Cruise Port Essentials: Exploring Ketchikan, Alaska's First City

Creek Street

Best time to visit:

The peak tourist season in Ketchikan is from May to September. This is when the weather is milder, and more excursions are available. July and August are the best months for wildlife viewing, especially for salmon and bears.

Weather:

Be prepared for rainy conditions, Ketchikan is known for its rainy weather. Bring a light waterproof jacket and wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. Layers are always a good idea, and it can’t hurt to put a hat and gloves into your travel bag.

Transportation:

If you take a cruise-sponsored excursion, transportation will be provided. If you just want to visit the town — busses are easy to find and very convenient, or you can walk. Taxis tend to be expensive at the port but reasonably priced in town. Shuttles are sometimes available as well.

Getting to town \ Creek Street from the ports:

• From Dock One, Dock Two and Dock Three: These docks are located in the middle of downtown and Creek Street is a short walk away. Exit the ship and head towards the downtown area. Walk south on Front Street, which runs parallel to the waterfront. After a few blocks, turn left onto Mission Street, and you'll arrive at Creek Street. The walk is approximately 5–10 minutes.

• From Dock Four: This dock is slightly further from downtown but still within walking distance to Creek Street. Exit the ship and head towards the pedestrian walkway. Follow the walkway to Water Street, which then becomes Front Street. You'll see signs directing you towards downtown Ketchikan and Creek Street. Turn right onto Mission Street and continue along to reach Creek Street. This walk will take about 15–20 minutes.

• From Ward Cove Dock: Ward Cove is approximately seven miles north of downtown Ketchikan and Creek Street. Many cruise lines provide a complimentary shuttle service from Ward Cove to downtown

  Ketchikan. The shuttle drops you off near the Visitor Information Center, which is a short walk to Creek Street.

Local cuisine:

Ketchikan offers a variety of delicious local dishes and is known for its fresh seafood, including salmon, halibut and crab. Here are a few top recommendations:

• Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House: Offers fresh seafood and delicious chowder.

• Burger Queen: You’ll find a delicious Halibut sandwich here.

• Ketchikan Crab & Go: Known for its juicy and sweet Alaskan red crab legs, this spot is a favorite for seafood lovers.

• Alaska Fish House: Offers fresh-caught seafood, craft beers, smoked salmon chowder, fish and chips

  and fish tacos, with a historic view of the Thomas Basin fishing fleet.

• Alaska King Crab Company: Specializes in seasonally sourced and wild-caught seafood, including king crab legs.

• Pioneer Cafe: A classic American diner with retro decor, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't miss their reindeer sausage and Alaskan blueberry pancakes.

Ketchikan has some great bars where you can feel like a local, have a drink and relax. Here are a few popular spots:

• The Asylum Bar: Located downtown on Water Street, this bar has an excellent selection of locally brewed draft beers, a full menu from Burger Queen (I suggest a Halibut sandwich) and live music on weekends.

• Arctic Bar: The oldest bar in Ketchikan, it was established in 1937. It's a waterfront bar with a covered deck, draft beers on tap and the best Bloody Mary's around.

• Sourdough Cocktail Bar: Located in the historic downtown area, you can find unique cocktails here, as well as famous shipwreck pictures and pool tables.

• Fat Stan's Sports Bar & Pizzeria: A favorite pizzeria, offering fun cocktails, craft beers and delicious pizza.

Shopping:

Ketchikan has a wide variety of shops, including clothing, souvenirs, galleries, jewelry and local arts and crafts stores. Here are some of the best shops to check out:

• Tongass Trading Company: Founded in 1898, this store has clothing, furniture and hardware. It's a great place to find Alaskan souvenirs and outdoor gear. I got one of my favorite jackets here.

• Fish Creek Company: A gift shop located near the Cape Fox Funicular on Historic Ketchikan Creek. It has beautiful scenery and shopping.

• Caribou Creek: You can find one-of-a-kind items here that are handmade by Alaskan artists and crafters.

