Best Things To Do in Ketchikan Alaska
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ketchikan, Alaska, is referred to as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and offers a vibrant blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It also happens to be the first stop on most Alaskan Cruises. This beautiful coastal town is known for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and historic totem poles.
Ketchikan offers a variety of activities for every age! Visitors can explore the waterfront, explore local Native American culture, or embark on several outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
I’ve been on a few Alaskan Cruises and have done several excursions as well as explored as much of Ketchikan as I could. So if you’re visiting Ketchikan on your Alaskan Cruise, here is a list of the best things to do and some of my personal favorites.
Explore the Natural Beauty
Did you know Ketchikan is mostly rainforest? That’s right! So bring an umbrella and some waterproof shoes and make sure you get out and explore some of the natural beauty in this area.
Hiking in a Rain Forest
If you are a hiking enthusiast, Ketchikan is a great place to explore the dense rainforest of Alaska. Located just a short trip from the cruise ship dock, is a popular trail called Deer Mountain Trailhead.
The entire trail is almost 11 miles long, but the first mile is the most impressive. It’s a pretty easy trail that would be great for kids, but it does go up in elevation, and half the trail resembles steps that may not be easy for everyone.
You enter the trailhead and submerse yourself in some dense trees. When you get to the one-mile point, you’ll enjoy some really amazing views of the ocean and your cruise ship below. It’s spectacular!
Once you hit that mile mark, turn around and head back. The total time of this hike should take about an hour or two, leaving you plenty of time to explore the rest of Ketchikan.
TIP: The only way to get to Deer Mountain is by car, but it’s easy to find a taxi at the dock to take you. The only problem is, when you finish the hike, there are no taxis around. So on your way there, make sure to get your taxi driver’s name and give them a call when you finish your hike to come pick you up.
Misty Fjords National Monument
One of the most spectacular things you can do in Ketchkin is to visit the Misty Fjords National Monument. You’ll get to see everything that’s iconic Alaska… from Icy blue lakes, to waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and glacial valleys.
Located about 40 miles away from downtown Ketchikan, there are two ways to visit the Misty Fjords. By either seaplane or by tour boat. Both are great ways to explore the area!
By Seaplane: The Misty Fjords Flight Tour is pricey but worth every penny. During this one-hour tour, you’ll see sights meant for postcards. There are views of granite cliffs, waterfalls, wildflower fields, and mountaintops. Every passenger gets a window view on this fixed-wing flight, guaranteeing you’ll have a fantastic view. And possibly get to see tons of wildlife like bears and wild goats.
Misty Fjords By Catamaran: Take a 4-5 hour luxury boat ride to see the Misty Fjords up close. On this boat excursion, you are more likely to see wildlife up close, including bears, eagles, and goats. You’ll also be able to view an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph, and New Eddystone Rock; an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea.
Tongass National Forest
Hiking: You can sign up to take a hiking excursion through the Tongas National Forest. This 3.6-mile roundtrip hike through an Alaska State Park into the Tongass National Forest. This tour takes you along a popular trail where you’ll see waterfalls and flora unique to Alaska.
Alaskan Ferry: You can also go off and explore the National Forest on your own by hopping on the ferry that will also take you to Prince of wales island.
Fishing Charter: If you want to get in on the action, check out one of the many Tongass National Forest Fishing Charters. You’ll get to catch fish and also view wildlife and see some really unreal scenery.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
With an abundance of forest and water, it’s pretty easy to see some wildlife! Going on a tour is your best bet and well worth the money. guides often know exactly where the animals are and how to see them up close. One of my favorite tours was this Ketchikan All-In-One Tour which you can see Incredible wildlife sightings like whales, seals, and bears. You’ll even get to do some whale watching!
Book the Alaska Wildlife Waterfall Tours to visit Herring Cove where you could get a chance to see Bear, Eagle, Deer, and Salmon from a creek running up to salmon spawning grounds. Then visit Rotary Beach at low tide we will explore the beach looking for Crab, Starfish, Sculpin fish (bullhead fish), Sea Urchins, and Sea Anemones. Such a unique experience!
Dive into the Rich Culture
Totem Heritage Center
Learn more about Ketchikan culture with a visit to the Totem Bight State Historical Park. You can take the bus from downtown Ketchikan to get to Totem Bight State Park and explore the park on your own. You’ll see some really unique and vibrant totem poles as well as learn about the historical significance of the area.
You can also check out the Totem Heritage Center. The Totem Heritage Center preserves the living artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples that gave rise to the original totem poles on display. This is an indoor museum and a great option if you visit Ketchikan on a really rainy day.
Saxman Native Village
Learn firsthand about Alaska Native culture with a tour of the Saxman Native Village. You’ll get a fun ride along the coast to the see some of KEtchikans highlights before exploring the native village. You’ll be guided through several structures and even have a chance to learn some of the Tlingit language
Creek Street
By far the most popular spot in Ketchikan and it’s not hard to see why. The colorful houses are all build on stilts with the creek running direcelty below them make for some of the most beautfu and iconic photos of Kethcikan.
