Ketchikan Tours & Excursions

Best Things to Do in Ketchikan

Ketchikan sits at the southern edge of Alaska's Inside Passage, wrapped almost entirely by the Tongass National Forest — the largest temperate rainforest in the world. It's a port built as much around Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian heritage as it is around the rainforest itself, and there's more packed into this small, walkable town than its size suggests.

Totem Poles and a Walk Through History

Ketchikan holds one of the world's largest collections of totem poles, spread across Totem Bight State Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center, where visitors can watch master carvers at work on new poles. Our Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe tour covers the state park side of that collection, paired with a paddle through the surrounding rainforest. Just as central to a visit is Creek Street, a boardwalk built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek and once the town's red-light district, now home to shops and galleries a short walk from the dock.

Misty Fjords From the Air

Misty Fjords National Monument, a 2.3-million-acre wilderness of sheer granite cliffs and waterfalls about 40 miles east of town, is best seen by floatplane on a flightseeing tour — a favorite half-day add-on for visitors with the time for it.

Salmon, Wildlife, and a Lumberjack Show

Downtown, Ketchikan Creek runs right through town, with a fish ladder near Creek Street where salmon can be seen fighting their way upstream in season, and the Deer Mountain Hatchery just above it raising fish and rehabilitating eagles. Down on the harbor, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show puts on a lively, family-friendly competition of axe throwing, log rolling, and speed climbing that's become one of the port's most popular stops.

Into the Rainforest With Us

For a more physical day, our Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari puts guests behind the wheel of a 4WD Jeep on Revillagigedo Island's back roads before switching to a Native-style canoe. The Rainforest Island Adventure crosses Clover Passage by motorized raft to a remote island trail, and the Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail pairs a paddle across Lake Harriet Hunt with a hike through old-growth forest. However much time there is in port, Ketchikan rewards a mix of culture, wildlife, and wilderness — on foot, on the water, and in the air.

Best Cruise Excursions in Ketchikan

Alaska Travel Adventures runs four cruise excursions out of Ketchikan, each built around the same rainforest and Native culture that define this port. Whether you're looking at Ketchikan shore excursions in general or searching specifically for what the company offers here, the choice usually comes down to how active you want the day to be, and how much time is available.

The Bestseller: Jeep and Canoe

The Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari is the most-booked Ketchikan cruise excursion, and it's easy to see why: four hours split between driving your own 4WD Jeep along Revillagigedo Island's back roads and paddling a quiet stretch of water by canoe. At a moderate activity level, it suits guests who want to be behind the wheel for part of the day.

The Easier Pace: Lake and Rainforest

For a gentler alternative, the Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail runs 3.5 hours at an easy pace — a guided paddle across Lake Harriet Hunt followed by a walk through old-growth Tongass rainforest, with no driving or physical exertion required.

Culture and Canoe in One Outing

Guests who want the totem poles and the rainforest in a single booking should look at the Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe, which pairs a visit to Totem Bight State Park with a canoe trip, also at an easy activity level.

The Most Remote Option

For guests looking to get further off the beaten path, the Rainforest Island Adventure crosses Clover Passage by motorized raft to a remote, undeveloped island, followed by a coastal rainforest walk — a moderate four-hour excursion for guests comfortable with a bit more adventure.

Best Family Activities

Is Ketchikan a good stop for families with kids?

Yes. Downtown Ketchikan is entirely walkable from the cruise berths, making it simple to navigate with strollers or young children. Alaska Travel Adventures' Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail and Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe are both rated All Ages, offering safe lake paddling that accommodates children and parents beautifully.

Are there family tours with wildlife in Ketchikan?

Yes. Families can join the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour aboard the Aleutian Ballad from "Deadliest Catch," which lets children as young as 5 get close to king crab, eagles, and other marine life in calm, protected water.

Are there free family activities in Ketchikan?

Yes. Salmon can be watched fighting their way up the fish ladder on Ketchikan Creek in season, Saxman Native Village lets families watch totem poles being carved by hand, and City Park's shallow ponds, once a fish hatchery, make for an easy, low-key stop for all ages.

Best Wildlife Experiences in Ketchikan

Ketchikan has earned its nickname as the "Salmon Capital of the World," and that abundance of salmon is exactly what draws the wildlife that makes this port worth exploring beyond downtown.

Black Bears at Herring Cove

The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, a private 40-acre reserve at Herring Cove about 8 miles south of town, is one of the most accessible ways to see black bears in the wild. An elevated boardwalk over Eagle Creek keeps visitors safely separated from the bears while giving close, unobstructed views. Peak activity runs from late July through early September, when salmon return to spawn and bears gather to feed along the creek.

