Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska from a Cruise Ship: 15 Fun Excursions
Are you looking for the perfect destination to explore while on a cruise? Look no further than Ketchikan, Alaska!
Located in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is one of the most beautiful and exciting ports of call on any Alaskan cruise.
With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and unique wildlife experiences, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.
From fishing charters to nature walks to whale-watching tours – your time in Ketchikan will be filled with adventure and memories that will last a lifetime!
Ready for a day of exploration? Cruise ships dock conveniently in downtown Ketchikan and are just steps away from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.
Pop inside to pick up a map, then enjoy an informative walking tour of the city’s thriving historic districts and West End area!
If shopping is more your speed, you’ll be happy to find plenty of unique stores selling souvenirs galore.
Read on to find the best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska on a Cruise Ship!
Best Shore Excursions in Ketchikan
If you’ve made the decision to go on an Alaska cruise, you are in for a treat! Most cruise lines that go to Alaska include the city of Ketchikan on their itinerary.
Some of the best places to visit are just a short walk from the cruise port. Explore the historic boardwalk and soak in the rich history of Alaska’s first city.
Alaska’s first city is in reference to the fact that Ketchikan is the first city passengers reach on a cruise as it is on the southern tip of the Inside Passage, and is often the first stop in Alaska for visitors.
On foot, you can do many fun things in Ketchikan, like shopping in the downtown area, seeing Native American totem poles, or visiting the historic creek street which is Ketchikan’s historical red light district.
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1. Explore the Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States and is home to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking scenery. It covers most of SE Alaska and is more than 16 million acres.
You can explore this area on your own or with a tour guide. You can see the forest by hiking, kayaking, canoeing, or taking a boat charter.
2. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
We took a really fun tour while we were in Ketchikan, where we did a short hike through the Tongass National Forest.
We saw a black bear fishing in the creek and then visited the Alaska Raptor Center. (you can also visit the Raptor Center in Sitka). We ended the tour by seeing a man carving a totem pole and a stroll through an old sawmill.
Our tour was part of the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, and you need a tour to explore this area.
3. Visit the Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan is a place where you can learn about Native American arts. It has lots of things to see, like really old totem poles and baskets made from cedar bark.
You can also see special clothes with beading and buttons, and other beautiful art made by hand.
It’s a great place to spend an afternoon soaking in the rich culture of Alaska’s first people.
4. Set your sights on Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument is an amazing place near Ketchikan, Alaska. It has tall cliffs coming more than 3000 feet out of the ocean and thick rainforests growing on steep slopes.
Many waterfalls flow down from high mountains to the sea as they push through narrow clefts and over boulders. This area reaches more than 150 inches of rainfall per year, so there is almost constant precipitation.
Embark on a journey from Ketchikan and marvel at the breathtaking scenery from your aerial perspective on a flightseeing tour.
On select flights, you’ll have the opportunity to land near a lake for an up-close nature experience during your short hike through the remarkable rainforest.
Escape to the majestic Misty Fjords on a comfortable and cozy day cruise from Ketchikan. Marvel at spectacular waterfalls, steep cliffsides, and abundant wildlife as you journey through this picturesque landscape!
If you want to experience an exciting journey, kayaking the sheltered coves and inlets of Misty Fjords can be a fantastic option.
The paddle from Ketchikan is quite lengthy so many explorers opt for water taxi services that will drop them off and pick them up at different points along their trip – making it accessible even for beginner paddlers!
5. Wander through the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a must-visit destination for travelers in Ketchikan. This interactive museum offers a wealth of information and experiences on the land, culture, and wildlife of the region.
Upon entering the Discovery Center, visitors can start their journey by exploring the three floors of exhibits.
These include artifacts from Native Alaskans and early settlers, interactive displays on the region’s ecology, as well as a large theater that shows films about Southeast Alaska.
The Fee to enter the Discovery Center is $5 for anyone over the age of 15.
6. Have fun at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a must-see attraction in Ketchikan. This show celebrates the art of logging and features professional lumberjacks showing off their skills with activities such as log rolling, pole climbing, tree chopping, and more!
The show is narrated by a live announcer who explains what’s happening on stage and adds a bit of humor to the show.
The Lumberjack Show is a fun and entertaining way to learn about the history of logging in Alaska.
The show takes place every day from June through August and tickets range from $19 – $27 depending on age and when you purchase them.
7. Eat Salmon in downtown Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”, so you definitely can’t leave without having at least a bite of salmon!
There are lots of restaurants downtown that serve up delicious dishes featuring fresh local salmon.
If you’re looking for quick and convenient meals, then try out one of the many fish and chips stands throughout Ketchikan.
Or if you’d like something a bit more upscale, head to a restaurant like The Alaska Fish House where they have dishes like pan-seared salmon and Alaskan King Crab Legs.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you get to try some of Ketchikan’s famous salmon!
