City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and looking for a quick yet meaningful way to see some of the town’s most iconic sights, this City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing tour might be just what you need. Offered by Eagle One Enterprises, it promises a compact 2-hour experience packed with totem poles, native culture, and nature encounters. We haven’t been on this tour ourselves, but after reviewing the details and traveler feedback, we can give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we like about this tour? First, it offers access to two of Ketchikan’s renowned totem parks, including Saxman Native Village, which boasts some of the largest and most historic totem poles. Second, the small group setting means more personalized attention from your guide, which can really enhance the experience.

A potential drawback? The tour is quite short—just around 2 hours—so if you’re hoping for a deep dive into every aspect of Ketchikan’s culture or wildlife, you might find it a bit limited. Still, it’s a great choice for travelers who want a quick overview without a lot of walking or time commitment.

This tour is especially well-suited for cruise ship passengers with limited time in port, or those who prefer a smaller, more intimate group experience rather than large tour buses. If you’re curious about native art, local wildlife, and the town’s history but don’t want to spend an entire day exploring, this could match your travel style.

Key Points

• Concise Experience: About 2 hours long, perfect for a quick snapshot of Ketchikan’s highlights.
• Small Group: Ensures more personal interaction and tailored storytelling from your guide.
• Cultural & Natural Mix: Combines native totem parks, history, and wildlife viewing in one outing.
• Flexible Sightings: Black bear viewing is weather-dependent; if no bears are spotted, the tour shifts focus seamlessly.
• Budget-Friendly: At $59 per person, it offers good value for a guided tour of multiple sights.
• Booking & Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, with confirmation received upon booking and easy meeting points.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Start Point & Ease of Access

The tour begins at 131 Front St, Ketchikan, right near the cruise ship docks. This location makes it convenient if you’re docked in town and want a tour that doesn’t require complex transport arrangements. The activity ends back at the same point, so there’s no need for extra travel afterward.

First Stop: Herring Cove & Black Bear Viewing

After departing downtown, your first destination is Herring Cove, one of Ketchikan’s two main Totem Parks. The drive out is quick, and you’ll have about 20 minutes of walking among the totem poles. The totems here are significant—they’re carvings that tell stories and honor native heritage, and this stop gives you a chance to see some of the most authentic examples outside of a museum.

A highlight often mentioned is the chance to see black bears in the wild. The tour hosts in contact with wildlife operators will make a call on bear sightings, but if bears are present, you’ll have a good opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

Reviewers mention that the bear viewing is weather-dependent; if there are no recent sightings, the guide will skip this part without any fuss. One reviewer noted, “we didn’t see bears, but the drive and scenery were still enjoyable,” which is a fair point—nature is unpredictable.

Second Stop: Saxman Native Village

Next, the tour heads to Saxman Native Village, where you’ll be immersed in native culture through the impressive totem poles. This site is home to some of the largest standing totems in the world, with many over 100 years old. The easy walking trails allow for a relaxed exploration, and the carving skills involved in these poles are truly remarkable.

Travelers agree that this is a “wonderful stop to soak in Native Heritage” and learn about the stories behind the carvings. The inclusion of this site adds depth to the cultural appreciation of your visit.

Final Stop: Creek Street

The last part of the tour is Creek Street, a neighborhood famous for its colorful history and picturesque setting. Once known as Ketchikan’s red-light district, it’s now a charming boardwalk on pilings, lined with local shops, art galleries, and cafes.

While here, you’ll see the famous salmon ladder, which allows salmon to swim upstream despite the raging waters. This feature is not only interesting but also a symbol of the local wildlife that thrives in the area. The street offers “Instagram-worthy” views and a peek into the town’s past, with stories of its risqué history.

Overall Experience

The reviews reflect that this tour is well-paced and informative. Guides like Debby and Sam are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the short outing feel personal and engaging. Travelers particularly appreciated that the guides shared stories, facts about totem poles, and local wildlife—adding context that brings the sights to life.

Some reviews mention unfortunate weather or missed sightings, but most agree that the experience was worthwhile, especially considering the price point of $59. The tour strikes a balance between cultural insights, scenic views, and wildlife, making it a versatile choice.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses a small van with a maximum of 13 travelers, giving it an intimate vibe. The transportation is included in the price, and the small group size helps the guide tailor the experience and answer questions more thoroughly. Plus, most travelers found the driver/guide friendly and accommodating, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

Timing & Pacing

With an approximate duration of 2 hours, the tour is designed to be a quick but rundown. This makes it ideal for those with tight schedules but wanting a taste of Ketchikan’s culture and nature. The itinerary includes about 20 minutes at each major stop, giving enough time to take photos and absorb the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Cost & Value

At $59 per person, the tour is quite competitive. When you consider admission tickets to the totem parks are included, plus the personalized guidance, it offers good value. Travelers often mention that the tour is a “great value” for what it provides, especially as part of a port day excursion.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are largely positive, emphasizing knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery. Many have described the guides as friendly, energetic, and full of interesting stories—important factors in a short tour where engagement matters.

However, a few travelers noted that if bears aren’t sighted or if weather doesn’t cooperate, the experience loses a little of its wow factor. One reviewer pointed out that if your main goal is bear viewing, it’s worth noting that sightings are not guaranteed.

Some negative comments revolve around tour timing and communication, but those seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. The company does mention that cancellations can be made for free up to 24 hours in advance, which offers some peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This small-group, two-hour Ketchikan tour is best suited for travelers who want a compact, cultural, and scenic snapshot of the town. If you’re on a cruise with limited time or prefer a more intimate experience, this trip offers good value and personalized attention.

While it might not satisfy those looking for a full-day adventure or wildlife enthusiasts eager for guaranteed bear sightings, it excels at giving an overview of native art, history, and local wildlife in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of prominent totem parks, native village insights, and Creek Street makes it a well-rounded introduction to Ketchikan’s essence.

Overall, if you enjoy guided tours with friendly guides, culturally meaningful sights, and scenic stops, this tour is worth considering. Just keep in mind that weather and wildlife sightings can influence the experience, but the small group size and knowledgeable guides help make the most of what’s available.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While the tour is open to most travelers, it’s generally a short, relaxed outing that can work for families with children. There’s no specific mention of age restrictions, but given the walking involved and interest in native carvings and scenery, it could be enjoyable for older kids and teens.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time in port. It covers several stops, each lasting about 20 minutes, allowing for a manageable pace.

Do I need to bring anything special?
The tour includes an admission ticket to the parks, but it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a camera. Since bear sightings are weather-dependent, be prepared for variable conditions.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts and ends at 131 Front St, Ketchikan—very close to the cruise ship docks. This makes it convenient if you’re arriving by cruise.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Is the tour accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but since the stops involve walking on easy trails and a boardwalk, those with mobility challenges should consider their comfort level.

In the end, this tour offers a well-balanced taste of Ketchikan’s culture and nature for a reasonable price. It’s a practical choice for travelers wanting to see iconic totem parks, learn about native heritage, and enjoy scenic views without a long commitment or high cost. Just remember, like all outdoor adventures, it’s weather-dependent, but the guides’ friendly approach and compact size make it a solid pick for a quick Ketchikan experience.