Ketchikan, Alaska Native Cultural and Wildlife Adventure

Badge of Excellence

Ketchikan, USA

Popular pick

Booked 10+ times last week!

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.5

· Patrick_J ·

Jul 2026

Amazing experience! Was 7 plus whales including a calf. At one point we had 3 come up with in 15 feet of the boat. The entire group was cheering and was in disbelief. Also saw seals and sea lions. Both tour group leader and captain Jared we awesome! Would definitely recommend!

· Jeffrey_K ·

Aug 2026

Our guide, Echo Wolf was awesome. She knew so much about Alaska and we learned so much about Indigenous life. The totem pole tour was very special to see. We were so lucky to see a bald eagles and their adolescents too. The wild salmon were also active in the same area. 10 out 10!

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Overview

Experience Ketchikan through the lens of its wildlife and native cultures on this local-led tour. Meet your Haida guide and begin your experience with three stops to spot Ketchikan wildlife. Then delve into the history and culture of the local Haida and Tlingit peoples with a visit to the Totem Heritage Center. Learn about the history and significance of totem poles and the legends of these two cultures.

Marvel at whales, otters, bears, eagles, salmon, and other wildlife
Experience more of the local Haida culture than you would going alone
Learn about medicinal herbs and berries in the rainforest
Admire totem poles and learn their meaning at the Totem Heritage Totem Bight State Park

What's Included

Bottled water

Bottled Water and Granola Bar (upon request)
Binoculars
Umbrella

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Ketchikan Visitors Bureau
131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Departure Point: A representative will be at the Ketchikan Rain Gauge, located outside of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on BERTH 2 of the cruise ship dock, holding a sign that says "Clan House Tours."

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Ketchikan

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Totem Bight State Historical Park

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Salmon Ladder

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Herring Cove

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Creek Street

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
Must be able to get in and out of a transit van with relative ease, a step stool is available
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Stacey_L

Dan was such a pleasure to spend the morning with! I reached out before our ship left because his earliest tour started at the same time we were scheduled to get off the ship. He was waiting for us and communicating his location as soon as we disembarked and made sure to have us back to the pier well before we were required to be back. There was never any worry about missing the boat, and we got some great information about Alaska and a local tribe since he has lived there for decades with his family. We saw young and older bald eagles, a black bear with two cubs, the salmon ladder (it wasn’t the season for it to be full yet), local tide pool, and for personal stories at the totem museum. He had peanuts for my teen daughter to feed the stellar jays, and binoculars for us to use to see the bald eagles! He was really wonderful and I highly recommend! Thank you so much Dan!

Reviews

4.5

based on 330 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

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Our tour guide Meta...

Immanuel_H, Aug 2026

Our tour guide Meta exceeded every expectation! She is so knowledgeable about Ketchikan’s land, history, wildlife, and people. She answered all our questions with detail. She was friendly, easy to talk to, and very engaging. I would highly recommend this tour, especially with Meta!

Great Tour

Sharon_B, Aug 2026

Meta was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the indigenous people in the area. We saw an Eagles nest, which was awesome and enjoyed the totem park. Would recommend this tour to anyone.

Dan is a knowledgeable and fantastic tour guide!

Melinda_P, Aug 2026

Dan was a very knowledgeable tour guide! He gave us an in depth history of Ketchikan and the native culture and customs. We visited the national Totem pole park which was super interesting, as well as getting to see the salmon that are spawning this time of year. We did go to a bear Lookout point and stayed for quite a while, but unfortunately, we had no bear sightings. Apparently we had missed a few of them earlier that morning. Unfortunately, these things are not planned so we were just out of luck in that respect. All in all, Dan was a wonderful tour guide and I would highly recommend him!

Best tour guide!

Jeffrey_K, Aug 2026

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that Echohawk made your tour such a memorable experience. She is passionate about sharing Alaska’s history and Indigenous cultures, and we’re glad you enjoyed learning about the totem poles and their stories. While the bears didn’t make an appearance this time, we’re thrilled you had such a great experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan again someday!

