Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion

The Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion offers visitors to Ketchikan a chance to enjoy the city’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Embarking on a 3-hour tour, guests will explore iconic landmarks, witness the majestic flight of bald eagles, and learn about the region’s rich indigenous traditions. From the historic Guard Island Lighthouse to the captivating totem poles at Totem Bight State Park, this excursion promises to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience. But what makes this tour truly stand out is the opportunity to savor local flavors and uncover the compelling stories that shaped Ketchikan’s past.

Key Points

• A 3-hour excursion in Ketchikan that allows visitors to explore the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, including bald eagles, totem poles, and the historic Guard Island Lighthouse.
• The tour includes a van ride, guided walking tour, scenic boat cruise, and opportunities to sample local flavors and learn about the indigenous culture.
• Guaranteed sightings of American bald eagles, with insights into their biology, behavior, and protected status, and the use of high-quality binoculars for up-close viewing.
• Exploration of the elaborately carved totem poles at Totem Bight State Park, along with a replica of a traditional Alaska Native clan house and interpretive exhibits.
• Visitors can tour the historic Guard Island Lighthouse, learn about its storied past, and appreciate its enduring significance to the Ketchikan community.

Tour Overview

This 3-hour excursion takes visitors on a captivating journey through Ketchikan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Guests begin at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, then hop aboard a 20-minute van ride followed by a leisurely 10-minute walk.

The main stop offers a wealth of experiences, including photo opportunities, a guided tour, a boat cruise, and chances to see bald eagles, totem poles, and the Guard Island Lighthouse.

Complementing the sightseeing are local snacks, food tastings, and chances to learn about the region’s history and wildlife.

With included transportation, binoculars, and refreshments, this excursion provides an immersive and well-rounded exploration of Ketchikan’s captivating attractions.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, where guests gather before embarking on the 20-minute van ride to the next destination.

From there, they’ll walk for 10 minutes to reach the main stop in Ketchikan. At this vibrant locale, visitors can capture photos, enjoy coffee/tea, and participate in a guided tour.

The excursion also includes a scenic boat cruise, sightseeing, local snack sampling, and opportunities to view marine life and regional wildlife.

The tour concludes back at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. Throughout the journey, guests will be provided with waterproof, fog-proof binoculars and have access to food and beverages.

Ketchikan Highlights

Visiting the Totem Bight State Park allows guests to discover the artistry of the region’s iconic totem poles, which serve as visual representations of the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring the Guard Island Lighthouse provides insight into the history and importance of maritime navigation in the area.

On top of that, the tour guarantees sightings of American bald eagles and their nests, offering a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

The Ketchikan highlights include:

• Admiring the intricate craftsmanship and symbolic meanings of the towering totem poles
• Stepping inside the historic Guard Island Lighthouse and learning about its role in guiding ships
• Witnessing the majestic flight of bald eagles soaring overhead
• Sampling local flavors in a complimentary snack sampler plate

American Bald Eagles

Soaring high above the rugged Ketchikan landscape, the American bald eagles are a highlight of this enchanting excursion.

Majestic and awe-inspiring, these iconic birds are guaranteed sightings on this tour. Guests will have the chance to observe the eagles’ impressive nests and witness their graceful movements as they hunt for fish in the surrounding waters.

The tour guide will share fascinating insights about the bald eagle’s biology, behavior, and protected status, offering a deeper appreciation for this remarkable species.

With the provided high-quality binoculars, visitors can get an up-close look at these magnificent creatures, creating unforgettable memories of their Alaskan adventure.

Totem Bight State Park

At Totem Bight State Park, visitors can discover the rich artistry and cultural significance of the region’s iconic totem poles. These towering wooden structures, carved by skilled indigenous craftspeople, serve as powerful symbols of the Alaska Native communities’ history, beliefs, and traditions. Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the park, admiring the intricate designs and learning about the stories they convey.

The park features:

• Elaborately carved totems depicting mythical creatures, clan symbols, and ancestral histories

• A replica of a traditional Alaska Native clan house, showcasing the architecture and lifestyle

• Interpretive exhibits and signage providing insights into the cultural significance of the totems

• Opportunities to speak with park rangers and learn directly from the local indigenous community.

Guard Island Lighthouse

The Guard Island Lighthouse, a historic beacon that has guided mariners through the treacherous waters off the coast of Ketchikan for over a century, stands as a testament to the region’s maritime heritage.

During the tour, guests will learn about the lighthouse’s storied past and its role in the lives of local fishermen and seafarers. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the striking red-and-white tower, and imagine the dedicated lighthouse keepers who once called this remote outpost home.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the enduring significance of this iconic landmark and its enduring importance to the Ketchikan community.

Local Flavors Sampler

Along With the historical and natural wonders explored during the tour, visitors can look forward to savoring a complimentary sampler of local flavors that capture the essence of Ketchikan’s culinary heritage.

This tantalizing tasting experience features a selection of regional delicacies, including:

• Smoked wild salmon, a local specialty highlighting the abundance of the region’s marine life
• Freshly baked sourdough bread, a nod to the area’s gold rush history
• Creamy Dungeness crab dip, showcasing the bounty of the nearby waters
• Locally roasted coffee, a perfect accompaniment to the savory and sweet bites.

This mouthwatering introduction to Ketchikan’s cuisine will leave guests eager to further explore the flavors that define this vibrant coastal community.

Meeting Point Locations

Conveniently, the tour departs from two well-marked meeting points in Ketchikan – outside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on Berth 2, and inside The Mill at Ward Cove near the tour bus loading area.

The Visitors Bureau is located right in the heart of downtown, making it an easy and accessible starting point.

For those joining from Ward Cove, The Mill is just a short walk to the tour bus.

Whichever location works best, guests will find clear signage and a friendly staff to ensure a smooth start to their Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion.

With these convenient meeting points, guests can focus on the adventure ahead and let the logistics take care of themselves.

Recap

The Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion offers a captivating 3-hour tour of Ketchikan’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Guests can witness the majestic flight of bald eagles, explore the iconic totem poles at Totem Bight State Park, and visit the historic Guard Island Lighthouse.

With a scenic boat cruise and local flavors sampler, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Ketchikan’s rich history and indigenous traditions.