ketchikan cruise ship dock map

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Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island Alaska)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-09-11 04:05

Port Ketchikan cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Ketchikan, Revillagigedo Island Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Ketchikan is a port city on Revillagigedo Island (part of Alexander Archipelago, Southeast Alaska) with population around 8,000. The cruise port is near Canada's southern border. All cruise ships dock near downtown. 

Port Ketchikan (locode USKTN) is approx 88 mi (140 km) northwest of Prince Rupert (Kaien Island, BC Canada) , and approx 235 mi (380 km) southeast of Juneau AK .

The town was founded in the late-19th-century as a fishing village and incorporated in 1900. The town developed mainly through the fishing and fish-processing industries (canneries). Current-day city's economy is still based on fishing (canneries), as well as on tourism, forestry and services.

Famous sights in Ketchikan are its totem poles - one of the world's most elaborate collections of giant wood carvings. The Totem Heritage Centre houses a collection of authentic poles. At Totem Bight State Park and the Saxman village can be also seen original totem poles as well as enactments of native dances and legends.

Popular seaplane tours include Misty Fjords National Monument (approx 22 mi / 35 east of downtown) and Alaska Bear Adventure (Neets Bay). Also popular among tourists are the fishing charter excursions (salmon, halibut, cod, herring, rockfish) as well as guided eco-tours for wildlife viewing. Ketchikan's most popular restaurants are Alaska Fish House (seafood), Chico’s Mexican (also best for pizzas), Burger Queen, Bawden Street Brewery.

On June 4, 2016, Port Ketchikan's Berth 3 was damaged by the Celebrity Cruises liner  Celebrity Infinity while docking. Due to the sustained serious damages, the pier became inoperative.

• The collision was caused by a sudden gust of wind and resulted in around USD 0,93 million in damages.
• The vessel was approaching Berth 3 when a strong wind (up to 20 m/s) pushed it into the structure.
• Repair works started on June 7, and by July 5 the pier was useable again.
• During pier's repair, ships in Ketchikan had to use the other 3 piers or anchor near Berth 3 and ferry their passengers via tender boats.
• In the period June 3 - July 5, the damaged Berth 3 had a total of 35 scheduled/booked ship calls.

On September 25, 2017, Port Ketchikan welcomed its 1 millionth cruise ship tourist in a single Alaskan season (a Fort Lauderdale family with two children on the NCL ship Norwegian Jewel .

Walker Cove (part of Misty Fjords National Monument) is approx 42 mi (68 km) from Ketchikan, and extends approx 9 mi (15 km) into mainland Alaska. Walker Cove is a scenic destination with stunning scenery - towering rocks (on the fjord's both sides) and hundreds of waterfalls. Wildlife seeing opportunities along the shoreline include bears, seals, bald eagles.

In early-November 2019, NCLH (parent company of NCL-Norwegian ,  RSSC-Regent , Oceania ) announced signing a deal for 30-year preferential berthing at Ward Cove. The agreement allowed NCLH to build a new (2-ship pier) at the cruise port. The new pier has capacity to dock simultaneously two liners, each with passenger capacity ~4000. The project was completed in 2020.

Ketchikan cruise terminal

Follows the Ketchikan cruise port's map also showing all major tourist attractions near the port.

Next map shows the locations of the port's 3 dedicated cruise piers (docks 1, 2, 3) and all the passenger terminal facilities.

(NEW) Ward Cove Cruise Terminal

In June 2019, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced the company's plans to construct in Ketchikan a private dock (cruise terminal) in Ward Cove - located approx 5 mi / 8 km north of the city.

For the new 2-berth dock, NCL contracted the Alaskan companies Ward Cove Group (Ketchikan-based, construction works and materials) and Godspeed Inc (Fairbanks, tours). The permit for the construction works was issued on January 21, 2020. Dock-side dredging works will be conducted by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The new dock will be at the site of the Ketchikan Pulp Company (factory operational between 1954-1997/defunct) which was owned by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (1973-founded) and is currently ranked the world's largest producer of OSB (oriented strand board) and engineered wood building products.

Ward Cove project's "Phase 1" is expected to cost ~USD 50 million, with scheduled completion in 2020. The project's "Phase 2" includes the building of a passenger terminal and tourist center. NCL will have priority docking rights. Other cruise ships may use it only when NCL is not.

Both new berths can handle Post-Panamax vessels (including the world's largest passenger ships ). Shuttle bus service for cruise tourists from the new terminal to downtown is provided complimentary.

Port Ketchikan's downtown dock currently can handle only one such large vessel at a time. Reconfiguring this publicly-owned dock to allow berthing for more mega-ships was estimated at ~USD 150 million (including shoreside infrastructure improvements).

Ketchikan tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Tongass National Forest

Tatoosh Islands Wilderness (kayaking tour)

Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail (canoeing tour)

Deer Mountain Trail (starts approx 1,5 mi from the cruise ship dock)

Creek Street (early-20th-century historic district/scenic walkway, shops, museums, Married Man’s Trail, Dolly’s House Museum)

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Ketchikan – Alaska – USA

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Juneau Sitka Skagway Vancouver Victoria

Cruise Port Guide Ketchikan – Alaska – USA: docked

Ketchikan has 4 docks available for cruise ships. All ships dock in front of the historical district of Ketchikan. Simply cross the street and you are there. There are a lot of attractions and museum in town. We do highly recommend to plan a trip further afield to get a real sense of what Alaska is all about. If you are staying in town you will miss out on this. Find out underneath what there is to do in Ketchikan.

Tourist information centre

In the summer there are 2 main visitor centres that you will find right at the berth. See the map above for its exact location. At the visitors centre you can get all kind of information like walking maps, bus schedules, hiking information, but you can also book tours and excursions.

Free shuttle bus service

The city of Ketchikan offers a free shuttle service in the downtown area. The shuttle will make a stop at all 4 cruise docks, Creek street, Thomas Stedman, Totem Heritage City Park and Plaza Mall. The shuttle should come by every 15 minutes. Pick up shuttle bus brochure at the tourist information. The bus is wheelchair accessible.

Public Transport

The public transport system in Ketchikan can bring you anywhere you need to go. There are 2 bus lines in Ketchikan of which the Silver Line might be the most interesting for you. The Silver Line Northbound takes you from the cruise ship dock to Totem Bight and Potlatch Park. The Silver Line Southbound takes you from the cruise dock to Saxman Totem Park. Busses usually departs once per hour. The bus fare is 1 US dollar per ride or 2 US dollar for a day pass. More information can be found on www.kgbak.us/transit. See the map above to check where the bus stops in Ketchikan are. Keep in mind that with several cruise ships in town the bus can be quite full. The bus is wheelchair accessible.

Taxis in Ketchikan

In Ketchikan taxis will be available, but keep in mind they are limited. Therefore it might be best to pre arrange a taxi. The taxi rate / fare is 3,50 US dollar a drop, 3 US dollar a mile.

Shore Excursions

In Ketchikan there are lots of shore excursions options. Ketchikan has good transportation facilities to get you out of town and to the attractions further afield. However, if you want to go for adventure like zip lining, whale watching, kayaking of fishing we recommend you to arrange a shore excursion.

There are lots of hiking trails in and around Ketchikan. For easy hikes we recommend:

– Rainbird trail: An easy 45 minute hike through the rain forest that starts in Ketchikan.

– Married men’s trail: A short 10 minute hike from Creek Street in town.

For more difficult hikes we recommend:

– Deer Mountain trail: Starts in town. The trail is 5 miles round trip with an elevation of 3000 feet. It takes about 4 hours (round-trip). It offers spectacular views over Ketchikan and the surrounding islands.

– Perseverance Lake trail: First take the Silver Line North Bound bus for 1 US dollar to Ward Cove. Find the start of the trail at the 3 C’s Campground Parking. The Perseverance Lake Trail is a 5 mile track (round trip), will take 3 hours (round trip) and has an elevation of 450 feet.

Always visit the tourist information on the dock before you head off. You always need to check on the latest information and status of the trail. This is also where you can pick up the hiking map of all the trails mentioned above.

Distance from port

City Centre Ketchikan 0 mile / 0 km

Creek street +/- 600 yards

Saxman Native Village 2,7 miles / 4,3 km east

Totem Bight State Park 10 mile / 16 km west

The perfect $2 day

If you are on a budget why not do it this way: Take the North Bound Silver bus (see description above) to the Totem Bright Park for $1. Entrance to the park is free. Learn about the totem poles and head back to town taking the South Bound Silver bus for $1. Head over to the tourist information to pick up the free walking tour map. It is a 2 mile walk bringing you by the most popular spots in town like the Totem Heritage Park and Creek Street. During the day you will come across more attractions like Potlatch Park, Dolly’s House and the Discovery Museum. Most often the entree fee is about $5 dollars per person.

FAQ about cruise destination Ketchikan

-Do you need a fishing license when fishing in Ketchikan? Yes you do. It costs 20 dollars day. A fishing license is available through carter operators or at sporting good stores.

-What will the weather be like in Ketchikan? You never know, but be prepared for rain. The best way to prepare is to layer up for any kind of weather.

Accessibility

The following sights are wheelchair accessible:

-City of Saxman

-The Great Lumberjack show

-Totem Heritage Centre

-Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre

-Alaska Raptor Centre

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This museum in town displays all kinds of ancient tools or the native people. Find the museum at Creek Street, just a couple of blocks walk from the ship.

Tongass Historical Museum

629 Dock St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

The famous and fun street in the centre of Ketchikan is Creek Street. This area used to be Ketchikan’s red light district. 30 stilt houses lined up the Ketchikan creek that is nowadays filled with lovely souvenir shops and museum. Make sure not to miss this picture perfect street in Ketchikan. Creek street is only a couple of blocks walk from your ship.

Creek Street

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Close to Ketchikan you can find the Misty Fjord National Monument. This sight is completely untouched by humans. You will find incredible scenery here. Inlets carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and wildlife in abundance. Visit this fjord by boat of floatplane shore excursion.

Misty Fjord National Monument

Misty Fjords, Alaska

In Alaska you can find all five species of Alaska’s Pacific Salmon. They are King, Sockeye, Coho, Pink and Chum. Every year from August to October you will find the salmon find the very stream they were born to spawn and die. It is a phenomenal event that you cannot miss if your cruise is arriving in August or September.

This museum in the heart of town discusses many different aspects of the Tongass like the locals way of life, ecosystems, wildlife and industry. It is a must for anybody wanting to learn more about this part of the world. Find the Discovery centre right in town, see map for its exact location. $5 entree.

Southeast Alaska Discovery centre

50 Main St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

The candy shop of Ketchikan is the KetchiCandy. Visit the store for the love of chocolate and take some home as a souvenir. Special tip: Oreo cookies covered in chocolate. Visit the shop in town. Find exact location on the map above.

Ketchi Candies

500 Mission St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

The visitors centre of Ketchikan offers a walking tour map so you can guide yourself around the town of Ketchikan, see all the mayor sights and learn about its history. The total walk is about 2 mile.

Walking tour ketchikan

Join this fun 1 hour show of the battle of the Lumberjacks. Find the show in town, see map above for its exact location. $37 dollar entree

Lumberjack Show

420 Spruce Mill Way, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

When shopping in Haines make sure to buy the products with this logo. This indicated the products has actually been made in Alaska.

Made in Alaska

Ketchikan offers 4 cruise dock which are all located in front of the center of town. From here you simply cross the street and you are in the historical part of town. Read our full Ketchikan cruise port guide for all the information about this cruise destination.

Ketchikan cruise dock

On Creek street you will find a Dolly’s House. Dolly Arthur was Ketchikan’s most famous Madam of negotiable affection. She would finally retire at the age of 72. Her house is preserved as she left it and is nowadays a museum. Dolly’s house is only a couple of blocks walk from your ship.

Dolly’s house

24 Creek St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

Ketchikan is the 4th wettest place on earth. Ketchikan lies in the largest temperate rain forest in the world. It receives over 200 inches of rain each year. Be prepared when visiting this town and don’t let rain spoil the fun. Enjoy what the locals call: liquid sunshine. They even honour rain with their liquid sunshine gauge on the pier!

Liquid sunshine gauge

Find this famous monument by Dave Rubin at the dock in Ketchikan. It features 7 large statues of Ketchikan’s past. Find Chief Johnson, a logger, a fisherman, a miner, an aviator, a native women and lady from the 1890’s here.

“The Rock” monument

210 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

Just north of Ketchikan you will find the Totem Pole Bight Park. They house a special collection of restored totem poles and give you all kind of information about the meaning of totem poles. At the Totem Pole Bight Park you will also find Potlatch Park. At the museum you will find a replica of a Native Village and collection of classic cars and rare firearms. Visit the park by shore excursion or take the Silver Line bus to it. Free entree.

Totem Pole Bight Park & Potlatch Park

9883 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

This historical site houses original and unrestored totem poles created by Tlingit and Haida villages in the 19th century. This museum is a 15 minute walk from town or you can take the free shuttle bus to it.

Totem Heritage Centre

601 Deermount St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA

About 2,5 mile / 4 km southeast of Ketchikan you will find the Saxman Native Village. It is a carving centre where they create contemporary totem poles. Learn about this great skill of carving these poles and visit the show. Visit the Saxman Native Village by shore excursion or take the public Silver Line bus to it (see description above). $5 entree fee for unguided tours.

Saxman Native Village

2660 Killer Whale Ave, Saxman, AK 99901, USA

Ketchikan is considered the Salmon Capitol because of its canning history. Find this welcome arch right in front of the dock. It has been put here by the Chamber of Commerce in the 1950’s.

Ketchikan’s Welcome Arch

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Visiting Ketchikan By Cruise Ship? Everything You Need to Know!

If you’ve booked a cruise to Alaska you may be looking for the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska. I’ve just got back from a fantastic cruise there.

Ketchikan is positioned amongst the breathtaking landscapes of the Inside Passage.

The Inside Passage stretches hundreds of miles from Puget Sound, Washington, through the British Columbia coast and into the Gulf of Alaska.

