Ketchikan Alaska is a cruise stop for nearly every ship sailing the interior passage. Generally the first port on northbound cruises, Ketchikan serves as an introduction to the rugged Alaskan frontier for many visitors. Like many of the ports in the vast open space that is Alaska, visitors are spoilt for choice as there are plenty of things to do in Ketchikan.
The difficulty comes from trying to fit all the amazing and unique things to do in Ketchikan Alaska into the limited time you will have at the port.
Adventure junkies can enjoy fishing, ziplining, or 4WD adventures. In contrast, nature and outdoor enthusiasts can hike to incredible viewpoints, kayak on calm waters, fly over fjords, or just head out to look for wildlife.
And that’s not all. Ketchikan’s an easy port town to explore on your own. Walking off the ship, we were practically in town with no shortage of restaurants, shops, museums, hiking options, bars, and fascinating history to discover. There’s even a lumberjack show option.
We tend to book our tours independently rather than through the ship. This generally finds us in smaller groups, with additional or bonus experiences, usually for significantly less money.
Our best tip is that no matter what you do, keep your eyes open. There are plenty of things to see in Ketchikan, from Native American totem poles to wildlife. And never forget to look up for that bald eagle that might be passing over head.
Be inspired …
A bit about Ketchikan
Ketchikan is located inside the Tongass National Forest, the largest forest in the United States. The forest comprises 17 million acres and includes Ketchikan as well as Juneau and several other ports on the interior passage.
Whether you explore it via plane, off-road vehicle, canoe, bicycle, or on foot, you are sure to be impressed.
Monikers and notable accolades of Ketchikan
Known by many nicknames, these will give you a feel for what to expect in Ketchikan.
- Salmon capital of the world
- Home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles
- Rain capital of Alaska
- Alaska’s first city (this is due to its location as the first city visitors come to when travelling north through the interior passage).
Things to do in Ketchikan for outdoor and nature enthusiasts
Misty Fjords seaplane tour
Misty Fjords National monument is 2.3 million acres of roadless paradise that can really only be enjoyed from the air. Your experienced pilot will highlight some of the different levels within the deep, narrow fjords, which appear like sheer granite cliffs rising 3,500 feet above the sea. You will spot lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. The 2.5-hour adventure also includes a water landing on either an alpine lake or calm bay followed by a quiet excursion. Read the impressive reviews and reserve your seaplane tour here.
Hiking
There are endless hours of hiking trails from Ketchikan, ranging from less than 30 minutes to multiple days. If you want to do any of these on your own, be sure to download a free USDA Ketchikan Area Trails Guide.
Kayaking eco-tour
Paddle through the calm waters of Clover Pass in the Tongass National Forest, keeping your eyes open for wildlife overhead, on shore, and in the water. If the timing is right, you may even spot migratory humpback whales. You will travel in small groups led by experienced guides. Reserve your kayak trip here
Fishing tour
Tour on the boat seen on the Discovery channel’s TV show Deadliest Catch. You will watch the fishing crew set traps and haul in the catch and enjoy listening to some of the stories of these commercial fishermen. This is one of the top-rated things to do in Ketchikan. Reserve your fishing tour here
Things to do in Ketchikan for adrenaline junkies
Photo credit: Travel Alaska. Used with permission
Salmon and halibut fishing (private for your group only)
Popular and highly rated, this private 4 or 6-hour (you choose when you book) salmon and fishing trip is led by an experienced captain who will customize the adventure to your group’s needs. It can include fishing, wildlife spotting, or photography. A moderate level of fitness is required. Reserve your fishing adventure.
Ziplining
With eight dual ziplines totalling 6,000 feet, your heart will be pumping as you fly over an Alaskan rainforest canopy. At a maximum height of 135 feet above the ground, you will have a unique view to spot a waterfall, estuaries, bears, soaring eagles, and more. Reserve your ziplining adventure
4WD adventures
Here’s your chance to steer or ride in a 4WD Jeep off-road in Tongass National Forest and then afterwards to paddle in a Native American–style canoe on Lake Harriet Hunt. Your 4-hour adventure will conclude with a guided rainforest walk. Reserve your 4WD adventure
Things to do in Ketchikan downtown for a bit of history, culture, shopping, or food
Whether you take a Ketchikan shore excursion from an independent company, from the cruise company, or you just walk off on your own, you will most likely have some free time to roam the city.
