Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska
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Nestled between the rainforest and sea, Ketchikan is an island community that celebrates its Alaskan Native, salmon fishing, and gold mining roots. Eclectic and colorful, the town has a fun, outdoorsy vibe. Our article on things to do in Ketchikan Alaska will give you an overview of what to do when visiting the region.
Highlights of touring the downtown area include viewing totem poles created by the Tlingit and Haida peoples, and strolling Creek Street – the town’s former red light district. Outside of town there is wildlife viewing, rainforest discovery, fishing charters, and whale watches to enjoy. Whether you have a week or one day in port, let us help you decide what to do in Ketchikan Alaska.
KETCHIKAN ALASKA EXCURSIONS
WHERE IS KETCHIKAN ALASKA
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska (USA) in the North Pacific Ocean. The town lies about 700 miles northwest of Seattle Washington, or 485 miles north of Vancouver BC.
Although Ketchikan is Alaska’s fifth largest town, it is only accessible by air or boat. The municipality is known as Alaska’s “First City” as it is the first major stop for northbound sea vessels. The town is a popular port stop on the Alaska Inside Passage cruise route.
KETCHIKAN ALASKA WEATHER & BEST TIME TO GO
Situated within the Tongass National Rainforest, Ketchikan has a cool, rainy, and lush ecosystem. Summer temperatures (June, July, and August) average around 55-60’F. Winter temperatures (Nov – Feb) average around 35-45’F with a mix of snow and rain.
Even though summer is the most crowded time of year, we think the months of May, June, July, and August are the best time of year to visit Ketchikan. During these months: the weather is warm, there is less rain/fog, most businesses are open, and wildlife viewing conditions are good.
KETCHIKAN ALASKA HOTELS
Ketchikan is a walkable town with lots of restaurants, taverns, and shopping opportunities. Choose a hotel in town if you prefer a livelier environment. If you prefer a quieter setting, there are many resorts in the hills around town and fishing lodges on the coast.
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.
KETCHIKAN ALASKA MAP
THINGS TO DO IN KETCHIKAN ALASKA
Creek Street Ketchikan
Creek Street is a pedestrianized historic area in downtown Ketchikan. Running along the edge of a stream, Creek Street is comprised of wooden boardwalks and houses built upon stilts.
The buildings lining the boardwalk have ties to the industries that built the town (mostly fishing and mining). During the prohibition era, Creek Street served as the town’s red light district with many gambling establishments and brothels.
Today, a walk along Creek Street will take you past well-preserved period houses filled with art galleries, souvenir stalls, specialty food shops, and restaurants. “Dolly’s House” is a former brothel that is now a museum. During spawning season, the boardwalk is also a good place to watch the salmon run (and the wildlife that comes to feed on the fish).
Creek Street is an excellent locale to soak in Ketchikan’s culture and history in a beautiful outdoor setting. Entry is free, and it is just a short walk from the center of town.
Try this Creek Street tour: Burlesque Experience with Live Music
Ketchikan Alaska Excursions
Located within the Tongass National Forest (a 17 million-acre rainforest), Ketchikan is an epicenter for eco-tours. There are off-roading safaris, zip-lines, flight-seeing tours, guided hikes, and electric bike adventures to join in. Wild life viewing tours of bear and eagles are abundant.
There are Ketchikan Alaska excursions for everyone; no matter what your age or activity level. Transportation, meals (think salmon and crab feasts), and guided narration are often included in these outings. Here, we have listed a few popular tours:
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Be amazed and entertained as timber athletes from Ketchikan’s Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show compete in 12 different events. Cheer on your team as two groups of rugged lumberjacks battle it out in a chopping, sawing, tree climbing, log rolling, and axe throwing competition.
From cushioned seats in a heated grandstand, enjoy music, jokes, stunts, and a fun rivalry. This show is just a short walk from the cruise port and downtown Ketchikan.
Get tickets to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show here: The Famous Lumberjack Show
Totem Pole Viewing
Ketchikan is sometimes called the “Totem Pole Capital of the World.” Many of the totem poles in Ketchikan were created by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshiam indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska. This art form was used to record family and community identity, histories, and events.
