Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

Imagine a journey that combines Alaska’s vibrant indigenous culture, stunning natural scenery, and wildlife sightings—all within a couple of hours. That’s what the Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley promises. While it’s not a tour for everyone, it offers a compact taste of Ketchikan’s top sights, especially if you appreciate guided storytelling and scenic views.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are the expert guides who provide engaging insights into the area’s history and legends, and the beautiful scenery that unfolds during the ride—whether it’s the colorful totem poles or the chance to spot eagles and bears. On the flip side, a potential concern is some inconsistency in the experience, especially if weather or equipment issues arise.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a guided overview of Ketchikan’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions, and who are comfortable with moderate walking and outdoor conditions. Families with kids who enjoy nature, culture buffs, and first-time visitors especially will find value here.

This experience made our article of Ketchikan’s 7 Top City Tours.

Key Points

• Guided storytelling enhances the experience with local history and legends.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, including eagles, bears, and salmon—though not guaranteed.
• Cultural highlights include visiting Saxman Native Village and its totem poles.
• Scenic views along Herring Cove provide a good chance for wildlife viewing.
• Price-to-value ratio can vary based on weather, equipment, and wildlife activity.
• Group size is limited to 34, offering a relatively intimate experience.

A Scenic Ride Through Ketchikan’s Highlights

This tour offers an easy, guided way to see some of Ketchikan’s most notable sights, especially if you’re keen on learning about Native American culture and Alaska’s wildlife. It’s set apart by a San Francisco-style open-air cable car trolley—a quirky, fun mode of transportation that gives a breezy, open-air view of the town and surrounding nature.

The tour’s two-hour duration is just enough to get a taste without feeling rushed, although some reviews suggest that weather can influence the experience significantly. Still, the sense of adventure and the ease of having a guide who narrates the sights make it worth considering.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Saxman Native Village

The tour kicks off at Saxman Native Village, home to the world’s largest collection of authentic Native totem poles. Here, we loved the chance to see carvers at work, using traditional tools and techniques that bring the history of this indigenous culture to life. Your guide will share stories and legends that animate the poles and their significance—an aspect that many reviews highlight as a real highlight.

It’s a 45-minute stop that includes admission to the park, eliminating extra expenses and making it convenient. Some travelers, like one reviewer, appreciated the informative narration, noting that “Bruce gave my husband and I an amazing tour. He had tons of facts about the different things we saw.”

However, a few visitors felt the total number of poles was limited—”no more than 10 poles”—and that the visit could be brief, so managing expectations is key. Still, the authenticity and craftsmanship make it worth the visit.

Stop 2: Herring Cove

Next, the trolley takes you about 9 miles south to Herring Cove, a popular wildlife viewing spot. Here, the terrain and natural environment often attract bears, eagles, herons, and salmon. The hope is to see these animals in their natural habitat—though wildlife sightings depend heavily on season, weather, and luck.

We loved the opportunity to spot bald eagles perched and sampling salmon, as well as the chance to see bears in action—something many travelers cherish. One reviewer remarked, “Saw bears, eagles, and learned about Alaska through trivia. Overall fun experience.”

But it’s important to note that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Some visitors, like one who said, “Almost bear-less,” still enjoyed the drive but were disappointed not to see more animals. Whales can sometimes be spotted, but this isn’t a whale-watching tour.

Transportation and Comfort

The cable car trolley itself is described as a dressed-up bus with windows—not a traditional trolley car. Some reviews noted the poor condition of the vehicle, with loud engines and limited legroom. For travelers prone to motion sickness or with mobility issues, this could be a consideration.

The group size is capped at 34 people, which generally fosters a more personalized experience. The open-air design provides excellent views, but if the weather is rainy or cold, blankets are available—though some found the plastic-covered windows foggy, making photos tricky.

The tour begins at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau—a central location that’s easy to find if you’re docked nearby. However, a few reviews pointed out that directions could be clearer, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or arriving late. A missed stop or delay can affect your overall experience.

Cost and Value

At $85 per person, this tour is priced midway for a short guided experience. The price includes all taxes, fees, and park admission, which simplifies planning. But some travelers feel the value varies—especially if equipment issues or weather dampen the experience.

When you consider that part of the tour involves wildlife and cultural sites, the value hinges on wildlife activity and weather conditions on the day. For those seeking a quick overview rather than a deep dive, it’s a decent option. However, if you’re looking for more in-depth wildlife encounters or traditional cultural performances, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

Authenticity and Guide Quality

Many of the positive reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who tell stories with humor and passion. One reviewer noted, “Bruce had tons of facts,” and others appreciated guides who were informative, humorous, and flexible—especially helpful when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Conversely, a few reviewers criticized the poor start—missed pickups or delays—and felt the overall experience was not quite worth the cost, especially if the weather was uncooperative or wildlife sightings were scarce.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour appeals most to those who want a guided overview of Ketchikan’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities. It is perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone with moderate physical fitness who enjoys learning about local culture and wildlife from an engaging guide.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic ride with educational commentary, this tour delivers. However, travelers seeking a more immersive wildlife or cultural experience might want to consider other options.

The Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley offers a tidy, guided glimpse into Ketchikan’s treasures. Its success depends heavily on weather, wildlife activity, and equipment condition, which can vary from day to day.

You’ll love the insightful guides and the beautiful views—especially if luck is on your side with animal sightings. The cultural visit to Saxman provides an authentic look at Native art and stories, all included in the ticket price. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to see some of Ketchikan’s most iconic sights in a short amount of time.

For travelers who want a light, guided adventure that balances scenery, culture, and wildlife, this tour can be a worthwhile choice—just keep expectations in check and be prepared for the weather.

Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
This tour requires a moderate level of physical activity and involves riding in an open-air trolley. Some reviews suggest it might not be ideal for those with very limited mobility, especially if equipment or weather conditions are challenging.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the two stops—Saxman Native Village and Herring Cove—and all associated admission fees. It also includes taxes, fees, and handling charges, making it a straightforward, all-in-one price.

What should I expect at Saxman Native Village?
You’ll see the largest collection of authentic totem poles and watch carvers at work. Guides share stories and legends, adding depth to the cultural experience. It’s a 45-minute stop, so expect some walking and viewing.

Can I see wildlife on this tour?
Wildlife sightings—bears, eagles, salmon—are possible but not guaranteed. The tour takes you to Herring Cove, a prime spot, but animal activity depends on the season, weather, and luck.

What is the transportation like?
The trolley is a dressed-up bus with plastic-covered windows, which some find noisy and not very comfortable. It’s open air, so dress accordingly, especially if it’s cold or rainy.

Is this tour worth the cost?
It depends on your expectations. Many find it a good value for the guided insight and scenery, but some feel it’s overpriced, especially if wildlife is scarce or the equipment is not in great shape.

Overall, this tour offers a practical way to see Ketchikan’s cultural and natural highlights, with a friendly guide and scenic views. Keep in mind the weather, and you’ll likely come away with some memorable moments—and perhaps a new story about Alaska.