Ketchikan

A Look at Ketchikan: Alaska’s First City and Salmon Capital of the World

Located at the most southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan is a popular cruise ship port and adventure hotspot. It is most well-known for its Native American history and the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness, but there is plenty more to see and do.

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Most visitors to Ketchikan arrive by way of cruise ship, ferry, or plane since there are no connecting highways. While the colorful buildings and history of this town offer much to entertain, there are also tour operators who will introduce you to The Last Frontier through spectacular hiking, seaplane flightseeing, sport fishing, and other adventurous activities.

If you are headed to Ketchikan and are wondering what do to with your day in port, this article will hopefully help! After visiting Ketchikan earlier this Spring, I definitely got a feel for the place and have some tips to share.

Above photo: Ketchikan waterfront

Things to do in Ketchikan

Walking Tours & Trails

If you are looking for something low-key to fill your day, there are multiple self-guided walking tours that have been mapped out by Historic Ketchikan. You can either download the app from your smartphone app store or pick up the printed brochure at the Visitor’s Center upon arrival in Ketchikan.

Above photos: St. John’s Episcopal Church on the Historic Downtown Walking Tour (left); Ketchikan Creek on the Married Men’s Trail (right)

Creek Street

Although mentioned above, Historic Creek Street deserves a call-out of its own. You don’t want to miss it. Once a Red Light District, this antique boardwalk has been wonderfully preserved and revitalized. The historic buildings are well marked so you can identify their past residents. Most of them are now home to restaurants and shops.

Above photos: Historic Creek Street

Alaska Native Culture

Ketchikan is the ancestral home of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. Their culture and heritage can be seen throughout Ketchikan.

The Totem Heritage Center is a short walk from downtown Ketchikan. Here, a collection of 19th century totem poles are displayed inside and outside of the center, along with educational insights and other Alaska Native art.

Other Alaska Native sites include Totem Bight State Historical Park, located about 10 miles north of Ketchikan, and Saxman Native Village & Totem Park, located about 3 miles south of Ketchikan. Both of these areas include numerous restored and re-carved totem poles and community houses where visitors can learn more about the language, customs, and arts of the Alaska Native peoples.

Above photos: Chief Kyan Totem Pole and Whale Park (left); Chief Johnson Totem Pole (right)

Shopping

The shopping is Ketchikan consists primarily of locally owned businesses that cater to visitors looking to take an authentic piece of Alaska back home. Ideal purchases to make in Ketchikan include Alaskan-made products, handcrafts, traditional Native art, craft supplies, and locally-sourced food items. While you expect the “Salmon Capital of the World” to have the best salmon, markets also had reindeer sausages, caviar, kelp pickles, jams, teas, coffee, and spices.

Above photos: Shopping in Ketchikan

Wilderness Adventures

One of the best things to do whilst visiting Ketchikan is a guided tour into the rugged wilderness. They don’t call Alaska The Last Frontier for nothing. The natural beauty and wildlife viewing is unlike any other destination.

We decided to book an off-road UTV tour to Mahoney Lake through Ketchikan AdventureVue. We followed backcountry logging roads through old growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock that periodically opened to stunning vistas as we made our way to this remote lake. There is something very special about seeing a place that very few will ever lay eyes on.

Above photos: Mahoney Lake

Other Popular Tours & Activities

It can be hard to decide what to do while in Ketchikan because there are so many exciting options. The FOMO is real.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: The venue for this live performance is just a block away from the downtown cruise ship dock. Some tour tickets include access to Saxman Native Village.

Ketchikan Sport Fishing: Alaska sport fishing combines breathtaking scenery in secluded locations and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are multiple professional guides and tour operators who provide everything you need for the day. Groups are often private or limit the number of participants. So, if this is something you want to do, best to reserve a spot early.

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness: There are only two ways to visit Misty Fjords — by boat or by seaplane. Both of those options sound absolutely amazing! The fjords are the skyscrapers of the Behm Canal where orca whales, porpoises, mountain goats, and bears are commonly sighted.

Where to stay and eat

If you are not returning to a cruise ship for your next shower and meal, there are a variety of lodging and dining options in Ketchikan. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks just outside of downtown.

Additional information

Weather

Ketchikan is known as one of the USA’s rainiest towns. Go with the full expectation that it will rain, but don’t let it stop you from enjoying the sights and outdoor activities. A waterproof jacket and boots that can get muddy are all you need to brave the elements. Many tour operators will supply outerwear, rain ponchos, life jackets, helmets, etc., depending on the activity.

Need help packing? Read my Alaska Cruise Packing Guide here.

Tour Recommendations

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