northern Tours and she advised me to contact Viator (company I initially booked this tour with); she said Jeff had already mentioned to her what happened on 5/20/25 and she will ok me to get a Full refund. Much appreciated and thank you Diane.
PaulH_S, May 2025
The cable car trollywas broken. Already for a year…
In this time of year (may) no wildlife
Totempark consist no more then 10 poles
Tourists trap
Alicia_M, Sep 2024
Bruce gave my husband and I an amazing tour. He had tons of facts about the different things we saw on our tour. Would definitely recommend taking the tour with him!!
Debra_P, Aug 2024
The driver was fun, with a great narration. However, they assumed everyone knows where the Visitor Center is and is in the ship at that specific berth. I wasn’t, so nearly missed the trip since my berth was nowhere near the center. Need better start point directions!
Debbie_H, Aug 2024
Guide was very Informative. He knew a lot about the totems. The timing at each stop was perfect. Would recommend this tour!
Mark_W, Aug 2024
Jeff explained a lot about Ketchikan. Amazing what a story the Totem poles tell. Beautiful area. Fun riding on the trolley car even though it was cold , blankets were available.
marsha_a, Aug 2024
Our group of 9 really enjoyed this excursion. Great views and driver. Saw bears which was something we were hoping for.
Joaquin_G, Aug 2024
Awesome service, we had a problem with the departure time and they were super flexible and gave us different options to take different tours. Very very pleased with their service.
And the tour was just gorgeous, we saw bears, wildlife and the whole town. Don’t miss it.
misty_c, Aug 2024
Saw bears and eagles. Trip showed us the area with interesting facts and history. Great time and would do it again.
Steven_A, Jul 2024
Was a wonderful drive out of town. Saw a bear in the distance in the blink of an eye it was gone before I could capture a picture.
Sad for not seeing more but that’s the way it is.
Jennifer_C, Jul 2024
All of the tour was great. Guide was knowledgeable of the area history. Just enough time to see everything.
Hisham_A, Jul 2024
The Guide was great! Saw some bears and a lot of eagles.
Learned about Alaska too through trivia. Overall fun experience.
From $85.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley
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