Jonas Crabtree has spent the past several years envisioning a way to start his own business. That vision is becoming a reality.

Crabtree has secured a borough lease for one of the small lots set aside at the cul-de-sac in front of the City Dock, where he intends to ply his trade to tourists who arrive during the summer season. As the owner and founder of Wrangell Tours, he is introducing a specialized walking tour designed to offer something different for the traveling public.

The venture is built to provide educational and insightful tours of the town to visitors who stop at the island for any reasonable length of time. Rather than relying on motorized transport, Crabtree believes that exploring on foot allows for a more intimate connection with the surroundings.

He will offer two distinct levels of service for his customers. The first is called the Scout, a smaller and less expensive introductory tour. The second option is the Explorer, which he refers to as his “signature immersive experience.”

While both types focus heavily on educating tourists about landmarks and history, the Explorer tour is designed to allow for more time to visit a wider variety of locations.

Crabtree has lived in Wrangell for about 10 years and said he has long felt the pull toward entrepreneurship. “I think now is a good time for this business to start,” he said. “There are big things starting to finally happen for Wrangell.”

Crabtree said he recognizes the potential for his business as cruise ship passenger numbers are on a steady upward trend. He said Wrangell could see an even larger influx of overnight tourists within the next couple of years.

That anticipated growth in overnight visitors is largely due to the planned American Cruise Lines dock. The company’s ships spend the night in town, catering to travelers who are looking for a more intimate and personal cruise experience rather than the massive ships seen elsewhere.

Before launching Wrangell Tours, Crabtree worked for SEARHC as a project manager in the communications and marketing department. However, he reached a crossroads when the organization attempted to have him relocate to Juneau for his work. That was not an option he was willing to consider.

“I just had my daughter last year, and I don’t want to leave here,” he said. “Wrangell is a very special place. My partner has roots here. I want to stay.”

Originally a native of Oregon, he said he brings a wealth of education and practical experience in outdoor leadership to his new role.

He first arrived in town to work with the Alaska Crossings program, a wilderness behavioral health program based in Wrangell. That program was known for serving at-risk youth through intensive, multi-week expeditions specifically designed to build resilience, self-confidence and essential life skills.

SEARHC closed Crossings in 2022.

“With that experience and just taking the time to learn about the borough and the history and all the great things here, I feel like I can offer a unique and entertaining tour experience,” Crabtree said. “I want to provide an authentic experience for tourists, and I believe I can do that.”

He sees his business as a human-centric alternative to any motorized tours currently available. Looking toward the future, he would like to work with other businesses to highlight specific locations as part of his tour packages.

The Scout will cost $59 plus tax, while the Explorer will cost $99 plus tax. Both options include the cost of admission to the Wrangell Museum. He said each tour will conclude at the museum to give guests a final look at the area's heritage.