Great cultural trip and bird watching

Katie_S, Aug 2026

Meta was an exceptional guide and gave us a top-notch tour of Ketchikan. We missed the bears but saw tons of eagles, stellar jays, deer, and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip was the Totem Bight and learning about her family’s ancestral land and customs. She answered all of our questions, and even helped the kids forage for salmon berries and huckleberries.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that Meta provided such an exceptional, top-notch tour of Ketchikan. It’s great that you were able to experience so much wildlife along the way, including eagles, stellar jays, deer, and more. We’re especially glad the visit to Totem Bight was a highlight, and that you enjoyed learning about her family’s ancestral land and customs. It’s wonderful to hear she was able to answer all your questions and even help the kids forage for salmon berries and huckleberries. While the bears didn’t make an appearance this time, we’re thrilled you still had such a memorable experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan again someday!

Full of history and culture

Crashona_H, Jul 2026

Our guide was very informative and flexible. We received a wonderful guide through historical events and meanings associated with the culture. Thank you Echohawk!

Nice and Enjoyable

SharonS_M, Jul 2026

We saw American eagles and lots of salmon. Too bad we didn't see any black bears from afar but it's an enjoyable experience. Always on the lookout for birds.

Meta, our guide, was...

Barbara_P, Jul 2026

Meta, our guide, was terrific and so knowledgeable. The totem poles were very interesting, and Meta made it better by telling us about her family who carve.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with Meta. Her deep knowledge, personal connection to Alaska Native culture, and the stories she shares about her family’s carving tradition make each tour truly special. We’re so glad the visit to Totem Bight was a memorable experience for you. We hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan again someday! Warm regards, The Clan House Tours Team

Enjoyed the tour Very...

Anthony_P, Jul 2026

Enjoyed the tour Very knowledgeable driver and a long term resident. Woudl recommend if would like to see all the key sights

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your tour and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and long-time local perspective. We love sharing the history, culture, wildlife, and scenic beauty of Ketchikan with our guests. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Southeast Alaska again someday!

Echohawk was a very good...

Brian_C, Jul 2026

Echohawk was a very good tour guide. Her experience allowed us to see black bear, eagles and blue jays. Her storytelling of the indigenous people enhance our experience. The Totem Bight site is extraordinary and a must see for understanding the history.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

We are blessed to have Echohawk on our team! Thank you for your wonderful review. We’re so glad to hear you had such a great experience with Echohawk. She is truly an amazing guide, and we’re thrilled her experience helped you see black bear, eagles, and blue jays, and that her storytelling about the Indigenous people enhanced your visit. We’re also glad you enjoyed Totem Bight—it is indeed an extraordinary and must-see site for understanding the history. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back to Southeast Alaska again someday

Not as advertised

Matthew_L, Jul 2026

The tour guide Meta was amazing! She had a wealth of knowledge about native Alaskan culture and the area and even made an impromptu stop at a local when we saw a whale while traveling. Our issue is that we spent a good amount of time at the totem pole portion of the trip and very little time at the bear site. We booked the tour with the impression the bears would be the majority of the tour but only spent 5-7 minutes there while we spent an hour at the totem poles. We also spent 20 minutes at a beach as the last stop again she was extremely knowledgeable but it wasn’t what we signed up for. Maybe consider rebranding the tour or explain the bear portion will only be 5% of the trip. We gave it a 3/5 star rating but that was due to the guide being amazing otherwise it would have been a 1/5. Would not recommend.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Before using the tour description, please read the full itinerary. Our tour is a cultural and wildlife experience, with Totem Bight State Historical Park as a major highlight. Wildlife viewing at Herring Cove is always dependent on nature, and the amount of time spent there varies based on wildlife activity and conditions. Meta is an exceptional guide, and we’re delighted you enjoyed her knowledge and passion for Alaska Native culture. We appreciate your feedback and will continue working to ensure our tour description clearly reflects the balance of cultural interpretation and wildlife viewing.

canceled last minute

Lyn_B, Jul 2026

unfortunately, our trip was canceled last minute. so we really can’t rate the trip from a point of being able to take it, but it was disappointing to be looking ahead and have it be canceled.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize that we had to cancel your tour. We understand how disappointing it is when plans change, especially during a cruise stop with limited time ashore. We did notify you as soon as we were able so you would have time to book another tour or make alternate plans, and we hope you were able to enjoy your visit to Ketchikan. We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll consider joining us on a future visit so we can provide the Alaska Native cultural and wildlife experience we strive to deliver.

