Potlatch Totem Park, Alaskan Wildlife and Ketchikan Highlights Bus Tour

Overview

A short walk to meet your guide, this tour heads out of town, giving you the chance to see more of beautiful Revillagigedo Island, on which Ketchikan is located.

Settle in and enjoy the drive along the scenic road to Potlatch Totem Park, you'll hear the history of Ketchikan, including its fishing and logging past and see the old pulp mill and cannery. Upon arriving at Potlatch Totem Park, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Built on the former fishing grounds of the native Tlingit peoples, this park depicts what a native fishing village in the 1800s would have looked like. The two large clan houses are surrounded by four smaller clan houses, all filled with elaborate carvings, both inside and out.

In the totem carving shed, you'll learn the significance of these cultural works of art and watch one of the carvers in action. You'll hear about the poles design, carving, and painting process and even smell the fresh cedar scent given off by shavings. Your tour includes admission to the Museum, with interesting displays of antique cars, firearms, and other curiosities.

From here you continue on a coastal road, heading farther out of town and away from the crowds to quaint Herring Bay. This small inlet cove provides the perfect habitat for Ketchikan's wildlife to thrive. During salmon season, you'll often spot black bears, eagles, herons, and seals. See the salmon just a few feet away as they fight their way upstream from June through September.

You'll check out the highlights of the charming town of Ketchikan. As you make your way around the city, you'll drive past the cannery, some of the residential areas and the waterfront, including Creek Street, the former historic Red Light district. You can choose to end your tour here to do some shopping or continue the ride to the downtown area to return to your cruise ship.