The Ketchikan Alaska cruise port is a stop for nearly every ship sailing the inside passage. Generally the first port for on northbound cruises heading to Anchorage, Ketchikan serves as an introduction to the rugged Alaskan frontier for many visitors.A quick glance at the ship’s Ketchikan shore excursions and it is clear that visitors are spoilt for choice.
The difficulty comes from trying to choose from all the unique things to do in Ketchikan Alaska. It is famous as the salmon capital of the world, as well as being home to the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
Photo Credit: Pace Setter for Change
Ketchikan’s an easy port to explore on your own. Walking off the ship, we were practically in town with no shortage of restaurants, shops, museums, hiking options, and bars. However, for a bit of adventure, more in-depth history, culture, or a traditional seafood feast, a Ketchikan shore excursion or tour is often needed.
The ship will tell you that you need to book with them to be assured to be back in time. While it is true that the ship will not leave passengers on its excursions, other companies like Viator offer the same worry-free shore excursion guarantee on most (not all) of their excursion options.
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Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska
The list of what to do in Ketchikan feels endless. Adventure junkies can enjoy ziplining, kayaking, zodiac boats, 4WD adventures and hiking to incredible viewpoints. Outdoor nature enthusiasts can canoe, visit an Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary, fly over fjords, or just head out to look for wildlife. And, that’s not all. There are still plenty more things to see in Ketchikan like Alaskan totem poles, food tours, and city tours.
Things to do in Ketchikan: Walking Downtown
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 both the downtown and West End. If you didn’t print a copy in advance, you can pick one up at the Visitor’s Bureau located on the waterfront across the street from the famous “Welcome to Ketchikan” sign.
Alaska Shore Excursions on Your Own – Download a Free Map
Creek Street
Creek Street is a picturesque boardwalk that winds alongside the Ketchikan Creek. Today, it’s the place to go for souvenirs, restaurants, and art galleries.
However, Creek Street has an interesting history. It was built as a boardwalk in the days when prostitution was only legal if “business” was not conducted on dry land. In the gold rush days, these 30+ wood-framed buildings were home to over two dozen brothels. Dolly’s House Museum is the former bordello of Dolly Arthur, Ketchikan’s most famous “madam” (All prostitution was made illegal in 1954.)
Be sure to wander into some of the galleries as well as the shops. Check out the ulu knives. We like practical souvenirs, so we found the ulu knives the perfect thing to bring home for ourselves and as gifts.
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)
Hiking
There are endless hours of hiking trails from Ketchikan ranging from less than 30 minutes to multiple days. Click here to see the USDA Ketchikan Area Trails Guide.
Ketchikan Museums
A few downtown museums worth a visit:
- The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Regional museum highlighting the Native American and economic story of Ketchikan
- Totem Heritage Center: Native art and original, unrestored totem poles
- Tongass Historical Museum: Learn about the area’s geography and Native Alaskan heritage
- Dolly’s House Museum: Former brothel of Ketchikan’s most famous madam
Things to Do in Ketchikan: Wildlife Viewing and Adventure
If there is one thing Alaska has, it’s wildlife. From bears to eagles, the animals love Ketchikan and the surrounding areas. Many of the excursion options offer wildlife sighting opportunities, although none guarantee it. At the last update of this page, the Ketchikan shore excursions in this section all included Viator’s worry-free shore excursion guarantee.
Photo Credit: Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development; Division of Community and Regional Affairs’ Community Photo Library.
Ketchikan Shore Excursions: Wildlife Viewing and Adventure
| EXCURSION | TRANSPORT | POSSIBLE SIGHTINGS | DURATION |
| Eagle Island Sea Kayaking | Paddle your tandem sea kayak | Salmon, eagles, seals | 3.5 hrs |
| Ketchikan Zipline Adventure | 8 Ziplines totalling 6000 feet | Waterfalls, estuaries, wildlife | 3.5 hrs |
Things to Do in Ketchikan: Outdoor Enthusiasts and Adventure
While you will probably see wildlife on these tours as well, their main focus is on the stunning scenery of the Tongass National Forest. It is the largest forest in the United States comprising 17 million acres and includes Ketchikan as well as Juneau and several other popular ports on the inside passage. Whether you explore it via plane, off-road vehicle, canoe, bicycle, or on foot, you are sure to be impressed.
Ketchikan Shore Excursions: Outdoor Enthusiasts and Adventure
| EXCURSION | HIGHLIGHTS | DURATION |
| Off-Road Jeep and Canoe Safari | Drive a 4WD Jeep off-road in Tongass National Forest Paddle in a Native American–style canoe Enjoy Alaskan-style snacks Guided rainforest walk | 4 hrs |
| Rainforest Canoe and Nature Walk | Paddle in a Native American–style canoe in the Tongass National Forest Short guided nature walk through the rainforest Enjoy Alaskan-style snacks | 3.5 hrs |
| Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Eco-Tour | Ride a battery-powered electric bike through Ketchikan Hike with a guide through the lush Tongass National Forest | 4 hrs |
Unique Things to Do in Ketchikan
There are a few other interesting excursions options that didn’t fit into the categories above, as well as several things to see on your own in the downtown area.
Photo Credit: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; Division of Community and Regional Affairs’ Community Photo Library.
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
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.
There are demonstrations and hokey jokes, which left the young and old in awe of the talent and laughing at the campy humour. Clearly a tourist show, it’s designed to demonstrate the skill and talent of the athletes with humour and entertainment. It’s a fun way to spend an hour in Ketchikan.
Pro Tip: The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one activity that may be better if you overpay and book through your cruise ship. If you read the reviews, you will see a consistent pattern of negative reviews by those who booked on their own on days when a ship is in port, as they had poor seats (cruise ship excursion passengers get seated first).
Ketchikan Shore Excursions: Unique Things to Do
| EXCURSION | HIGHLIGHTS | DURATION |
| Silverking Lodge Adventure and Seafeast | Travel by van to the resort Guided 40-minute boat ride Guided 30-minute rainforest walk \Full seafood meal | 3.75 hrs |
| Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour | Tour on boat seen on TV show Deadliest Catch Watch fishing crew set traps and haul in the catch Listen to stories of commercial fishermen | 3 hrs |
| All In One | Narrated seaside tour of historic and scenic Ketchikan See Creek Street, the salmon ladder, totem poles, Alaskan wildlife, and waterfall | 2.5 hrs |
Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Excursion Tips
- Check your ship rules. Most allow you to pre-book excursions before you board with free cancellation policies up to 48 hours (or even less on some ships) prior to the excursion. Read more tips here: Alaska Cruise Tips: Know Before You Sail.
- If you are sailing north (Started in Seattle or Vancouver) Ketchikan will be the first of your Alaska cruise ports. If you are sailing south from Anchorage (like we did) then it will your last.
- The Salmon Landing market has free wifi.
- We enjoyed a fabulous piece of salmon at the Crab Cracker restaurant.
- Our ship had coupons for local shops, many of which offered free items with no obligation to purchase.
- 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. Remember, internet access on the ship can be very expensive, and not that good.
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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?
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.