Alaska

DOUGLAS_R, Jul 2026

Meta was very knowledgeable and well spoken! It was a great tour to take. We saw a bear and lots of bald eagles. We highly recommend

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your tour with Meta. Seeing a bear and so many bald eagles always makes for a memorable day, and we’re happy you had that experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again the next time you’re in Ketchikan!

Good tour

TRACI_G, Jul 2026

We enjoyed this small group tour with Meta, a native Alaskan who was personable and informative. She went out of her way to not only give a great tour, but toake sure we had the chance to see a wild bear.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your kind words! We’re fortunate to have guides like Meta who are passionate about sharing their culture and love for Southeast Alaska. We’re so glad you enjoyed the small-group experience and appreciate you taking the time to recommend our tour. We hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan again someday!

Do not recommend...

Aarohi_R, Jul 2026

Do not recommend booking!! Should have listened to other reviews. They cancelled the night before due to not enough people but this didn’t leave time to come up with new plans! Also, we were on a cruise ship with very limited connection so it wasn’t even possible to see the message till the morning of. Really wasted our day!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

We’re sorry your tour was canceled. We only cancel when circumstances make it impossible to operate, and we notify guests as soon as that decision is made. A full refund was issued immediately. We understand that changes are especially frustrating for cruise passengers with limited internet access and limited time in port. While we do our best to avoid cancellations, they are occasionally unavoidable. We appreciate your feedback and wish you an enjoyable remainder of your cruise.

Time well spent

Geraldine_S, Jul 2026

Rebecca was an outstanding guide. Lots of very interesting information about Native American customs and culture. Sighting a mama bear and cub was a bonus. Well worth it even in the rain.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience! Rebecca will be delighted to hear your kind words. We’re glad you enjoyed learning about Alaska Native customs and culture—and seeing a mama bear with her cub made the day extra special. The Ketchikan rain certainly didn’t dampen the adventure!

Great tour and got to see wildlife!

Kona_J, Jul 2026

Meta was an amazing guide, and we loved that this tour was led by a native Alaskan. I also loved the wildlife we got to see, including a bear and several eagles (and an eagle's nest!). Overall, Meta was very knowledgeable, and we got to see and learn a lot about Ketchican and would definitely recommend it to others!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with Meta and appreciated the opportunity to learn from an Alaska Native guide. Seeing a bear, bald eagles, and an eagle’s nest is always a special bonus! Thank you for recommending our tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Ketchikan on a future visit.

Buyer beware

Molly_C, Jul 2026

Travelers should request a truly local guide. Our guide could not answer questions and only pointed out two totems. Disappointing. She responded saying she’d need to ask a”local guide”. That’s what we paid for but did not get.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

We are disputing your review. I am personally responsible for hiring all guides and have know them for many years. Your review is a falsehood and should be considered as such. I have reported it to Viator.

A Personal Tlingit Tour

David_S, Jul 2026

Our guide, Meta (?spelling) was very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of our questions about her culture and the Tlingit society. The tour of the Totem Bight Historical Park as well some nature and waterfall stops were enjoyable and allowed us close access to some beautiful bald eagles, unfortunately no sightings of black bears despite our best efforts! The tour was very personal as it was just us and another couple and therefore was like having a local friend show us the sights around town!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Metacwill be so happy to hear how much you enjoyed your time with her. She loves sharing her culture, the history of the Tlingit people, and the beauty of our island in a personal and meaningful way. While we always hope the bears will make an appearance, wildlife has a mind of its own! We’re glad the eagles, waterfalls, Totem Bight, and the small-group experience made your day special. Our goal is for our guests to feel less like they are on a typical tour and more like they are exploring Ketchikan with a local friend. Thank you for choosing Clan House Tours and spending part of your time in Alaska with us!