Here are a few not to be missed attractions, starting with a free walking tour map that highlights 64 Ketchikan things to do. Created by the Ketchikan Historic Society, the map highlights the downtown.
Creek Street
Creek Street is a picturesque boardwalk that winds alongside Ketchikan Creek in an area once called “Indian Town”. Today, it’s the place to go for souvenirs, restaurants, and art galleries.
Historically, from the gold rush days, it’s been a place of prostitution, which became even more prevalent after a 1903 city ordinance banished brothels from the city center to “Indian Town”. However, prostitution was made illegal in 1954 throughout Alaska.
One of the most famous still remaining is Dolly’s House Museum. It is the former bordello of Dolly Arthur, Ketchikan’s most famous “madam.”
Be sure to save time by walking the boardwalk, checking out some of the galleries, and wandering through some of the shops. If you like practical souvenirs, don’t miss theulu knives, the perfect thing to bring home.
Totem Poles
Ketchikan boasts the world’s largest collection of Native American totem poles. While you will see several in town, there are also a few special places worth a visit.
- Totem Heritage Center (downtown museum)
- Saxman Native Village (2 miles south)
- Totem Bight State Historical Park (10 miles north)
- Potlatch Park (very close to Totem Bight)
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and crab feast
Family-friendly and fun, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show celebrates Ketchikan’s logging history. World champion lumberjacks display their skills as they compete in traditional lumberjack games like speed climbing, log rolling, chopper, sawyer, and more.
Filled with hokey jokes, this is a fun way to enjoy Ketchikan. Based on the reviews, we believe the best way to enjoy the show is with a tour combining it with an all-you-can-eat crab feast with sides, desserts, and drinks. Reserve your lumberjack show and small group crab feast here
Note: Our experience showed that the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show seats tour groups first, thus leaving those who book once in port the less desirable seats.
Ketchikan museums downtown
- The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Regional museum highlighting the Native American and economic story of Ketchikan
- Tongass Historical Museum: Learn about Native Alaskan heritage and culture
- Dolly’s House Museum: Former brothel of Ketchikan’s most famous madam
Ketchikan Alaska cruise excursion tips
- Don’t miss our Alaska Cruise Tips: Know Before You Sail.
- The Salmon Landing Market has free wifi.
- We enjoyed a fabulous salmon lunch at the Ketchikan Crab & Grille.
- Our ship had coupons for local shops, many of which offered free items with no obligation to purchase. Be sure to ask for coupons before disembarking at port.
- With so many amazing options in Ketchikan and all of the Alaska ports, there is bound to be the perfect tour for everyone. Best advice, be prepared before you go.
Book your trip: Logistical tips for your cruise and ports
Choose and book your cruise
We find great deals at Cruise Direct.
Book your flights
Use Expedia, our favourite flight search engine. They search worldwide and find the best and cheapest options.
Book before and after accommodation
We use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. For self-contained lodging, use VRBO.
Set up private guides at the ports
Looking to maximize our limited time at a port, we often hire private guides from Tours by Locals.
Ready to book?
Check out our travel resources page for the companies we use when you travel. We believe them to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
Don’t miss our cruise tips.
Save for later
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With so many options, the best things to do in Ketchikan will be different for everyone. What will you do in Ketchikan?
Our recommendations at other Alaska cruise ports:
- Anchorage: Pre and Post Alaska Cruise Ideas
- Skagway
- Icy Strait Point / Hoonah
- Vancouver
- USA Adventure: Places to Visit on a USA Road Trip
Disclaimer: We were provided with complimentary entry to the Lumberjack Show. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Joscelyn
Alaska is such a beautiful State! Looks like there’s so much to see and do in that area too! I hope to get to visit some of these places you’ve mentioned some day soon!
