Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

Exploring the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in Ketchikan: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a tour of Ketchikan that combines native culture, wildlife, and scenic views all in just a couple of hours, the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley might catch your eye. It’s an experience that promises a bit of everything—an open-air ride through town, visits to iconic totem poles, and chances to spot bears, eagles, and salmon in their natural habitat.

What we really like about this tour is how it’s designed to give a quick but meaningful glimpse of what makes Ketchikan special, especially with a guided narration that enriches the experience. Plus, the fact that park admission fees are included takes some of the hassle out of planning.

That said, it’s not without its quirks. Some reviews mention that the experience can feel rushed or that the wildlife sightings are hit-or-miss, especially outside peak seasons. It’s also worth noting that the tour’s quality and the trolley’s condition may vary, which can affect your overall impression.

This tour is probably best suited for travelers who want a concise, guided overview of Ketchikan’s highlights without the fuss of planning multiple stops. If you’re short on time or prefer guided commentary with some wildlife spotting, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Short Duration: About 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy cruise schedule or afternoon plans.
• Inclusive Pricing: Park admission fees are included, so no extra costs for the totem park.
• Guided and Narrated: Knowledgeable guides offer engaging stories and facts, adding depth to the sightseeing.
• Wildlife Opportunities: Potential to see eagles, bears, seals, and salmon, though sightings depend on the season and luck.
• Transport Style: An open-air cable car trolley provides a fun, different way to see the sights, although some reviews mention its condition.
• Mixed Experiences: While many travelers had a good time, others felt the tour didn’t live up to expectations, citing disorganization or limited wildlife sightings.

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour kicks off at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, right in the heart of town, and includes everything you need—taxes, fees, and park admission. Once aboard the open-air trolley, you’ll enjoy a narrated ride that takes you through the town and out to Saxman Native Village, home to North America’s largest collection of authentic totem poles.

The narration is a highlight for many, with guides sharing stories, legends, and insights about the area’s indigenous culture. After about 45 minutes at Saxman, the tour proceeds to Herring Cove, traveling nine miles south. Here, you’ll have a chance to see wildlife like eagles, seals, and possibly bears feeding on salmon. The chance to spot whales is also mentioned, though this is more of an occasional bonus.

The entire experience lasts approximately two hours, and after completing the wildlife viewing and totem pole stop, you’ll return to the starting point. It’s a compact way to get a taste of Ketchikan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Saxman Native Village

This is a true highlight. Saxman boasts the world’s largest collection of authentic Native totem poles, and the setting is quite striking. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, giving you enough time to walk around, take photos, and listen to your guide talk about the significance behind these carvings.

Several reviews emphasize that the guide’s narration makes this part stand out. One traveler said, “Guide was very informative. He knew a lot about the totems,” which highlights how much value a good guide can add. You’ll also see traditional tools and watch carvers at work if timing aligns, providing an authentic glimpse into native craftsmanship.

Stop 2: Herring Cove

Next, the trolley heads south to Herring Cove, about nine miles away, a known wildlife hotspot. Here, the landscape changes to a scenic cove where wildlife frequently gathers. Many reviews mention the potential sightings—eagles perched on poles, bears feeding on salmon, and seals lounging on rocks.

One reviewer shared, “We saw bears and eagles, and learned about Alaska through trivia,” making it clear that while wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the opportunity exists. Remember, the best time to see bears and salmon is in certain seasons, so your experience might vary.

Scenic Views and Wildlife Observation

Many travelers appreciate the chance to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife in their natural environment. The drive to Herring Cove offers chances for photos, and guides often share interesting facts about the animals. However, some reviews point out that sightings depend heavily on the season and luck, and sometimes the wildlife is scarce.