The Inside Passage includes more than 1,000 islands, beautiful shorelines and thousands of idyllic coves and bays.

The town of Ketchikan has so much to offer for cruise ship travellers, with a range of exciting activities to explore and do – from scenic walks to exciting excursions, museums and interesting shops/stores.

Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska during your cruise stop

Can You Walk Around Ketchikan From The Cruise Port?

It used to be possible to just get off the ship and walk around downtown Ketchikan. You would always be docked centrally – but now whether you can do that depends on whether you are docked in the original cruise port, or out at Ward Cove.

Ward Cove is around seven miles from Ketchikan and is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line

When I visited as a child we just walked around this interesting town. We saw the famous Creek Street – where colourful wooden houses are built on stilts, we saw Totem Poles and the famous Salmon Run.

There is a range of gift shops, cafes, and boutiques where you can buy a range of locally-made goods and foods in the town.

You can walk along the waterfront, where you will have wonderful views of the marina and the surrounding mountains beyond.

You will find interesting Totem Poles just scattered throughout the town.

Ketchikan has a rich Native American heritage. The Totem Pole carvings are thought to symbolise or commemorate ancestors, and cultural beliefs. They are thought to recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events.

Where will my ship dock in Port?

Downtown Ketchikan has three main cruise ship docks, that can hold Mega-Ships.

There is a 4th Cruise ship dock about a 10-15 minute walk from the town.

In 2024 I was docked at Norwegian’s purpose-built dock at Ward Cove – a twenty-minute shuttle bus ride from Ketchikan. Unfortunately, that did mean that as I had a boat tour booked, I didn’t get to visit the town of Ketchikan at all.

Download your FREE Ketchikan Map with all four Cruise Ship Docks marked below:

Ward Cove to Downtown Ketchikan Shuttle Service.

There is a new docking area exclusively used by Norwegian Cruise lines called Ward Cove. This is about a 20 to 30 min shuttle ride into the town of Ketchikan.

This is where I docked on my latest trip to Alaska on Norwegian Encore. Most cruisers were on organised tours with NCL and the tours started from here.

They also offer a free shuttle to Walmart if you don’t fancy a trip in to Ketchikan!

When I visited we only made a half-day port stop in Ketchikan, which was a shame because I didn’t get to visit and explore the town.

There is a complimentary shuttle service from Ward Cove to Cruise Ship Dock 4 in downtown Ketchikan.

The journey takes approximately 20 minutes each way. Make sure you check the ship’s departure time and the final shuttle bus departure time back to the ship. You don’t want to be left behind!

Find out the most common reasons people miss their cruise ships here:

3 Reasons Why People Get Left Behind By Cruise Ships At The Port (It’s Not To Do With Not Buying Cruise Line Excursions)

To explore downtown Ketchikan, you might want to disembark early to catch an early shuttle and make most of your time ashore.

The shuttles operate continuously throughout the day. Allow at least 30 minutes for the journey to downtown. You’ll find the shuttle service starting from the far end of the Welcome Center.

Upon reaching the Ketchikan Cruise Dock 4, allow 15 minutes for a leisurely walk to the heart of downtown.

For guests with mobility issues, a complimentary bus service operated by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough departs from Cruise Ship Dock 4 every 20 minutes. This will take you to various destinations within downtown Ketchikan.

Can I explore Ketchikan on my own?

Yes, Ketchikan is a pedestrian-friendly town, perfect for exploring by yourself.

When my family visited in 2005 we walked around and saw the Totem Poles, Eagles, and the Salmon Run where large Sockeye Salmon swim upstream. We visited in Ketchikan in August, but you can also see this in July.

We also visited Creek Street and saw the famous brightly coloured houses on stilts.

We visited the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. There is the Tongass Historical Museum within walking distance too, but we didn’t visit that.

For nature enthusiasts, a hike along one of Ketchikan’s many scenic trails, such as the Rainbird Trail or the Deer Mountain Trail is a must.

Rainbird Trail is perfect if you only have a couple hours but still want to experience a small piece of Southeast Alaska’s rainforest. The trailhead is only a 20 minute walk from downtown (or a 5 minute drive), and the trail’s southern end offers great views of downtown Ketchikan, the Tongass Narrows, and the neighboring islands beyond. Alaska.org

There is so much to do in Ketchikan you couldn’t possibly see everything in one trip. You may need to book a second cruise for another time.. .

If you visit at the right time of year you may catch the Salmon Run. This is usually in July and August.

How do you spend a day in port?

There are so many things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska you can spend the day exploring its many attractions.

Start your morning with a visit to the close by Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits showcase the region’s natural and cultural history.

Take a walk along the waterfront, and check out the coloured houses on stilts at Creek Street.

Afterwards, you could try some locally caught seafood feast at one of Ketchikan’s restaurants, freshly caught salmon and halibut are always on the menu.

Anabelle’s famous Keg and Chowder House serves delicious food a great local favourite just great food and is conveniently located on Front Street.

What is the best excursion in Ketchikan?

That is impossible to answer – it depends on your interests!

Cruise excursions you may want to consider include:

• Whale Watching
• Seaplane tours
• Alaskan Native Totem Pole Tours
• Kayak Tours
• Sea Crab Fisherman Tours

The “Eagles, Totems and Lighthouse” tour that I took was wonderful. We ticked those three things off the list and also got to try some locally-produced snacks – like locally caught Salmon.

Which Shops Are Near The Ketchikan Cruise Port?

If you’re in the mood for some shopping the cruise port is surrounded by many shops offering everything from locally crafted souvenirs to high-end jewellery.

Shops That Are Worth A Visit:

This post was created in collaboration with Melissa from  CruiseShopSave . She worked in Alaska for many years while working for cruise lines, and she’s taught me a LOT about Alaska.

Gifts and Jewellery

• Here, you will find unusual jewellery and unique designs inspired by Alaska’s natural beauty.
• They actually sell jewellery that glows in the dark.I have a necklace from here like this and we saw it glow in our cabin when we turned the lights off to go to sleep!

• Julie’s Fine Jewelry is a proudly Alaskan family business, founded in 1993. It operates 3 long-standing stores. Here you will find the biggest and best selection of hand-carved Totem Poles from local Alaskan Artists.
• Beautiful sculptures, artwork fabulous collections of Gold and Quartz jewellery, Gold Nuggets, Diamonds, Gold and Ivory.
• During the demonstration they give you when you enter the store, their products change color in the sun. Yes, there is some sun in Alaska, it certainly was sunny when we were there. 
• They have colour change everything, even Nail varnish that changes colour in the sun.  There is a coupon on the back of the map above; my favourite is called Revenge in a Bottle…
• This is more of an apparel shop with everything from bedding, blankets, socks, shirts, work out cloths and even underwear.
• Everything feels so soft I couldn’t stop touching everything there is also a coupon on the back of the map above.

Julie’s Fine Jewelry only offers American-made products and authentic, genuine items crafted by Alaskans.

Art and Galleries

• They specialise in Northwest Coast & Traditional Alaskan Native Artwork.
• Since 1972, Scanlon Gallery has offered residents and visitors to Ketchikan the finest in Alaskan art.
• You will find art at affordable prices – whether your interests are in original paintings, sculptures, fine art prints, posters, or fine art books.

Local Produce

• This family-run, locally owned and operated business has run for over 35 years. It sells the finest locally sourced Alaskan seafood.
• It sells smoked salmon and other wild seafood products that you can take with you or have shipped to your home address.

Find out more about the amazing excursions I took when I visited Alaska here:

Before You Go

Find out what else you should plan and pack for on your cruise below:

Planning And Packing For Your Cruise – Things To Do In Advance!

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Top 10 Must-See Cruise Destinations: Discover Where Everyone’s Cruising To in 2024!

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Welcome to the Port of Ketchikan, Alaska!

Ketchikan has four Panamax-sized cruise ship berths. They are numbered sequentially from south to north, along the downtown waterfront. Each berth also has an adjacent float.   

Daly Float is 200 feet long and is located on the inboard side of Berth I.   

Ryus Float is 150 feet long and is located at the north end of Berths II.   

Berth III has a 400 foot long float on the northern, inboard side of the berth.   

Berth IV  has two floats. The first is 120 feet long and is on the southern, inboard side of the berth and the second is 70 feet long and is located on the northern, inboard side of the berth.   

2 024 Ketchikan Cruise Ship Berthing Calendar-  as of  May 20 , 2024

  Please submit comments or questions about the proposed 2024 Ketchikan Cruise Ship Berthing Calendar here

Port Rates Information Sheet - Updated 1/19/24

2024 Dock Vendor Lease Program Information  2024 Dock Vendor Lease Program Awards & Intent to Award Information Dock Vendor Lease Program info flyer January 16 Dock Vendor Lease Program info session presentation

Contact Info

• 334 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 Phone: (907) 225-3111 Contact Us

Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide and Information

Doug Parker

• January 14, 2020

Known as the “gateway to Southeast Alaska,” Ketchikan is one of the southernmost cities on the Inside Passage—a network of waterways that snake through the lush Tongass National Forest and alongside the snowy peaks of the Alaska Coast Range. 

The Ketchikan area was initially used as a fish camp by Tlingit Natives, who named the site “Kitschk-hin,” meaning “thundering wings of an eagle.”

Today, the city still showcases Native culture with attractions such as Chief Johnson’s Totem Pole, which can be found in the heart of town. Ketchikan actually has one of the largest collections of totem poles to be found in Alaska, some of which date back more than a century.  

Westerners first arrived at Ketchikan in the 1880s to establish a saltery (in which fish are salted for market) and cannery. By the 1890s, Ketchikan was serving as a supply center for gold miners hoping to strike it rich. However, fish canning, logging and tourism have historically been the town’s most valuable economic ventures. 

Today, Ketchikan is home to a vibrant community of about 13,000 people, not to mention the thousands of visitors who arrive monthly via cruise ship.

Cruise Ship Dock 

Cruise ships dock in the heart of Ketchikan. The port can accommodate up to four ships at a time, which means that, depending on the size of the vessels in port, up to 21,00o passengers and crew might be visiting on any given day. Occasionally the port will receive a fifth cruise ship that has to anchor and ferry passengers ashore via tender boats. This means that on a peak day, there could be twice as many visitors to the town as there are residents!

Ketchikan Weather

Temperatures range from around 30 degrees in the winter to the mid-70s in the summer season. The city receives a fair amount of rain and fog. The fog usually burns off by midday but the rain can stay with you for a while. June, July, and August are the months that receive the least amount of rainfall.

Local Tastes

With its coastal setting on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan offers some of the freshest seafood found anywhere in the country.

Staples include richly flavored Chinook salmon (also called King salmon), buttery Pacific halibut and sweet King crab. Try restaurants such as Annabelle’s Keg & Chowder House or the Alaska King Crab Company, both of which receive high marks from visitors and locals alike.

For Mediterranean and American cuisine featuring a variety of vegetarian options, visit New York Café. New China Restaurant offers excellent Thai and Chinese menu items, as well as traditional beverages such as coconut juice and milk tea. 

Whether you want to buy a hard hat or gold, you can easily find it in Ketchikan’s historic downtown, lined with everything from galleries to candy stores.

Here are a few favorites :

• Ketchikan Dry Goods
• Soho Coho Gallery
• Tongass Trading Company
• Simply Bella
• Starboard Frames & Gifts
• Ketchicandies

Ketchikan is rich with cultural gems. Art lovers might begin at the Scanlon Gallery, which has been showcasing items including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, woodwork, photography and jewelry since 1972. The Tongass Historical Museum features exhibits on Native fish camps and the importance of salmon to people in the region.

Historical photographs and artifacts help bring displays to life. The Arctic Spirit Gallery showcases traditional Native arts and crafts. The Totem Heritage Center houses Native objects such as beaded regalia and cedar bark baskets, and it also offers classes in Native arts.

Popular Cruise Excursions

• Explore Ketchikan’s gorgeous seaside and mountainous landscape on foot or by boat. Make sure you take a stroll down historic Creek Street to see the salmon ladders, stores and the famous Married Man’s Trail, which offers a short hike to a gorgeous view. 
• Popular hiking routes include the 2.5-mile Deer Mountain Trail to the roughly 3,000-foot summit, and the 2.6-mile out-and-back Rainbird Trail, providing stunning coastal views.
• Allen Marine Tours, Inc. hosts a 4.5-hour narrated boat tour to the beautiful Misty Fjords National Monument.
• Snorkel Alaska, an eight-time winner of Princess Cruises Shore Excursion of the Year Award, takes intrepid travelers beneath the surface to find colorful sea life as vibrant as what can be seen in tropical coral reefs. 
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast. The lodge is a cannery location in a remote area. Guests board a crab boat and pull up crab pots and get a wildlife tour, followed by an all-you-can-eat dungeons crab feast. This is accessible by floatplane or a 25-minute motorcoach ride.

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Ketchikan has four panamax sized cruise ship berths. They are numbered sequentially from south to north along the downtown waterfront.

If the pier is full of ships, you will tender into Ketchikan from the ship. The tenders will drop you right downtown.

The public bus system is superb. It will transport you to all tourist sites. The downtown shuttle is free and with 15 minutes intervals will pass by all cruise berths. All other bus fares are only $1.

Ketchikan International Airport is located on Gravina Island, a five minute ferry ride to town. Airport shuttle vans and a water taxi service meet all flights, transporting passengers and luggage from baggage claim to your Ketchikan destination.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Ketchikan AK USA

Sightseeing:

Misty Ketchikan , the rainiest town in southeast Alaska, is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." The town offers the perfect blend of activities: spend the morning kayaking in Misty Fjords or hiking up Deer Mountain , then spend the afternoon poking in and out of fantastic galleries and shops.

You're bound to visit Creek Street, a row of wooden buildings perched over the water on pilings. Today's brightly painted boutiques once catered to gentlemen seeking the company of "sporting women." The museum at Dolly's House gives you a glimpse into the bawdy ways of frontier life, though Ketchikan's red-light district wasn't shut down until 1953.

