2 h

Instant confirmation

About this activity

This is considered the cultural tour of Ketchikan and explores 2 of the 3 available totem pole parks in Ketchikan.

Start off with a 10 mile drive north of Ketchikan, viewing residential, commercial and industrial parts of town. Narrator will explain the daily life in Ketchikan and the history of the "Salmon Capital of the World".

Upon arrival at the Potlatch Park a 45-50 minute stop is made to visit 2 parks and museums.

Start a narrated guided tour that includes a visit to an active totem pole carving center where totem poles are being carved and exhibit a wide range of the tools and drawing used to create these works of art. more than 30 poles are exhibited in a setup that simulates an ancient native village with canoes, smoke house, cabins and the impressive Clan house, home to the family members of specific Tlingit or Haida clans.

15+ antique cars are also display in fully restored condition, the Russian Museum shows an exclusive collection of guns, rifles, pistols and swords up to 5 centuries old.

Enjoy 20 minutes in gift shop or explore at your leisure the Totem Bight State Park, with it's famous 13 pole exhibit and a more traditional clan house.

Both parks have beach access and allow for great pictures.

20 minute return trip will conclude tour thru the heart of town and will allow guests to descend at creek street, home to the now defunct infamous red light district or be dropped off at cruise ship.

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Included

Local guide
Live commentary on board
Professional guide
Port pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Snacks

Not included

Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

90%

Reviews

3.6

10

D

Dorothy S

3 | 2019-07-08

The sight itself was awesome. We all enjoyed walking through all the buildings and seeing all the totem poles. the location was very nice. However, although we are Canadian, we thought we paid way too much with the exchange for this trip. $301.00 Canadian for 4 people. The location where we got our bus people were being told tickets were $49.00 (US) which is what we thought they were as well. I would like an explanation of how we were charged so much. The bus was pretty rickety (we were the only people in it) but the lady who drove the bus did give us a good tour after she warmed up. Dorothy Siemens

R

Robert Lee W

1 | 2019-07-03

We booked the Ketchikan City Tour and Totem Poles. The Tour specifically said we would be getting a tour of the Totem Bight AND the Potlatch Park plus Ketchikan City Tour. AFTER we boarded the bus, the driver took us to the Potlatch Park and told us that we would NOT be touring the Totem Bight totems. We paid FULL price and were denied the ability to tour BOTH places. Very Upsetting!!!!

B

Bruce B

5 | 2017-12-22

Although it was a wet day we had the most interesting day with our tour guide who was passionate about his native American peoples' history. Potlatch Park was amazing with great commentary. He went above and beyond to ensure wildlife sightings. We saw whales, bald eagles, kingfishers but sadly no bears.

B

Barry D

3 | 2017-08-20

This was an enjoyable excursion learning about history and earlier ways of life. Lots of good scenery and views of salmon and bald eagle.

P

Peter W

3 | 2016-09-17

It was interesting and enjoyable. The guide was friendly and helpful.

J

James C

5 | 2016-09-14

We were the only folks on the tour, so it felt quite special. We had a lot of personal time with him as he talked about the carvings and the history. Walking through the village was at our own pace and we got a lot of pictures.

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