Northern Tours LLC - Ketchikan, Alaska

Sabine B.

After Seaside Tours canceled on us at the last minute, they took us on. It was a great tour in a trolley and Jeff was an amazing guide. We saw a lot of wildlife and amazing totem poles. Pauline was also extremely accommodating and very informative as she is a native with great knowledge and history.

Yvonne P.

I pre-booked (paid) Totems, City & Wildlife by Cable Car Trolly Tour for 5/2025 in Ketchikan Alaska. Jeff was my tour guide; there were approximately 12 people on tour (from 3 different cruise lines) that day. Tour was on a shuttle bus (not on a trolly) and Jeff said Ketchikan is the rainiest place in Alaska which is questionable since tour is advertised as transportation provided by trolly car. On the “stop” to look for bears - Jeff said we needed to walk approximately 100 feet (I use a cane to assist with my walking) however Jeff & the group walked very fast; I could not keep up - tried until the road veared left & right - not sure which way Jeff and the group went so I walked back to the parked/locked bus. Jeff NEVER looked back to make sure all the group was with him. It started raining while I was waiting and I kept looking around (nervous - didn’t want any bears(s) to come out by the parked bus since Jeff warned us they can run at 35 miles - I have arthritis in both knees so I would not have been able to run anywhere - only try to scare bear with my metal cane). When Jeff and the group returned to the bus he asked “did you go down” I told him no - you and the group walked faster than me and I was unable to keep up - no apology from Jeff. Next stop was Totem poles at Saxman Village - Jeff said there was approximately 500 feet to walk to the area to view totem poles and he would give a lecture - I elected to stay back; used the restroom and walked across the road to gift shop; bought a couple of souvenirs and I crossed back over - took pictures of some of the totem poles and walked back to the bus (we had 30 minutes at this stop). This was the last stop and I was dropped back to Berth 1 to shop and head back to my ship before 12:30pm. I wish I had known 1) that tour would be on a bus NOT a trolly car; the long walking distance at “bear sighting area” and the totem village (to actually watch the carvings) was told on site and there is a sign “private tours only allowed in the carving area) that wasn’t told in tour advertisement - should be. I would like a REFUND (partial or full) of the amount I paid for my tour. Jeff gave a lot of history about Ketchikan - a good tour guide driver, BUT AN APOLOGY WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE at the 2nd stop (bear sighting) when I was the only one not able to keep up with the walking. Your tour ad should state this - moderate walking and no trolly if inclement weather since Jeff said it rains most of the time in Ketchikan! Very disappointed with this tour. My booking Ref #: 1177409937 (on 5/20/25)
I tried calling (907) 247-8889 - left voicemail - no response back. I await a reply back from Northern Tours LLC in Ketchikan

***I just spoke to Diane @ Northern Tours and she advised me to contact Viator (company I initially booked this tour with); she said Jeff had already mentioned to her what happened on 5/20/25 and she will ok me to get a Full refund. Much appreciated and thank you Diane.

Sian P.

Had a fab tour with Jeff. Full of knowledge and humour! Saw a bear, seal, lots of eagles and their nests! Saw some geese. Went to the potlatche totem pole park. Went to the water fall. Had a great time. Thanks again.

Jemma L.

We recently visited Ketchikan and promptly looked for an activity that would show us around the town. As we got off our ship, we spotted the sign for Ketchikan San Francisco Trolley Tour.

The Tour offered a ride around town stopping to show some of the points of interest and possible animal sightings along the way.

Our Trolley was charming and authentic to the trolleys we had seen in San Francisco some years earlier. The guide was friendly and shared some insight on the local area.

We stopped at a beautiful little waterfall to get some pictures and the obligatory selfie before moving on. We drove through town, and we were told about the old buildings and seedy goings on many years before. The town has a quaint welcoming feel and is best seen on this tour to take it all in.

Our next step was at a creek that had lots of bald eagles fishing for salmon that you could see swimming down the river. Unfortunately, we didn't see any bears but as these things cannot be guaranteed, we were not too disappointed and instead enjoyed watching a mother eagle with her eaglet in the river paddling about waiting for an opportunity for an easy salmon.

The last stop was at the totem Park where we learned the fascinating facts about the totems and even got the opportunity to watch the master craftsmen who is world renowned, carving totems. This was a treat and an authentic Alaskan experience.

We were very happy with this tour and would recommend it to future visitors to Ketchikan with limited time to see the town.

Gary R.

I would not recommend. The booking process of the cruise ship site was chaotic to say the least. The bus that was supposed to take us ended up being 27 minutes late. Our guide, Dana, didn’t talk for most of the trip and offered little insight into what we were seeing.

Matthew L.

We used this tour to a backup because we missed our other tour. We came in on a NCL cruise and had to shuttle to the visitor center in Ketchikan. We stood in line for the shuttle for almost an hour and missed the tour we were supposed to take. It was fortunate that we were able to get on a trolley tour and get an even better experience. The people selling ticket and the tour guide were awesome. Very helpful. Our tour was super fun and entertaining. We were not able to see bears but, still had a great time. Lots of information about the area. I highly recommend this company!!!

P D.

Excellent tour! We had Carson and he was great! Showed us around the city like we were all just friends going for a drive. He taught us a lot about the area and took us to amazing sites. Thank you Carson it was a pleasure visiting your city!

Scott B.

Ellie had a very natural and perky personality and really pointed out all she could about Ketchikan. She really stayed abreast of what was going on. We were lucky enough to see a momma bear and her two cubs as well.