Ketchikan is a city that packs a lot of history and culture into a small package. Its colorful past as a bustling fishing town, Native Tlingit roots, and lively waterfront make it a natural spot for history-focused tours. What sets these tours apart is their authenticity—whether it’s a custom wildlife and historical tour that adapts to your interests or a deep dive into Totem Bight State Park’s rich native carvings, each offers a chance to see Ketchikan through a different lens. We particularly love tours that combine storytelling with hands-on experiences, such as observing salmon in the wild or exploring native art, because they bring the history to life.
If you’re short on time but eager for a meaningful experience, the 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour offers flexibility and personal attention. For those wanting a broader cultural perspective, the Ketchikan’s Favorite Cultural and Historical Sites tour covers major landmarks and local life. For travelers interested in more immersive native experiences, the Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion takes you into a native reserve with a hike and dance. Each tour provides a different window into Ketchikan’s past and present, making it easy to pick one that suits your curiosity.
1. 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour
At number one on our list is the 2 Hour Custom Wildlife and Historical Tour, a flexible experience that can be tailored to your interests—whether wildlife, history, or both. Owned and operated by a veteran, this small-group tour stands out for its personalized approach. You’ll start with a 30-minute overview of Ketchikan’s history, then visit the salmon ladder where thousands of spawning salmon attract eager viewers. This is one of the few visible salmon ladders on the island, making it a top wildlife sight.
Beyond the town, your guide may point out Humpback Whales or pods of Orcas around Herring Cove, adding an exciting marine element. The final stop at the cruise ship docks offers a chance to see totem poles and wildlife along the waterfront. With perfect ratings (5/5 from 30 reviews), travelers praise Leon and Kara for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility. Whether you focus on wildlife or history, the tour’s custom nature ensures you get a personalized experience. The value is excellent at $100 per person, especially given the intimate setup and expert guidance.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a customizable, friendly introduction to Ketchikan’s wildlife and history, ideal for travelers who want flexibility and personal attention.
2. Ketchikan’s Favorite Cultural and Historical Sites
Second on our list is Ketchikan’s Favorite Cultural and Historical Sites, a 3.5-hour guided tour that covers the best-known landmarks and local stories. Led by a longtime resident, this tour provides a balanced look at both the town’s historic sites, like Creek Street and the fish ladder, and native attractions such as Totem Bight State Park and Potlatch Park. The itinerary includes an approximately 20-minute stop at Knudson Bay, where you might see seals and eagles gathering after fishing.
One of the highlights is the visit to Totem Bight State Park, home to expertly restored totem poles and a colorful Clan House, offering insight into native art and traditions. The tour also includes a drive around Ketchikan’s neighborhoods, giving a sense of local life, plus a brief stop at Harris Street Bridge to observe salmon migrating upstream. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable Clark is, making the experience both fun and informative.
This tour is priced at $90 per person, making it good value for a rundown. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a blend of cultural, natural, and historic sights, with plenty of stories behind each landmark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a thorough, engaging look at Ketchikan’s key sites and local life, with expert storytelling and cultural insights.
3. Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion
For a more immersive native experience, the Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion combines a boat trip, a scenic hike, and cultural entertainment. Starting from Ketchikan, you cruise to Metlakatla, Alaska’s only native reserve, for a 2-hour visit. This tour emphasizes authentic Tsimshian culture, culminating in a traditional dance at the community longhouse and exploring the vibrant Artists Village.
The highlight is hiking the Yellow Hill Trail, where ancient petroglyphs reveal stories from thousands of years ago. The tour includes a stop for locally caught sockeye salmon and wildlife watching on the way back, enhancing the sense of place. While this tour is more expensive at $259.95 per person, it provides a rare combination of native history, outdoor activity, and cultural engagement in a single outing.
Because it’s designed for travelers with an appetite for deeper cultural understanding and physical activity, it suits those who want a richer connection to Alaska’s native roots. Note that reviews are not yet available, but its focus on authentic experiences makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a full-day, culturally rich adventure combining native traditions, scenic hikes, and wildlife spotting.
$259.95 per person
How to Choose the Right Historical Tour in Ketchikan
When deciding which tour is right for you, consider your budget, interests, and available time. If you prefer a flexible, personalized experience and want to focus on wildlife, the custom wildlife and historical tour (more info) offers excellent value and adaptability. Budget travelers might enjoy the cultural sites tour (more info), which covers many highlights in a compact time.
For those eager to dive deep into native culture and outdoor activities, the Native reserve and hike (more info) provides a compelling, full-immersion experience. When booking, check availability early, especially in peak cruise season, to secure your preferred date.
In summary, Ketchikan offers a variety of history-rich tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you choose a custom wildlife adventure, a comprehensive cultural sightseeing trip, or an all-out native cultural experience, each promises a memorable glimpse into Alaska’s unique heritage. For travelers wanting to see the best of Ketchikan’s history and culture, booking early is wise, as these popular tours fill quickly. No matter which you pick, you’re sure to leave with a deeper understanding of this fascinating port town.