• Christmas in Alaska: A gift shop that has a variety of Christmas-themed items and gifts.

Wildlife:

Ketchikan has a wide array of wildlife. It’s absolutely amazing to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. Some wildlife you might encounter:

Black bears:

• Sometimes you can see them fishing for salmon in local streams. Keep a look out at any creeks and streams that you might pass in your travels. For more targeted bear viewing, these are some possible bear sighting locations:

• Anan Wildlife Observatory: One of the best places to see both black and brown bears feeding on salmon. It's accessible by flightseeing tours and requires a permit.

• Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek: Another great spot for bear viewing, from late July to early September.

• Herring Cove: Located just outside of town, this area is easily accessible and offers excellent bear viewing opportunities from mid-June to early September.

Bald eagles:

These magnificent birds are commonly seen flying overhead or perched in trees. Here are some top spots to see these majestic birds:

• Herring Cove: Located just outside of town, this area is known for its wildlife, including bald eagles. It's a great spot to see eagles fishing for salmon.

• Ward Cove: Another excellent location for eagle viewing, especially during the salmon run.

• Ketchikan Creek: Eagles are often seen here, especially during the salmon spawning season.

• Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: This sanctuary offers guided tours where you can see eagles, along with other wildlife like black bears and seals.

More wildlife:

• Orca and Humpback Whales: These large whales are frequently seen in the waters around Ketchikan.

• Sea Lions and Seals: These cute animals can be spotted swimming in the harbor or sunning on nearby rocks.

• Sitka Black-Tailed Deer: These deer are native to the area and can be seen in the forests.

• Over 100 species of Migrating Birds: It’s a bird-watching paradise.

Things to do in Ketchikan:

• Ketchikan offers a variety of fun excursions that allow you to explore its natural beauty and rich culture. Here are some top recommendations: (Not all cruises will have all of these available. Make sure to check your specific cruise for details)

• Adventure Ketchikan Tours: Experience unique excursions both on land and sea, including a delicious Sea Feast with local catches.

• Eagle One Enterprises, LLC: Embark on a scenic wildlife viewing adventure aboard the "Eagle One" vessel, where you can spot Alaskan Humpback whales, Orcas and more.

• Wild Wolf Tours: Enjoy eco-tours, nature walks and hiking expeditions in the lush rainforest of Tongass National Forest. You can also visit a Totem Park to learn about the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Alaska Native people.

• Creek Street: Explore this historic boardwalk area, which is mounted on stilts along Ketchikan Creek. It's a great place to stroll, shop, and learn about the local history. It was once the “red light” district in town, and you can learn about the history at Dolly’s House Museum. You can also witness the salmons' journey through the Salmon Ladder and enjoy scenic paths on the Married Man’s Trial.

• Misty Fjords National Monument: This stunning wilderness area features dramatic cliffs, fjords and waterfalls. You can explore it by boat, kayak or float plane for breathtaking views.

• Totem Bight State Historical Park: Home to beautifully restored totem poles and a traditional clan house, this park offers a glimpse into the Native Alaskan culture. It’s also a perfect place to take a nature walk and take some fabulous photos of scenic views and wildlife.

• Saxman Native Village: Visit this village to see traditional totem poles and watch Native dance performances.

• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Learn about the region's natural and cultural history through interactive exhibits and displays.

• Tongass National Forest: The largest national forest in the US. It's perfect for hiking, wildlife viewing and experiencing the lush Alaskan wilderness.

• The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is an entertaining event that showcases the skills and strength of world-class lumberjacks.

• Hump Island Oyster Company lets you tour a unique and picturesque oyster farm. You can take a guided tour to learn about the oyster farming process, enjoy a touch-tank experience and taste fresh oysters paired with champagne.

• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour: Take a tour of the Aleutian Ballad, the "Deadliest Catch" crab boat turned adventure boat. This excursion offers the chance to see crabs, octopus, prawns and often eagles diving for fish.

