Ketchikan Alaska Excursions
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Surrounded by lush rainforest and the abundant Bering Sea, Ketchikan Alaska supports a spectacular wealth of marine and wild life. Its nearby fjords, forests, and dramatic waterfalls make it a magnet for outdoor activity. Our article on Ketchikan Alaska excursions is designed to give you an idea of the types of tours are popular in the area.
In addition to be being a great base to explore the outdoors, Ketchikan has many excursions that delve into the town’s history and culture. First settled by the Tlingit Tribe, Ketchikan has the largest collection of totem poles in the world. And, the town is home to an historic prohibition-era Red Light district on famed Creek Street.
Our blog post on things to do in Ketchikan Alaska will provide an overview of the types of activities available, and a sampling of well-reviewed excursions with tour length and cost.
THINGS TO DO IN KETCHIKAN ALASKA
WHERE IS KETCHIKAN ALASKA
Located on Revillagigedo Island on the tip of Southeast Alaska, the town of Ketchikan is only accessible by air or boat. Sitting in the North Pacific Ocean, Revillagigedo Island lies about 484 nautical miles north of Vancouver, BC.
Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first major stop for northbound sea vessels along the Inside Passage. The port is a popular stop for cruise ships that are traveling the sheltered maritime route.
KETCHIKAN ALASKA MAP
THINGS TO DO IN KETCHIKAN ALASKA
In this section we examine the Ketchikan region, and identify some of the tops things to do in each area.
Downtown Ketchikan
Downtown Ketchikan is small, but the area has several distinct neighborhoods including the Cruise Port, Waterfront, Commercial District, Creek Street, and the Stedman Thomas Historic District. Walkable downtown is known for its colorful buildings, totem poles, and Creek Street boardwalk (a historic Red Light district and salmon viewing area).
Things to do in Downtown Ketchikan: Explore the Creek Street boardwalk and Dolly’s House Museum (a former brothel); watch salmon running on Ketchikan Creek; shop (furs, jewelry, local art, souvenirs); learn about totem poles; sample the local cuisine.
Tongass National Rainforest
The Tongass National Forest is comprised of 17 million acres that stretch from Ketchikan to the Yakutat. The portion of the park that surrounds Ketchikan is significant for is temperate rainforest, dramatic mountains, and rocky shorelines. The area is known for its plentiful wildlife including whales, bear, sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and salmon.
Things to do in Tongass Rainforest: Outdoor adventure tours including hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, flight-seeing, wildlife viewing, and boat tours.
Misty Fjords National Monument
The Misty Fjords National Monument is a 2.1 million acre wilderness area that is located within the Tongass National Forest. Only about 22 miles from Ketchikan, the area is known for its sheer granite cliffs, towering mountains, and deep fjords. The region takes its name from the near constant precipitation (mist) that keeps the rainforest lush.
Things to do at Misty Fjords: Flight-seeing and boat tours from Ketchikan. Eco tours including hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
Bering Sea
The Bering Sea is a body of water between Alaska and Russia that separates the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The sea is famous for its treacherous winter storms and vast biodiversity. The Bering Sea is home to millions of marine mammals, sea birds, and fisheries.
Things to do on the Bering Sea: Fishing Charters and boat tours specializing in wild life viewing.
WHY BOOK KETCHIKAN EXCURSIONS
Ketchikan Alaska is a locale where we recommend utilizing guided excursions. In Ketchikan, a lot of the outdoor activities are in remote areas far from emergency services. Many of the roads are unsigned, attractions are spread out, GPS and cell service are often poor, and rental cars are expensive.
A local guide – familiar with the roads, back-country, wild life habits, weather patterns, and local history and lore – can be a great asset. A good tour company will take care of the tickets, transportation, timing, and basic safety strategies that can keep you safe and allow you to have a good time.
Try to identify and book tours that are guided by locals, that guarantee timely return to ship (if cruising), and have good reviews (we often use Viator and GetYourGuide).
BEST KETCHIKAN ALASKA EXCURSIONS
In this section, we organize a range of Ketchikan excursions into groups of similar activities. Under each category find a sampling of tours with tour length and cost.
Wilderness Exploration and Wild Life Tours
Marvel at the feral beauty of wild Alaska while touring the Tongass National Rainforest. The 500 square mile area surrounds Ketchikan. Under a towering tree canopy, explore mountains, alpine lakes, and native wildlife (bear, moose, deer, sheep, bald eagles, and salmon).
Types of Tours: Bus and van tours that navigate scenic byways. Bike and E-bike tours that cruise mountain roads and coastal inlets. Guided hikes that crisscross the rainforest through wildlife sanctuaries.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Rainforest Adventure & Wildlife Tour; 2.5 hours; $119
Wildlife & Culture Small Van Excursion; 2.25 hours; $80
Electric Bike & Rainforest Hike EcoTour; 4 hours; $161
Adventure Tours
Do you long for the rush of experiencing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness off of the beaten path? If so, reserve an eco-adventure for your Ketchikan excursion.
