Top Things To Do In Ketchikan, Alaska

1. Tongass National Forest

2. Misty Fjords National Monument

3. Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

4. Totem Bight State Historical Park

Visit Totem Bight State Park to see 14 replicas of historic totem poles, tour reconstructed Tlingit and Haida village clan houses and roam the nearby rainforest that informs the Native Alaskan culture. Here you can learn about the significance of the totem poles and get insights into the way people in these clans lived as individuals and as a community.

5. Creek Street, Ketchikan

Mounted on stilts, the historic Creek Street boardwalk hosts museums, art galleries, restaurants and shops. Creek Street has a spicy history as the town’s former red-light district and is now a scenic waterfront hot spot. If you happen upon Married Man’s Trail, see where it leads you and get a glimpse into Ketchikan’s colorful past. 

Check out the viewing platforms for wildlife spotting — especially in mid-July through August, where you can see Salmon in the creek — and take in the landscape from Stedman Bridge, which connects to downtown. See what Ketchikan has to offer right away, with Creek Street just a 10-minute walk from the port.

6. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

See flexibility and strength up close with world-class lumberjack athletes speed climbing, sawing, chopping, log rolling and throwing axes in an interactive, family-friendly show. This energetic event pays tribute to Alaska’s logging history while inviting you to take part in the action and being just steps from the cruise port. Where else can you see ESPN lumberjack athletes competing in traditional timber sports live? This show is a must-see in Ketchikan.

7. Bear Viewing From Local Boardwalks

Watch wild black bears fish for spawning salmon between late July and September. You’ll find boardwalk platforms at Herring Cove or Neets Bay, where you can see hungry bears hunting for fish in rainforest streams without disrupting their natural habitat.

8. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Head out to sea on a crab fisherman’s boat to see gigantic king crabs up close, alongside octopuses, prawns and bald eagles. This educational boat trip introduces you to the daily operations of the North Pacific fishing industry and you’ll likely pick up some epic seafaring stories.

9. Whale Watching Tours

Jump on a boat to spot migratory humpback whales, orcas and sea lions in the Inside Passage. Guides on board point out the animals as they surface, and the vessels usually feature heated indoor cabins and open decks for easy viewing. The best time for whale watching in Ketchikan is between May and October, with animal activity peaking between June and August. 

10. Kayaking in Tatoosh Island

Kayak through Ketchikan’s various waterways, like Tatoosh Island, a remote archipelago in Clover Passage. Known for its calm, clear waters and lush rainforests, you can move through the sea at your own pace for a close-up view of the untainted shoreline and local marine life.

11. Ketchikan Salmon Walk

Step off the ship and stretch your legs in nature. One of the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska from the cruise ship is wandering along the Ketchikan Salmon Walk. When you head downtown, explore the famous Ketchikan Creek, where you can witness part of the salmon reproduction process known as spawning. While different varieties of salmon spawn at different times of the year, July and August are popular months for viewing.

12. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

The city is located within a temperate rainforest, so encountering damp weather is likely during your visit. Stay dry at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center and get a better grasp of the natural and cultural history of Southeast Alaska and the Tongass National Forest. From exhibits showcasing the rich ecosystem to Emmy Award-winning films, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in all that makes this region so special.

13. Explore Local Eateries

You’ll also want to stop by a local eatery to taste fresh seafood and traditional delicacies like reindeer sausage, smoked salmon candy or Ketchikan Wild Bread Pudding made with local berries and rhubarb. Take some of these treats to savor later or as a special gift for your friends and loved ones back home.

Cruise Tips for Visiting Ketchikan

Navigating Ketchikan is relatively easy because the downtown center and the historic district are adjacent to the cruise port. Here are a few tips for enjoying and getting around Ketchikan, rain, hail or shine. 

If you’re looking for the coolest things to do in Alaska (even if you only have a few hours), Ketchikan has some extraordinary attractions. In just a half-day, you can: 

● Walk to the downtown area and explore the eateries and shops.

● Stroll the Creek Street historic boardwalk.

● See the salmon ladder and totem poles.

● Watch the lumberjack show.

● Head to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

When you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, sunshiney weather is not always granted. Because the city is located within a temperate rainforest, encountering damp weather is possible during your visit. If you strike a rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you dry, like tasting local seafood and learning about Alaska’s natural and cultural history at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

Can you walk around Ketchikan from the cruise port? Yes! Step off the ship at the Ketchikan, Alaska, cruise port and start perusing the city from downtown Ketchikan.

When looking for things to do in Ketchikan, you can stay close to the port and explore by foot, rent a car for sights a bit further out or, when you book excursions through Royal Caribbean Alaska cruises, transportation is often included.

If you can’t get enough of Alaska, you can extend your cruise vacation either before or after your sailing, with an Alaska Cruise tour. You’ll get the best of both worlds, exploring the state by land and sea. With a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour, you’ll see interior highlights like Denali National Park, and knock even more activities off your Alaska vacation bucket list.

Your Adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska, Awaits

With so many things to do in Ketchikan, the hardest part will be choosing which activities and attractions to see during your trip. As you plan your journey, explore the best Alaska cruises for your great adventure and unforgettable memories.

Join these Royal Caribbean guests who can’t wait to get to Alaska:

“Stunning ship with an amazingly welcoming crew!! Loved every moment and so looking forward to our upcoming Alaska cruise!”

If you spend all of your time forest bathing and hiking through the Tongass National Forest, or partake in the many opportunities to learn about Ketchikan’s vibrant way of life, you’re sure to come away from your time in the city enriched. From the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show to historic Creek Street, Ketchikan truly is a special place to visit.