Ketchikan , United States

Traitors Cove Bear Viewing

Active

(40 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Island Wings Air Service is owned and operated by Alaska veteran pilot Michelle Masden, who started flying in 1977 and began her business in Ketchikan in 1993. Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Share our love of flying through our vast Alaskan wilderness. Experience the freedom of flight over the wild grandeur of the mountains, the islands and the endless sea. In business since 1993, Island Wings takes the time and makes the effort to help you realize your Alaskan dreams. Our focus is the quality of your experience. From the handling of your reservation, to the equipment we operate, to the places we visit; we don't compromise and neither should you. The total time for this tour is 4.25 hours including: the flight, three hours onsite at Traitors Cove Bear Viewing Observatory, and fifteen minutes for the pick-up and drop-off.

Available options

Traitors CoveBear Viewing Tour

Pickup included

What's included

We operate well maintained six-passenger DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes

Guaranteed window seats for all passengers

Voice activated, noise cancelling headset for each passenger

Interactive narration with your Pilot

Pick-up and drop-off by Island WIngs van from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on Cruise Ship Berth 2

US Forest Service Special Use Permit for Bear Viewing within Tongss National Forest

All inclusive tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Between July20th and September 30th you can visit the bear viewing observatory at Traitors Cove. Fly by floatplane along the beautiful waterways of the lush Tongass National Forest across Revillagegedo island to a US Forest Service maintained trail and the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing platform. Bears can be seen plunging into the rushing water to retrieve their meals of wiggling salmon. This is a perfect opportunity to photograph Alaska's real fisherman in action! In addition to bears feeding, you will also see bald eagles picking over the scraps left by the bears and of course, the real stars of the show, the salmon as they battle their way upstream to spawn. Your journey will be accompanied by the Island Wings bear guide who will provide information about the flora and fauna along the way. Combine a short hike, beautiful scenery and a magnificent wildlife experience in one trip. This is a four hour tour that includes a floatplane flight, a one mile drive by van on a US Forest Service road and a short hike along a boardwalk trail to the viewing platform. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of camera batteries! The US Forest Service restricts access to Margarete Observatory

by permit. As a result, only small numbers of people have the opportunity to visit this beautiful site, so book early! The four hour Traitors Cove bear viewing tour includes: a thirty minute flight each way and three hours at Traitors Cove. All tours include complimentary ground transportation to and from our dock which adds fifteen minutes to the beginning and the end of your tour. For this four hour tour you will need to budget four and a half hours total time. Season: July 20th through September 30th.

What's not included

No food or beverages, except bottled water, allowed on the flight

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please wear layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

All passengers MUST provide us a contact phone number when booking or call us at (907) 225-2444 to confirm a tour time.

Passengers travelling via cruise ship MUST provide their cruise ship name to us so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Important notes

Meeting place is at the "Liquid Sunshine Gauge" located outside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau building on Cruise Ship Berth 2

About Ketchikan

Ketchikan, known as Alaska's First City, is a vibrant port town located in the southeastern part of Alaska. It is renowned for its lush rainforests, abundant wildlife, and rich Native American heritage, making it a unique and appealing destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Top Attractions

Misty Fjords National Monument

A stunning natural wonder featuring deep fjords, towering cliffs, and lush forests. It offers breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities.

Nature Half-day to full-day trip Moderate to expensive, depending on the tour

Totem Bight State Historical Park

A historic site featuring a collection of beautifully carved totem poles, showcasing the rich Native American heritage of the region.

Cultural 1-2 hours Budget (free or small entry fee)

Saxman Native Village

A living Native American village where visitors can experience traditional Tlingit culture, including dance performances and totem pole carving demonstrations.

Cultural 1-2 hours Budget to moderate, depending on the tour

Creek Street

A historic boardwalk street that was once the red-light district of Ketchikan. Today, it is a charming area with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to explore, with costs varying for shopping and dining

Ketchikan Museum and Archives

A small but informative museum showcasing the history and culture of Ketchikan and the surrounding region.

Museum 30 minutes to 1 hour Budget (small entry fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

King Crab

Alaskan king crab is a delicacy, known for its sweet and tender meat. It is often served steamed or grilled, with butter or other seasonings.

Dinner Contains shellfish, not suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is a staple of the region, with various species available, including sockeye, coho, and king salmon. It is often grilled, smoked, or baked, and served with local sides.

Lunch or Dinner Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab is a popular seafood choice, with a sweet and delicate flavor. It is often served steamed or in crab cakes, with various dipping sauces.

Dinner Contains shellfish, not suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Alaskan Halibut

Alaskan halibut is a firm, white fish with a mild flavor. It is often grilled, fried, or baked, and served with local sides and sauces.

Dinner Not suitable for those with fish allergies.

Popular Activities

Hiking Fishing Wildlife viewing Kayaking and canoeing Boat tours and charters Scenic boat tours Visiting museums and cultural sites Shopping and dining

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak season offers the best weather for outdoor activities, with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of Ketchikan.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but visitors should be aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions.

Ketchikan is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards, such as rugged terrain, frequent rain, and limited medical services in some areas. It is important to take necessary precautions and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using ATMs or handling cash in public
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car or accommodation
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Ketchikan International Airport • 5 km from city center

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are available but have limited schedules and routes. They are a budget-friendly option for getting around town.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Ketchikan North Point-Hughes Sunny Point

Day trips

Metlakatla

25 miles (40 km) north of Ketchikan • Full-day trip

A small, predominantly Native American community located on Annette Island. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional totem poles, and stunning natural beauty.

Prince of Wales Island

50 miles (80 km) south of Ketchikan • Full-day or overnight trip

The second-largest island in the United States, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is known for its rugged beauty and abundant natural resources.

Tongass National Forest

Varies, with access points throughout the region • Half-day to full-day trip

A vast and diverse national forest offering a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is known for its lush rainforests, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife.

Festivals

Ketchikan Salmon Derby • July Ketchikan Arts and Humanities Council's Annual Festival of Music and Art • June Ketchikan's Independence Day Celebration • July 4th

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices
Pack for all types of weather, as Ketchikan is known for its frequent rain and cool temperatures
Rent a car or book a tour to explore the region's diverse attractions and activities
Try local seafood and cuisine, which is a highlight of the region's food and drink scene
Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Native American sites or cultural events