Rhonda Albom
I would love to explore much more of the state. We have only been from Denali and Anchorage and then south along the coast along the interior passage.
Justin
Alaska has always held such an allure for me – I definitely need to add Ketchikan to my list of “must-visits” when I inevitably make it there! Creek street looks amazingly charming. Thanks for the article and opening my eyes to this beautiful place!
Rhonda Albom
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. If it wasn’t for winter, I would want to live there.
Natalia
Alaska seems to be a wonderful place to visit! I always imagine it as a place full of wildlife and harsh people. I love all of your pictures and interesting activities one can do in Alaska. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Because we arrived via cruise ship, we didn’t meet people the same way that we do when we travel on our own, but all the people we met were lovely.
Indrani
Ketchikan looks so fantabulous with all its options of varied experiences. Interesting history about the Creek street. Alaska’s wild life is so exciting. I hope I can make a trip there some day.
Rhonda Albom
As a cruise port there is no way to do it all, but no matter what you choose, you won’t go wrong.
Tami Wilcox
Ketchikan looks beautiful and very historic/interesting to visit. You did such a great job of rounding up all the potential shore excursions — great resource! Since Alaska is where I want to go on my next cruise, I’m pinning this for future reference — thanks!
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Tami. I loved everything about our Alaskan cruise – both the ports sailing time as so much of it had fabulous scenery.
Tami
The next cruise we take will most likely be an Alaskan cruise, so this post is getting saved for future reference! I actually worked for Westours, back in college, and had always planned to take one of their Alaska cruises, but then it never worked out. Ketchikan looks like a lively (and beautiful) place to visit. I appreciate the time and effort you put into outlining all the potential shore excursions — very helpful!
Rhonda Albom
Better hurry, the season only has a few more months this year.
Samantha
All of these adventures look so fun! I love the brightly colored buildings too!
Rhonda Albom
Creek Street is so bright and lively. It is good fun to walk and shop there today, and even more entertaining to imagine it years ago.
Astrid
Not being from Alaska or even the U.S., I’d never even heard of Ketchikan. It sounds like a really cool place to visit though. Going on a cruise there sounds so fantastic.
Angela Cruz
I read every word of this blog post and it was SO interesting to see all the things you can do! Thank you for the excellent advice, like booking your Lumberjack show through your cruise line. I already wanted to go to Alaska, but this definitely made me want to go even more!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
We would love to take an Alaskan Cruise sometime. It seems like a convenient way to see the sights and organize trips. We found that paying a premium for seating at live shows is almost always worth it. So much of the story is told through the actor’s expressions, that you just get a different experience from the nosebleed seats.
Rhonda Albom
I am guessing that ships going to Alaska’s inside passage are smaller than the ones you have been on. We have only cruised mid-sized or smaller. We have never even had an option to pay for theatre seating.
Eileen Cotter Wright
Fun adventure! I have fond memories of AlaskaE as a teenager. Seems like a cool port city!
Rhonda Albom
I am hoping my girls will always be able to say that, as they were both teens when we sailed.
Jane
Informative and useful post for anyone heading to Alaska on a cruise ship! Nice photos! You really brought Ketchikan to life for us.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Jane, that was my goal.
Cindy Simon
The Lumberjack show looks like it was lots of fun.
Beth Albertson
This looks like such a fun port. We are taking a Princess Cruise at the end of the month to Alaska – Thanks for the tips.
Julie
Sounds like you had a great time in Ketchikan. I think I will take one of the sightseeing flight if I get to Alaska.
Rhonda Albom
The people we talked to who took the flights all loved it. Beautiful and a very safe way to watch the bears.
Amber
Looks like a fun time
Donna Saunders
We went to the lumberjack show when we were in Ketchikan. It was really fun.
Anderw Caughman
I loved Ketchikan when we cruised the inside passage. We did the plane flight and even saw bears.