Legends of a different sort are recorded on totem poles. Boasting the world's largest collection of Northwest totems, Ketchikan has plenty of places to see these fascinating works of art.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

By USA standards, Ketchikan has a great transportation system . There’s lot of coverage to popular destinations, including Ward Cove, Totem Bight , and Saxman Park . Fares are cheap (just $1) for bus service, and two free shuttles run from May to September between the cruise ship docks and key downtown locations.

The entire bus fleet is wheelchair accessible, and two are mobile works of art, having been painted by Ray Troll and Oliver Martin. Their murals depict the colorful salmon, which are at the heart of Ketchikan’s economy and way of life.

Right at the docks, opposite cruise berth 2 there's a low-slung green building (Visitors Bureau), and another opposite berth 3 (Visitors Center). From either of these, pick up a free Walking Tour Map, which also serves as an excellent map of the entire downtown and cruise docks area.

There are numerous excursion operators offering kayaking, floatplane rides, bicycling tours, or simply transportation to just-out-of-town attractions. As it rains so much, it is recommended to wait booking something till you are there. It rains 300 days a year in Ketchikan. Kayaking in the rain is not much fun. These operators offer tours also offered at the ship’s excursions desk except a lot cheaper.

Don't Miss Shore Excursion: The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show celebrates Ketchikan's logging heyday. Watching pros compete at log rolling, axe throwing and pole climbing makes even a rainy day entertaining. The bleachers, thankfully, are covered. The sometimes corny show lasts 1-1/4 hours, leaving plenty of time for shopping -- the port's shore activity of choice.

See black bears catch and eat their fill of salmon at Neets Bay in Tongass National Forest. Sign up on board your ship for this floatplane and bear watching thrill (late July through September). Book only when you have arrived and the weather is nice.

At the far end of Creek Street, follow a short trail, signposted to the Fish Hatchery and Fish Ladder where, in the summer months, you can watch salmon struggling and leaping upstream to spawn, pursued along the river by an occasional hungry harbor seal.

Ketchikan Duck Tour This is a fun-filled adventure showing you all the best that Ketchikan has to offer!

The " Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour " is one of the favorite shore excursions offered by most ships, but you can also book it directly if you choose to do so. If you are a "Deadliest Catch" fan, this trip is for you. It allows people from all walks of life to stand on the edge of the commercial fishing world.

It pays to compare your cruise line excursions : Tours etc. offered by GetYourGuide and by Viator .

Nearby Places:

Outside of Ketchikan, two must-sees are Totem Bight State Park (10 miles north), and Saxman Native Village (2 miles south), where you can watch Native carvers at work.

Rain forest Canopy Ropes & Zipline Park , lot's of fun and excitement.

Shopping and Food

Best Souvenir in Ketchikan: A hand-carved totem pole.

The most interesting area -- both for historic value and good shopping -- is Creek Street. Not a street at all, this boardwalk winds along Ketchikan Creek and was once the locale for all the area's brothels. Now it's home to artsy galleries.

The official U.S. currency is the United States dollar (symbol: $). ATM's everywhere.

Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely used and accepted, even for transactions worth only a few dollars. In fact, in some cases, it may be the only way to make a transaction. Note to overseas visitors: Prices of goods and services always seem lower than they really are, as taxes and gratuities are seldom included.

Most states have a sales tax, ranging from 2.9% to nearly 10% of the retail price; 4-6% is typical. Sales tax is almost never included in posted prices (except for gasoline, and in most states, alcoholic beverages consumed on-premises), but instead will be calculated and added to the total when you pay.

Tipping in America is widely used and expected. While Americans themselves often debate correct levels and exactly who deserves to be tipped, generally accepted standard rates are:

• Full-service restaurants: 15-20% (Often this is the only income of the wait(ress). Tips are either left in cash or you can add it to the credit card slip) Note: Few restaurants add an automatic service charge, in which case it is up to you how much you tip extra. Check your bill!
• Taxi drivers, hairdressers, other personal services: 10-15%
• Bartenders: $1 per drink if inexpensive or 15% of total
• Bellhops: $1-2 per bag ($3-5 minimum regardless)
• Hotel doorman: $1 per bag (if they assist), $1 for calling a cab
• Tour guides: Depending on tour length, size, and overall quality of guided tours; for half day tours or less $5-10 per person, for longer tours $10-20 per person.
• Private car & limousine drivers: 15-20%
• Housekeeping in hotels: $1-2 per day for long stays or $5 minimum for very short stays (optional)
• Food delivery (pizza, etc.): $2-5, possibly more for very large orders

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Communication:

There is free, fast WiFi for customers at the Cape Fox Lodge bar/restaurant at the top of the funicular.

Emergency 911

Opening Hours and Holidays:

In major metropolitan areas like New York and Los Angeles, many drugstores and supermarkets are routinely open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, while department stores, shopping centers and most other large retailers are typically open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and often with shorter hours on Sundays - generally 11 a.m. or noon to 5 or 6 p.m. On holidays, the tendency is to remain open (with the exception of the most important holidays like Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day where stores are generally closed)

Holidays in the USA

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• Alaska / Ketchikan

Your NCL Cruise to Alaska: 5 Pro Tips for Ward Cove (Ketchikan) 

by Prof. Cruise · Published September 3, 2022 · Updated December 14, 2023

It’s rare that I hate anything about cruising, and especially cruising to Alaska, but I hated Ward Cove, the new NCL terminal near Ketchikan when I experienced it for the first time right after it opened in 2021.  I hated it so much that I almost started discouraging people from sailing on NCL to Alaska.  It’s good I didn’t though since I’ve cruised there on the line myself a handful of times since and will continue to do so.  Why?  Because there’s so much to love about NCL (and for me, a local Seattle resident, sometimes the last-minute fares on NCL are just too great to pass up).  So instead, I offer you these 5 Pro Tips for minimizing the pain of Ward Cove, experiencing the benefits (yes, there are benefits), and getting to the “real” Ketchikan.  

What is Ward Cove?

The Mill at Ward Cove welcomed its first NCL cruise passengers in 2021. Prior to serving as a cruise terminal, it was a pulp mill that operated from 1954 to 1997. It’s located about 15 miles outside of Ketchikan and serves only NCL ships (other cruise lines dock in downtown Ketchikan). Reception from passengers has been overwhelmingly negative as it’s an inconvenient 20 minute shuttle ride (offered by NCL and currently free) to downtown Ketchikan. But hopefully this post will start to gradually change its negative reputation (or it will increase my negative reputation).

5 Pro Tips for Ward Cove

1. take the perfect photo of your ship .

Remember I said there are “benefits” of ward cove?  The biggest benefit is that it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot AND you can take the best photos of your ship docked there.  At the end of the pier hang a left (before you enter the terminal building). 

Keep walking along the short path and you’ll reach several spots for that PERFECT photo. Here are some I took there just today:

2. Watch for eagles

There are several eagles that live in the trees around Ward Cove.  I’ve seen them on every one of my cruises there.  Look out the port side of the ship to this mound of trees:

Listen for their loud screeches (you’ll often hear eagles before you see them) and look for white heads near the top of trees (you’ll likely see them flying around too). Hand to God, as I sit here writing, facing out at this exact spot, I just saw two fly by – an adult and a juvenile (juveniles don’t have white heads yet)! You WILL see them if you take the time to look (I’ve seen them here on every cruise).

3. Plan independent excursions or explore on your own, but give yourself plenty of time

Because the cruise terminal is located so far from downtown Ketchikan (where most independent tours meet), many will be nervous about booking independent tours or venturing out on their own.  Don’t be!  Ketchikan is so easy to navigate and tour operators are now used to dealing with guests coming from Ward Cove.  However, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from Ward Cove/downtown Ketchikan.  While the free NCL provided shuttle bus takes about 20 minutes, I always plan for 45 minutes each way, just to be extra safe (while traffic snarls are rare in Ketchikan, they can happen during construction season and you may have to wait in line for a shuttle).  

Go HERE for my recommendations for things you can do on your own in Ketchikan.

4. Shop in downtown Ketchikan

Don’t waste your time or money shopping in an abandoned mill in the middle of nowhere (i.e. the cruise terminal at Ward Cove).  Walk straight on through (close your eyes and have someone guide you if you think you’re going to be tempted)…

hop on the free shuttle bus to downtown Ketchikan…

and do your shopping there!  Downtown Ketchikan is so quant, historic, and beautiful.  Plus there’s an abundance of great shopping!  Anything they sell at Ward Cove will be available in the dozens of shops in downtown Ketchikan, plus so much more!  

5. Take a hike

I’m a cruiser first.  But I’m a hiker second.  And I’ve hiked dozens of trails on my cruises to Alaska (you can see my “Guide to Cruising at every Port on your Cruise to Alaska HERE ).  Well today I’m happy to report I’ve discovered a trail system within walking distance of Ward Cove, so I can no longer begrudgingly say, “there’s NOTHING within walking distance of Ward Cove!” 

Here are some photos I took today from the hike:

And here are directions to the Frog Pond Trailhead where you’ll start your hike, followed by a brief video I took on the way so you can get a sense of what the 2 mile walk to the trail is like.

Once you reach the end of the short Frog Pond Trail, you’ll see a sign for a campground. Enter the campground and keep walking until you see the lake. Hang a left to reach the lake trail (it goes all the way around the lake). There are other side trails along the lake you can explore too.

I only recommend this one for my most adventurous cruising friends, because it’s a bit of a long walk to the trailhead (once you get there you can hike as much or little of the trails as you want – the hiking itself is easy, it’s mostly flat). You could also hop in a taxi or Uber and have it drop you off at the trailhead (just ask them to drop you at the Frog Pond Trailhead at the end of Ward Lake Rd.

Final Thoughts

While I still encourage people to consider branching out from their regular cruise line for Alaska (Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity all do Alaska so very well) and pay close attention to the itinerary (look at which ports you’ll be visiting, how long you’ll be docked there, whether or not the sailing includes a “scenic cruising day” to see glaciers and fjords, and if you’ll be visiting Victoria during the day or at night), if you end up on NCL and worry when you start hearing horror stories about Ward Cove, don’t!  Consider my tips and have a wonderful day in Ketchikan!  And with that…

Class Dismissed!

Homework (10 points) :  Read: First Time Cruisers to Alaska: Answers to 10 Common Questions .

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As a Ketchikan resident, I’m astonished to read this negative review. The Mill at Ward Cove is an architecturally fascinating site with painstaking renovations to reinvigorate the structure and offer an homage to the legacy of local loggers. Located 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan, and 2 miles south of Totem Bight Park, the cove is ecologically rich and surrounded by stunning hiking trails for those so inclined. The Mill invites an array of local musicians to play from string quartets, jazz musicians, and blues vocalists. There are activities like sip and paint, lectures from storytellers, sea-cycling and kayaking. You’ll find locally owned businesses there like Ketchi-candies, a family-owned chocolaterie & confectioner, a café and a Fine Art & Jewelry Gallery with works by independent regional artists. Why would you encourage those wanting to shop to close their eyes at the Mill when many items are priced lower than those downtown and the tax rate in Ward Cove is only 2.5%??? There’s time to shop and visit downtown if one schedules their day appropriately. And for the more independently-spirited traveler they even have a taxi line ready to drive in whichever direction you so choose. Reading this article truly cements the idea that one’s experience is based on the perspective they bring and their openness to explore. I’ve included a link to their website below if any readers are interested.

I appreciate you sharing your perspective as a local and I think you added a lot to the conversation (some of which I didn’t already know, so I definitely appreciate that). I do stand by my perspective that Ward Cove isn’t as bad as I initially thought the first few times I experienced it (mainly because I discovered a trail system within walking distance), but is hugely inconvenient for the average cruiser who wants to experience Ketchikan. Most cruisers don’t visit Alaska to hang out in an old Mill listening to music (available on the ship) and shopping from a limited number of vendors. For those who want to explore downtown Ketchikan, Creek Street, see the Lumberjack show, or book a tour it’s a 20 minute bus ride each direction or a pricey taxi ride (and possibly a long wait to get one) vs pulling right up to downtown Ketchikan and getting off the ship. If given the choice, I’d avoid Ward Cove as a cruiser every time and opt for a ship that docks downtown.

Thank you for the head’s up about Frog Pond Trailhead. I read your blog before my wife and I departed this past week to Ketchikan on NCL. You described the walk correctly to get to the trail – it is a highway – and we were mentally prepared- but the trail itself was so worth the walk. We were looking for something to do right when we got up and this trail was perfect. In fact – even though we did go into downtown – we have told everyone that Frog Pond Trailhead and the surrounding trails were the highlight of our Ketchikan stop. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something to do before their excursion that is close to the ship. It was about 35 minutes there – and 35 minutes back – and in between it was awesome. Great way to spend a few hours before going into town.

I’m so happy to hear you tried this and enjoyed it! Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

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About Prof. Cruise

Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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Cruise to  Ketchikan, Alaska: Port Shopping Map

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Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port Shopping Guide.

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Where are Ketchikan’s Cruise Ship Docks:

When you arrive in ketchikan, your cruise ship will likely dock at one of four primary terminals. dock 1 stands opposite salmon landing on the scenic promenade, dock 2 is situated on front street, and the waterfront promenade beautifully aligns with the town’s three-block downtown layout. look for the visitors’ bureau at berth 2, located at the corner of mission street – this is the starting point of a marked downtown walking tour. you’ll find dock 3 near harbour view, and dock 4 is a brief stroll north of docks 1, 2, and 3. to help you get your bearings, refer to our complimentary map highlighting each dock’s location.  click here to download your map..

