Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in Ketchikan, United States
Ketchikan, United States

Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley

Outty Ranking 56 3.8 · 158 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $85
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Outty Ranking

56/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 158 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley worth booking?

Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley is a 2-hour experience in Ketchikan, United States, from $85 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 158 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
56 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (158)
Duration
2 hours
From
$85 per person

2 hour Deluxe City Totem Park and Wildlife viewing tour by San Francisco Style Cable Car Trolley. This tour includes City Highlights and Herring Cove Wildlife viewing area where Black Bears, Bald Eagles, Salmon and Seals often habitat the area during the summer season. All park fees admissions and taxes are included in this tour. Fully narrated and guided tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    2 hour Deluxe City Totem Park and Wildlife viewing tour by San Francisco Style Cable Car Trolley. This tour includes City Highlights and Herring Cove Wildlife viewing area where Black Bears, Bald Eagles, Salmon and Seals often habitat the area during the summer season. All park fees admissions and taxes are included in this tour. Fully narrated and guided tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • All taxes, fees and handling charges

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Saxman Tribal House

      Saxman has the world's largest collection of authentic Native Totem Poles.Learn about traditional tools and techniques as you watch the carvers at work. Listen to the stories and legends narrated by your guide.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Herring Cove

      Your Trolley takes you 9 miles south to Herring Cove where black bears, eagles, herons and other wildlife are often spotted feeding on Alaska's plentyfull salmon. Whales can sometimes be spotted along the way.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Ketchikan

    If your ship is docking at Berth #4, please check in at our red booth with yellow trim at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your tour.

    Meeting point

    Ketchikan

    If your ship is docking at berth 1, 2, or 3, please check-in inside the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau/Booth #17 at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your tour.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    If your ship is docking at Berth #4, please check in at our red booth with yellow trim at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your tour.

    Ends at

    If your ship is docking at berth 1, 2, or 3, please check-in inside the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau/Booth #17 at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your tour.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Northern Tours LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in Ketchikan, photo 2Saxman Native Village, Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in KetchikanBald Eagle at Herring Cove, Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in KetchikanOrca (Killer Whale), Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in KetchikanHerring Cove Wildlife, Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in KetchikanHerring Cove, Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley in Ketchikan

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 158 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    158 verified traveler reviews for Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    81
    4 star
    21
    3 star
    18
    2 star
    17
    1 star
    21
    Sort
    Mark_R · September 2026

    Beware!

    The instructions in the app did not specify that there was another port in town and that we needed to hop on the shuttle to downtown for the tour, which led to us missing our initial tour in a trolley and placed us in a van. The van was a very comfortable luxury van and the driver was excellent but, unfortunately, we were only taken to the Potlatch Park to view totem poles and taken back to our cruise port. The driver told the group he was not aware that he was supposed to take us anywhere else and was apologetic, stating there was a "miscommunication somewhere." Definitely merits a refund on behalf of the company, in my opinion, as we did not get the tour they advertised for the money we paid.

    via Viator

    Gary_P · September 2026

    Excellent

    Driver was very knowledgeable about Ketchikan and explained the area very good. The stops were very good,

    via Viator

    Ingrid_H · September 2026

    Bears!

    !We saw bears! And dead salmon 🤢, and some live ones 😎 and maybe an eagle 🦅 and lots of totem poles and the stories to go with them all. Jeff was a great driver and raconteur and his coonskin hat was more fun than a cap. I walk with a cane. He was very solicitous of my limitations. Thanks for a great day!

    via Viator

    kimhT5046ZS · September 2026

    Worst Wild Life Tour!

    Not worth the time & money. Worst wild life tour. If planning on a wild life tour, take the time and check out other tours.

    Response from the operator: This guest wanted a refund and if I didn't give her a refund she was going to post a bad review. They did see a bear while on the tour. We can never guarantee wildlife because of obvious reasons; this is not a zoo. Below is her email to me. My husband and I took a tour on August 27th hoping to see some wildlife in Ketchikan. Unfortunately, I thought the whole tour was uneventful because we really didn't get to see much of any wildlife other than a black bear which living in New Jersey we see them in our backyards. The fact that we had to pay $75 per person I feel is an extremely outrageous cost for what we encountered during the trolley ride. I would not recommend this tour to anybody who is visiting Ketchikan while cruising Alaska. I don't feel like it was presented correctly when we were approached to buy tickets. Overall we were very dissatisfied and had hoped it to have been a more eventful wildlife tour. And as far as seeing an eagle in a distance in a tree, we saw more Eagles on light posts on a previous bus ride in another Alaska town. Unfortunately I would not be able to give a good review for this wildlife tour. I have included a copy of my receipt for verification of purchase. Kim H

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott_S · August 2026

    Loved this tour! Jeff...

    Loved this tour! Jeff provided great information and was a wonderful guide! The length was perfection see areas of Ketchikan.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    55
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 56

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)22
    Review evidence (18% weight)72
    Booking momentum (14% weight)67
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)68
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ketchikan.

    How much does Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley cost?

    +

    Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ketchikan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ketchikan is not rushed.

    Is Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 158 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ketchikan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    Around 55 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ketchikan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ketchikan and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ketchikan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Ketchikan?

    +

    Ketchikan runs short, cruise-timed excursions: Misty Fjords floatplane flights, Tongass rainforest zip lines, totem park tours, crab feasts and wildlife boats up the Behm Canal. On Outty we rank every Ketchikan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Off the Beaten Path Ketchikan Photo Safari - 3 hr., Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour, 3-Hour Rainforest, Beach & Wildlife Walk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?

    +

    May to September, matching the Alaska cruise season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Ketchikan?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    If your ship is docking at Berth #4, please check in at our red booth with yellow trim at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your tour. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ketchikan. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolley?

    +

    Across 158 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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