The Trolley Experience

The trolley itself is described as open-air, which adds a fun, breezy element to the ride. However, reviews reveal some mixed feelings about its condition—seats with little legroom and noise issues. One reviewer mentioned, “Seats have no legroom and it was very loud,” which might be a concern if you’re sensitive to discomfort or noise.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

The Good Stuff

• Guides with Knowledge: Many reviews praise the guides for their storytelling, humor, and local insights. This truly enhances the experience.
• Beautiful Scenery and Cultural Sites: The totem poles and natural landscapes provide memorable sights.
• Wildlife Viewing: While sightings can’t be guaranteed, many travelers report seeing eagles, bears, and seals.
• Inclusion of Park Fees: No hidden costs—admission fees are included, streamlining the visit.

The Downsides

• Variable Conditions: The trolley’s condition and weather can impact the experience. Some travelers mention that the trolley was broken or the weather was rainy, affecting visibility.
• Limited Wildlife Sightings: Expect that wildlife sightings are somewhat hit-and-miss, especially outside peak seasons or in poor weather.
• Tour Timings and Organization: A few reviews report issues with the start time or difficulty finding the meeting point, so arrive early and plan ahead.
• Short Stops and Rushed Feel: With only about 45 minutes at each stop, some might feel the tour’s pace is a bit hurried, especially if things run late or if weather delays occur.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $85 per person, you’re paying for a guided experience that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and wildlife opportunities. Many travelers have expressed satisfaction, especially those who enjoy learning stories about the totem poles and spotting eagles.

However, some reviews call it overpriced, especially considering the mixed wildlife sightings and some perceived underwhelming scenery. If you’re expecting a full-day experience or constant wildlife sightings, this might not fully meet those expectations.

Ultimately, whether it’s worth it depends on your priorities. If you value guided narration, a quick overview of Ketchikan, and the chance to see native art and wildlife in a short timeframe, it offers decent value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided, scenic overview of Ketchikan without spending a whole day. It’s ideal for cruise passengers with limited time, families wanting a compact cultural and wildlife experience, or anyone looking for a fun, open-air ride with educational commentary.

If you’re flexible and okay with some unpredictability—like wildlife sightings or trolley condition—this experience can be quite enjoyable. But if you’re after a more in-depth wildlife safari or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might want to look at other options.

Final Thoughts

In all, the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley offers a quick, guided peek into what makes Ketchikan special. It combines native culture, natural beauty, and wildlife in a way that’s accessible and often quite charming, thanks to knowledgeable guides. The inclusion of park fees simplifies the process, and the scenery is undoubtedly worth the trip.

That said, this isn’t a tour for those expecting perfect wildlife sightings or a pristine trolley experience. It’s more about the stories, the views, and the light adventure of riding through town on an open-air vehicle. If your expectations match the tour’s offerings, it’s a solid choice.

For those who appreciate a guided, educational experience and want to see some of Alaska’s natural and cultural treasures in a short span, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind that weather and luck play roles in what you’ll see—and that some travelers have had mixed experiences.

FAQ

Is pickup service included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and the tour starts at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau at 131 Front St.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 2 hours, including stops at Saxman Native Village and Herring Cove.

Are park admission fees included?
Yes, park admission for Saxman and Herring Cove wildlife viewing is included in the price.

What wildlife might I see?
Bears, eagles, seals, and salmon are common sightings. Whales are occasionally spotted.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

What is the transportation like?
It’s an open-air cable car trolley, which can be fun but may have some noise and comfort limitations.

What happens if the trolley is broken?
Some reviews mention the trolley was broken or unavailable, in which case the experience may be replaced with a shuttle bus.

Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, weather can impact visibility and wildlife sightings, and some parts may be substituted with shuttles if it rains.

Would I recommend this tour?
If you value guides, quick cultural and wildlife highlights, and a fun ride, yes. If you’re expecting a wildlife safari or a pristine trolley, you might be disappointed.

In the end, this tour provides a decent snapshot of Ketchikan’s natural and cultural appeal, especially if approached with the right expectations. It’s a good way to get a taste of Alaska’s native art and wildlife, fitting well into a busy travel schedule or cruise itinerary.