Historic Sites in Ketchikan
Discover Alaska’s past through its most fascinating historic sites. From Skagway’s Gold Rush-era streets to Indigenous cultural parks and wartime landmarks, Voyij connects you with authentic places that tell the story of Alaska’s rugged beginnings. These tours and experiences are ideal for travelers seeking meaningful, educational, and memorable encounters with Alaska’s living history.
4 Activities
Lighthouse Totems & Eagles Excursion
Join our Alaskan captain and their crew at our dock in Ward Cove – which was once home to North America’s largest operating pulp mill and a working salmon cannery – to board either the Lighthouse Endeavor or Totem Princess. Once aboard, you’ll get to settle into the inside heated main cabin or a seat on the outside observation deck, as you leave the dock for your cruise. Sip a hot chocolate or freshly-brewed coffee and keep your eye out for plentiful American bald eagle sightings. Your captain will navigate the vessel along our developed shoreline while our crew helps you spot the many eagle’s nests along our route. You’ll arrive in front of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan native clan house and 14 towering Tlingit and Haida hand-carved cedar totem poles, where you will learn about Ketchikan’s vibrant Alaska Native culture as well as the history of the park. We’ll provide you with beautiful, panoramic views of the entire park from the water, and an opportunity to get your photo taken with this stunning site. About halfway through the trip, you’ll leave the developed shoreline to head out to Guard Island Lighthouse, perched on its own island near the opening to Clarence Strait. (This fascinating landmark was established in 1904 and is still in operation today!) While here, take a minute to breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eye out for the possibility of some of our favorite marine mammals – seals, sea lions, and, in May and September, sometimes even humpback and orca whales! You also may get a chance to see any number of seabirds, such as great blue heron, pigeon guillemots, or gulls. On your way back to Ward Cove, your captain will bring your tour vessel along the neighboring island of Gravina, showcasing beautiful views of the old growth Tongass National Forest, our world’s largest temperate rainforest, and give you the opportunity to possibly spot some land-based wildlife, such as Sitka Blacktail deer or – if you’re really lucky! – a black bear. Throughout the tour you’ll also get the chance to learn about the unique lifestyle of living on a remote Alaskan island directly from the locals who make this place our home! Highlights: *Guaranteed American bald eagle sightings *Possible sightings of harbor seal, moon jellyfish, pigeon guillemots, blue heron, deer, humpback and orca whales, or other wildlife *Panoramic views of Totem Bight State Park, home to an Alaskan Native clan house and a collection of 14 towering Tlingit, Haida & Tsimshian hand-carved cedar totem poles *Voyage to Guard Island Lighthouse to photograph the first lighthouse to be built in Alaska, completed in 1904 & still in operation today *Beautiful scenery embodied in the Tongass National Forest, the world's largest temperate rainforest, and the seascape of the Tongass Narrows
Island Hummer Tour
A "Guest Preference Card” is provided at the time of booking to ensure we meet your needs and provide the very best customer service. Highlights and attractions are sure to please the history buff, native arts & culture enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, and nature lover. Your expedition begins the moment your guide greets you- Indiana Jones style! Whether it be at the ramp of your cruise ship, your gate at the airport, the lobby of your hotel, or any place of convenience for you. Custom stops can include but are not limited to shopping, dining, or exploring just about anything on the island. Wildlife stops can be made at any time the opportunity arises. All tours are fully guided. Please note this is not an off-roading tour. The venues to choose from include: wildlife viewing areas, waterfalls, totem pole parks, historic city tour, walks or hikes through the gorgeous rainforest, panoramic views of Ketchikan and the surrounding islands, museums and attractions including the Totem Heritage Center, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, and the Tongass Historical Museum. While it is not possible to do everything listed, we do want you to know some of the options available. Our guide will go over your interests and proposed itinerary at the beginning of the tour. This will help us prepare the best custom tour for you! *City tour of Ketchikan