Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Alaska (AK)
  4. Ketchikan

Bear Tour!

Will be in Ketchikan from 11am-7pm early September via cruise. Of course, booking through the cruise is more expensive and the tours offered are not quite what I am looking for that day. I would like a tour focused on bears via tour bus or similar (not a flight cruise). I prefer $100-$200 range. There are some I have found that go to the Rainforest/Hearing Cove, but do include other topics/general wildlife sightings or short walks (which are fine for the price). Looking for recommendations on tour companies/prior experiences. So far came up with "Bear Express" (Alaska Shore Excur. or Kawanti Express $200), "Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours (Average Alaskan $100) and "Over the Top City Tours" Wildlife and More... ($100). We have no physical limitations. No other plans for the day other than exploring Creek Street. Thank you.

Ketchikan offers several great bear-focused tours that can fit within your budget and time frame. Since you prefer a bus/land-based tour rather than a flight or boat cruise, you’re already looking at the right type of excursions. Here’s a breakdown of your options and some additional context based on prior visitor experiences:

The tours you’ve listed are all solid choices, and here’s what you can expect from each:

  • Bear Express / Kawanti Express ($200 range) – This is a smaller, more focused tour that emphasizes bear viewing in natural habitats. Expect some guided commentary about the bears and local ecosystem. Previous visitors note that the guides are knowledgeable and flexible, and you’ll likely have several opportunities to photograph bears safely.
  • Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours / Average Alaskan ($100 range) – This tour combines bear viewing with other general wildlife sightings and a scenic stop at a waterfall. It’s slightly less specialized than the Bear Express, but you still get good bear viewing opportunities. This option is good if you want a slightly cheaper tour and don’t mind a mix of wildlife.
  • Over the Top City Tours – Wildlife and More ($100 range) – This is a guided tour that combines city exploration with wildlife and bear viewing. You’ll have a mix of cultural commentary, light walks, and wildlife stops. Best for those who want a lighter day with some variety rather than a fully bear-focused excursion.

Tips for maximizing your experience:

  • Book early, especially in September, as popular tours can fill quickly with cruise passengers.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom, as bears may be at a distance.
  • Wear layers and rain gear, since Ketchikan is known for frequent showers.
  • If seeing bears is your top priority, prioritize the Bear Express/Kawanti Express tour, as it is the most specialized and has a strong track record for sightings.
  • Since you have a full afternoon from 11am to 7pm, make sure the tour allows sufficient time for bear viewing and still leaves you a window to explore Creek Street comfortably.

In summary, for a more immersive bear experience without flying or cruising, Bear Express is the most recommended choice. The other tours provide good value and include scenic stops and light walks, making them enjoyable if you’re open to seeing additional wildlife and sights along the way.

More Ketchikan Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Alaska
Street

Popular Destinations

Bayan Chagan
Dameisha Seaside Park
Jiangnan Shipyard Museum
White Birch Forest Scenic Area

Popular Travel Questions