Ketchikan wildlife and totems

Kelly_Y, Jul 2026

Echo Hawk was our guide. She had a quiet patience while waiting for wildlife to show up. We managed to see a bear and eagles up closer than I have ever seen before. The island where Ketchikan sits has the most magical rain forests you could imagine. While walking through the totem park, Echo Hawk gave us so much knowledge about local native life both historically and today. Her stories will linger in my heart for a long long time.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for such a heartfelt review. Echo Hawk will be deeply touched to know that her stories and the time you spent together stayed with you in such a meaningful way. She has a quiet, patient spirit and a special way of sharing our culture, our island, and the wildlife that calls it home. We’re so happy you were able to see a bear and eagles up close and experience the beauty of our rainforest. Reviews like yours mean more to us than you know. Thank you for choosing to spend part of your time in Ketchikan with our family at Clan House Tours.

Ketchikan tour

Anthony_P, Jul 2026

Our guide was very knowledgeable about the culture and the wildlife. We had a great time and leaned so much about the indigenous people.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled you had a great time and enjoyed learning about the Indigenous culture and local wildlife. It means a lot to us that your guide made the experience both fun and informative. Thank you for choosing Clan House Tours! Kind regards Dan

Amazing experience! Was...

Patrick_J, Jul 2026

Lovely experience

Jacqueline_C, Jul 2026

The experience was a good one, unfortunately we didnt see the bears. The tour leader made the experience more interesting.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for joining us! It was a pleasure having you on board. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, we’re glad to hear you still had a good experience and that your tour leader helped make the trip more interesting.

Excellent small group experience

Kristine_G, Jun 2026

Our guide Meta was informative and friendly. It was wonderful to have an indigenous Alaskan interpret what we were seeing and share her stories with us. And the small group experience with so much better than being on a bus with 70 people! I highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for joining us and for sharing such kind words about Meta. We’re glad you enjoyed the small-group experience and the opportunity to learn from an Indigenous Alaskan perspective. It means a lot to us that you would highly recommend the tour.

No tour

Lorraine_C, Jun 2026

We didn’t get to take the tour because the tour guide left us behind. And gave horrible directions, just go straight are not directions. Luckily the guide called us later and said the company would refund our money. The person at the visitor center said she had complaints about this company before during the day.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

The meeting place is listed on your ticket. We did our best to assist you by phone while my daughter provided directions, and we held the tour for an additional 20 minutes in hopes of accommodating your arrival. At the same time, we needed to be mindful of the other guests who arrived as scheduled. We have issued a refund, and we truly appreciate your understanding.

Excellent tour from...

Barbara_W, Jun 2026

Excellent tour from Alaska native. She provided experience outside of routine tour guide by giving more in depth info about Alaska culture!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the deeper insight into Alaska Native culture. Sharing our local knowledge, stories, and traditions is what makes this experience special, and we’re grateful you chose Clan House Tours.

Educational and Interesting.

Tonya_T, Jun 2026

Echohawk was our Indigenous guide. She was very knowledgeable and interesting! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her. We learned a lot about the culture of the area and about totem poles.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad you enjoyed your time with Echohawk. She brings a deep knowledge of the Indigenous culture, history, and stories of the area, and we’re happy to hear you learned so much about the totem poles and local traditions. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again in Ketchikan!

Totem Poles

Kristine_S, Jun 2026

Scenery is Beautiful in the park area. Talks were very long and somewhat confusing with so much Native American information. A tribal flow chart would have been helpful

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for visiting with us. We appreciate the suggestion and wish you safe travels.

Fascinating cultural experience!

Vivienne_F, Jun 2026

This tour to Totem Bight Park was incredible! Our guide was highly knowledgeable, sharing captivating stories about the rich history and artistry behind each totem pole. Walking through the peaceful rainforest to see the clan house was a massive highlight. Highly recommend this tour if you're visiting Ketchikan!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you found the tour interesting. Wildlife sightings such as whales and bears are always a highlight, but because they’re in their natural habitat, we can never guarantee they’ll appear on any given day. We appreciate you joining us and hope you enjoyed learning about the area’s culture and scenery along the way.