Ketchikan, often called “Alaska’s First City” because of its location at the southern entrance of the Inside Passage, is a charming coastal town rich in Native culture, breathtaking scenery, and unique experiences. If you’re arriving by cruise ship or spending a few days exploring, Ketchikan offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural encounters, and small-town charm.
Things to Do in Ketchikan
1. Explore Creek Street
Once a historic red-light district, Creek Street is now a vibrant boardwalk lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants perched above the rushing Ketchikan Creek. It’s also one of the best places to see salmon running upstream during spawning season.
2. Visit Totem Heritage Center
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Ketchikan is known as the “Totem Pole Capital of the World.” At the Totem Heritage Center, you can view original, centuries-old totem poles and learn about the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.
3. Take a Wildlife Tour
From whales and seals to bald eagles and bears, Ketchikan is teeming with wildlife. Join a guided boat or floatplane tour for a chance to spot marine life along the Inside Passage or venture inland for bear viewing near salmon streams.
4. Go Salmon Fishing
Fishing is a way of life in Ketchikan, and the town is famous for its salmon runs. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, charter a fishing trip and try your hand at catching one of the five species of Pacific salmon.
5. Discover Saxman Native Village
A short trip from downtown, Saxman Native Village offers an authentic cultural experience. You’ll see one of the largest collections of standing totem poles, watch master carvers at work, and enjoy traditional dances performed by local groups.
6. Take a Seaplane to Misty Fjords National Monument
Often called the “Yosemite of the North”, Misty Fjords National Monument is a pristine wilderness of towering cliffs, waterfalls, and fjords. A seaplane flightseeing tour offers breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
7. Stroll the Waterfront and Enjoy Local Seafood
The waterfront is the heart of Ketchikan, bustling with shops, restaurants, and fishing boats. Treat yourself to fresh Alaskan crab, halibut, or salmon at a local eatery, and soak in the harbor views.
8. Hike Deer Mountain Trail
If you love hiking, the Deer Mountain Trail offers a challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views of Ketchikan, the Tongass Narrows, and surrounding islands.
9. Explore the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
For something fun and family-friendly, watch lumberjacks compete in log rolling, axe throwing, and tree climbing at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show—a lively way to experience Alaska’s logging heritage.
10. Visit Tongass Historical Museum
Dive into Ketchikan’s history at the Tongass Historical Museum, which showcases exhibits on Native culture, the fishing industry, and the Gold Rush era.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Ketchikan
1. What is Ketchikan best known for?
Ketchikan is known as “Alaska’s First City” and the “Totem Pole Capital of the World.” It’s famous for Native Alaskan culture, stunning totem poles, salmon fishing, and access to the Misty Fjords National Monument.
2. Is one day enough to see Ketchikan?
Yes, many cruise visitors explore Ketchikan in one day by walking around downtown, visiting Creek Street, and taking a tour to Misty Fjords or Saxman Native Village. However, spending 2–3 days lets you enjoy hikes, fishing trips, and more in-depth cultural experiences.
3. What are the top cultural attractions in Ketchikan?
Key cultural attractions include the Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Native Village, and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. These highlight Native traditions and Alaska’s logging history.
4. Can you see wildlife in Ketchikan?
Absolutely! Ketchikan is surrounded by wilderness. You can spot bald eagles, whales, seals, and salmon. Bear viewing tours are also popular during salmon season.
5. What outdoor activities can I do in Ketchikan?
Popular outdoor activities include hiking Deer Mountain, salmon fishing, kayaking, and flightseeing tours over the Misty Fjords.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan may be small, but it is packed with unforgettable experiences. From cultural heritage to outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect place to connect with Alaska’s history, people, and natural beauty.
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