Ensure to confirm your ship’s docking location, as well as its arrival and departure times, once onboard. Inquire about the gangway’s position and be mindful of the ship’s designated return time, usually set 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Exciting activities and attractions:, saxman native village: immerse yourself in the rich native culture of ketchikan by visiting the saxman native village., ketchikan shopping: explore a myriad of shopping opportunities. for a comprehensive shopping experience, download our free map and coupons., sport fishing: engage in thrilling sport fishing adventures, reeling in the abundant alaskan marine life., flightseeing / sightseeing: witness the stunning landscapes from above through exhilarating flightseeing tours., tongass national forest: delve into the beauty of the tongass national forest, a pristine wilderness waiting to be explored., misty fjords: marvel at the breathtaking misty fjords, a geological wonder that’s a must-see., for convenient transportation, taxis are readily available near the cruise pier. these taxis are equipped with meters and air conditioning, a relief during alaska’s summer heat. all taxi drivers are fluent in english., get the latest article on ketchikan by clicking this link..

Making the Most of Your Money While Ashore:

While exploring the port, it’s wise to have cash on hand, as it’s the preferred mode of payment in this us port. exchange your currency for usd before indulging in unique souvenirs, refreshments, and local cuisine. when acquiring exquisite alaskan art, jewellery, gold nuggets, or watches, opt for the convenience of using your credit card., for optimal savings, seize the opportunity to claim a free charm at diamonds international and a colour-changing ring at del sol. don’t forget to grab your free walking map at the tourist information center, where you can embark on a scenic stroll amid the port’s remarkable collection of totem poles..

Major Attractions highlighted on your FREE Cruise port map:

Discover ketchikan’s major attractions conveniently marked on your map. from iconic creek street to the totem heritage centre and the deer mountain tribal hatchery & eagle centre, you’ll find these highlights thoughtfully plotted on your free map., planning a cruise to this port soon secure your free 15-minute consultation with us. we’ll tailor your journey to ensure you experience all that you desire., places of worship: , for those seeking religious centres, st. john’s catholic church is situated at 423 mission street. meanwhile, first lutheran church can be found at 1200 tongass avenue. download our map for precise directions from the cruise ship docking area., unique to ketchikan shopping must haves:, take time to explore ketchikan’s captivating shops either before or after your tour. here, you’ll encounter unique alaskan art and a plethora of art galleries. as a bonus, enjoy significant savings on cherished cruiser’s favourites such as orocal gold quartz, ammolite, mark henry alexandrite, diamonds, tanzanite, and watches. consult the below section for updated coupons..

17 of the Best Things to Do in Ketchikan Cruise Port: Complete Guide

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If you’re going to Ketchikan on a cruise, you’re in luck! If you tried to imagine an ideal Alaskan town, it would look just like Ketchikan.

With a backdrop of evergreen Sitka spruce trees, an ocean for a front yard, and historic homes on piles above the water, Ketchikan is a beautiful place to visit on a cruise vacation.

Ketchikan holds the titles of “The Salmon Capital of the World and “Alaska’s First City.” In the 1930s, it was the location of 13 canneries that packed 1.5 million cases of salmon a year, earning Ketchikan its Salmon Capital title.

Beyond this, you’ll find many things to do and see the Ketchikan cruise port.

In this post, I share the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Ketchikan cruise port for the day and answered some common questions.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ketchikan Cruise Port 

There are five cruise ports in Ketchikan. Four of the ports are within easy walking distance of downtown and Historic Creek Street, making Ketchikan a very walkable city.

In downtown Ketchikan, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and several museums within walking distance of the cruise ports.

The fifth port, Ward Cove, is used by Norwegian Cruise Lines and is located 15 miles (about 20 minutes) away from downtown. NCL has a free shuttle that will take you from the port to downtown, but keep the extra travel time in mind when choosing your excursions.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Ketchikan Cruise Port

Although close to Canada, Ketchikan is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar). 

Businesses in Ketchikan will accept cash, credit, and debit cards.

In Alaska, the primary language is English. However, you might hear some funny word usage from locals, including “outside” (anywhere but Alaska) and “the bush” (interior of Alaska accessible only by plane).

90% of Alaska (including Ketchikan) is within the Alaska Standard Time Zone. Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. 

In Ketchikan, the weather will range from the mid-50s to the mid-60s during Alaska cruise season. Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in America, with 140-160 inches of precipitation per year.

However, June and July are the driest months of the year (with around 7 inches of rain), making these months a good time to cruise to Alaska .

Packing a quality raincoat or poncho is an excellent idea for most Alaskan port towns, including Juneau , Skagway and especially Ketchikan.

Related Content: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)

Getting Around Ketchikan

Ketchikan is walking-friendly and quite easy to navigate. It is a short walk from the cruise port to downtown, where you will find activities and attractions.

Public Transit

The city offers a free shuttle bus service that loops around downtown during the months of May through September. 

If you need to go farther than the loop covers, adult bus fares are $2, children ages 12-17 are $1, and kids 11 and under are free with an adult rider.

Electric Bikes (EBikes) 

Bicycle and eBike rentals are available in Ketchikan. Most eBike rentals are associated with a tour and include a hike. 

Downtown Ketchikan can be tricky for biking when there are a lot of tourists, but locations like the Saxman Totem Park are a short 3-mile bike ride, mostly on a dedicated bike path.

Car Rentals

If you want to get away from the crowds and explore outside of downtown Ketchikan, there are several car rental agency options. Most have a shuttle that can get you from the port to your rental car.

Video: Alaska Cruise Review with Cruise Ports

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• Juneau Alaska Cruise Port Guide
• Skagway Alaska Cruise Port Guide

Best Ketchikan Shore Excursions 

From outdoor adventures to deep dives into Alaska Native history, Ketchikan has a large variety of shore excursions to appeal to everyone in your cruise party.

Here are some of the best places to visit while you are docked in Ketchikan during your Alaska cruise:

1. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Begin your Ketchikan cruise port experience by learning all about the area’s cultural and natural history at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

With a $5 pass (16 and older), you can engage with interactive displays about the coastal rainforest, learn about the culture and history of the Natives, and read up on local wildlife and industries.

The National Park Service runs the Discovery Center, so if you have kids, they can earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Take advantage of the award-winning 30-minute film shown in the Discovery Center’s comfortable theater.

2. Sports Fishing

What could be better than a fishing excursion in the Salmon Capital of the World? During this excursion, you’ll board a fishing boat conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise ship ports.

Depending on the month of your Alaskan cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to catch king salmon, silver salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish. The fishing companies will also arrange to process your catch.

3. Flightseeing at Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument is located 40 miles East of Ketchikan. The best way to see the “Misties” is with a floatplane tour.

This spectacular monument is known for 3,000-foot granite rock walls, fjords carved from glacial ice, remarkably blue lakes and glaciers, and dramatic waterfalls. 

You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife from above, including bald eagles, mountain goats, bears, and possibly marine animals like sea lions, humpback whales, and orcas.

4. Off-roading and Canoe Adventure 

Adventure and wildlife await you on an exciting 4WD off-roading and kayak excursion. You’ll begin with a Jeep Wrangler ride through Tongass National Forest, the largest rainforest in North America.

Once you arrive at Lake Harriet Hunt, you’ll climb aboard a Native American-style 20-person canoe. Wildlife is abundant here, so keep your eye out for moose, deer, bears, and lots of eagles.

5. Off-Road Adventure Kart 

If you love being behind the wheel, an Adventure Kart excursion in Ketchikan is the way to go. You’ll explore the lush green Tongass National Forest in a two-person off-road vehicle. The tours take several stops as you climb through the forest to glorious views.

Driving through a rainforest will likely involve precipitation, so these tours provide raincoats and helmets. An adult must accompany children under 18, and drivers must show a valid driver’s license.

6. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park 

Eight miles outside of Ketchikan and nestled along the edge of the Tongass National Forest, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre private preserve.

On this excursion, a naturalist will take you on a .75-mile guided hike through the sanctuary, identifying plants and wildlife.

The sanctuary is also home to totem poles, a historic sawmill, an estuary, and a creek often filled with spawning salmon (and occasionally bears and seals).

7. Mountain Point Snorkeling

Snorkeling in cold Alaskan waters might sound crazy, but this excursion is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Mountain Point is five miles from downtown Ketchikan and the location of this unique excursion. After donning full-body hooded wetsuits and gloves to keep you warm (water temperatures range from 45-65 degrees F), you’ll have the opportunity to see intertidal marine life, including sea urchins, jellyfish, crabs, and maybe even a humpback whale.

8. Alaska Firearms Adventures

If you are interested in firearms, archery, or knife and axe throwing, the port of Ketchikan offers a unique opportunity to try them out.

At Alaska Firearms Adventures, several packages will give you first-hand experience with everything from an 1866 Yellowboy to a 9 MM semi-automatic pistol.

Alaska Firearms Adventures is only a few minutes from the cruise ship docks. Certain packages require firearms experience and proof of hunter’s safety course completion.

9. Ketchikan Duck Tour

If you’ve never experienced an amphibious vehicle (Duck) tour, Ketchikan is a great place to try it out.

The excursion begins on land, driving past the salmon ladder on Ketchikan Creek, the fish hatchery, Whale Park, and Historic Creek Street. Y

ou’ll be amazed as your vehicle seamlessly transitions into a boat as you enter the harbor. You’ll get a close-up view of fishing fleets, sea life, and Ketchikan’s waterfront while the captain shares local history and humorous stories.

10. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour

Do you love watching the show “Deadliest Catch?” In Ketchikan, you can hop aboard the “Aleutian Ballad” ship featured in Season 2 and have your own, more tame, crabbing adventure.

The crab ship is docked on the same pier as the cruise ships, so you can easily walk to this excursion. You’ll be able to hear commercial fishing stories, observe the crew as they prepare king crab pots, and then watch as they dump their catch in the hold.

You’ll see king and box crabs, prawns, rockfish, octopus, and more as they’re hauled on deck, and wildlife like whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and sea otters as you sail through the beautiful waters of the inside passage.

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11. Ketchikan Museums

The Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center are under one Ketchikan Museum Pass. For $6 per adult, $5 for Seniors, and free for kids under 17, you’ll get admission to both museums.

Tongass Historical Museum

The Tongass Historical Museum is a quick 10-minute walk from the cruise ship down Dock Street. It hosts a collection of interactive exhibits, photographs, and memorabilia highlighting Ketchikan’s history and heritage.

Totem Heritage Center

You can hop on a free shuttle bus for an 8-minute ride or walk about 15 minutes from the Historical Museum to the Totem Heritage Center.

The Totem Heritage Center has one of the world’s largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. It also has an educational movie about totem poles and displays arts and crafts from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

12. Saxman Totem Park Native Village

This village has 25 standing replica totems (the most in any location). For a $5 fee, you can tour the village on your own or take an organized guided tour that will give more of the history behind each totem pole.

You can also purchase tickets for Native dancing exhibitions and watch Native carvers use traditional techniques to work on commissioned totem poles.

Hop on the free downtown shuttle to get to Saxman, which is about two miles south of downtown Ketchikan.

13. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

It’s hard to miss the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show because it is right on the pier, just one block from the cruise ship docks. This is one of the most popular Alaska cruise shore excursions!

This exciting one-hour show features a competition between athletes wearing spiked boots and hard hats and wielding sharp saws, axes, and chainsaws. You’ll learn about the history of logging in Utah and get to cheer on your favorite competitors.

The show is outdoors, and most of the seats are covered. There are between 1 and 6 shows daily, so if you plan to participate in this excursion, check on tickets and showtimes as you walk into town.

14. Dolly’s House Museum 

Get a peek into Ketchikan’s “red-light district” at this historical home belonging to Ketchikan Madam Dolly Arthur. Dolly lived and worked at this house on Creek Street from 1919 to the 1940s.

For a $10 entry fee, you’ll learn all about Dolly and her trade from a tour guide. Then, enjoy a self-guided tour through the house, seeing artifacts and photographs from this time period. Look closely at the shower curtain decorations and note the Married Man’s Trail that came to a special entrance at Dolly’s house.

15. Alaska Fish House

If you have time, you won’t regret grabbing a quick bite from Alaska Fish House. It often has a long line, but there are a large number of indoor tables that allow for plenty of seating.

Besides the gorgeous ocean and mountain views, Alaska Fish House has excellent fresh halibut fish and chips and delectable salmon chowder. Eating here is a great way to pass the time in Ketchikan.

Best Free Things To Do In Ketchikan Cruise Port

16. historic creek street.

Creek Street lies at the edge of town and at the foot of Deer Mountain. It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk from most cruise ships that are docked downtowm.

This historic boardwalk has a seedy past as the former “red light” district. Now, the colorfully restored buildings are occupied by quaint souvenir shops. The buildings and wooden boardwalk rest on wooden stilts (or piles) above the creek and are very picturesque.

During July and August, be sure to look for salmon spawning in Ketchikan Creek. Watching these fish doggedly ascend a salmon ladder is amazing!

17. Uncharted Alaska Distillery 

If you enjoy gin and vodka, stop by the Uncharted Alaska Distillery a block away from the downtown cruise docks. They offer free tasting and create tasty custom drinks for purchase  (try the “Bees Knees”). 

Ketchican Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit ketchikan .

Ketchikan is most active (and slightly less rainy) during the months of July and August. If you visit during these months, you’ll find all of the tourist shops and destinations in full operation and a chance of some sun on the typically rainy days.

That said, May tends to be drier and although weather is cooler, the still snowy landscape is just beautiful! Every month of the Alaska season has it’s advantages.

Read more: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide

How far is downtown Ketchikan from the cruise port? 

Downtown Ketchikan is about a 15-minute walk from the farthest cruise port. You can also catch a free shuttle from the dock that loops through downtown.

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• 20 Best Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port
• 17 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska Cruise Port
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Final Thoughts On Things to Do in Ketchikan Cruise Port

Ketchikan is an Alaska port town that will capture your heart. With unique excursions like snorkeling, flightseeing, and riding in an amphibious vehicle, you’ll make unforgettable memories with a gorgeous backdrop.

In this post, I shared a complete guide to the 17 best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, when you’re on a cruise.

Have you been to Ketchikan yet? Which excursion did you (do you) want to try? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio:

Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,  www.TheGiftyGirl.com . 

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Ketchikan is the fourth largest city in Alaska and one of the most popular ports of call for cruise ships sailing the Inside Passage. It is also one of the rainiest cities in the USA, with over 162 inches each year!

Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island, and fishing, timber, and mining were once the most prevalent occupations. Today, tourism is king. Many of the buildings still have a turn-of-the-century look, and Ketchikan has plenty of interesting shops and shore excursions. Creek Street is Ketchikan's most famous shopping and entertainment area, and its stilted houses are very picturesque. Like most Inside Passage communities, Ketchikan is not accessible via car, and even its international airport is only accessible via a small ferry or water taxi.

Cruise ships dock right in downtown near the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau . Passengers can easily pick up a map at the Visitors Bureau and spend the day shopping, or taking a walking tour of the historic downtown and/or West End districts. In addition, the Ketchikan area has many interesting things to see such as totems, nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, and Saxman village. Those looking for more active pursuits can go fishing, hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining.

Downtown Ketchikan, Alaska

Thomas basin harbor in ketchikan.

View of the Thomas Basin Harbor and Deer Mountain from the window of our loft at the New York Hotel, which was located in a renovated building on the dock.

Deer Mountain Overlooks Ketchikan, Alaska

Thomas basin in ketchikan, alaska - ketchikan's boat harbor.

Every Alaskan town has a boat harbor filled with watercraft of all sizes and uses.

Bridge Over Ketchikan Creek

The Cape Fox Lodge is on a hill overlooking Creek Street in Ketchikan.

The Cape Fox Lodge is used by many small ship cruise lines as a meeting point and for its pre- and post-cruise passengers. It can be seen at the top of the photo on the left. The views from the lodge are wonderful, and a funicular takes visitors straight down (and up) to Creek Street.

Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska

When strolling along Creek Street, you might want to take the funicular ride up to the Westmark Hotel. The view of Ketchikan from above is spectacular!

Creek Street was once the home of bars and bordellos. Today there are still a few bars, but the bordellos have been converted into shops and restaurants.

Dolly's House Museum on Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska

Dolly's House Museum (on the right) is a restored bordello, with many mementos from the days of the "sporting women".

Renovated Shop on Creek Street in Ketchikan

Ketchikan's tunnel can be driven through, around, or over. It was completed in 1954.

Eagle Park in Ketchikan

The highlight of Eagle Park is this large carved eagle, which is titled "Thundering Wings". The Tlingit master carver/artist was Nathan Jackson.

Tongass Historical Museum in Ketchikan

The Tongass Historical Museum is located in the same building as the public library. It features artifacts, photos, and documents that tell the history of Ketchikan.

Totem Pole in Ketchikan, Alaska

Bridge over ketchikan creek in ketchikan, alaska, fish ladder up ketchikan creek in ketchikan, alaska.

This creek was filled with salmon when we were in Ketchikan during August.

Ketchikan Creek

Outside of loft suite at the new york hotel in ketchikan.

The exterior of the loft suites at the New York Hotel doesn't look like much, but it's quite nice and very comfortable on the inside.

Potlatch Bar and Loft Suites of New York Hotel in Ketchikan, Alaska

The loft suites of the New York Hotel in Ketchikan are found above the dock of the harbor at Thomas Basin next to the Potlatch Bar.

The window of our loft suite at the New York Hotel in Ketchikan is above the laundry next to the Potlatch Bar. Great views of the Thomas Basin harbor.

Inside Suite at the New York Hotel in Ketchikan

The suites at the New York Hotel are very spacious, comfortable, and clean. This one had two bedrooms, 1 bath, a full kitchen, living room, and separate den.

New York Hotel Lobby in Ketchikan

The New York Hotel is a small, historic hotel located right next to famous Creek Street.

Holland America Oosterdam Docked Next to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Most cruise ships cruising the Inside Passage stopover in Ketchikan. They can dock right downtown within easy walking distance of the shops and Creek Street.

You can't see the Cruise West Spirit of Yorktown, but she is docked inside of the Holland America Oosterdam. This photo of the two ships is a great comparison of the size!

Ketchikan Creek in Ketchikan, Alaska

This quiet creek is just outside of Ketchikan. It's a great place to watch the salmon, and there is a salmon hatchery along the creek.

Ketchikan has a large Native American population and also many interesting totem poles.

Creek Street in Ketchikan

Horse trolley in ketchikan, alaska.

A narrated horse trolley tour is a good way to see Ketchikan if you don't wish to walk.

Horse Trolley in Downtown Ketchikan, Alaska

Creek street, related articles, more related articles.

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10 best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska from a cruise ship (free + on your own + excursions!) Ketchikan cruise port tips

If you have one full day in Ketchikan from a cruise ship, you’ll likely have time for 2 solid activities!

You can do something like a morning excursion, and then in the afternoon you can do something from the cruise port on your own!

There are tours in Ketchikan you’ll want to consider, and then there are also a number of things that you can do on your own by walking from the cruise port, or by taking the free downtown shuttle or cheap city bus.

I have been to Ketchikan 5 times by cruise ship, so I’ve had a chance to do a bunch of different things!

This includes fun and memorable excursions, along with free and cheap things on my own! I’ve done things walking from the cruise ship, as well as by taking the city bus and downtown shuttle too.

I’ll talk about how and when I took those types of transportation below!

Here are the things to do in Ketchikan cruise port that you need to know about!

Partner websites are listed below. I may earn a commission.

Here are fun guided tours in Ketchikan you must consider that people have loved:

• Highlights and hidden gems small group tour: Ketchikan Alaska in a ’67 VW van tour
• Cheap(er) and easy walking: Ketchikan walking tour with Alaskan huskies
• Deadliest Catch fisherman’s tour : This boat is as seen on TV and one of Ketchikan’s most popular things to do. (Don’t worry, you won’t be sailing to the rough Bering Sea that’s seen on TV 🤪)
• Ride to the end of Ketchkan’s road to nowhere: electric bike + rainforest hiking tour

Now… here are things that Ketchikan is known for!

1. Creek Street (FREE + on your own)

Creek Street is the most famous street in Ketchikan.

It’s a boardwalk path for walking only that is lined with colorful buildings that are a part of Ketchikan’s history.

Creek Street is right alongside Ketchikan Creek, where you might see salmon swimming (in season) and even some harbor seals! During salmon season, there have even been bears spotted along the creek from Creek Street.

You might see salmon from the middle of July through early September.

From Creek Street, you can continue walking on the boardwalk on a “street” called Married Man’s Trail to the salmon ladder .

How to get to Creek Street

Creek Street is located in downtown Ketchikan and is easily walkable from cruise ships docked downtown! Depending on where your cruise ship is docked, it will take 5-15 minutes to walk to Creek Street. ( map )

The first time I went to Creek Street was actually maybe less than an hour before I had to be on the cruise ship. I had done something by bus on my own in the morning, and then did an afternoon excursion.

That left the time right before I had to be back on the cruise ship to go to Creek Street! So, you can make Creek Street a relatively quick thing, or you can spend some extra time.

If you’re docked downtown (which are most major cruise lines not named NCL), then you can do an easy walk to and from Creek Street with one hour.

See more about easy walking in Ketchikan .

You can go for walk in downtown Ketchikan with Alaskan huskies too, by doing the husky walking tour !

2. Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness seaplane tour (epic excursion!)

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness is part of the largest national forest in America, that is the Tongass National Forest!

And you can go to Misty Fjords from Ketchikan!

Seeing Misty Fjords from above on a seaplane tour is an absolutely amazing experience. You will get a sense of Alaska’s vast wilderness.

You can also do a Misty Fjords seaplane tour that comes with a wilderness water landing so that you can land in remote Alaska which is another amazing experience!

Plus, small aircraft like seaplanes and floatplanes are a way of life in Alaska. (Seaplanes and floatplanes are basically the same thing if you know nothing about airplanes. 🤪)

So by having the experience of flying in a seaplane, you are experiencing the Alaskan lifestyle!

See more about the best flightseeing tours in Alaska .

How to book a Misty Fjords seaplane tour

You can read the reviews and book a Misty Fjords seaplane tour through Viator , or you can book directly through Island Wings .

You can also experience the Alaskan wilderness by going to another fjord in Ketchikan, by doing the George Inlet Fjords boat tour .

3. Mountain Point snorkeling tour (unique excursion!)

Snorkeling in Alaska?!?!?! Yes really. 🤣

Isn’t the water cold?!?!

Yes, the water is cold. But no, YOU will not be cold swimming in Alaska’s frigid waters !

That’s because you’ll be wearing a thick wetsuit, and it really does keep you warm while swimming in cold water!

Now don’t expect to see the same underwater life as you would snorkeling in tropical waters, but it’s snorkeling Alaska style!

I thought it was exciting to see red jellyfish, white jellyfish, orange starfish, and purple starfish!

• Travel-friendly rain gear in case it rains (much of your cruise is in Southeast Alaska where it rains a lot)
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• A popular travel essential nowadays if you have an iphone: An airtag tracker for your luggage so you can keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Buy one for yourself, and as a travel gift!) Read the reviews!
• Lightweight waterproof binoculars (so you can see wildlife better on those scenic cruising days!)
• Merrell is one of the best outdoor shoe brands
• Women's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Men's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Packing cubes travel set (better organize your suitcase and with clothing cubes, a shoe bag, and toiletry bag! This also makes it easier to unpack and organize your cruise cabin quicker.)

How to book the Ketchikan snorkeling tour

You can read the reviews and book the Ketchikan snorkeling tour through Viator , or you can book directly through Snorkel Alaska .

If you’re looking for something a little less intensive but still want a chance to see Alaska’s marine life, you’ll want to take a look at doing the low tide excursion with beach bonfire !

There is also a snorkeling tour in Sitka .

4. Totem Bight State Historical Park (CHEAP + on your own)

Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports to see totem poles during your Alaska cruise, and Totem Bight State Historical Park is one of the big reasons!

By going to Totem Bight State Historical Park, it’s like you’re walking through a living museum of Native Alaskan culture to the coast to see more than 10 totem poles.

It’s in a picturesque setting, and you’ll be walking the totem trail through a forest to the coast.

How to go to Totem Bight State Historical Park

You can go to Totem Bight State Historical Park on your own!

You can take the public bus from downtown Ketchikan (or from the highway near Ward Cove), and there is a bus stop directly inside the state park.

You can use google maps to navigate to the bus stop and to figure out bus timings.

It’s $2 each way ( confirm current fees ), and you’ll want to bring exact change, or prepare ahead of time to be able to use the Token Transit app to pay for your bus fare.

I went to Totem Bight on my own, and it was easy enough! Plenty of other people from the cruise ship also go to Totem Bight State Park on their own, so it’s something that’s not difficult. You just need to make sure you’re ready to pay the bus fare.

• Easy-going day with a must-see: Mendenhall Glacier trolley tour
• The epic dog sledding is a visit to a sled dog camp on a glacier , and the cheaper version can be a fun remote yukon sled dog camp
• You'll spend most of your time during your cruise in Southeast Alaska, and this is the location of the "largest intact temperate rainforest in the world," according to the US Forest Service. And so... you need to consider a e-bike and rainforest hike ecotour that includes a visit to Tongass National Forest!
• More fun e-biking in Alaska: e-biking and gold panning tour
• Classic must-do in Alaska: Premier whale watching
• A better way to see the most popular glacier to see during an Alaska cruise: glacier ice adventure (the glacier is getting further and further back - see it while you still can!)
• Post cruise: Downtown Vancouver luggage storage (near the cruise port)

Is Totem Bight State Park the only place to see totem poles in Ketchikan?

As one of the best cruise ports to see totem poles during your Alaska cruise, there are many places that you can see totem poles in Ketchikan !

Along with Totem Bight State Historical Park, the other main park to see totem poles is Saxman Park. You can take a bus to get there, or cruise lines offer combination excursions to go there. You can look for the Saxman Native Village excursion with a cultural performance .

You can also see totem poles just by walking around downtown Ketchikan.

If you don’t want to leave it to chance, then you can look on google maps for the Chief Johnson totem pole near Creek Street, Eagle Park near the cruise ship docks, Whale Park that you can walk past on your way to Creek Street, and the Totem Heritage Center that you can walk to or get to by taking the free downtown shuttle.

Are there totem pole tours in Ketchikan?

There are combination tours in Ketchikan that include a walk to see totem poles.

A guided tour to see totem poles allows you to get a better appreciation of Alaskan Native culture! The guides often share interesting stories and insights about the history and cultural significance of each totem pole. It’s like you get to hear the hidden stories and meaning behind these amazing carvings which allows you to get a deeper understanding of the cultural importance of totem poles.

Among the best tours to see totem poles are the tours that include a rainforest walk, like the 3 Hour Rainforest Walk and Totem Park tour that goes to Potlatch Totem Park and Settlers Cove State Recreational Site, or the 2 Hour Alaska Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Small Group Tour that goes to Totem Bight State Park and Tongass National Forest.

Is Ketchikan the only cruise port to see totem poles?

Ketchikan is just one of the cruise ports that you can see totem poles during your Alaska cruise! Sitka and Juneau are other Alaska cruise ports that are great for seeing totem poles, and you can see them on your own.

5. Salmon Ladder (FREE + on your own)

The salmon ladder is so fun! If you’re in Ketchikan during salmon season, then you can watch salmon climbing up the ladder!

Now, of course they are not literally climbing up a ladder. The salmon swim upstream so what you are seeing is them attempting to get further along by jumping up the “ladder.”

Stay awhile and watch tons of salmon jumping up at the ladder!

How to go to the Salmon Ladder

There are signs all around downtown Ketchikan for main attractions, and as you’ll walking around Ketchikan, you’ll see a sign for the fish ladder (which is the salmon ladder). Otherwise, on google maps, it’s listed as the salmon ladder observation platform. ( map )

You’ll go to the salmon ladder alongside a walk to Creek Street. Creek Street connects to the Married Man’s Trail which will lead you to the salmon ladder. Or, if you’re coming from the opposite direction, you’ll start at the bridge at the salmon ladder, then walk the Married Man’s Trail to Creek Street!

Coming from Creek Street, there are stairs to get to Married Man’s Trail, which is a boardwalk lined with trees.

