Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

Ketchikan’s "Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley" tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendor. Aboard a San Francisco-style trolley, travelers embark on a fully narrated journey, exploring the iconic Saxman Native Village and witnessing the majesty of local wildlife, including bears and bald eagles. With a small group size, this tour provides an intimate and engaging experience, allowing participants to discover the area’s captivating history and stunning landscapes. As the trolley winds through the city, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets this enchanting destination holds.

Good To Know

• Explore Ketchikan’s cultural heritage by witnessing the intricate totem poles at the Saxman Native Village on a narrated cable car trolley tour.
• Spot local wildlife, including bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles, at the Herring Cove during the tour.
• Experience a fully narrated guided tour on an open-air San Francisco-style cable car trolley that showcases Ketchikan’s natural beauty.
• Tour accommodates a maximum group size of 34 travelers for an engaging experience, but may face issues with overcrowding.
• Moderate physical fitness is required for participation, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

The "Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley" tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Ketchikan’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife.

Rated 3.9 out of 5 stars from 116 reviews, this fully narrated and guided tour takes guests aboard an open-air San Francisco-style cable car trolley to discover the town’s top attractions.

Highlights include the Fish Ladder, the Saxman Native Village with its impressive totem poles, and wildlife sightings at Herring Cove, where bears, seals, salmon, and bald eagles can be observed.

With a maximum group size of 34 travelers, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience for visitors of moderate physical fitness.

Highlights of the Experience

A major highlight of the "Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley" tour is the opportunity to witness the captivating Saxman Native Village and its impressive collection of totem poles.

Visitors are enthralled by the rich cultural history and intricate designs of these towering wooden sculptures, each one telling a unique story.

Plus, the tour offers the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including bears, seals, salmon, and majestic bald eagles, at the Herring Cove.

The narrated cable car trolley ride provides an engaging and immersive way to explore Ketchikan’s natural beauty and learn about its indigenous heritage.

While the wildlife sightings can be hit-or-miss, the overall experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s cultural and natural attractions.

Meeting Point and Pickup Options

Guests meet at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, located at 131 Front St in Ketchikan, Alaska 99901.

Pickup arrangements are available for guests at berths 3 & 4. Participants must check in at booth #17, 20 minutes prior to the tour’s departure.

The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Children must be accompanied by adults, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Inclusions and Expectations

The tour includes park admission fees, all taxes, fees, handling charges, and gratuities.

Guests must check in at booth #17, 20 minutes prior to departure, for pickups at berths 3 & 4. The tour returns to the meeting point at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, 131 Front St.

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Reviewers provide a mixed assessment of the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley tour.

While some praise the informative guides and beautiful scenery, others feel the tour didn’t live up to its cost or their expectations.

Common complaints include:

• Poor directions to the meeting point, leading to delays
• Limited wildlife sightings, despite the tour’s promises
• Overcrowded trolleys, reducing the overall experience
• Disappointment in the quality of the tour relative to its price

Despite these issues, the tour offers memorable glimpses of Ketchikan’s totem poles, local culture, and potential wildlife encounters.

Travelers should consider their priorities and manage their expectations accordingly.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley tour offers a unique way to explore Ketchikan, there are a few potential drawbacks and considerations travelers should keep in mind. The tour’s quality may vary depending on the season, and guests have reported issues with finding the meeting point. Plus, the trolley can feel overcrowded, and wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Some travelers felt the overall experience did not justify the cost.

Potential Drawbacks	Considerations
Limited wildlife sightings	Check seasonal wildlife activity
Overcrowded trolley	Ensure clear directions to meeting point
Disappointment with tour quality	Tour quality may vary by season
Difficulty finding meeting point	Allow extra time for check-in

Recommendations for Visitors

One recommendation for visitors is to consider walking around Ketchikan instead of taking the tour.

While the tour offers a glimpse of the city, some reviewers found it lacking in memorable sights. Plus, it’s important to consider the season when planning your visit, as wildlife sightings can vary.

Here are some other recommendations to keep in mind:

• Check the latest wildlife activity before booking the tour to set appropriate expectations
• Ensure you have clear directions to the meeting point to avoid delays and frustration
• Be aware that the tour quality may vary depending on the season and your personal preferences
• Opt for a more comprehensive city experience if the tour doesn’t align with your interests.

Notable Experiences on the Tour

Sightings of bears and bald eagles rank among the tour’s most captivating moments, leaving many visitors in awe. While not guaranteed, the chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight. In addition, the informative historical context provided by the guides about the local totem pole culture and traditions enhances the overall experience. The table below showcases some of the notable experiences visitors may encounter on the tour:

Notable Experience	Description
Bear Sightings	Glimpses of these powerful omnivores foraging in the nearby Herring Cove
Bald Eagle Encounters	Soaring overhead or perched atop the towering totem poles
Totem Pole Insights	Exploration of the Saxman Native Village and learning about their symbolic significance
Salmon Spotting	Watching the salmon run up the fish ladder, a testament to the region’s natural abundance
Cultural Immersion	Engaging with the local Tlingit culture and history through the guided narration

Things To Known

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers are typically allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, it’s always best to check with the tour operator in advance to confirm any specific policies or restrictions.

Is There a Bathroom on the Trolley During the Tour?

There’s no bathroom on the trolley during the tour. The tour is fully guided and narrated, with no stops for restroom breaks. Guests should plan accordingly before the tour starts.

How Often Does the Trolley Run and How Long Is the Full Tour?

The trolley runs hourly, and the full tour takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Guests should arrive 20 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time to check in at the designated booth.

Is the Trolley Heated or Does It Have Rain Covers in Case of Inclement Weather?

The trolley is open-air, so it doesn’t have heating or rain covers. Travelers should dress appropriately for the weather conditions in Ketchikan, which can be cool and rainy even during the summer months. The tour may be less enjoyable in inclement weather.

Can I Get off and on the Trolley at Different Stops Along the Route?

The tour is conducted on an open-air trolley, so passengers can’t get off and on at different stops along the route. The tour follows a set itinerary and doesn’t allow for hopping on and off at various locations.

Sum Up

The "Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley" tour offers an immersive experience that showcases Ketchikan’s cultural richness and natural beauty. With a small group size, the tour provides an intimate and memorable glimpse into the region’s history, wildlife, and captivating landscapes, making it a must-do activity for visitors looking to explore the area’s unique charms.