Saxman Native Village & Creek Street Tour

This short and well-paced tour offers a clear introduction to the culture and history that define modern-day Ketchikan. From the moment you’re collected, the logistics are handled for you, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the experience. Depending on your pickup point, the tour lasts around 3 hours from Ward Cove Cruise Terminal or about 2.5 hours from downtown Ketchikan, making it an easy fit for a cruise itinerary.

Your first stop is Saxman Native Village, an active Tlingit community where traditions are lived and shared. Upon arrival, you’re greeted in the Tlingit language before being escorted into the Beaver Clan House. There, you’ll settle in for a private cultural performance. The rhythmic drumming, traditional songs, and expressive dances share stories that have been preserved for generations. The setting feels welcoming and unhurried, giving you space to truly absorb the experience.

Following the performance, you’ll explore the Carving Center, where skilled artists demonstrate how totem poles are created. You’ll learn about the carving process, traditional paint techniques, and the meanings behind recurring symbols and animals. A walk through the Totem Pole Park brings these stories to life, with clear explanations that add context to each pole.

The tour concludes at historic Creek Street and along Ketchikan Creek. As you walk the wooden boardwalk, your guide explains the area’s role in the town’s early history while you watch the water flow beneath you. Guests often leave feeling they’ve gained a deeper understanding of Ketchikan, beyond the typical sightseeing stops, with culture, history, and daily life woven together.