You can turn your walk to the salmon ladder into a longer “salmon walk.” The Salmon Walk is a walking route that was created as a 1.5 mile loop, following Ketchikan Creek upstream in the same direction as the salmon.

Another fun salmon stop is near the Harris Street bridge ( map ). Once you’re at Harris Street bridge, you can look down at the creek to see that there’s a spot you can go to in order to get closer to the water. (There will probably be people there.) You can go down there to get a closer look at the salmon!

See more easy walking to do in Ketchikan .

Is Ketchikan the only cruise port to see salmon swimming?

Ketchikan is the best cruise port to see salmon swimming. But in Skagway, you can also get an up close view of salmon swimming in the creek with an easy walk in Skagway .

6. Deadliest Catch tour (excursion)

The Deadliest Catch tour is one of the most popular excursions in Ketchikan. This is the Bering Sea crab fisherman’s tour .

If you’re a fan of the Deadliest Catch TV show , then you will love this tour.

In case you don’t know, the Deadliest Catch is a reality TV show that documents the life of fishermen onboard their boat in the roughest seas in the world. One of these fishing boats was the Aleutian Ballad, which now sits in Ketchikan.

The Aleutian Ballad is the boat that was seen on TV on the Discovery Channel . That is the boat that you will be going on!

The fishermen lived and worked onboard in the Bering Sea and literally risked their lives to catch crabs at sea. (The boat captain for the Sitka Sound tour I did even said he knew someone who died working on a fishing boat in the Bering Sea!)

No, you will not be experiencing the rough seas of the Bering Sea (that’s nowhere near Ketchikan), but you will get an introduction to the fisherman lifestyle and have an interactive experience with Alaskan sea life.

It’s a rather touristy experience, but almost everyone who goes on the tour loves it. And tons of people say that the tour exceeded their expectations. You can read the reviews .

How to book a Deadliest Catch tour

The Deadliest Catch tour is offered through cruise lines, and you can book the same tour in other ways as well.

Or you can read the reviews and book the Deadliest Catch tour through Viator , or you can book directly through their official website .

No matter how you book, you will be on the same boat. So if you don’t book through the cruise line, you’ll still be on a tour with other cruise ship passengers who did book through the cruise line. The only difference is your meeting spot, and those details will be in your booking email.

7. Rainbird Trail (FREE + on your own)

The Rainbird Trail is one of the best ways to experience the rainforest in Ketchikan on your own.

If you are going to do this trail in the rain, you should definitely wear waterproof hiking boots. If it’s been raining, some of the trail can basically become a small stream. Likewise, if that does deter you from doing the trail, it’s still worth it to walk a little bit of the trail from the university side!

If you start the Rainbird Trail near the university campus, you don’t have to walk far to feel like you’re in a rainforest!

Otherwise, if you do the full trail, you can hike it one way. Either way, you’ll be walking around 20 minutes on the regular streets of Ketchikan to get to and from the trail.

Your actual time on the trail might be around one hour.

Ketchikan is a rainy place! It’s a good idea to be prepared for rain in Ketchikan. Even a simple rain poncho can be a good idea!

See more about what to wear in Alaska .

If you plan to go hiking during your cruise, or even just a lot of walking, waterproof shoes can be a good idea! This is especially true for Ketchikan. (That thing about it being a rainy place.)

How to do the Rainbird Trail

There are 3 different ways to access the Rainbird Trail.

If you want to just walk for 10 minutes into the rainforest that includes views of the creek, then the University of Southeast Alaska trailhead is the best.

And if you want to hike more, you can just keep on going until you reach the other end! Once you reach the other end, you will walk back into town and to the cruise ship.

To start from the University of Southeast Alaska, you can take the free downtown shuttle to the bus stop near Safeway. Then from there, you’ll walk UP the hill through a residential neighborhood around 20 minutes to get to the trailhead. ( map ) Then you can start hiking the Rainbird Trail!

The free app called mapsme can help you visualize the trail and where the different access points are.

I recommend checking out the most recent google reviews to check if there is anything of note about trail conditions.

Late August 2024 NOTE: Before doing this trail in Ketchikan, please go to the visitor center located in front of the cruise ships in downtown Ketchikan ( map ) to find out the safety of this trail around the university trailhead. You can’t do the whole trail as of late August, and it’s best to get local real-time updates for other parts of the trail. There was a major landslide in Ketchikan on August 25. Pictures below are within 5 to 10 minutes of the university trailhead. I have marked on the Ketchikan cruise port map (an interactive google map that I made) where I believe the impacted area is based on media reporting.

See more about hiking the Rainbird Trail .

More hiking in Ketchikan

If you’re an experienced hiker with all day in Ketchikan, you can also look up the Deer Mountain Trail . This is considered one of the best hikes in Ketchikan. See more about hiking in Alaska cruise ports .

Rainforest hiking tours in Ketchikan

There are also rainforest hiking tours in Ketchikan . You’ll get a local guide who is passionate and knowledgeable about the Southeast Alaska rainforest.

There are different types of rainforest tours, depending on how much you want to walk and/or if you want to experience Ketchikan in a different way too.

You can get a rainforest hike + e-bike combo tour , or a rainforest walk + totem combo tour , or a dedicated hiking-only tour in Tongass National Forest !

8. Private fishing charter (excursion)

Ketchikan is one of the best cruise ports to do a fishing excursion, and you’ll be able to do a private fishing charter in Ketchikan .

In Ketchikan, there are 5 types of salmon: king salmon (chinook), coho salmon (silver), chum salmon (dog), pink salmon (humpy) and sockeye salmon (red). Each type of salmon has its peak runs, so which type of salmon you’ll find fishing will depend on the time of year you go.

Generally speaking, salmon fishing season in Ketchikan is from May through September or October. The peak run for King Salmon tends to be mid-May to June, while the peak runs for other types of salmon tends to start mid-July and lasts through mid-August or into September depending on the type of salmon.

For further reading, here is a pdf about salmon in Ketchikan from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

9. Alaska Fish House (food on your own)

If you’re looking for a place to eat fresh Alaskan seafood in Ketchikan, you want to go to the Alaska Fish House.

For a classic Alaskan dish, you’ll want to get something with salmon or halibut! See the menu.

There’s indoor seating (of course), and then there’s also an outdoor observation deck at the back that overlooks the harbor. So you can order a beer and stand outside to drink with views. They have Alaskan beer too.

If you’re doing the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, then afterwards, you can walk a few minutes to get to the Alaska Fish House! Because of its popularity and convenient location, you might have to wait for a seat, though!

The busiest time is between 11am to 2pm, so it’s best to avoid that time if you can.

Ketchikan is also a cruise port that you can do an epic food excursion during your cruise, like the crab feast at a historic lodge !

You can also make it a combo tour that includes Tongass National Forest and an Alaskan meal by doing the wilderness boat tour with crab feast .

10. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show + axe throwing (excursion)

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of the most popular things to do in Ketchikan. This is a show for entertainment, while seeing real lumberjacks do real Alaskan lumberjack tasks!

You can do the lumberjack show as a standalone activity, and there are also a bunch of different combination tours that include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Ax throwing is one of the combo tours that you can do, and it’s fun! It’s also a way to get a core workout in during your cruise. 🤪 A day or 2 later, my core was sore and I was very confused… and then I realized it was from the ax throwing!!

If you’ve never done ax throwing, then you can forever say that the first time you did ax throwing was in Alaska!

How to buy tickets for the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Cruise lines sell tickets for the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, and there are also a number of combination tours that include the show. So you can look for the lumberjack show through your cruise line. If you book through the cruise line, you will get a ride to the show.

If you want to book direct, then you can buy tickets directly through the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show . Tickets are also sold on-site, although this is subject to availability.

The website says that axe throwing is not available after all shows.

The lumberjack show is in downtown Ketchikan, so if you’re on a cruise line not named NCL, then it’s reasonable to walk there on your own. It will be a 5-15 minute walk from the cruise ship, depending on where exactly you are docked.

If you are on a Norwegian cruise ship, then you won’t dock in downtown Ketchikan so you’ll want to leave plenty of time to get the shuttle from Ward Cove to downtown, if you want to don’t want to book a lumberjack excursion through NCL.

More axe throwing in Alaska

If you don’t get a chance to do axe throwing in Ketchikan, then you must do axe throwing in Skagway!

You can have a 60 minute axe throwing experience in Skagway ! Axe throwing is fun!

Where does the cruise ship dock in Ketchikan?

Most major cruise lines dock in downtown Ketchikan. If your cruise ship docks downtown, then you can walk everywhere downtown directly from the cruise ship!

There are 4 berths downtown, and the one that’s furthest away is a 15 minute walk to the main area of downtown. The closest ones are pretty much a 1 minute walk to the main area!

You can know which berth your cruise ship will be docking at by checking the 2024 Alaska cruise port schedule or 2025 Alaska cruise port schedule , although this is subject to change.

The most notable cruise line (aka big name) that doesn’t dock downtown is NCL, which docks 20 minutes away by car at Ward Cove instead. See Ward Cove tips .

For a better visual of walking around from the cruise ship, see the Ketchikan cruise port map . (This also includes where your cruise ship will dock.)

Top 10 in more Alaska cruise ports: Juneau | Skagway

Things to do in other cruise ports: Icy Strait Point | Sitka

HAPPY DOING THINGS IN KETCHIKAN CRUISE PORT!

• Review from cruise ship passenger: "Absolutely loved having these for our Alaska excursions from the cruise ship! Nice, lightweight, easily packable... easy to put on over our backpacks... Also, highly breathable vs the disposable plastic ones. Ours held up to the windy conditions too!..."
• Read the full review .
• Or... cheap ponchos just in case
• merrell waterproof shoes for women (one of the best shoe brands for the outdoors)
• merrell shoes for men
• for higher quality ones, as recommended in cruise facebook groups by people in-the-know, look at vortex diamondback binoculars
• For women: puffer jacket | for men: puffer jacket

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Ketchikan Cruise Port: Piers, What to Do and Getting Around

Book Your Next Amazing Cruise with Travel Leader, Jeffrey Cleary

Ketchikan, Alaska, may be known as the unofficial “salmon capital of the world,” but it is much more than its fishing industry. That’s because the remote city is also home to an important Alaskan port of call—the Ketchikan Cruise Port.

Not only is it a high-traffic cruise port, but it also showcases the rugged and untamed beauty of the Last Frontier. 

If you are planning an Alaskan cruise, your ship will likely spend time at the relatively small but crucially important Ketchikan Cruise Port.

To help you get the most out of your visit, we will provide you with all of the information you need to know about the port itself and the surrounding area.

Ketchikan Cruise Port Location

Ketchikan Cruise Port, also known as the Port of Ketchikan, is located on Revillagigedo Island near the southeast tip of Alaska. It is also right on the doorstep of the city from which it takes its name, providing visitors with easy access to everything it has to offer.

While Ketchikan is only home to a permanent population of roughly 8,000 residents, it still has plenty to offer visitors. At just 88 miles away, the town and its port are significantly closer to Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, than to the major cities of Alaska, like  Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage .

This strategic southern location is actually why it is such a high-traffic port of call. With so many cruise ships departing from Seattle , Los Angeles, and Vancouver, Canada, Ketchikan Cruise Port provides many visitors their first opportunity to step on Alaskan soil. 

Ketchikan Cruise Port Address

The port’s actual address is 334 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK, USA 99901. 

The port is one of the most defining features of the south end of the City of Ketchikan, so it is relatively easy to find. It is also strategically situated along the scenic Tongass Narrows, which divide Revillagigedo Island from the nearby Gravina Island that the city faces. Visitors can easily find it by simply walking along the city’s coastline.

Distance from the Airport to Ketchikan

While most passengers will find themselves in Ketchikan Cruise Port as part of a port of call visit, it is also used by some cruise lines as a point of embarkation. If you need to fly to meet your ship at the port, you will be relieved to learn that it is conveniently close to Ketchikan International Airport (KTN).

Given that the airport is on a separate island on the other side of the Tongass Narrows, there are no direct roads connecting it to the cruise port. However, the  Ketchikan Airport Ferry  provides transportation between the town and the airport.

Ferries cross the Tongass Narrows every 15 minutes, from 6:15 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. local time. For one-way travel, tickets are $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Even if you are waiting due to a delay, there is a comfortable indoor passenger waiting area. 

Ferry rides take roughly 30 minutes, but they allow travelers to glimpse some of the views that make Ketchikan such a special place. Once you have arrived in Ketchikan, you will need to use one of the Ketchikan Airport Shuttles to take you to the cruise port, as the ferry’s drop-off points are closer to downtown than the cruise ship berths.

You also have the option to take a taxi or shared ride van, which are both usually waiting at the ferry terminal. 

Cruise Lines that Use Ketchikan Cruise Port 

The port is visited by all the major cruise lines , including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.

Ketchikan Port Terminals and Piers 

Following a 2020 expansion project paid for by NCLH , the parent company of Norwegian and Oceania Cruise Lines, Ketchikan Cruise Port now has three dedicated cruise piers. 

The three piers are divided into four berths, each capable of handling Panamax-sized cruise ships. Given Ketchikan’s remoteness and relatively small size, the city’s cruise port is quite impressive.

Navigating the cruise port is relatively straightforward, as the four berths are numbered sequentially from south to north along the waterfront. 

While terminal facilities are limited, Berth III and Berth IV both have indoor areas where passengers can wait. The two smaller berths, Daly Float and Ryus Float, do not have their own indoor terminal facilities, but there are indoor waiting areas at the port’s entrance. 

Terminal Facilities and Services 

Terminal facilities are limited at the Ketchikan Cruise Port; however, there are two visitor centers where cruise passengers can wait for their boarding times. The visitor centers have open seating areas, making them a great place to stay dry. 

The main tourist information center is near the port’s main entrance. Here, you will find representatives from each major cruise line operating out of the port. You can ask questions or even purchase local excursion packages. You’ll also find plenty of hiking maps, bus schedules, and brochures for things to do in and around Ketchikan.

