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Home » Travel » Americas » North America » Things to Do in Ketchikan – an Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Things to Do in Ketchikan – an Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 29 Comments
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A walk along the Creek Street boardwalk is one of thekey things to do in Ketchikan Alaksa
A Creek Street visit is one of the things to do in Ketchikan Alaksa
A visit to Creek Street is one of many things to do in Ketchikan Alaska

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

Waterfall in Ketchikan Alaska
Deer in the wild
Hiking in Ketchikan Alaska
Seaplane landing on a waterway in Misty Fjords National Monument
Seaplane experience in Misty Fjords National Monument
Photo credit for these four images: Travel Alaska. Used with permission

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

Man on a fishing boat holding a salmon he just caught
Salmon fishing near Ketchikan Alaska
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 in Ketchickan, Alaska
Creek Street
Totem Pole in Ketchikan Alaska
Greata Alaskan lumberjack show in Ketchikan Alaska
Great Alaskan lumberjack show
The historic "Welcome to Ketchikan" sign is one of the first things we saw on our Ketchikan Shore Excursions

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
Creek Street in Ketchikan Alaska
The green building on the left is Dolly’s House Museum.

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.
Cruise Ship in Alaska
Cruise Ship at Ketchikan

Save on your trip and cruise with these resources

We use these aggregator companies to save time and money. They do the work for us by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews for anywhere we are travelling worldwide. Plus, we have personally had positive customer service experiences with all of them: 

  • Cruise: We find great deals at Cruise Direct.
  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Hotels: we use Booking.com as they consistently return the best rates and their reviews are from actual guests. However, for self-contained lodging, use VRBO
  • Cars: we use RentalCars to find the best deals and dealer ratings.
  • 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.
  • Travel Insurance: we start at InsureMyTrip as they are the best option to compare plans and find the right coverage for you.

Before you book the rest of your trip: Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

We believe this list 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

If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and save it for later on Pinterest.

So many things to do in Ketchikan Alaska
A visit to Creek Street is one of many things to do in Ketchikan Alaska

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.

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Category: North America, Cruise PortsTag: Alaska

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Joscelyn

    July 18, 2018 at 4:05 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 18, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      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.

      Reply
  2. Justin

    July 17, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 18, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      Alaska is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. If it wasn’t for winter, I would want to live there.

      Reply
  3. Natalia

    July 16, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 18, 2018 at 2:30 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Indrani

    July 16, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 18, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      As a cruise port there is no way to do it all, but no matter what you choose, you won’t go wrong.

      Reply
  5. Tami Wilcox

    July 16, 2018 at 7:36 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 16, 2018 at 9:59 am

      Thanks Tami. I loved everything about our Alaskan cruise – both the ports sailing time as so much of it had fabulous scenery.

      Reply
  6. Tami

    July 16, 2018 at 7:13 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 16, 2018 at 9:59 am

      Better hurry, the season only has a few more months this year.

      Reply
  7. Samantha

    July 16, 2018 at 5:57 am

    All of these adventures look so fun! I love the brightly colored buildings too!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 16, 2018 at 9:23 am

      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.

      Reply
  8. Astrid

    July 16, 2018 at 5:13 am

    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.

    Reply
  9. Angela Cruz

    July 16, 2018 at 3:13 am

    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!

    Reply
  10. Jenn and Ed Coleman

    July 15, 2018 at 8:28 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 15, 2018 at 9:58 am

      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.

      Reply
  11. Eileen Cotter Wright

    July 15, 2018 at 8:07 am

    Fun adventure! I have fond memories of AlaskaE as a teenager. Seems like a cool port city!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 15, 2018 at 9:58 am

      I am hoping my girls will always be able to say that, as they were both teens when we sailed.

      Reply
  12. Jane

    July 15, 2018 at 5:31 am

    Informative and useful post for anyone heading to Alaska on a cruise ship! Nice photos! You really brought Ketchikan to life for us.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      July 16, 2018 at 9:27 am

      Thanks Jane, that was my goal.

      Reply
  13. Cindy Simon

    September 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    The Lumberjack show looks like it was lots of fun.

    Reply
  14. Beth Albertson

    August 6, 2013 at 8:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  15. Julie

    August 5, 2013 at 11:47 pm

    Sounds like you had a great time in Ketchikan. I think I will take one of the sightseeing flight if I get to Alaska.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      September 7, 2013 at 10:03 am

      The people we talked to who took the flights all loved it. Beautiful and a very safe way to watch the bears.

      Reply
  16. Amber

    August 4, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Looks like a fun time

    Reply
  17. Donna Saunders

    August 4, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    We went to the lumberjack show when we were in Ketchikan. It was really fun.

    Reply
  18. Anderw Caughman

    August 3, 2013 at 11:22 am

    I loved Ketchikan when we cruised the inside passage. We did the plane flight and even saw bears.

    Reply

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