The charming town of Ketchikan is five hundred miles north of Seattle, and for most cruise ship passengers - this will be your first stop.    The historic downtown, wedged between the water and forested mountains, is built into the steep hills and its many colorful buildings are partly constructed on wooden pilings, with boardwalks, wooden staircases and even totem poles displayed.    The commercial history and western settlement of the town can be traced to the dozens canneries that were opened in the 1880’s by western settlers.  The town soon became known as the "salmon capital of the world."   Magnificent forests of Hemlock, Cedar and Spruce provided timber for the native Tlingit homes and impressive totems.  There is a rich native heritage here and you can visit the Ketchikan Heritage Center, where there is a fascinating exhibit of native art, culture and of course, the remarkable totem poles.    As the state's fourth largest city with a population of 13,500, Ketchikan is a strong contender for the nation's wettest city with an annual rainfall of 165 inches. But the rain, or “liquid sunshine,” won’t get in the way of a great experience. 

Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari:
This is a great tour for the adventurous soul!   You'll hop in a Jeep Wrangler and make your way through the wilderness back roads of forested Revillagigedo Island.  Next you, along with others on the tour, will jump in a 20 passenger Native Indian style canoe to paddle your way across a beautiful mountain lake.  Once you reach your destination, you'll enjoy a healthy snack and take a short nature hike.  For this tour you will need to bring your current driver's license.   Tour Duration:  four hours;  Departs from Ketchikan;   $133.00 per adult;  $88.00 per child under 12. 


Orca Beach Rainforest Adventure:
This tour combines the best of both water and land nature tours - so bring your camera and binoculars!  You start your day in a large motorized inflatable boat cruising down the shoreline, where you just might see whales, Dall porpoises, Stellar sea lions, bald eagles, pelagic sea birds and harbor seals.   When you land at Orca Beach, you will be met by a knowledgeable Alaskan nature guide, who will lead you on an interpretive nature hike in the pristine old growth coastal rainforest.   You will be treated to a light snack after the hike, and you'll have time to explore the tidal areas before returning on your inflatable.     Tour Duration:  four hours;  Departs Daily;  $91.00 per adult;  $61.00 for children under 12 years old.  

Misty Fjords Flightseeing Excursion:
Today you will enjoy a scenic narrated flight exploring the Misty Fjords National Monument - which features some of Alaska's most spectacular rugged terrain.   Almost four times the size of Rhode Island with 2.3 million acres, the Misty Fjords National Monument contains pristine fjords, towering waterfalls, mirror lakes, and incredible wildlife.  You'll soar over 3000' granite cliffs and magnificent forests of Spruce, Hemlock and Cedar reaching to the snow covered mountains.    This is a great way to spend the day enjoy the beauty of Alaska's wilderness.  Tour Duration:  1.5 hours;    Departs Daily at 8, 10, 12, and 2pm. Please call for prices.

Totems and Eagles Tour:
This is a great tour and what a way to travel - in a beautifully restored 1955 Chevy!  You'll start out in Ketchikan and take a guided tour through the once "red light" district along the boardwalk.  You'll then travel to the fascinating Saxman Indian Village and see the totem poles, before traveling to the end of the paved road in search of bald eagles and other wildlife. 
Tour Duration:  3 hours.   Departing Ketchikan.   Price:  $116.00 per person.