Washroom facilities are spread throughout the port, and they are relatively well-maintained. If you are looking for transportation into the core of downtown Ketchikan, the city offers a free shuttle service. Well-marked pickup zones are at each of the four cruise berths, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting on a shuttle bus.

Once you have taken the shuttle into downtown, using the local bus is a great way to save money. With bus fares only costing $1, it’s a cheap and easy way to get around the city.

Read Also: Whittier Cruise Port – Terminal, Directions and Info

Unfortunately, the port does not offer free public Wi-Fi, but there are plenty of coffee shops within the city where you can connect to the internet. 

As for accessibility, the port is wheelchair-friendly, with ramps ensuring that all passengers can easily find their way to and from their respective ships. 

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Ketchikan 

Aside from its once-booming salmon and halibut fishing industry, Ketchikan is most famous for its incredible rainfall. With roughly 300 days of rain per year and an average annual rainfall of 200 inches, you will want to make sure you are packing waterproof outerwear.

In fact, Ketchikan is considered to be the fourth wettest city on earth, so make sure you dress accordingly, no matter when you visit. With that said, temperatures and conditions do vary from season to season: 

Summer (June to August)

Temperatures range from 50° to 65°F. While these pleasant conditions are great for spending time outdoors, rain is, unsurprisingly, quite frequent. This is particularly true for July, so pack lightweight, waterproof layers. 

Fall (September to November)

Temperatures tend to drop substantially, with the average sitting between 40° and 55°F. Rainfall also remains fairly regular, so make sure you pack waterproof gear, even if it looks like it will be a dry day. 

Winter (December to February)

Due to how far south it is along Alaska’s Inside Passage, winters are relatively mild by Alaskan standards. Anticipate temperatures between 30° and 45°F, but plenty of rain. Snowfall is uncommon, so you will want to prioritize waterproof clothing rather than typical winter outerwear. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring temperatures range between 40° and 55°F. The milder weather also brings even more rain, so be ready to get wet. 

Navigating from the Port to the City 

As mentioned, Ketchikan Cruise Port is located conveniently close to the city’s southern edge. If you want to go to the town center, you can easily board one of the free shuttle buses.

If you prefer to make your way into the city more directly, there are taxi pickup zones just outside the port. Remember that Ketchikan has a small population, so there are few taxis, and rideshare services, like Uber, are non-existent.

Worth Reading: Skagway Cruise Port – What You Need to Know

Port staff will direct you during the disembarkation process, so navigating the port is pretty straightforward. 

Things to Do Near the Port of Ketchikan 

Since the port is so conveniently close to the city, there are plenty of things those visiting by cruise ship can do, even if they do not want to travel far. We recommend the following attractions, as they’re all within walking distance: 

Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Located just a two-minute walk from the cruise ship docks, this small visitor center is a great place to start your Ketchikan adventure. Operated by the US Forest Service as part of their duty to protect the Tongass National Forest, the center offers an excellent background in the region.

With interactive exhibits and hosted activities informing visitors about the area’s culture, history, and local wildlife, you will learn plenty. Learn all about the unique nature of Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters and temperate rainforest ecosystem before you venture out to explore it first-hand. 

Make Your Way to the Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center

Located just a 15-minute walk from the port, the Totem Heritage Center allows visitors to examine the intricate carvings of real totem poles. Learn all about the stories and traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples with your own eyes. 

Wander Down Creek Street

Walking to Ketchikan’s most historic area only takes about seven minutes. The street is actually a raised boardwalk that sits on stilts, so it has a genuinely rugged appearance. In the olden days, the “street” served as the town’s red-light district, where fisherman and sailors passing through Ketchikan would spend their hard-earned money.

Today, visitors can walk along the water and view historic wooden buildings that once served as brothels and seedy bars. Make sure you check out Dolly’s House Museum along Creek Street for souvenirs. 

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Flyover Tours

Consider taking a seaplane tour of this national monument and wilderness preserve. Just 22 miles east of Ketchikan, plenty of tour operators are willing to fly visitors over the area.

View glaciers and the rainforest vegetation, and try to spot some of Alaska’s famed wildlife, like grizzly bears, bald eagles, seals, and even humpback whales.

Almost every package will include roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship port to the float plane docks, so it is very easy to enjoy this unique experience. 

Salmon Fishing Charters

If you want to feel like you’re in an episode of Discovery’s Deadliest Catch, you can’t miss out on the chance to fish Ketchikan’s pristine waters. Salmon fishing charters are easy to book, and most depart from docks near the cruise port, including  Ketchikan’s Finest Fishing Charters , which you can walk to in minutes. 

Hiking Trails

If you want to brave the rain and explore the wilderness of Alaska by foot, there are plenty of options for scenic hiking trails, including the Rainbird Trail and Deer Mountain Trails. At a distance of 1.3 miles from the port, the Deer Mountain Trailhead is the easiest to reach. Just make sure you dress appropriately, as the 5.2-mile trail takes about 4 hours to complete. 

Despite its small size, Ketchikan has a vibrant and unique culinary scene. The Alaska Fish House and Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House are good places to sample some of the freshly caught seafood.

If seafood isn’t your thing, Tap House & Burger Bar is a nice casual spot. For those looking to wet their whistle, Arctic Bar is definitely worth a visit. As Ketchikan’s oldest continuously operating bar, it’s a meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

As for shopping, Ketchikan has plenty of independently owned stores, most of which specialize in gifts and souvenirs. There are also several art galleries offering both traditional native and contemporary art pieces. 

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, we recommend visiting Salmon Landing Market , just outside the cruise port. If you need hiking gear and warm clothing, Pacific Pride and Tongass Trading Co. are two outdoor outfitters in downtown Ketchikan, and locals trust both. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is ketchikan walkable from a cruise ship .

Yes, you can easily walk into Ketchikan from your cruise ship, as the port is located right on the city border. 

Can I tour Ketchikan on my own? 

Absolutely! Ketchikan is a very walkable city and home to plenty of interesting tourist destinations. While there are plenty of walking tours you can participate in, they aren’t necessary to enjoy the city. 

Is there a free shuttle in Ketchikan? 

Yes, the city of Ketchikan operates a free shuttle that takes cruise passengers from the cruise ship berths to the city center.

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Jeffrey Cleary is an experienced travel advisor and cruise specialist with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in Caribbean and World cruises. With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, Jeffrey has developed a reputation as a trusted advisor for those seeking unforgettable Caribbean and/or World cruise experiences. "I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in the cruise industry, along with real-world experience on many of the finest ships at sea. I love cruising myself, so I am often sailing (and reachable by clients) and experiencing the cruise lines first hand. I'll get to know you, your style, your ideal vacation and recommend an Amazing Cruise experience."

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12 BEST Things You Can Do in Ketchikan, Alaska

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Here are the best things to do in Ketchikan, especially if you have only one day in port. Where to eat, adventure activities and other uniquely Alaskan attractions are all listed here.

Ketchikan, Alaska, dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is never a dull place. Among the best things to do in Ketchikan is, of course, world-famous salmon fishing.

There’s Alaska’s indigenous Tlingit and Haida culture to learn, historic places to see and some terrific restaurants. 

12 Best Things To Do in Ketchikan, Alaska On a Cruise

Ketchikan is a tourist town and almost always the first or last Alaska port on an Inside Passage cruise. The town’s small size makes it very easy to navigate in only one day while your ship is in port. There are tons of attractions, shops, and restaurants, too, so there’s no shortage of activities.

READ MORE:   Complete list of what to Pack for an Alaska cruise

Located near Dixon Inlet near the southern entrance to the Inside Passage , Ketchikan is either the first or last Alaska cruise port visit for the big cruise ships. 

As in all Alaska ports, you’ll find kiosks set up along the dock with vendors selling last minute shore excursions. There’s nothing wrong with waiting til the last minute. However, since a cruise to Alaska could be your bucket-list, once-in-a -lifetime trip, you might want to plan ahead and secure your plans for the day even before you arrive into Ketchikan.

A Little Ketchikan History

Ketchikan, established in 1900, is known as “Alaska’s First City”  being the closest Alaskan town to Washington State and having a convenient location at the southernmost edge of the Inside Passage in Alaska.

However, the area was a summer fishing camp for the Tlingit native population for several thousand years. Ketchikan was also a favorite fishing spot for Haida and Tsimshian tribes, too.

Word quickly spread about the area’s abundance of salmon. By 1936, Ketchikan produced millions of cans of salmon every day. The city also had a large spruce mill, which supplied shipping crates and paper to the salmon canneries. The mill closed in the late 1990s when the US forest service began to protect the local spruce trees and the wilderness surrounding Ketchikan.

Today, the city is Alaska’s 5th most inhabited, with a population over 8,000 year-round residents. Still, Ketchikan has a small-town feel that makes even a day visit exciting and comfortable.

RELATED:   Cruise Port Guide:  Best Things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in Alaska. In fact, just about all large cruise ships stop at Ketchikan on their way north. Over 15 cruise lines visit Ketchikan every year, bringing in millions of cruise passengers.

Until 2021, all cruise ships docked or anchored right downtown. Walk off the ship or take a tender and you were in the smack in the middle of the action.

Then in 2021, Ketchikan, in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and Alaska’s prominent Binkley family, added a new dock nearly seven miles north from town. There are two berths at “The Mill at Ward Cove.”

Constructed over a Superfund site, the dock will be monitored by the EPA to be sure that what’s on the sea bed isn’t disturbed by cruise ships’ propellers.

Whenever your ship docks, stop by the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau on the pier at Berth 2 to get maps, brochures, and other tourist information.

Ketchikan is about 3 miles long and the downtown area is only about four blocks deep. It’s easy to take a walk anywhere! Still, there are plenty of free shuttles and tour buses that run around the downtown area, too.

If you want to take advantage of the fast and free shuttles and buses, two well-marked bus stations are immediately near the pier on Front Street.

READ MORE:  Alaska’s Best-Kept Secret – The Alaska Marine Highway  

Here’s my suggested list of what I recommend for your day in Ketchikan. You could really spend several days, but with only several hours, try to make the most of your day.

1. See The Rock

Right off the boat, take a short walk to The Rock, welcoming seafaring visitors to Ketchikan.

This gorgeous monument depicts famous people in Ketchikan and some of the local history. It’s a must-see monument if you want to get oriented in the city.

It’s also on Front Street, next to the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, so be sure to stop by and learn more about the local history through art! Then, drop-by the Visitors Bureau to grab a map and some tourist brochures.

2. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

From Front Street, turn right and walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Main street. If you don’t want to walk the city, you can also take the free Salmon Run Shuttle, that stops right beside the Discovery Center.

This museum makes the perfect introduction to Southeastern Alaska, giving you the knowledge you need to appreciate this remarkable region fully. In the museum, walk through a recreation of an Alaskan fishing village or visit an exhibit that details the city’s rainforest climate.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center offers a short yet thorough introduction to Ketchikan’s rich and intriguing history with tons of interactive exhibits, totems, ecological information about the area, and historical displays.

A walk through the museum will take around 20 or 30 minutes, but there’s so much to see that you can always take longer if you want.

Be sure to grab some brochures and maps on your way into the museum to learn more about what’s available in Ketchikan.

3. Take the “Deadliest Catch” Crab Fishermen’s Tour

If a day on the water and not far from shore sounds like fun, book a shore excursion for the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s tour. It’s an easy three-hour tour and the boat (the same one used in a wild Deadliest Catch episode) has been made accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. The boat stays within the protected waters so there’s no going out into the open ocean.

As the tour progresses, you’ll skirt several islands, including Annette Island, a protected Bald Eagle preserve. The crew throws fish bits into the air and the eagles dive-bomb to catch the morsels. Have your cameras ready.

When you reach the fishing grounds, the crew hauls up their catch and you’ll get up close to some strange creatures. 

During the ride, you cruise very close to islands with a chance to spot Alaskan wildlife;  bears, deer, bald eagles, seals and more. The crew explains that they never promise to spot wildlife, but they do a great job to let guests know when something comes into view.

4. Grab Lunch at the Alaska Crepe Co.

If you feel peckish, stop by Alaska Crepe Co. at 625 Mission Street for an outstanding brunch or lunch. This fantastic local restaurant is perfect if you want to fill up before the rest of your fun-packed day in town.

With plenty of options, this restaurant is the perfect place to stop for a hearty meal. So, whether you prefer savory or sweet wraps or crepes, the Alaskan Crepe Co. has you covered. They offer vegetarian options, too, so the whole family will be satisfied here!

If you can’t decide what to get, I recommend the Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Savory Crepe– It’s out of this world delicious and gives you a good taste of the locally sourced cuisine. You’ll never have salmon as good again unless you catch another meal in Ketchikan.

5. Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio

As with all tourist shops, native Alaskans didn’t make most of the goods in Ketchikan’s stores. Many souvenirs sold in Ketchikan tourist shops were made in China, even if they don’t look like it. However, if you’re interested in learning more about authentic Alaskan crafts, cultures, and materials, and supporting indigenous artists, be sure to visit a genuine artist’s studio.

For the most authentic selection of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian arts and crafts, visit Crazy Wolf Studioon Mission Street. This studio and shop is sure to impress. They offer many souvenirs and items such as drums, ulus, art prints, dance paddles, totems, apparel, magnets, and kitchenware.

Stop by to learn more about Tlingit symbols, totem poles and their stories, and unique crafts that make the native population of Ketchikan unique. While you’re there, pick up a few souvenirs to support the authentic art of the indigenous people of Ketchikan.

6. Walk Through the Tongass Historical Museum

While you’re wandering through Ketchikan, be sure to stop by the small yet visit-worthy Tongass Historical Museum. It’ll take 10-20 minutes to see everything in the museum, which includes exhibits about the indigenous peoples of Ketchikan, the loggers and salmon fishers, and the continuing legacy of the city’s history.

The museum also has seasonal changing exhibits, so be sure to stop by to learn more about this fantastic city and the people who live here.