Stroll along Creek Street and explore all the buildings and what they used to be back in the gold rush days. Enjoy the shops and find some really cool souverinoiurs. We tasted the best smoked salmon and bought some hand carved gifts.
Creek Street is located right off the cruise ship dock and is an easy walk from your ship. it’s also right by the Lumberjack show so see the show when you first get off the ship, then head directly to Creek Street for some shopping and food.
Engage in Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking and Canoeing
Ketchikan is a great place to spend time on the water as well! If you like Kayaking, check out one of the many kayaking tours available. You can take boat rides to a kayaking area, or kayak right from downtown Ketickan. And get to see some amazing scenery as well as a ton of wildlife!
Fishing Expeditions
If you love fishing then you can’t miss out on salmon fishing in the Salmon capital of the world! Try your hand at salmon fishing on a fishing charter. You can choose from half-day to all-day excursions.
You are supplied with all the fishing gear you need and you get to keep what you catch. The tour boat will pack your catch in ice and ship it back to your home for you. They timed our fish just perfectly so it was delivered right to our house the day after we got home from our cruise.
Zipline Adventures
One of my favorite activities (I have an adventurous spirit!) was going ziplining over bear territory in the Tongass National Forest. We ziplined through over nine different courses and got to walk across 3 different suspension bridges on this amazing tour. It was fun and exciting, and the sights were spectacular as you whizzed by!
Experience Ketchikan’s Unique Attractions
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
I absolutely love love love the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This was such a fun and unique experience that is honestly perfect for any age level. Young kids will love it, adults will love it. It was the perfect thing to do with my entire family including kids, adults, and grandparents who couldn’t walk around much.
The show is only an hour long, so it leaves you plenty of time to still go on another excursion or visit Creek Street. I liked this show so much and think it is a MUST-SEE attraction in Ketchikan that I wrote a whole article about it that you can read here: The Ultimate Guide To The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show In Ketchikan
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
If you love animals, check out the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. Visiting the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is like stepping into a breathtaking natural wonder, where towering trees and lush greenery create a vibrant tapestry of life.
As you stroll along the winding trails, the air is filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, immersing you in the serenity of the wilderness. Guided tours offer insights into the unique ecosystem, showcasing the fascinating flora and fauna, from colorful wildflowers to playful salmon.
The sanctuary’s boardwalks lead to tranquil viewing platforms, perfect for spotting local wildlife, such as eagles and bears in their natural habitat. With its stunning scenery, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary offers a memorable experience that highlights the beauty and importance of Alaska.
Savor Local Cuisine
Ketchikan Food Tours
If you’re like me, part of the excitement of visiting Ketchikan is the food! I love seafood and will jump at the chance to taste fresh seafood and local cuisines as often as I can.
Ketchikan has some of the best-smoked salmon I have ever tasted. They have many restaurants you can dine on fresh crab and fish. Or stroll down Creek Street and sample the different selections of smoked salmon.
If you are a foodie like me, check out a Ketchikan Food Tour and sample some of the best fresh seafood you can find!
Favorite Restaurants In Ketchikan
The Alaska Fish House: The rustic vibe of this restaurant will make you feel like you’re in Alaska and the food is some of the best around. You can get everything from crab legs to fish and chips at this restaurant located right near the cruise ship terminal.
The Arctic Bar: This waterfront bar and restaurant has a ton of seafood options as well as amazing views of the ocean, 19 beers on tap, and a laid-back atmosphere to make you feel like a local.
The Krabby Krab Shack: The most local crab shack you can experience! This place is very casual but one of the best places to grab the most Alaskan cuisine. They serve clam chowder, crab bisque, crab legs, and salmon. If you really want good, local food… this is the place.
Travel Tips for Ketchikan
Ketchikan is not a very big town and getting around is very easy. Most of the main attractions are located right within the downtown area and are easy to walk to. Even Creek Street is an easy walk that anyone can do.
If you want to get out and explore the natural areas, you’ll need to book a tour guide. Or you can hire a taxi to take you places on your own.
Compared to all the other ports your Alaskan Cruise will stop at, Ketchikan has the best shopping. If you want some really nice souvenirs then make sure you set some time aside and go shopping.
Cruise lines will always tell you to book through them so you are sure to make it back to the ship on time. But most private excursion companies are not only much cheaper but guarantee you get back to your trip on time. I always book privately to save money.
Best Things To Do in Ketchikan
In conclusion, visiting Ketchikan feels like stepping into a beautifully crafted story, where every corner reveals a new layer of Alaska’s charm. From the impressive totem poles that tell tales of the past to the cozy art galleries bursting with local creativity, there’s a warmth and richness here that’s hard to resist.
Strolling along the waterfront, tasting the fresh seafood, and catching glimpses of wildlife add to the magic of the experience. Ketchikan invites you to slow down, soak in the natural beauty, and appreciate the deep connections between its culture and the breathtaking landscape. It’s a place that leaves a mark on your heart, reminding you of the simple joys of adventure and discovery.
Pin for Later!