Types of Tours: Go-Kart tours on private ranches; jeep tours on old logging roads; ATV and UTV off-roading tours; and zip line adventures.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Rainforest Canopy Ropes & Zipline Park; 3.5 hours; $150
Ketchikan Jeep & Canoe Safari; 4 hours; $229
Adventure Kart Expedition; 3.25 hours; $282
Alaskan Native Heritage Tours
Revillagigedo Island and Ketchikan were first settled by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshiam peoples. There are so many totem poles in Ketchikan that it is sometimes called the “Totem Pole Capital of the World.” While in Ketchikan there are a number of Native Alaskan heritage tours.
Types of Tours: Bus, van, trolley, duck boat, and walking tours. Look for itineraries that include stops at the Totem Bight State Historical Park; Totem Heritage Center; Saxman Native Village, and Potlatch Park & Museum.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Alaska Native Cultural & Wildlife Adventure; 3 hours; $80
Rainforest Sanctuary & Totem Park; 2.75 hours; $113
Lighthouse, Totems, & Eagles Excursion; 3 hours; $125
Saxman Native Village & Lumberjack Show; 4.25 hours; $129
Water Exploration & Marine Wild Life
Ketchikan has many different water-based environments to explore. The island community is surrounded by the Bering Sea and dozens of islands. Inland there are streams and lakes to discover as well as the wildlife that thrives in these habitats (salmon, orcas, whales, sea lions, otters, seals, and rich fisheries).
Types of Tours: Bering Sea whale watches; scenic cruises with marine and wild life viewing; guided excursions via canoe, kayak, zodiac boat, and other vessels.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Whales! Mammal Viewing Tour; 3.5 hours; $259
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Boat Tour; 5.25 hours; $219
Ketchikan Kayak Eco Tour; 4 hours; $125
Ketchikan Zodiak Boat Adventure; 3 hours; $219
Food & Drink Tours
Although Ketchikan is a remote island community, it is also a tourist town that supports a surprising number of restaurants, food trucks, taverns, and specialty food stores. As a fishing port, the seafood (salmon, crab, halibut) is fresh and abundant. Ketchikan is also known for its many locally brewed spirits, coffee, sweets, and baked goods.
Types of Tours: Seafood “fests” and “feasts” are offered at many local restaurants and area fishing lodges (often bundled with another activity). Pub crawls and local tasting tours are also prevalent.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Ketchikan Pub Crawl; 1.5 hours; $79
Sourdough & Brick Oven Pizza Making; 3 hours; $109
Fishing Charters and Commercial Fishing Tours
Originally a Tlingit fishing village, Ketchikan has grown into a modern day commercial fishing center. Private fishing charters are big business (particularly for salmon and halibut). There are also excursions that teach visitors about the commercial fishing industry.
Types of Tours: Private fishing charters and excursions aboard commercial fishing vessels.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Alaskan Halibut Fishing; 5 hours; $476
Bering Sea Crab Fishing Excursion; 3 hours; $249
Private Salmon Fishing Charter; 4 hours; $420
Flight-Seeing
While one of the most expensive types of Ketchikan excursions, sightseeing from a small engine (or float) plane is all the rage. Many flight-seeing experiences will take in the Misty Fjords National Monument area – known for its deep fjords, massive cliffs, and cascading waterfalls.
Types of Excursions: Small plane excursions (some able to land on glaciers, mountain lakes, and other wilderness terrain).
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Misty Fjords Flight Seeing; 1 hour; $379
Misty Fjords Flight Seeing with Water Landing; 1.5 hours; $425
Historical and Cultural Town Tours
Walkable Ketchikan has a rich history. On a tour of town, learn how Ketchikan’s logging, gold mining, and fishing industries have impacted its legacy. Tour a downtown area that is well-preserved with colorful period housing, totem poles, museums, and heritage sites.
Types of Tours: Walking, trolley, and duck boat tours take in Ketchikan’s museums, salmon ladder, Creek Street, Stedman-Thomas historic district, and waterfront.
Popular Ketchikan Excursions:
Ketchikan on the Tongass Trolly; 2.5 hours; $80
Land & Sea Duck Tour; 1.5 hours; $79
Ketchikan Cultural & Heritage Sites: 3.5 hours; $92
KETCHIKAN ALASKA HOTELS
Ketchikan as many hotels in downtown area. On the outskirts of town there are a number of resorts in the surrounding hills and coastal fishing lodges. Consider one of these well-reviewed Ketchikan Alaska hotels:
Cape Fox Lodge - Resort with restaurant and lounge. In hills above town; short walk to Creek Street.
Inn at Creek Street - Restored historic rooms in the heart of downtown Ketchikan.
Black Bear Inn - Elegant waterfront lodge with B&B suites outside of town.
Have fun choosing from the many Ketchikan excursions, Laura and Randy
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