Ketchikan is a beautiful coastal town located at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage. As one of the earliest settlements in southeast Alaska, Ketchikan has much local history and natural beauty to explore.
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy during your stay in “The Salmon Capital of the World.” Here are 12 top things to do to help you make the most of your Ketchikan vacation.
Visit Creek Street and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Creek Street is the heart of Ketchikan’s historic downtown area. Along the wooden boardwalks, you’ll find shops, restaurants, street performers, and one of Ketchikan’s most popular attractions – the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
Watch professional lumberjacks compete in axe throwing, log rolling, and other feats of strength inspired by Alaska’s logging history. Afterwards, stroll along Creek Street taking in totem poles, murals, and panoramic views of the waterfront.
Cruise the Misty Fjords National Monument
Just north of Ketchikan lies the scenic Misty Fjords National Monument, a true wilderness preserve featuring deep fjords, granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The best way to experience the fjords is on a boat or kayak tour that carries you into these otherwise inaccessible coastal islands and passages.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like bald eagles, sea lions, humpback whales and even brown bears along the shores. A Misty Fjords cruise is a highlight of any Ketchikan visit.
Explore the Tongass Historical Museum
Learn about the unique history and culture of southeast Alaska at the Tongass Historical Museum. Exhibits showcase the region’s First Nations peoples, gold rush era, fishing and canning industries, Alaska Native arts, and more.
Don’t miss the outdoor sections containing totem poles and a historic salmon smokehouse. Interactive displays and artifacts bring local history to life. After visiting the museum, stroll through downtown Ketchikan admiring totems and murals that reflect what you learned.
Spot wildlife at Saxman Native Village
Just a short drive outside Ketchikan lies the Saxman Native Village and Totem Park. Here you can visit a recreated Tlingit community and view over 30 towering totem poles depicting clan heritage and legends. But the real highlight is spotting wildlife.
Wander the boardwalks and you’re likely to see brown and black bears foraging for berries or salmon in the adjacent creek. Bald eagles and waterfowl also frequent the area. Photo opportunities abound at this top Ketchikan day trip.
Go fishing in the Tongass National Forest
The pristine waters and lush forests surrounding Ketchikan offer world-class fishing opportunities. Head out on your own or book a guided fishing charter into the Tongass National Forest for salmon, trout, halibut or other local catches. Popular spots include the Ketchikan River, Gravina Island, and Wingham Creek.
With a license (available locally), you can cast your line from the shore or get out on a boat to remote lakes and islands. It’s easy to see why fishing plays such a big role in Alaska’s culture and economy.
Stroll the Ketchikan Boardwalk Trail
For a scenic seaside walk, check out the 1.25 mile Ketchikan Boardwalk Trail running along the waterfront. Not only does it offer beautiful perspectives of the harbor, cruise ships and Misty Fjords, it also features various art pieces and educational signs about local history and wildlife.
Bears, eagles and more can often be seen from the trail as well. Take your time exploring this multi-use path that connects many of Ketchikan’s top attractions in a charming waterfront setting.
Visit Totem Bight State Park
Just north of Ketchikan lies the quintessential Alaskan scene of Totem Bight State Park. Here you’ll find one of the most extensive collections of totem poles remaining in the state. Over 50 ancestral poles are on display alongside a Cultural Center telling their stories.
Due to the poles’ spiritual significance, photography is restricted in some areas. But you can’t beat soaking in the natural beauty and cultural history while wandering through this outdoor museum.
Take a seaplane tour of the area
For an exhilarating birds-eye view of the region, book a scenic flightseeing tour on a floatplane. Departing from the Ketchikan waterfront, you’ll rise above Misty Fjords National Monument to admire its fjords and waterfalls from above.
Look down upon Bald Eagle preserves, catch salmon runs from the sky and get an eagle’s perspective of the town. It’s the ultimate way to see the area’s rugged beauty all at once on your Ketchikan adventure.
Check out Ketchikan’s Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Located downtown, this magnificent new museum shares the natural and cultural history of southeast Alaska through cutting-edge exhibits, artifacts and multimedia presentations. Highlights include an indoor stream watching for salmon runs, touchscreen boards exploring mining and logging industries, and a theater showing films about Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian traditions. Plan on at least a couple hours to fully experience everything this award-winning attraction has to offer visitors.
Whether you enjoy the outdoors, culture or a bit of both, Ketchikan delivers memorable Alaskan experiences. From lush wildlife viewing to historic sites and scenic vistas, a wealth of activities await discovery during your stay in the Southeast’s most picturesque coastal town.
I hope this guide has provided you with some top ideas to make the most of your time exploring Ketchikan. Be sure to leave room in your itinerary for serendipitous discoveries as you wander the scenic waterfront boardwalks and forests surrounding the town. The natural beauty and rich heritage of this unique Alaskan port are sure to leave you with lasting memories.