Ketchikan is often called the rainfall capital of the United States, so it’s smart to be prepared. That said, in more than 10 visits there, we’ve only had rain once! Ironically, we’ve experienced much more rain in Juneau and Skagway—go figure!
Ketchikan has no shortage of things to do. You can dive into Alaskan Native culture, explore its incredible natural scenery, wander historic Creek Street, visit totem parks, take scenic boat tours, go hiking, or catch the always-entertaining Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
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This is a great place to simply wander and explore at your own pace. Depending on where your ship docks, the main tourist area is either just a short walk away or right outside the ship. If you’re tendering in, you’ll be dropped off directly at the main dock area.
If you haven’t pre-booked an excursion, don’t worry—there are plenty of kiosks available offering a variety of tours and activity options right on site.
A popular destination for day trippers is Creek Street. This is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the cruise port. When walking in Ketchikan, be sure to follow the crossing guard’s directions. The roads are busy with tour busses and the guards are there to keep you safe.
From the 1920’s to the 1950’s, Creek Street is where fishermen, miners, and some more genteel characters, found entertainment and feminine companionship. You can visit Dolly’s House Museum ($5 admission fee), which is locally owned and operated by a life long Ketchikan resident who takes great pride in being able to offer this unique and historic video narrated tour that looks back into Ketchikan’s infamous past.
Creek Street is also well known for the annual salmon run that happens each summer. During peak season, the creek becomes so full of fish it almost looks like you could walk across it!
You may also spot a resident seal near the bridge who has become quite the local character—often seen hanging around and trying to steal a fisherman’s catch when it gets the chance.
From the end of Creek Street, you can continue your walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the commercial, cultural, and recreational importance of the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
The center also features a comfortable theater that screens short films about Ketchikan and the Tongass National Forest, offering a great way to learn more about the region and its incredible natural surroundings.
Did you know you can take a distillery tour in Ketchikan? Unchartered Alaska Distillery (Station One Distillery) is located right on Main Street and offers a unique experience inside a historic former fire station.
On this 2-hour tour, you’ll get a fascinating overview of the building’s history along with an introduction to the distilling process behind their locally crafted spirits. You’ll also enjoy tastings of their house spirits, followed by a hands-on class where you can blend your own custom infusion using provided botanicals, herbs, and spices.
To top it off, you’ll design your own custom label for your creation—giving you a one-of-a-kind bottle to take home and share with friends and family. Be sure to plan accordingly for this immersive and interactive experience.
Bawden Street Brewing Co. is currently the only active microbrewery in Ketchikan, offering a fun stop for craft beer lovers.
They’re known for their creative lineup of offbeat ales, saisons, and sours, giving visitors a chance to try something a little different from the usual brewery fare. You’ll find them just a few blocks from the pier at 325 Bawden Street, making it an easy walk if you’re exploring the downtown area during your visit.
We finally visited the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show—and it was such a fun experience! Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show runs several times a day, and you can hear the laughter and cheering from the crowd well before you even step inside.
It’s also very reasonably priced, and we were able to book it through the cruise line using onboard credit, which made it even more convenient. I highly recommend this family-friendly excursion if you’re in Ketchikan—it was an absolute hoot from start to finish!
Is spotting bears at the top of your list? Then get ready for the ultimate Alaska wildlife adventure in Ketchikan!
From the incredible salmon ladder to unforgettable bear sightings at Herring Cove, this is one destination that delivers nonstop nature. You can also explore Rotary Beach, where you might catch glimpses of whales offshore and discover fascinating marine life in the intertidal zones.
There is the chance you will see bears in town. We have stumbled on them several times. Please keep your distance from them. They are wild animals and could attack if they feel threatened.
Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, including some of the oldest still in existence. While the very oldest are preserved in climate-controlled environments and a few remain in private collections, many can still be seen throughout the town.
You can explore a significant number at the Totem Heritage Center, or visit one of the nearby totem parks to see these remarkable works of art up close and learn more about their cultural significance.
The Misty Fjords are one of the most popular excursions in the region. Misty Fjords National Monument can be experienced in two unforgettable ways—by boat or by air.
Personally, nothing beats seeing it from a floatplane. There’s something incredibly “Alaska” about lifting off the water and soaring over it all. This is the Alaska you imagine before you ever arrive: icy blue lakes, dramatic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and deep glacial valleys stretching as far as you can see. No matter where you point your camera, it feels like you’ve landed inside a postcard.
Have you ever watched Deadliest Catch? The Deadliest Catch tour gives you a glimpse into Alaska’s intense crab fishing industry—but you can actually experience a family-friendly version of it yourself aboard the Aleutian Ballad.
This 100% accessible, interactive fishing excursion lets you step into the world of Alaskan crab fishing while learning about the rich marine ecosystem and what life is really like at sea.
The Aleutian Ballad is docked near the main cruise ship terminal downtown, making it easy to access right from your port stop. And don’t worry—this is a calm, comfortable tour, so no need to stress about seasickness. It’s a gentle, educational version of what you may have seen on TV.
As you head toward the fishing grounds, you’ll get to know the boat and hear its colorful history as a working vessel in the Bering Sea. Along the way, you might even spot wildlife like bald eagles, seals, deer, or even bears along the shoreline.
Once you reach the protected waters of Annette Island, you’ll see crab pots hauled aboard, get an up-close look at massive crustaceans, and may even watch an octopus pot come up from the depths. It’s hands-on, memorable, and one of the most unique ways to experience Alaska’s maritime world.
Is fishing in Alaska on your bucket list? This Ketchikan combination fishing trip is all about flexibility and getting you on the best bite of the day.
Out on the waters of Southeast Alaska, your guide will adjust the plan in real time based on conditions and fish activity. One stop might have you trolling for salmon with downriggers, while the next shifts to jigging around deep pinnacles and kelp beds for rockfish and lingcod. If conditions call for it, you may even head deeper to target bottom fish.
Every trip is different, and that’s what makes it special. If you want a true hands-on Alaska fishing experience that highlights the variety and excitement of these waters, this trip delivers.
Ketchikan is a fantastic port for souvenir shopping, with plenty of shops lined up along Front Street right by the pier. You’ll find everything from classic Alaska t-shirts and local crafts to jewelry and unique handmade gifts.
Two of our favorite stops are the Christmas shop, perfect for picking up special Alaska-themed ornaments, and the Quilt Shop, which carries beautiful fabric featuring Alaska-inspired designs. It’s an easy and enjoyable area to stroll, browse, and find something special to bring home.
After all that exploring, you’re bound to work up an appetite! Ketchikan has no shortage of great dining options, including plenty of spots serving fresh local seafood straight from Alaska’s waters.
Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or a sit-down meal, it’s a great place to refuel and try something local—especially if you love crab, salmon, or halibut.
My top recommendations are Harbor Haus for All-You-Can-Eat dungeness crab, The Alaska Fish House overlooking the historic Thomas Basin and Ketchikan Crab and Go, famous for serving high-quality Red Alaskan King Crab and Dungeness Crab in a fast, casual setting right next to the cruise ship docks
No matter what you choose to do, have fun, take lots of photos, and truly enjoy your time in Alaska. Whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth, each trip is unique and memorable in its own special way—there’s always something new to discover.
You may also want to check out these other posts for more Alaska cruise tips, port guides, and travel inspiration:
19+ Essential Items You Need in Your Cruise Cabin
Cruise Packing 101 – What Not to Forget!
Cruising with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities and Preparations
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