This was the one onshore excursion we booked for our rather brief cruise-stay in Ketchikan. The bus ride out was provided by Cassidy, a young out-of-stater, who provided great narration of Ketchikan's environment and history, and she handled that bus very well. The approximately 20-mile ride took about 45 minutes. Got to the canoe site, suited up in PFDs and paddles, and headed out onto the small lake, guided by Clark, another young-but-well-trained out-of-stater. His narration was interesting, especially when supplemented by his own experiences. However, he could've done a better job of getting us paddlers organized >> we seriously needed a coxswain >> some of us were actually paddling, others weren't, and some just made a mess of things. But we made it out, around, and back, no so harm, no foul. We were in the canoe maybe an hour going around this small lake with Clark pointing out various landscape and flora/fauna features, then we stopped at a cook hut for a quick snack of salmon dip, bread, clam chowder, fruit, and water. Good stuff! After the snack, Clark led us on a short walk on a loop trail, maybe 1/4 mile, again pointing out various flora from small flowers/ferns to huge Sitka Spruce trees. Interesting. No critters, few birds. Back to the cook hut for seconds, if desired, then back in the canoe for the return to the base and the bus back to the ship. Overall, worth it. More critters and birds would've made it better, but that's all luck and no blame can be placed. Better guidance for the crew of paddlers would've made it a bit less frustrating for some of us, but no big deal in the end.
Definitely wear a hat & sunscreen. Skeeters could've been bad but weren't. No real need for hiking shoes on this walk; it was all on puncheons. Water-resistant shoes wold be a good idea. Paddling gloves also not a bad idea but not necessary. You can take a small daypack with you in the canoe.