If you're taking an Alaska cruise, you're probably asking, "what is there to do in Ketchikan?" As the fourth largest city in Alaska, Ketchikan offers countless opportunities for adventure.
Ketchikan is most famous for two things - salmon and rain. Ketchikan is affectionately called, "The Salmon Capital of the World," and this renowned fish represents the lifeblood of this Southeast Alaska community. And with 154 inches of precipitation a year, make sure you grab a raincoat before starting your day.
Most cruise ships dock in Ketchikan for around 8 hours, so you will want to plan your trip wisely. However, wise Ketchikan travelers know that it's possible to enjoy a shore excursion, do a little sightseeing, and enjoy a meal or beverage on the same day.
To help you get the most out of your day in Ketchikan, this article is separated into three sections - Shore Excursions, Local Adventures, and Food & Beverage. Most cruise passengers can choose one selection from each category and still have a few minutes to spare, but how you spend your day is totally up to you. So, before we get started, let's take a moment to learn a few things about your destination.
Getting to know Ketchikan
Your cruise will either dock in Downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove. Transportation around the town is usually relatively easy. Buses often take passengers on shore excursions and to the many DIY highlights around the city and borough. Bring adequate clothing for rapidly changing weather if you're spending the day ashore, and never forget your raincoat. It's also a good idea to bring binoculars if you own your pair and anything else you need to enjoy any surprises that may come your way.
Ketchikan's location on the southern end of the famed Inside Passage creates an unforgettable backdrop of rolling landscapes and wild, untamed seas. As a result, wildlife abounds in and around Ketchikan. During the late summer and early fall, it's not uncommon for visitors to encounter a variety of marine mammals and see a bear on the same day!
Ketchikan's indigenous history is woven into the fabric of the community. Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit word for Ketchikan Creek, Kitschk-hin, which flows into the Wrangell Narrows. Unfortunately, the original word's meaning is lost in time, but some locals say it means "Thundering Wings of an Eagle." In the modern Tlingit tongue, this name is Kichx̱áan.
Ketchikan boasts the most extensive collection of totem poles in the world. While many believe these beautifully carved masterpieces were used in religious ceremonies or as icons for worship, this is far from the truth. Instead, Tlingit totem poles were carved to record notable events, recognize important people, and rejoice in the history and lineage of the indigenous people that owned them.
Harvesting salmon has been practiced in Ketchikan for thousands of years. The Tlingit people used the land as a summer fishing camp. Modern-day residents still rely on Ketchikan's fisheries, which remain the number-one industry, followed by tourism. Commercial fishing, sportfishing, and canneries comprise Ketchikan's rich tapestry of fish-related economic activity.
What to do in Ketchikan in one day - Shore Excursions
First, cruise ships come in at different times during the day, so take a few minutes to find out when you arrive and depart. Next, choose a tour that fits within that time frame. What follows are just a few of the available tour options in Ketchikan.
Multiple tour providers offer black bear viewing in Ketchikan. They operate from July through September and are very popular, so you should book the tour as soon as possible.
Most bear viewing tours take between 3 and 4.5 hours. These tours give you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see bears feeding on salmon in their natural habitat, and one of the tours also stops at The Totem Bight State Historic Park.
These Bear viewing tours require you to take a short seaplane or a boat to remote locations such as Prince of Wales Island, Traitor’s Cove, or Annan Creek. Typically, these areas require special Forest Service use permits. This makes these tours quite special as there is a limited number of permits available per year, making these tours not easily available to the masses.
Take a float plane to the world-famous Misty Fjords National Monument, a helicopter to Mahoney Falls, or the majestic peaks of Anvil Mountain. These adventures are weather-dependent, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan when planning a flightseeing tour. Most are between an hour and two hours long.
When you're in the fishing capital of the world, it makes sense to wet a line. And you don't have to be an expert in catching a fish! So, if you've always dreamed of catching an Alaskan salmon, this is your chance. Local guides will take you out for a half-day (4 hours) of fishing in some of the world's most fertile salmon and halibut fishing grounds.
Guard Island Lighthouse
Excursions to this Ketchikan gem leave from Ward Cove. The 3-hour tour includes a boat ride to the island where the lighthouse is located. Your vessel will also pass by Totem Bight State Park, where 14 towering hand-carved totems will take your breath away.
Section Two: What to do in Ketchikan on your own - Local Adventures
You can do countless things in Ketchikan without a guide, some of which you don't want to miss.
Creek Street is built on piers that extend over the salmon-filled waters of Ketchikan Creek. For many cruise passengers, Creek Street is the first stop on their list of things to do in Ketchikan. Many say it's their favorite thing about Ketchikan.
The colorful quaint buildings make for incredible photographs, but the many shops and art galleries are the real attraction. Stroll the boardwalks, take plenty of photos, and buy a few gifts for friends back home. A must for any art lover! Alaska Eagle Arts on Creek Street sells exclusive art by Native artist Marvin Oliver.
The Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center runs a free shuttle to and from the cruise docks in the downtown area. The Totem Heritage Park will immerse you in the native culture of the Ketchikan community, and you'll learn all about totem carving during your visit. Don't miss this opportunity to learn all about Ketchikan's rich native history.
Another popular destination for cruise passengers, this park features 14 highly photographable totem poles in a natural setting. A clean house can also hold larger groups for special events. Interpretive displays help you understand the stories carved into the totem poles during this unforgettable cultural experience.
Located in downtown Ketchikan near the cruise ships, this facility allows you to explore the natural and cultural history of the Tongass National Forest. Friendly Forest Service rangers will tell you the story of this place as you immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of the Tongass.
What is there to do in Ketchikan Alaska if you are hungry - Food & Beverage
No vacation is complete without sampling the local cuisine, especially in a place known for its incredibly fresh seafood. So, whether you're eating a full meal or grabbing a beverage, here are a few Ketchikan restaurants and bars to whet your appetite and wet your whistle.
Burger Queen
Burger Queen is a small white shack across from Artic Bar that sells the best burgers in town.
Fish House
Owned by the same owners as that of Baranof Fishing, Fish House is located at the end of the main street, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks. Visit them to enjoy gourmet seafood dining next to the most historic fishing fleet in Ketchikan.
Arctic Bar
If you have friends in low places, this is the bar for you. As the place where the real Ketchikan locals hang out, get ready for memorable conversations and more than a few photo ops when you stop by for an afternoon cocktail.
Polar Treats is a three-generation female-run year-round deli and café in Ketchikan. As a Ketchikan staple, Polar Treats is a go-to for both locals and vacationers. The owner can be found in the back making sandwiches during rush hour so make sure you say hi to her while you’re there.
Alaska Coffee at Market Cafe
Great coffee and free Wi-Fi make this another popular spot for visitors. Have a bagel with cream cheese and an espresso shot, and get your day started right.
A Few Final Words About Your Ketchikan Alaska Cruise
Cruise passengers' only complaint about Ketchikan is that their visit was too short. Well, sometimes people complain about the rain but remember that precipitation is one of the many things that makes Ketchikan so unique. Whether you spend a full day taking in as many sights and sounds as you can, or if you just want to sit and watch the salmon running up Ketchikan Creek, your experience will be unforgettable.
- The Author, Andrew Cremata, is a 26-year Alaskan resident and the current Mayor of Skagway, Alaska
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