Farther Into the Wilderness: Neets Bay and Anan Creek

For a more remote experience, floatplane operators fly visitors north to Neets Bay or south to Anan Creek — two of the most reliable bear-viewing spots in Southeast Alaska, where black bears congregate in large numbers during the salmon run. Both require a short flight from Ketchikan and a guided walk to the viewing area.

Whales, Sea Lions, and Seals on the Water

Ketchikan's protected channels see humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and porpoises throughout the summer season. Small-boat wildlife charters operating out of the harbor are the most direct way to get close to marine life without heading into open ocean.

What to Do With Limited Time in Port

How much time do cruise ships spend in Ketchikan?

Most cruise ships dock in Ketchikan for 6 to 8 hours, though some stays run shorter. It's one of the busier ports on the Inside Passage itinerary, so checking your ship's exact schedule before booking anything ashore is always worth doing.

What can I do in Ketchikan in less than 6 hours?

With under 6 hours in port, Alaska Travel Adventures runs three excursions that fit comfortably within that window. The Rainforest Canoe Adventure & Nature Trail runs 3.5 hours and is one of the best options for shorter port stays. The Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe covers the same easy paddle plus a stop at Totem Bight State Park in 4 hours. The Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari also runs 4 hours, for guests who'd rather drive a Jeep through the backcountry than paddle a lake.

Which activities can I do in Ketchikan without a tour?

Creek Street and the Ketchikan Creek fish ladder are within walking distance of the cruise docks and require no advance booking. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, also close to the pier, runs 3 to 4 professional competitions daily from May through September, with tickets available directly at the venue. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, one block from the pier, covers the region's rainforest, wildlife, and Native culture — no reservation needed.

Rainy Day Activities in Ketchikan

Not every port day comes with clear skies, and Ketchikan has enough indoor options to fill a full day ashore without ever stepping into the rain. From a world-class discovery center steps from the dock to galleries, museums, and cultural centers within easy walking distance, there's plenty to explore when the weather calls for it.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

One block from the cruise docks at 50 Main Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is one of the most rewarding stops in Ketchikan — and one of the most underrated free attractions in Southeast Alaska. Over 20,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits cover the Tongass National Forest ecosystem, Alaska Native cultures, and the region's wildlife, with a 200-seat theater showing award-winning films about the rainforest. Ranger-led tours and interpretive talks run hourly, kids can work through a scavenger hunt or earn a Junior Ranger badge, and a spotting scope lets visitors scan for wildlife without stepping outside.

Totem Heritage Center and Tongass Historical Museum

A short walk from Creek Street, the Totem Heritage Center preserves 19th-century Tlingit and Haida totem poles in a climate-controlled indoor setting — one of the few places in the world where these poles are displayed, explained, and actively cared for under one roof. Just nearby, the Tongass Historical Museum covers Ketchikan's fishing industry, gold rush history, and early settler life through rotating exhibits and a permanent archive.

Creek Street Galleries

Creek Street's galleries offer an unhurried way to spend an hour browsing local art and craft. Scanlon Gallery, one of the most established on the street, carries Alaska Native carvings, fine art, handcrafted jewelry, and photography from local and regional artists — the kind of stop that doesn't require a plan or a reservation.

Self-Guided Itinerary in Ketchikan

Downtown Ketchikan is one of the most walkable ports on the Inside Passage — compact enough to cover most of its highlights on foot in a few hours, with no car and no advance booking required. Stop by the Ketchikan Visitors Center near Berth 2/3 to pick up a free walking map before setting off.

Here are some suggestions for walking through Ketchikan:

Start at Creek Street

A few minutes from the dock, Creek Street is Ketchikan's most photographed block — a wooden boardwalk built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek, once the town's red-light district, now lined with galleries, shops, and Dolly's House, a preserved 1919 bordello-turned-museum. Behind the main boardwalk, the Married Man's Trail is a short elevated walkway once used by men sneaking into the district — worth a quick detour for the story alone.

Watch the Salmon at the Fish Ladder

At the end of Creek Street, the Salmon Ladder Observation Platform is one of the most accessible places in Alaska to watch salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. Peak season runs from July through September, when the creek fills with thousands of fish — eagles and seals often work the same stretch at the same time.

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

A short walk from Creek Street at 50 Main Street, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center covers the Tongass National Forest ecosystem, Alaska Native cultures, and regional wildlife through over 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits.

Go Farther: Saxman Totem Park

For one of the largest standing collections of totem poles in the world, the Silver Line City Bus runs from downtown to Saxman Totem Park, about 2.5 miles south of town. Our Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe tour covers Totem Bight State Historical Park — another major totem collection 10 miles north — for those who'd rather book a guided outing than head out independently.

