Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska: Ketchikan Travel Guide
Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska: Ketchikan Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Looking for things to do in Ketchikan?
Alaska's "First City" sits on Revillagigedo Island in the Tongass National Forest, and for most visitors it's the first stop on an Inside Passage cruise.
Ketchikan packs a lot into a small, walkable downtown: totem poles, salmon jumping up a fish ladder, colorful houses on stilts along Creek Street, and the world's largest collection of standing totem poles in and around town.
It rains often here, so bring a jacket and plan around the cruise ship schedule—downtown is busiest when several ships are in port.
Top Things to Do
1. Take the Ketchikan Historic Downtown Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk from the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to Dolly's House, covering totem poles, Creek Street, and the town's wild frontier history.
2. Stroll Creek Street—Walk the boardwalk over Ketchikan Creek, once the town's red-light district and now full of shops and galleries.
3. Watch the salmon at the Salmon Ladder—See thousands of salmon leap up the fish ladder from July through September.
4. Visit the Totem Heritage Center—See original 19th-century totem poles saved from old village sites.
5. See Saxman Totem Park—Explore a Native village park with totem poles and a carving center just south of downtown.
6. Explore Totem Bight State Historical Park—Walk a forest trail to totem poles and a clan house north of town.
7. Fly over Misty Fjords National Monument—Take a floatplane trip over granite cliffs, waterfalls, and deep fjords.
8. Ride the Cape Fox funicular—Take the short tram from Creek Street up to Cape Fox Lodge for views over the town.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The Ketchikan Historic Downtown Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and ends at Dolly's House on Creek Street. Along the way it covers the Chief Kyan Totem Pole, The Rock, the Ketchikan Tunnel, the Married Man's Trail, and the Salmon Ladder. The walk takes about an hour and starts a short walk from the cruise ship docks.
Free Things to Do
1. Creek Street—Walk the historic boardwalk on stilts.
2. Salmon Ladder—Watch salmon jump the falls in late summer.
3. Married Man's Trail—Follow the wooded shortcut to Creek Street.
4. The Rock and Eagle Park—See two of downtown's best public monuments.
5. Chief Kyan and Chief Johnson Totem Poles—See historic totem poles right in town.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center—Learn about the region's Native cultures and rainforest (~$5 adult, free October through April).
2. Tongass Historical Museum—See Native artifacts and Ketchikan history (~$6 adult).
3. Dolly's House—Tour Creek Street's last remaining brothel, now a museum (~$10 adult).
4. Misty Fjords floatplane trips—Book with a local air tour company.
5. Cape Fox funicular—Ride the short tram from Creek Street to Cape Fox Lodge.
Food!
Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House
Inside the historic Gilmore Hotel, known for seafood chowder, Alaskan crab, and prime rib on weekends.
Alaska Fish House
A casual waterfront spot known for fresh halibut and salmon.
Ketchikan Crab & Grille
A dockside spot known for Alaska king crab and crab-topped fries.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Cape Fox Lodge, Black Bear Inn—a lodge on the hill above Creek Street with Native artwork, and a small waterfront bed-and-breakfast on the Tongass Narrows. Roughly 250-400/night.
Moderate
The Gilmore Hotel, Inn at Creek Street—a historic 1927 hotel on Front Street and rooms right on Creek Street. Roughly 170-280/night.
Budget
The Ketch Inn, The Landing Hotel—both a short drive or shuttle ride from downtown. Roughly 150-250/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Get off the ship early and take the Ketchikan Historic Downtown Walking Tour, starting at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Afternoon: Have chowder or crab for lunch, then visit the Totem Heritage Center or Saxman Totem Park.
Evening: If you're staying overnight, ride the Cape Fox funicular for sunset views, then have dinner downtown.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Take a floatplane trip over Misty Fjords National Monument, then visit Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Extra Time: Hike the Deer Mountain Trail for views over town, or go fishing for salmon or halibut.
FAQ's
1. What is Ketchikan best known for?
Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and "Alaska's First City," and for having the world's largest collection of standing totem poles.
2. Can I see Ketchikan during a cruise stop?
Yes. Downtown, Creek Street, and the walking tour are all a short walk from the cruise ship docks, so you can see a lot in just a few hours.
3. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book floatplane trips to Misty Fjords and other excursions early, especially on busy cruise days. Weather can cancel flights, so leave room in your plans.
4. Where should I park?
Most visitors arrive by ship and walk. If you're driving, downtown has limited street parking, so park once and explore on foot.
5. What should I bring?
A rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Ketchikan is one of the rainiest towns in the United States, and boardwalks and trails can be slippery.
6. When is the best time to visit Ketchikan?
May through September is the main season. July through September is best for seeing salmon at the fish ladder.
7. Is downtown Ketchikan walkable?
Yes. Most sights, shops, and restaurants are within a short walk of the cruise docks.
8. When is downtown most crowded?
Midday, when several cruise ships are in port. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter walk.
9. Is Ketchikan family-friendly?
Yes. Kids love the totem poles, the salmon, the tunnel, and the stories of Creek Street's wild days.
10. How much time do I need in Ketchikan?
A cruise stop covers downtown and Creek Street. Stay a full day or two to add Misty Fjords and the totem parks.
Recommended Tours
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