8. Stroll Along Front Street
Front Street is the main thoroughfare in Ketchikan and it’s a great place to explore on foot. This street has been a part of Ketchikan since its founding in 1900 and you can still see many of the historical buildings that have helped shape the city.
You’ll find galleries, restaurants, and souvenir shops, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore!
Strolling along Front Street is the perfect way to get a taste of Ketchikan’s history and culture.
9. Step into the past in Dolly’s House Museum
Creek Street is built on wooden stilts and has wooden sidewalks that rise about Ketchikan Creek, where you can see salmon swimming.
As you are enjoying Creek Street, you can take the opportunity to take a tour through Dollys. During the gold rush, Ketchikan was inhabited by many miners and prospectors. Front Street was the center of the social scene in Ketchikan.
Dolly’s House was a brothel that the men would visit after an evening of drinking in the local bars. There was a trail that led from the back of Creek Street up to the housing section of town.
The trail is called Married Man’s Trail, as the men would use it to sneak out of Dollys and get back home before their wives noticed.
This house is now a museum where you can take a tour and learn about the history and culture of Ketchikan during the gold rush.
10. Take a flightseeing tour
Flightseeing is a great way to explore Alaska, and you have quite a few options when visiting Ketchikan.
As mentioned above, flightseeing is a popular way to experience Misty Fjords National Monument. You can also take flights to nearby islands, glaciers, and historic sites.
These tours are a great way to get an aerial view of Ketchikan and the surrounding area and learn more about the region’s history and ecology. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Keep an eye out for bald eagles, black bears, brown bears, and whales as you explore.
11. Saxman Native Village
Saxman Village is a community just south of Ketchikan. It is home to the original inhabitants of this area, the Tlingit people, and features a traditional native village with totem poles, longhouses, and more.
This is a great place to learn about the local culture, history, and traditions. Visitors can take tours through the village and learn about Tlingit history, watch a traditional dance performance, and even try Salmon fishing in the nearby creek.
Be sure and check out the Saxman Totem Park too! Each totem was hand carved and tell a story passed on through the years from generation to generation.
Visiting Saxman Native Village is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of this area and gain a better understanding of the people who have lived here for generations.
12. Totem Bight State Historical Park
Another totem park worth visiting in Ketchikan is Totem Bight State Park. This park is located a short drive north of Ketchikan and features a collection of totem poles, longhouses, and other artifacts from the Tlingit people.
This park also offers visitors a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of this area. There are interpretive signs throughout the park that provide information on totems and other artifacts, as well as guided tours with local experts.
In addition to the totems, there is also a beach area where you can watch for wildlife and explore tide pools. It’s a great place to get away from it all and soak in the beauty of Alaska!
13. Whale Watching
Whale Watching is a popular activity whenever you visit Alaska. Ketchikan is no exception and you can find plenty of tour operators in town offering exciting whale-watching tours.
These tours will take you out into the waters of Ketchikan to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures up close.
It’s important to remember that these animals are wild, so be sure to respect their space and follow all safety regulations while viewing them.
Whale watching can be a great way to learn more about the local wildlife and get an up-close look at these amazing creatures in their natural habitat!
Humpback Whales are seen in the Ketchikan area beginning in June when they arrive to the fishing grounds
14. Fishing Charters
For an even closer look at Ketchikan’s rich marine life, you can take a fishing charter out on the waters of the Inside Passage.
There are a variety of charter options available that cater to all skill levels, so whether you’re an experienced angler or just learning the ropes, there’s something for everyone.
These charters take you out into some of the best fishing spots in Alaska and teach you about the local wildlife and ecology as well as the different fishing techniques used in this area.
Fishing charters are a great way to get out on the water and experience Ketchikan’s abundant marine life while also trying your luck at catching some of Alaska’s famous salmon!
15. Drink Local Beer
Ketchikan has great bars and all are walkable. Try the Arctic Bar, home to more local beers than any other place in Ketchikan. Also worth checking out are the Creek Street Cabaret and Bawden Street Brewing.
Best Time to Visit Ketchikan
Summer is the best time to visit Ketchikan, as it is during this season that the area experiences its warmest temperatures and longest hours of daylight.
Shoulder season in Alaska is May and September, and while the weather can be unpredictable, these months offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
However, if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, winter can be an enjoyable time to visit too. This is when the town’s population decreases significantly, leaving behind a chill atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities to explore.
Final Thoughts on Ketchikan Cruise Port
No matter when you decide to visit, Ketchikan has something for everyone and is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience!
We hope this has given you a better understanding of what Ketchikan has to offer and inspired you to visit soon!
Whether it’s the vibrant culture, abundant wildlife, or exciting activities, Ketchikan has something for everyone. So don’t forget to add this charming town to your list of must-see destinations!
Alaska Cruise Port Information
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