Best Things to Do in Metlakatla, Alaska: From Totem Walks to Cultural Journeys

Located on Annette Island, the only Native Reserve in Alaska, Metlakatla is a destination unlike any other — a place where rich Tsimshian heritage meets the raw beauty of the Inside Passage. This close-knit community offers a rare glimpse into Alaska’s Indigenous traditions, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and the deep connection between people and nature. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Metlakatla, prepare to experience a side of Alaska few travelers ever see.

1. Experience Tsimshian Culture and Traditions

Immersing yourself in Tsimshian heritage is one of the top things to do in Metlakatla. Visitors are often welcomed with traditional drumming, song, and dance performances that celebrate the community’s deep-rooted culture. At the local longhouse, carvers, weavers, and storytellers share their artistry, preserving skills passed down through generations. This authentic cultural exchange offers profound insight into a living tradition that continues to thrive on Annette Island.

2. Explore the Metlakatla Heritage Center

The Metlakatla Heritage Center is the heart of the island’s cultural preservation, housing artifacts, regalia, and displays that trace the Tsimshian people’s journey from British Columbia to Alaska in the late 19th century. Exhibits highlight the community’s craftsmanship, artistry, and enduring spirit. For travelers interested in history and anthropology, this museum is one of the most enriching Metlakatla excursions to include on your visit.

3. Walk Along the Scenic Boardwalk Trail

A peaceful wooden boardwalk winds through Metlakatla’s lush rainforest, offering views of towering evergreens, moss-covered trees, and quiet inlets where eagles and herons can often be seen. This gentle trail captures the serenity of Southeast Alaska and provides an easy way to connect with the island’s pristine nature. For many visitors, it’s among the most rejuvenating and fun things to do in Metlakatla, especially for those who appreciate the tranquility of the outdoors.

4. Visit Artist Studios and Totem Carvers

Art is woven into everyday life in Metlakatla. Local carvers and artists continue the Tsimshian tradition of totem pole creation — a storytelling art form that reflects ancestry, values, and spiritual beliefs. Visitors can often watch these artisans at work, learning about the symbols and stories represented in each design. Purchasing handmade pieces directly from the artists supports the community while offering a meaningful keepsake from your journey.

5. Explore Skater’s Lake Trail and the Totem Walk

For a peaceful way to connect with Metlakatla’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, follow the Skater’s Lake Trail and nearby Totem Walk — two of the island’s most meaningful outdoor experiences. The trail winds through moss-draped rainforest and along the serene edges of Skater’s Lake, where reflections of evergreens shimmer on still waters. As you continue onto the Totem Walk, a collection of hand-carved poles tells the stories of Tsimshian clans and ancestors. Each carving represents lineage, legend, and local identity, offering a powerful window into centuries-old traditions.

6. Paddle Through Protected Coastal Waters

Kayaking the calm bays around Annette Island is one of the best things to do in Metlakatla for travelers seeking peaceful adventure. Glide across glassy waters as seals surface nearby and mist drifts over the forested shoreline. The stillness of the environment, broken only by the rhythm of your paddle, captures the wild magic of Alaska’s Inside Passage in its purest form.

7. Visit the Metlakatla Presbyterian Church

Built in the early 1900s, this historic church stands as a testament to the island’s unique past. The architecture blends Western design with Indigenous craftsmanship, and inside, you’ll find handcrafted woodwork and intricate details that reflect the community’s artistry. It’s a quiet place for reflection and a meaningful stop for those interested in the cultural fusion that shaped Metlakatla’s identity.

8. Enjoy a Traditional Seafood Feast

Freshly caught salmon, halibut, and shellfish are central to local cuisine — often prepared over open fires or smoked in the traditional way. Visitors who have the opportunity to share a meal with the community experience Alaska’s hospitality at its most authentic. Tasting dishes made with ingredients from the land and sea is one of the most memorable and fun things to do in Metlakatla, connecting you to the region’s deep culinary traditions.

9. Capture the Beauty of the Island by Camera

Whether you’re standing on the shoreline at dawn or watching the sunset paint the misty mountains gold, Metlakatla offers endless inspiration for photographers. Every angle reveals something new — reflections on calm water, colorful houses against forested hills, or intricate totem carvings standing tall against the sky. Bringing your camera along ensures you’ll capture the island’s quiet majesty and lasting impressions of this cultural gem.

What to Do in Metlakatla, Alaska

The best things to do in Metlakatla include walking the scenic Skater’s Lake Trail and Totem Walk, visiting the Metlakatla Heritage Center, watching traditional Tsimshian dance performances, and kayaking the calm waters of Annette Island. These experiences reveal the island’s harmony of culture and nature — from centuries-old artistry carved into towering totems to pristine rainforest trails alive with birdsong. Every activity deepens your connection to this remarkable place, where the stories of the Tsimshian people blend seamlessly with Alaska’s wild coastal beauty.

Cruise to Metlakatla with Silversea

If you want to experience the top things to do in Metlakatla with ease, consider arriving by cruise. Sailing into Annette Island reveals untouched wilderness framed by misty mountains, while curated excursions invite you to engage with local culture and explore the island’s natural wonders. A Silversea voyage offers the rare privilege of visiting Alaska’s only Native Reserve in elegant comfort, balancing authenticity with discovery. Sail into Alaska’s cultural heart — explore Silversea’s cruises to Metlakatla and uncover one of the Inside Passage’s most meaningful journeys.