The Salmon Capital Of The World

Ketchikan is nicknamed “The First City” because it is the southeastern-most city in Alaska and the first city many people visit when traveling northward from the mainland of the United States.

Long before Mike Martin built the first salmon cannery beside Ketchikan Creek in 1885, the Tlingit people used this sheltered waterway as a seasonal fish camp, capitalizing on enormous salmon runs that still return each summer.

Today, the town proudly claims the title “Salmon Capital of the World.” Commercial fleets and guided Ketchikan fishing charters target trophy king and silver salmon within minutes of the harbor, while visitors stroll historic Creek Street to watch the fish surge upstream. Whether you plan to reel in a record catch, sample fresh cedar‑plank fillets, or explore Native heritage sites and totem parks, you will find plenty of unforgettable things to do in Ketchikan.

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Ketchikan Shopping

The main Ketchikan shopping district stretches along Front Street between cruise Berths 1 and 4, just steps from the pier. Browse Alaska’s oldest retailer, Tongass Trading Company, and other quality stores for authentic keepsakes, fine jewelry, and Native art created by local Ketchikan artisans.

A short 5-10 minute walk from the downtown center is a second shopping opportunity along historic Creek Street, now a historical landmark. The red light district of town until the 1950s, it is fun to walk along the creek, enjoy the historic buildings on stilts, and maybe even spot spawning salmon!

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Ketchikan Activities

There is so much to see and do in Ketchikan it may be hard to decide. History buffs will have a great time exploring the Native tradition of the region at Saxman Village or Totem Bight State Historical Park, with the great display of totem poles, clan houses, and even a carving shed.

Wildlife enthusiasts will have fun visiting off-the-beaten-path areas to see bears in their natural habitat or boat or flight see over the majestic and breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument. And, if you came to Alaska to fish, Ketchikan is without a doubt one of the best places to put your line in the water.

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Ketchikan Restaurants

Ketchikan seafood is as fresh as it gets. Local captains pull king salmon, halibut, and Dungeness or king crab straight from the docks, and restaurants transform the daily haul into mouth‑watering dishes.

Anything "Alaska seafood" on the menu in Ketchikan is sure to hit the spot. Look for salmon, halibut, and king crab options often served as fresh fillets or in soups, salads, or mixed with other ingredients. For visitors craving an authentic taste of Alaska, ordering the catch of the day in Ketchikan is a must.

About Ketchikan

From a strong history of Native culture and living to the rise of the timber and fishing industries, to present day tourism and wildlife viewing, Ketchikan has a remarkable diversity of influences shaping its present-day community and environment.

Learn about the significance of the Cape Fox Tlingits in the Ketchikan area, the proud history of flying and aviation that defined the Alaskan aviation community for many decades, and the wonderful diversity of artists that call Ketchikan home today.

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