Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars

Ketchikan, the charming Alaskan city, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its vibrant history through a captivating 90-minute walking tour. This small-group experience immerses participants in the city’s colorful past, guiding them through the iconic waterfront and Creek Street while indulging in adult beverages at three renowned local watering holes. With an included drink at the tour’s conclusion at the historic Potlatch Bar, guests can savor the frontier-like atmosphere and gain a deeper appreciation for Ketchikan‘s resilience and charm. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you with a newfound understanding of this remarkable community.

Key Points

• 90-minute historical walking tour exploring Ketchikan’s vibrant waterfront and Creek Street, providing an immersive experience into the city’s colorful past.
• Includes adult beverages at three renowned watering holes, such as the Potlatch Bar, Arctic Bar, and Creek Street Cabaret.
• Tour starts at the Top of the Ramp of Cruise Ship Berth 3, conveniently located near the cruise ship docks.
• Suitable for adults 21 years and older with valid ID, in small groups of 12 travelers or fewer.
• Promises an unforgettable adventure with a deeper appreciation for Ketchikan’s rich history and unique charm.

Overview of Ketchikan Tour

This 90-minute historical walking tour typically explores Ketchikan’s vibrant waterfront and Creek Street, providing participants with an immersive experience into the city’s colorful past.

Guests will visit three of Ketchikan’s renowned watering holes, where they can enjoy included adult beverages while learning about the area’s fascinating characters and events.

The tour starts at the Top of the Ramp of Cruise Ship Berth 3, where visitors will meet their guide and begin their journey through Ketchikan’s Old Town. Along the way, they’ll discover the city’s rich history and hear tales of its lively past.

The tour culminates at The Potlatch Bar, approximately a half-mile from the starting point.

Meeting Point and Requirements

The tour meets 15 minutes prior to the start time at the Top of the Ramp of Cruise Ship Berth 3 by the restrooms in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Adults 21 years and older with valid state-issued or passport photo identification are required to participate.

The meeting point is conveniently located near the cruise ship docks, making it easy for visitors to find.

This historical walking tour is limited to small groups of 12 travelers or fewer, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Participants can look forward to exploring Ketchikan’s colorful past and sampling beverages at three of the city’s iconic watering holes.

The tour concludes approximately half a mile from the starting point at The Potlatch Bar.

Small-Group Tour Details

Small groups of no more than 12 travelers embark on the 90-minute historical walking tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience as they explore Ketchikan’s colorful past.

Along the way, the guide leads the group through the Old Town waterfront and the famous Creek Street, regaling them with tales of Ketchikan’s fascinating history and characters.

The tour visits three of the city’s favorite watering holes, where guests can enjoy included adult beverages and soak up the ambiance of these iconic establishments.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a fun and unique way to experience Ketchikan, this small-group walking tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Historic Waterfront and Creek Street

Along the historic waterfront and famed Creek Street, the walking tour invites guests to step back in time and uncover Ketchikan’s colorful past.

As the group strolls through the charming district, they’ll:

1. Discover the vibrant history of the wooden boardwalk and buildings that have stood the test of time.
2. Learn about the legendary characters and stories that have shaped Ketchikan’s unique identity.
3. Gain a deeper appreciation for the community’s resilience and enduring spirit, which continues to thrive today.

At each stop, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights, painting a vivid picture of Ketchikan’s evolution from a frontier town to a modern hub of Alaska’s southeastern region.

Three Favorite Watering Holes

As the walking tour winds its way through the historic waterfront and Creek Street, guests get to experience firsthand three of Ketchikan’s most beloved watering holes, each with its own unique charm and storied past.

The first stop is the Potlatch Bar, a local institution known for its rustic, frontier-like atmosphere and expansive collection of memorabilia.

Next, the group visits the Arctic Bar, a cozy hotel that has been quenching the thirst of Ketchikan’s residents for over a century.

The final stop is the Creek Street Cabaret, a lively venue that transports visitors back to the area’s colorful red-light district days.

Through these watering holes, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Ketchikan’s rich history and lively cultural heritage.

End Point at Potlatch Bar

The tour culminates at the Potlatch Bar, a local institution located just half a mile from the starting point. This historic watering hole, known for its rustic, frontier-like atmosphere and impressive collection of memorabilia, serves as the final stop on the 90-minute historical walking adventure through Ketchikan’s Old Town waterfront and Creek Street.

Visitors can expect to:

1. Admire the bar’s unique decor, featuring Native American artifacts, antique furnishings, and historical photographs that transport them back in time.
2. Savor the included adult beverage and toast to Ketchikan’s rich history and vibrant community.
3. Engage with the friendly locals and learn more about the bar’s role in the city’s social and cultural fabric.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details for the 90-minute historical walking tour. The tour is also wheelchair and scooter accessible, catering to a wide range of mobility needs.

Getting to the meeting point is easy, as it’s located near public transportation. Visitors won’t need to worry about refunds, as the policy clearly states that no refunds will be issued for those who lack the required valid state-issued or passport photo ID.

This walking tour is designed to be inclusive, allowing adults aged 21 and over to enjoy the colorful history and lively atmosphere of Ketchikan’s favorite watering holes.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

In ‘Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars’, travelers can’t receive refunds if they lack the required valid state-issued or passport photo ID at the time of the tour.

This policy is in place for a few key reasons:

1. Identification is necessary to verify participants are of legal drinking age.
2. The tour can’t accommodate last-minute substitutions or changes to the guest list.
3. Refunds would detract from the small-group intimacy and personalized service that makes this tour so special.

While no-shows or cancelled bookings are disappointing, the tour operators must be firm on this policy to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and come prepared with the proper ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Available for Private Events?

The tour guide is available for private events, though specific details would need to be discussed directly with the tour operator. They may be able to customize the tour for a private group’s needs.

Do the Bars Serve Food During the Tour?

The bars on the tour serve drinks but no full meals. Light snacks may be available, but the focus is on learning about Ketchikan’s history rather than dining. Guests should plan to have a meal before or after the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour experience can be customized to accommodate specific interests, such as focusing on the historical aspects or emphasizing the local bar culture. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour guide prior to the start.

Is There a Designated Driver Option Available?

Unfortunately, there is no designated driver option available for this walking tour. The tour is designed for participants to enjoy the included adult beverages at the historic bars visited during the 90-minute experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a casual, relaxed dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended, as the tour involves exploring the outdoors. There are no formal dress requirements for participants.

Recap

This 90-minute walking tour of Ketchikan’s historic waterfront and Creek Street promises an immersive experience.

Visitors will explore the city’s vibrant past, visit three renowned local watering holes, and enjoy adult beverages.

The tour conveniently starts at the cruise ship berth and concludes at the historic Potlatch Bar, where guests can savor an included drink and soak in the frontier-like atmosphere.