Wildlife Tour – Explore Alaskan Wildlife
Skip the big buses and follow a Ketchikan native into the temperate rainforest and coastal estuaries. In two hours you can watch bears, eagles, seals, whales, and salmon in an intimate, small-group setting.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking and short roadside exits; suitable for travelers in average physical condition
Wildlife
History
Ketchikan and surrounding islands have long been home to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples; local guides often share links between subsistence practices and modern life.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes responsible viewing: keep distance, minimize noise, and do not feed wildlife to protect fragile coastal rainforest ecosystems.
Wildlife Tour – Explore Alaskan Wildlife
Arrive Early
Plan to be at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau 15 minutes before departure to check in and board without rush.
Layer for Rain and Wind
Temperatures and conditions change fast on coastal roads; wear a waterproof outer layer and warm mid-layers.
Bring Optics
A pair of binoculars or a 200mm+ zoom lens will reveal distant whales and eagle nests without disturbing animals.
Quiet Observation
Keep voices low and movement minimal at stops to increase chances of close wildlife sightings and avoid stressing animals.
Waterproof rain jacket
Protects against coastal rain and wind common in southeast Alaska.
Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Provides traction for wet roadside pullouts and short footing changes.
Binoculars or compact spotting scope
Essential for scanning estuaries and tree canopies for wildlife at distance.
Zoom camera lens (200mm+) or telephoto
Captures detailed shots of whales, eagles, and bears without approaching them.