• Experience One Charters: With this Dungeness Crab Charter, you'll learn how to bait, set and retrieve your personal crab trap, and enjoy a crab feast on board.

• Ketchikan Duck Tour: Enjoy a fun and informative tour in an amphibious vehicle that takes you through the streets of Ketchikan and into the harbor.

• Ketchikan Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion: Join this wildlife viewing cruise to explore Alaska's rich history and natural beauty. You'll have guaranteed eagle sightings, along with views of the Tongass National Rainforest, Totem Bight State Park and Guard Island Lighthouse.

• Coastal Wildlife Experiences: These explore the beautiful coastal scenery of the area while

  exploring the local marine life. Wild Wolf tours, Ketchikan Adventures and Allen Marine tours all offer you a chance to experience whales, sea eagles, seals, while hiking and/or boating.

• Wilderness Zodiac Quest: This is an adventure that takes you through the George Inlet Fjords in a motorized Zodiac boat. You’ll see beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, stunning fjords and you’ll enjoy Alaskan refreshments.

• Rainforest Island Adventure: This is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the area and wildlife. It entails a scenic boat ride, guided nature walks, wildlife viewing and delicious Alaskan snacks. It’s a great family experience.

• Photo Safaris: You’ll capture stunning photographs as your award-winning guide takes you to scenic Ketchikan areas. You will see totems, wildlife, flowers, waterfalls, beaches, forests, mountains and creeks, with tips on how to get the best shots.

Fishing charter:

Ketchikan is a fantastic destination for salmon fishing. Here are some top charters:

• Alaska King Fishing Charter: Offers guided fishing tours for salmon, halibut and more.

• Baranof Fishing Excursions: Provides a variety of fishing adventures out of Ketchikan. It's perfect for families and experienced fishermen.

• The Alaska Catch: Offers private fishing charters customized to your interests on the calm seas surrounding Ketchikan.

• Oasis Alaska Charters: Known for the best salmon and halibut fishing in Ketchikan.

For those looking for a little more adventure:

• Adventure Kart Expedition: An off-road guided tour that takes you through the rugged Alaskan wilderness in specially designed off-road karts. You'll navigate forest trails, enjoy stunning views of the Tongass National Forest, and have the chance to spot wildlife like eagles and bears. This is one of my families' favorite excursions.

• Ketchikan AdventureVue: Off-road UTV excursions perfect for adventure-seekers. This family-friendly tour provides an exciting way to explore the scenic backcountry of Ketchikan.

• Bear Creek Ziplines: This adventure takes you through the treetops with a series of ziplines and suspension bridges. It's a great way to experience the beauty of the Tongass National Forest.

• Rainforest Ropes & Zipline: Located at Southeast Exposure, this zipline park features six ziplines and eight unique aerial traverses. You'll glide through old-growth cedars and over the ocean, with stunning views of the forest and wildlife.

• Ketchikan Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure: This tour includes nine ziplines and one aerial bridge, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest and salmon-spawning creek below. You'll also have the chance to possibly see eagles and bears from the platforms.

• Kawanti Adventures: Offers guided nature walks and two zipline adventure courses. It's a fantastic way to explore the scenic backcountry of Ketchikan.

• Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari: This excursion includes off-road driving, canoeing and hiking. You’ll drive your 4-wheel-drive Jeep Wrangler through Tongass National Forest, canoe across Lake Harriet Hunt and hike through the Alaskan wilderness.

As you can see, Ketchikan has something to offer for everyone. This is just a sampling of the many activities and adventures that Ketchikan has to offer. You can have a wonderful day just strolling through the city and eating at local restaurants, soaring over the mountains in a float plane, viewing black bears, catching salmon or catching salmon yourself. Ketchikan is one of my favorite places because it has so much to offer. The scenery is stunning. There is abundant wildlife and the people are lovely. Sunny or rainy, prepare to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience here.