7. See the Chief Johnson Totem Pole

Just northeast of the Tongass Historical Museum, stop by Chief Johnson Totem Pole to see one of the most well-known totem poles in the world.

While you pass by, make sure that you stop and read the monument’s placard to learn more about the story that this enormous and gorgeous totem pole tells.

8. Eagle Island Sea Kayak Tour

If you’re up for a bit more active adventure in Ketchikan, the Eagle island Sea Kayak Tour will help you to lose some of those added cruise food pounds. With a morning departure, this three-hour tour has you paddling across the inlet to Eagle Island and another nearby island for a beach walk.

The tour company provides all the equipment and protective clothing you’ll need for the tour as well as a safety briefing. Book in advance as this tour is very popular.

READ MORE:  Eagle Island Sea Kayaking Tour Review

9. Take a Walk on Creek Street

A visit to Ketchikan isn’t complete without a visit to Creek Street. With its scenic overview of the Ketchikan Creek and stilted buildings, Creek Street is a short walk from the docks and is the perfect place for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Creek Street, which used to be the city’s famous and sizable red-light district, is now a historical site with one of the best shopping and tourist areas in town. If you want to learn more about the brothels that once existed here, stop by Dolly’s House Museum

There are tons of things to see in this area, even salmon. Looking down from the boardwalk, you can see schools of salmon leaping from the water!

Creek street bridge is also a popular place for fishing. To rent some fishing equipment and cast your line, visit one of the fishing shops on Creek Street, such as Creek Street Rod Rentals (right next to Dolly’s House) to rent a rod, get bait, and even purchase a fishing license.

As far as shopping goes, there are tons of shops on Creek Street.

However, you must stop by Sam McGee’s at 10 Creek Street for some of the best locally sourced souvenirs and other goods. Everything in the shop is made in Alaska, and they offer all kinds of things, from soaps and coffees to bone-handled knives, local cookbooks, and fossils.

So, no matter what you’re looking for (or even if you’re not looking for anything at all), Sam McGee’s is a must-stop shop.

Creek Street is one of the most scenic places to visit in all of Ketchikan, and I loved my time here watching the salmon swim upstream for the mating season while enjoying a snack and doing some light shopping in the historic buildings. You simply can’t miss it while you’re here!

10. Visit the Totem Heritage Center

A visit to Ketchikan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Totem Heritage Center. This city is well-known for the many totem poles that once adorned the landscape, and although many of them have been moved to safer locations, you can still see them in the Totem Heritage Center!

Just 0.3 miles from the port, visit the Totem Heritage Center. This fantastic museum includes the world’s most extensive collection of unrestored totem poles from the 19th century.

Surrounded by colorful and intricately carved totem poles, the museum includes many artifacts from the native peoples who lived in Ketchikan before frontiersmen came to Alaska. Be sure to see all of the photographs, baskets, tools, totems, clothes, and masks while you’re here.

It takes most visitors around 30 minutes to see all three rooms in the museum, so it’s the perfect stop for an eventful day in the town.

READ MORE:  Princess Cruises Dedicates New Totem Pole in Ketchikan

11. See the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

After a long day of sightseeing, sit back and relax back downtown at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show , near the port, close to the ship docks. This spectacular show offers live logging and ax-throwing demonstrations from some of the world’s top loggers and lumberjacks, offering a memorable experience in Ketchikan.

Many of the show’s performers are professional ESPN athletes who are experts in logging sports, so prepare to be amazed by these lumberjacks’ skills! They’ll display their chainsawing, hand sawing, log running, and ax-throwing talents in an exciting and theatrical performance that will leave you in awe.

The show is one hour long, with the last showing around 4:00 PM, so it’s the perfect way to grab a seat after an action-packed day and wind down while still catching all of the action that Ketchikan has to offer.

12. Early Dinner or Late Lunch at the Alaska Fish House

For the perfect end to a beautiful day in Ketchikan, stop by the Alaska Fish House, conveniently located next to the cruise ship ports, for a memorable and locally sourced dinner. This restaurant is easily the number one eatery in Ketchikan, and you can’t miss it!

With fresh-caught salmon, Dungeness crab, lingcod, halibut, prawns, cod, and so much more, you’ll never get another opportunity to have such fresh and delicious seafood brought to your table.

While you’re enjoying your sea-to-table meal, enjoy a lovely view of the coastline to unwind and fill up before hopping back on your ship. Truly, there’s no better end to a day out in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Whether your idea of a good time is to sit down and enjoy a locally-sourced meal, visit museums, learn about the indigenous populations of Alaska, or look for wildlife on the coast, Ketchikan is an ideal place to visit.

Recap of 12 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska

• See The Rock.
• Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
• “Deadliest Catch” Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour
• Grab lunch at the Alaska Crepe Co.
• Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio.
• Walk through the Tongass Historical Museum. 
• See the Chief Johnson Totem Pole.
• Eagle Island Sea Kayaking Tour
• Walk down Creek Street.
• Visit the Totem Heritage Center. 
• See the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
• Eat dinner at the Alaska Fish House.

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• Skagway Bald Eagle and Rafting Tour
• Bike and Beer Tasting in Juneau
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
• 21 Best Things to Do in Sitka for the Day
• Whale-Watching in Juneau, Alaska

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One comment.

Well written, but I’m surprised it didn’t include a visit to Totem Bight State Park. It was very easy and inexpensive to hop on a local bus to get there when we visited last summer.

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Updated on September 30, 2022 by Sherry Laskin

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The Ketchikan Map Page

Maps to help orient yourself to ketchikan alaska.

A Ketchikan Map can help you orient yourself with Ketchikan Alaska . There are several Ketchikan Alaska map options and I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for here. To start out with, let’s look at the big picture. And be sure to check out the Free Ketchikan Walking Tour Map as well!

Ketchikan Alaska is located in Southeast Alaska. Yep, you heard me, SouthEAST Alaska. This trips up people all the time but check out the map, Ketchikan is located on the east side of Alaska compared to the entire state. So where is that?!

Ketchikan Map of Downtown

Let's start with a closeup of the Downtown Ketchikan area. This map shows you the streets near the Cruise Ship Docks, Creek Street, & the main downtown streets closest to where the Cruise Ships dock.

View and save the Downtown Map as a PDF

Zooming out a little bit, we see not only the downtown area but also more of the town as it stretches out to the North. This view shows you the Ferry Terminal as well.

View and save the Ketchikan City map as a PDF

Revillagigedo Island Map

Did you know that Ketchikan is a city on Revillagigedo Island? Yep! This Map of Ketchikan Alaska shows the entire island, roads on the island, and some of the attractions outside the downtown area.

View and save the Revillagigedo Island map as a PDF

Map of Ketchikan & Surrounding Islands

Now that you have a good idea what Ketchikan is like, let's look at another map of Ketchikan Alaska that shows the surrounding islands.

View and save the Surrounding Islands Map as a PDF

Nautical Maps of Ketchikan Alaska

And for the boaters out there - Here are links to the NOAA Charts of the area:

View the Ketchikan Harbor Chart

View the entire Alaska Chart list

Hopefully you found what you were looking for! Please let me know if there are any specific maps you would like to see!

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Ketchikan continues to evolve with excellent options for visitors

Cruise ships are front-and-center in downtown Ketchikan. More than 10,000 passengers per day visit Ketchikan during the busy summer season. (Photo by Scott McMurren)

Ketchikan is the “Gateway City” to Alaska. It was so named back before airplanes filled the skies when the only way in or out of the then-territory of Alaska was by ship.

Numbers-wise, ships still account for the vast number of visitors, although most cruise visitors stay for just a few hours.

Many of the folks on the plane with me were coming for work. But there also were anglers and adventurers exploring Tongass National Forest.

Looking across the Tongass Narrows from the airport to downtown, you cannot miss last month’s big landslide that cut a wide swath from the hillside between the airport and downtown. There were several injuries as a result of the slide on Aug 25. — and one person died.

Crews are working hard to clear the debris. Several homes were destroyed — and the slide cut through one of Ketchikan’s favorite trails. The Rainbird Trail afforded hikers beautiful views of the town below and the busy Tongass Narrows waterway beyond.

Outside of that isolated location, though, most folks are carrying on with their vacations. On a busy day, more than 10,000 visitors get off of cruise ships to go on tours around the area. Many go on boat tours of Misty Fjords National Monument, on kayak trips or flightseeing.

Other travelers land in Ketchikan before pushing on to other fishing adventures. There are some lodges in and around Ketchikan since the fishing is great. Others are located on nearby Prince of Wales Island. Guests may have a one-day layover in Ketchikan before or after their fly-out.

Whether you’re visiting Ketchikan for business or pleasure, both eating and drinking are on the list of activities. Here are some standout options since my last visit.

If you’re at the cruise ship dock looking for a good cup of coffee, stop at Alaska Coffee. It’s right across the street at 310 Front St. They use some good locally roasted beans from Raven’s Brew.

But my favorite coffee place is north of town in Ward Cove: The Green Coffee Bean C o. It’s hard to find, tucked away next to a small convenience store. They roast their own beans. I always get a pound of whole-bean coffee to bring home with me.

But the big bonus is it’s just $1 for a 12-ounce Americano. The fresh-baked cookies are good, too. Bring cash, as there’s a $5 minimum for credit card transactions. If you do charge your purchase, there’s a 25-cent fee.

The store next to the coffee roastery (Ward Cove Market) used to be my favorite pizza place. That’s changed, though.

Overlooking downtown Ketchikan is the Cape Fox Lodge, adjacent to the Ted Ferry Convention Center. The views from the hotel are expansive — with huge windows that look over the tops of the cruise ships, the Tongass Narrows and Pennock Island.

The hotel’s restaurant always has been a go-to meeting spot for breakfast or lunch.

But recently, the hotel took the extra step of adding a top-notch pizza place, called the Eagle’s Nest. There’s a beautiful outside deck — perfect for sunny days.

One of the chefs at the Eagle's Nest restaurant stands beside the giant brick-fire oven. The crew at the Cape Fox Lodge had to airlift the oven into place before building out the railings, the windows and other components. (Photo by Scott McMurren)

The centerpiece of the restaurant is the giant brick-fire pizza oven, which was custom-built in Italy and shipped to Ketchikan. From there, the hotel got a helicopter to lift it from the dock up to its final resting place in the kitchen. Then, the railings and the windows were built around it.

General Manager Michael Briggs said both the oven people were very particular. “They even suggested that we use a particular kind of dough for the pizza,” he said.

Chef Mariah Dodd enjoys adding interesting seasonal varieties.

“This week we’re offering a peach and pancetta pizza,” she said. “The peaches go very well with the ricotta cheese. People really like it.”

The menu includes both pizza and “anti-pizza” which includes some salads and sandwiches. Many of your favorite pizza styles are on the menu, but the one that stuck out was the Xaat Kwaani variety, or “Salmon People.” It features smoked salmon, lemon-herb ricotta, fresh dill, capers and other goodies.

Artisan beer

Micro-breweries are new in Ketchikan. Bawden Street Brewing (325 Bawden St.) was the first — it opened a few years ago. Yesterday’s specials included a Cucumber Sea Salt Gose variety, as well as a Spruce Tip Ale called Tip of the Tongass. I opted for a more traditional cream ale called The Lightest Beer. There are a couple of India Pale Ale (IPA) varieties, as well as a Baltic Porter.

The bartender will let you taste the beer before you commit to a full glass. Or, get a flight of four four-ounce pours for $12.

Just about two blocks away is a new micro-brewery that’s tucked into the side of the Local Grounds coffee shop, at 448 Mill St.

Ketchikan resident Brian Shimek shares a flight of craft beers from Baleen Brewing, which is tucked into a corner of Local Grounds coffee shop. (Photo by Scott McMurren)

Baleen Brewing Company is the “dream come true” of Al MacGillivray. With more than 25 years of brewing experience, MacGillivray also studied his craft at the Doemens Academy outside of Munich.

But for the past 16 years, his “real” job is as a nurse at the local hospital.

“The brewery was supposed to be a retirement project,” he said. “But I’m still doing both.”

Two standout varieties at Baleen Brewing include the Russian Stout and the red “alt” beer. Other varietals include an American Pale Ale, a ginger weissbier, and an oatmeal stout, among others. Again, I recommend getting the flight of four pours so you can taste several of MacGillivray’s craft beers.

A local insider tipped me off about a new distillery that serves up vodka, gin and whiskey cocktails.

Travis Robbins is getting good reviews for cocktails at his Uncharted Alaska Distillery, located in an old fire station at 319 Main St. He’s getting ready to release a kelp vodka.

When I turned up my nose at the idea, he said “Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. It doesn’t taste like kelp.”

It’s true. First, I’ve never tasted kelp. But I was thinking of something that tastes like muddy sea bottom. But Robbins gets his kelp from a local kelp farmer. And the seaweed does, indeed, bring an interesting flavor to the vodka.

Travis Robbins shows off a selection of tea-infused cider concoctions at Alaska Legends Cider and Winery in Ketchikan. Robbins also runs the Uncharted Distillery around the corner in an old firehouse. (Photo by Scott McMurren)

Robbins is a former firefighter and one of his partners is a former police chief. In addition to the distillery, the group runs the Alaska Legends Cider and Winery, around the corner at 319 Dock St.

Here, Robbins and his crew work with all manner of Alaska herbs and berries to serve up some interesting creations. They also make wine, although the grapes are imported.

“We add a little something local to all the wines to give them an Alaska touch,” said Robbins.

My favorite feature of the distillery is D’Santa’s Mexican restaurant, which is tucked away on the north side of the tasting room.

On the first night, I got Quesabirrias a la Carta, a selection of cheesy tortillas with rice and beans. It was really good, so I came back for lunch: five street tacos. Everything is $23.95, but you will not walk away hungry.

Partly because of the robust cruise traffic, there’s a big selection of food and beverage selections in Ketchikan to enjoy between your adventures.

Check with the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau for ideas on what to see and do. The Bureau also has a web page with information on making donations to support the community in the aftermath of the landslide on Aug. 25.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at [email protected]. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.