Seattle Ballard Locks Tour: Maritime History Exploration

Discover the fascinating maritime history of Seattle on a tour of the Ballard Locks. Watch boats lock through, observe Great Blue Herons and baby salmon, and explore Gas Works Park and the houseboat communities along Lake Union.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - We will explore the Locks and learn how they work, and watch ships “lock through”. We will learn about their role in maintaining the level of Lake Washington and how they transformed Seattle’s maritime industry. We will look for smolts (baby salmon) on the spillway heading out to sea and adult salmon coming back through…
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Join us as we delve into one of the nation’s most frequented lock systems, the Hiram Chittenden Locks! This tour, both on foot and by car, allows us to observe vessels navigating through the locks and explore their workings. During the latter part of spring, we have the opportunity to visit the city’s biggest colony of Great Blue Heron to observe and…

Location
Macrina Bakery & Cafe
1st Avenue
Look for me inside the bakery with a Seattle Under the Radar Tours sign. Street parking around the meet up spot is limited to 2 hours (the tour is 3 hours) and nearby garages and lots are very expensive. Consider taking a Lyft/Uber/Taxi or public transit if possible.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(18 Ratings)
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1 star
Dsrkb
Sep 19, 2024
A wonderful overview of the major components that comprise Seattle. - Lynn, our tour guide, was VERY knowledgeable. She recognized our particular personalities and we shared as we explored. She delivered much more than advertised while including neighborhood tours with accompanying local information. Her narration was easy to hear even in the large vehicle that Lynn uses. A very comfortable and easy vehicle for us to get both in and out. Overall, the most memorable and enjoyable event on this visit to Seattle.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joanmarie_s
Aug 18, 2024
Terrific Tour - Lynn was an excellent guide and did an outstanding job of taking us around Seattle. The Bollard Locks were the highlight of our tour. Not only did we see boats going through the locks, but we also saw salmon traversing the fish ladder making their way upstream to spawn. We then went to Gas Works Park, an old coal to gas conversion factory that had been converted to a beautiful park on Lake Union. Lynn explained the history of the park and then took us around to see some of the beautiful boat houses along the lake. Finally, she was kind enough to drop us off at the entrance of our hotel. Overall, an outstanding experience.
Review provided by Viator
Patricia_d
Jul 7, 2024
Great tour! - This was an amazing under-the-radar tour of Seattle. Our tour guide was phenomenal. She knows the city in a way that only a long-term resident could and she had a great delivery on the stories and the different locations we went to. When she heard that we didn’t have time to go to the space needle, she drove under it so we could see it and made that extra effort to make the day special. She pointed out the local neighborhoods and personalities and. What we should do next time we’re in town. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_b
Jun 1, 2024
Amazing - Lynn was amazing and it felt like I had a friend in Seattle who showed me her love of the city! I really had an amazing time and my son did also!!! This was the first time my son is 11 in Seattle and my 10th time she showed me places I haven’t seen and you could tell how much she loved doing it!!
Review provided by Viator
Roger_z
May 16, 2024
Extraordinary Trip in Seattle - Great experience. You will see the operations of one of the most significant infrastructure in the region and discover various interesting neighborhoods. Guide has profound insights into the city. The trip is relaxing and flexible per your demands too.
Review provided by Viator
545terric
May 4, 2024
Ballard, Freemont and more - Lynn was super. It turned out to be a private tour and she tailored everything to our interests. Great transport, walking tons as well. Lynn is very knowledgeable, personable and easy to hang with. Even in the rain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ericolson99
May 1, 2024
I’m glad I went! - The tour guide is a long-time resident of the area, very knowledgeable, and obviously passionate about the people, culture, history, and environment of Seattle. You’ll see some great views, beautiful neighborhoods, hidden gems, as well as get recommendations for whatever else you’re interested in doing, seeing, or eating while you’re visiting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail12326243922
Dec 10, 2023
Excellent small group tour in Seattle!!! - Lynn was AMAZING! This was the best small group tour we have ever booked. Lynn was extremely friendly, accomdating & knowledgeable. She also recommend 2 excellent restaurants. We ended up eating at & enjoying both restaurants during our vacation. I highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dbl41
Aug 14, 2023
You MUST do this tour!!!!! - My husband and I had done most “common” Seattle sights! The tour company owner and tour director had so many “off the radar” things to show us. We saw things we didn’t even know existed. Everything was enjoyable and we especially enjoyed Lynn’s knowledge of the area and her recommendations for things to do on the remainder of our trip. When we return to the Seattle area, we will definitely contact Lynn again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisamd6036ng
May 16, 2023
Like no other tour I've ever been on. So much information, so much fun. Highly recommended. - I am so glad we booked this tour, I learned so much about Seattle and saw many beautiful sights that I was not aware of. Lynn is an excellent guide. She is friendly and very knowledgeable. It's obvious that she loves her job. Wish we could have spent the whole day exploring this beautiful city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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