Where to Eat Along the Way

The Alaska Fish House at 334 Dock Street, right on the docks, is well-rated for fresh halibut and salmon chowder. Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House, inside the Gilmore Hotel at 326 Front Street, serves hearty Alaskan seafood in a 1920s setting. For something quick and local, Jellyfish Donuts is known for its signature Salmon Donut.

Best Restaurants in Ketchikan

Ketchikan's dining scene punches well above its size, with fresh king crab, halibut, and wild salmon pulled straight from the surrounding waters and served within steps of the cruise docks.

Seafood in Ketchikan

Two solid options sit right at Salmon Landing, steps from the berths. The Alaska Fish House at 3 Salmon Landing is a local institution with scenic harbor views, known for its halibut fish and chips, salmon tacos, and smoked salmon chowder. Next door, Ketchikan Crab & Go at 5 Salmon Landing is the fastest way to get king crab and Dungeness crab on the dock, with clam chowder in bread bowls for anyone who wants to eat while watching the harbor.

Restaurants Near the Port in Ketchikan

Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House, inside the Gilmore Hotel at 326 Front Street, has barely changed since the 1920s — a vintage pub atmosphere with wild Alaskan halibut and seafood chowder bread bowls as the standouts. For a more upscale evening, Bush Pilots' Lounge at 1245 Tongass Avenue is a dinner-only spot overlooking a working floatplane dock, with high-end steaks, fine seafood, and handcrafted cocktails.

Best Local Restaurants in Ketchikan

The 108 Tap House & Burger Bar, in a historic 1900 building at 108 Main Street, is the go-to for Alaskan microbrews and gourmet elk burgers in a lively, no-fuss setting. A bit further from the dock at 2417 Tongass Avenue, Alava's Fish-n-Chowder is a walk-up seafood shack with exceptional ratings for its fish and chips and homemade clam chowder. And for something quick and iconic, Burger Queen at 518 Water Street draws lines out the door for old-school burgers and thick milkshakes.

Best Crab Feast in Ketchikan

For king crab specifically, George Inlet Lodge runs a crab feast experience a short distance from downtown — the kind of meal that tends to be the thing people mention first when they get back on the ship.

A Meal Built Into Your Tour

For guests who want to combine a meal with a tour, Alaska Travel Adventures' Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari serves clam chowder, smoked salmon spread, and fresh rolls at a lakeside cook camp, and the Totem Bight & Rainforest Canoe includes a snack of smoked salmon and locally sourced provisions at a riverside camp in the Tongass.

Insider Tips

How do I get to Ketchikan?

Like all Southeast Alaska ports, Ketchikan is only reachable by air or sea. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship — if your ship docks at Berths 1 through 4, you're right in the heart of downtown. Norwegian Cruise Line passengers should be aware that their ships often dock at Ward Cove, about 20 minutes north of downtown, with a complimentary shuttle running to the center.

What transportation is available in Ketchikan?

Most of downtown is walkable from the cruise berths, with Creek Street, the fish ladder, and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center all within a few minutes on foot. For Saxman Totem Park to the south, the Silver Line City Bus runs regularly from downtown and is the easiest option without a car.

What should I pack for a day in Ketchikan?

A waterproof rain shell with a hood, sturdy waterproof footwear, and a good camera or phone with plenty of storage — eagle sightings, salmon runs, and floatplane activity happen without warning, and Ketchikan is the kind of place where the shot you almost missed ends up being the best one from the whole trip. For anyone booking a rainforest excursion, a small daypack with a waterproof liner keeps everything dry on the water or on the trail.

Are there hidden spots worth seeking out?

A few worth knowing. The Rainbird Trail offers ridge-line views over the Inside Passage without the hours-long commitment of Deer Mountain — a taxi to the trailhead and a short hike gets you there. Walking northwest up Water Street toward Berth 4 trades souvenir shops for a quieter neighborhood feel and harbor views. For a drink away from the tourist trail, the Arctic Bar on Berth 3 is one of the oldest bars in Alaska, with a back deck overlooking the harbor where off-duty floatplane pilots and fishermen tend to gather.

Worth the Detour

The Ketchikan Salmon Walk is a 1.3-mile interpretive loop through the Totem Heritage Center park that follows the salmon run away from the crowded observation platform on Creek Street — a quieter, more complete way to take in the same experience with Tlingit history woven in along the route. And for a meal off the tourist trail, the New York Cafe on Stedman Street is a historic spot with murals by local artist Ray Troll and a menu built around locally sourced seafood and scratch-made lunches — the kind of place locals actually eat at.