A Day in Port: Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a popular cruise port when on an Alaska cruise. It is usually the first stop for cruise ships traveling northbound on the inside passage.

This was just one of three ports that we spent a day in. Ketchikan is the smallest town we visited but it sure has an abundance of activities to offer visitors!

Ketchikan is a very walkable town. It gets an average of 162 inches of rain a year so be prepared with rain gear. Behave like the locals and do not let the rain interfere with your visit to this quaint town.

A short history of Ketchikan:

Ketchikan was named after the Ketchikan Creek, which still flows through the town. It was 1200 years ago when people first settled in there. The cool climate and abundance of fishing and berries were the lure.

Much later there was another surge of people passing through; latecomers to The Gold Rush. They missed the gold but stayed for the fishing. Fish processing plants were soon established and the town grew.

Fishing is still the number one industry in Ketchikan today. I believe that tourism has to be a close second. The town boasts that they have more boats than cars. I can believe it!

Things to do while in Ketchikan:

1) The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show:

My husband and I took our grandchildren to this show. We are so glad we did and recommend it to everyone – even if you do not have kids traveling with you. Yes, it is that entertaining.

• It is only about a block from the cruise port, lasts about an hour and they offer 3 – 5 shows daily, depending on how many cruise ships are in port.
• You can purchase tickets directly from their web site but they recommend you get them from your cruise line to ensure availability.

2) Historic Creek Street:

Creek Street is a historic boardwalk perched on pilings along the banks of Ketchikan Creek. It is one of the most popular things to see in town.

Here you can find restaurants, historic buildings, including the famed “Dolly’s House” brothel, various gift shops, and residential houses.

If you look over the wood railings you are bound to see salmon swimming upstream.

3) Totem Poles:

There are at least two great places where you can see authentic totem poles. Did you know that totem poles are not icons for worship but instead were used as markers for clan gatherings, gravesites, and even used as storytellers of events that were passed down generation to generation?

• Totem Heritage Center: 601 Deermount St, Ketchikan

 The center was established to house and teach the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples.

It is operated by the city of Ketchikan. You will find this has the largest collection of unrestored 19th-century totem poles.

It is located about a mile or so from the town.

• Totem Bight State Park:

This state park is worth the trip. It is 12 miles north of town. We took a tour offered through our cruise ship. It was so informative that I am happy we made the trip.

 The park is 11-acres. It has many restored and re-carved totems as well as a new Clan House. The Clan House is a complete recreation of a 19th-century Native Alaskan house.

4) Salmon Fishing:

• Ketchikan is known as the salmon capital of the world. After visiting I can see why. If you enjoy fishing you will find many fishing excursions offered, some from the cruise line and many others locally. They even have some shore fishing opportunities. You can easily find them by searching the Internet.

5) Misty Fjords National Monument:

• This strikingly beautiful area has more than 2 million acres of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal clear lakes. It is located east of Ketchikan. You will have to visit by sea or air since there are no roads in or out.

Places to eat in Ketchikan:

• Alaska Fish House: 3 Salmon Lndg, Ketchikan, AK 877-732-9453
  • Open only during the cruise season. You will find fresh-caught seafood, Danali beer, local coffee, and a wonderful view.

• Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House: 326 Front Street
  Ketchikan, AK 907-225-6009
  • Located in the Historic Gilmore House, this popular restaurant offers fresh seafood, homemade desserts and is family-friendly. They are open every day from 10 am – 10 pm.

• Bar Harbor Restaurant: 55 Schoenbar Rd #102, Ketchikan, AK (907) 225-2813
  • One of Ketchikan’s finest seafood restaurants, the p located near the cruise ship berths. Prices are high but you will get quality and they are conveniently located near the ship berths.

• Sweet Mermaids: 340 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK (907) 225-3287
  • This is a coffee and pastry shop that serves delicious breakfasts, lunches, and even brunch. They offer great vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. The food is served fresh and the staff is known to be very friendly.

Shopping opportunities in Ketchikan:

There are many wonderful shopping opportunities in Ketchikan. You will want to make sure you are buying an authentic Alaskan treasure. Look for the official “Made in Alaska” tag, which indicates that the item has been made in Alaska by a resident artist, craftsperson or manufacturer. 

The downtown historic district shops cater to tourists. This is where you will find fantastic souvenirs. Try locally owned stores such as Tongass Trading,  Soho Coho Art Gallery,  Ketchicandies, Simply Bella and Ketchikan Dry Goods.

Popular Alaska souvenirs include native art, Ulu knives, birch syrup, bear claw pasta, and bear claw salad servers. In addition, many stores sell reasonably priced Alaska shirts, fleece jackets, and rain gear.

For more information on Ketchikan:

1. https://www.visit-ketchikan.com/en/About-Ketchikan
2. https://www.alaska.org/destination/ketchikan/things-to-do

*If you are planning your cruise you should read my post on Embarkation Day Carry-On Essentials. Also of interest is How to Stay Healthy on a Cruise.