Rainforest / beach walk - a stroll through the rainforest leading out onto one of Ketchikan's favorite beaches *Potlatch Park - a family owned Totem Park with totem poles carved by a local carver, a clan house, and access to one of Ketchikan's scenic shorelines *Totem Bight State Park - this beautiful state park offers a unique totem circle, clan house, and access to one of Ketchikan's scenic shorelines *Ward Creek Trail - watch for wildlife as you stroll a trail through the Tongass National Rainforest leading to a great view of Ward Creek *Lunch Creek Trail - this trail starts slowly and gradually as you increase in elevation and wind through a scenic rainforest trail *Herring Cove - the cove's unique mix of salt and freshwater provide the opportunity to see unique seasonal wildlife *Beaver Falls - a beautiful waterfall just south of town *Saxman Native Village and Totem Park - the world's largest collection of authentic totem poles; take a walk through the park and learn about the history and importance of Northwest Coast native culture
Cultural Immersion Tour
Specializing in VIP Small Group Tours of 10 or fewer people. Our tour begins with pickup at Eagle Park in Ketchikan by cruise ship dock. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and to ensure a timely departure. We'll make our way north to the Totem Bight Historical Park, located on the former site of a traditional Native campground known as Mud Bight Village. See the Clan House and Totem Poles and hear stories of a legendary chief's strength, along with other totem stories and meanings. Next, we'll ride in the van, venturing out to the Rainforest Creek Trail. Here visitors will be immersed in and will learn about the unique ecosystem of the Tongass. From how to safely remove the thorns and bark from the devil's club, to identifying many other berries edibles, and medicinal plants of the Tongass, we provide an insightful and fascinating perspective like none other. At the end of the tour, we'll provide snacks including smoked salmon and crackers by a campfire. It is our desire to enrich your vacation experience by providing a cultural and memorable adventure, with a glimpse of yesteryear and a rare view at our traditional rainforest 'medicine cabinet' in the Tongass National Forest.
Private Ketchikan Cultural Tour (up to 10 guests)
Specializing in VIP tours of ten or fewer people. For all private tours, itinerary and schedule will be customized to fit the groups' interest. We begin with pickup at Eagle Park in our comfortable van in Ketchikan near the cruise ship dock. Guests are asked to arrive a few minutes early for check-in and to ensure a timely departure. Our tour starts with a comfortable drive to Herring Cove to explore a local waterfall and Rainforest Sanctuary. Then, we'll make our way into town to the Totem Heritage Center. This museum is host to dozens of beautiful and historic Totem Poles, dating back to the 1800s among other native artwork. Next, we'll head north to Totem Bight Historical Park, located on the former site of a traditional Native campground known as Mud Bight Village. See the Clan House and Totem Poles and hear stories of a legendary chief's strength, along with other totem stories and meanings. This remarkable site has significance dating back centuries, saw preservation improvements via the CCC in the 1930s, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Additional locations based on groups' interest: Our tours are fully customizable — you choose your favorite stops from our list, and we build the perfect 5-hour experience around your interests. If the tour runs a little over, we never charge extra. What we include on every tour: • Insight into our Native way of life • Traditional fishing, hunting, and food-gathering practices • How we work to keep our traditional food supply abundant • Environmental issues that impact our salmon, halibut, and local fisheries • Stories and teachings passed down through my wife’s long line of tribal leaders (both women and men) Popular stop options you can choose from: • Settlers Cove (short rainforest hike & salmon viewing) • Lunch Creek (bear viewing opportunities in season) • Medicinal plant identification walk • Buggie’s Beach tide pools • Creek Street boardwalk & seal viewing in August • Totem Heritage Center • Herring cove bear viewing • Totem Bight State Park • Bawden Street Brewery • Uncharted Distillery Join us for an engaging 5 hour tour of Ketchikan and surrounding cultural sites. Seventh-generation native tour guides are experts on local culture, flora, and fauna, bringing your group on a comfortable van ride to local sites!
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