In Ketchikan, totem poles can be viewed at the Totem Bight State Historical Park (10 miles from town: 10 totem poles and a clan house); Totem Heritage Center (In-town: 16 totem poles on permanent display); and the Saxman Native Village (2.5 miles from town: around 25 totem poles). At these locations, also learn about clan houses and see other Alaskan Native art.
For totem pole viewing, try one of these tours:
Misty Fjords National Monument & Wild Life Viewing
A day trip to the Misty Fjords National Monument is a vacation highlight for many visitors. Located just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, flight-seeing trips and day cruises are popular excursions to the area. In addition, kayak and canoe tours are popular (via water taxi).
Misty Fjords is part of the Tongass National Rainforest. The Monument is known for the striking fjords with massive cliffs from the sea to mountain summits. There is near constant “misty” precipitation in the region resulting in majestic waterfalls and rushing streams. Area wildlife includes bear, moose, wolves, mountain goats, orcas, porpoises, and other species.
Here are some well-reviewed tours from Ketchikan to Misty Fjords:
Downtown Ketchikan Trolley or Duck Tour
See downtown Ketchikan on an old-time trolley or on a Duck Boat (an amphibious vehicle). Be regaled by colorful commentary as you tour the region from the comfort of an enclosed vehicle (it rains a lot in Ketchikan).
Town landmarks that are often included in these excursions include the waterfront, downtown area, Creek Street, the Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary, Herring Cove and Bay, Whale Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center.
Try one of these well-reviewed Ketchikan town tours:
Shop for an Alaskan Treasure
Ketchikan is a great place to shop for an Alaskan treasure to take home. The downtown area has a wide array of shops ranging from souvenir outlets to high-end jewelry stores and art galleries. The compact area is pleasantly walkable with good crosswalks and traffic lights.
TIP: Most businesses will accept credit cards and cash. Not all businesses accept mobile wallet (Google or Apple pay).
When shopping for Alaskan goods look for these symbols of authenticity:
Silver Hand – guarantees an item is an original work of art created in Alaska by an Alaska Native artist.
Made in Alaska – a state certification indicating a product was handcrafted or manufactured in Alaska.
Alaska Grown – certification identifies agricultural products that are grown in Alaska and meet quality standards.
Shops on Front St., Ketchikan
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
Bering Sea Excursions
Many types of Bering Sea excursions depart from Ketchikan. Fishing charters on private boats are a major industry in the region. There are also excursions that let visitors explore and learn about the commercial fishing industry (such as halibut and crab fishing).
Other types ocean-bound tours include zodiac boats, kayaks, canoes, and vessels designed for sightseeing and marine life viewing (whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds).
Try one of these well-reviewed Bering Sea excursions:
Bering Sea Crab Fishing Tour (on the Aleutian Ballad from Discovery's "Deadliest Catch"
Culinary Feasts and Tours
Unsurprisingly, seafood is king in Ketchikan. With a history tied to the salmon industry (fishing and canning), the self-professed “Salmon Capital of the World” is big on salmon dishes. Crab, halibut, and chowders are also found on almost every menu. Seafood “feasts” are marketed in local restaurants, at area fishing lodges, and bundled into many commercial excursions.
Others culinary treats to try are Ketchikan’s many locally crafted ciders, beers, and wines. Finally, there are a number of great coffee bars and sweet shops to sample.
Try one of these well-reviewed food tours:
Ketchikan Salmon Walk
The Ketchikan Salmon Walk is a 1.5 mile marked loop trail that follows Ketchikan Creek. The trail follows the route that the native salmon swim during their spawning season.
A highlight of the walk is following the Creek Street boardwalk along the portions of the creek that hold a salmon ladder. The trail incorporates the Married Man’s Trail (a wooden boardwalk and stairway that connects Park Avenue to Creek Street – historically used by married men to secretly visit the Creek Street brothels).
The loop also passes by the Ketchikan City Park, Totem Heritage Center, and Deer Mountain Fish Hatchery.
Hope you have fun in Alaska’s First City, Laura and Randy
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