On Klawock Island, Tlingit traditions come to life in towering totems, the rhythmic sound of carving tools, and stories passed down through generations. Watch as skilled artists shape cedar into symbols of lineage and legend, learn about the traditional home of the Klawock-Heenya people, and experience a connection to a culture that continues to thrive.
Book any tour through your cruise line.
Klawock Highlights
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Age Requirement: None
Attire: Wear sturdy, non-skid shoes and dress in warm, waterproof layers
Activity: Walking
Included: Local tour guide
A Taste of Klawock & Totem Park
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Age Requirement: Must be 21 to drink alcohol
Attire: Dress in warm, layered clothing with a waterproof outer layer
Activity: Light walking
Included: Wine and local food
Best of Klawock
Duration: 5.5 Hours
Age Requirement: None
Attire: Dress in warm, layered clothing with a waterproof outer layer
Activity: Walking
Included: Hot beverages
Cultural + Wildlife
Klawock Highlights
Welcome to Klawock, one of the earliest settlements on Prince of Wales Island, rich in Alaska Native heritage and natural beauty. Today, you’ll explore some of the captivating landscapes that define this remote Alaska community.
Your adventure begins with a visit to the Carving Shed, where the artistry of totem pole carving comes to life. This active workshop, led by master formline artist Jon Rowan, is where Klawock’s next generation of carvers hone their skills. As you explore the shed, you’ll gain insight into the traditional techniques used to craft these iconic symbols, from selecting the right trees to the intricacies of both ancient and modern carving methods. The shed also plays a vital role in preserving Klawock’s totemic history, with ongoing efforts to restore and add new poles to the community’s rich cultural legacy.
Next, take a walk along the Klawock River Trail, where towering trees line the path and the gentle flow of the river provides a peaceful soundtrack. Along the way, you’ll learn about the area’s diverse flora and fauna, and discover the importance of the river as a historic and year-round fishing hub for the Klawock-Heenya people.
Conclude your journey at Klawock Totem Park, home to the largest collection of totem poles in Alaska. With 21 towering works of art, the park offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Your local guide will share the stories behind these totems, including those representing various Tlingit tribes of Southeast Alaska. Among the poles, you’ll find ones that honor stories of healing, shame, and ancestral connections—a powerful testament to the cultural significance of these enduring monuments.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Notes: Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Dress warmly in layered clothing; outer layer should be waterproof.
culinary + cultural
A Taste of Klawock & Totem Park
Ideal for the cultural and culinary enthusiast, this experience offers a delightful combination of wine and food pairings, along with a visit to one of Prince of Wales Island’s most significant Alaska Native treasures.
Your journey begins at a secluded spot along the Klawock River, where you’ll savor the island’s signature flavors. Enjoy a curated selection of wines paired with local delicacies such as Klawock oysters, salmon, halibut, kelp, salmon roe, and seasonal berries. Learn about the unique qualities of Klawock oysters, renowned throughout Southeast Alaska for their exceptional taste, as the chef explains how each wine enhances the local fare.
Next, explore Klawock Veterans Memorial Park and the esteemed Totem Park, home to an impressive collection of intricately carved totem poles. These totems, set against a stunning natural backdrop, tell the rich stories and heritage of the Tlingit people, showcasing the enduring artistry passed down through generations.
After this cultural and culinary journey, a short drive brings you back to the pier.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Notes: Dress warmly in layered clothing; outer layer should be waterproof. Minimum age to drink alcohol is 21 years.
wildlife + culture
Best of Klawock
Combine the best of land and sea with a tour that includes both Klawock Highlights and the Prince of Wales Whale & Marine Mammals Quest for a truly immersive experience.
Set sail in a purpose-built wildlife-viewing boat, where you’ll enjoy hot beverages and keep an eye out for humpback whales, which visit Klawock’s waters in summer to feed on plankton, herring, and salmon fry. You’ll also encounter sea otter rafts, drifting with the tide, and learn about the crucial role they play in the local marine ecosystem.
Back in Klawock, explore the area’s rich cultural heritage. Walk the Klawock River Trail, where towering trees and the sounds of the river guide you through the diverse local flora and fauna. At the Carving Shed, witness the art of totem pole carving firsthand and learn about both traditional and modern techniques used to create these iconic symbols of the Tlingit people. Finish your tour at Klawock Totem Park, home to the largest collection of totem poles in Alaska, where your guide will share the stories behind the 21 poles representing various Tlingit tribes and their deep cultural significance.
Duration: 5.5 hours
Notes: Tour order may vary. Dress warmly in layered clothing; outer layer should be waterproof. Boat ramp may be steep at low tide.