Top 9 Things To Do In Ketchikan During Your Alaska Cruise
Untamed Wilderness and Dynamic Culture: Ketchikan is Electric
By Wanda Duncan | Published on September 29, 2025
Touting untouched wilderness, glaciers and mountains, Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S., has drawn cruisers since the 1880s. Travelers voyage to America’s northernmost state to experience Native culture and rugged nature unique to Alaska’s terrain. As Alaska’s “First City,” Ketchikan is a popular cruise destination and hosts several world-renowned sights. It features majestic waterfalls, streams teeming with spawning salmon and a rainforest housing black bears and wolves. And if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of things to do in Ketchikan for free.
Best Attractions And Things To Do In Ketchikan
What is Ketchikan, Alaska known for? Ketchikan boasts excellent fishing, with a reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” It also has the world’s largest collection of totem poles and is known for its whale-watching and wildlife.
Outdoor enthusiasts and history fanatics are spoiled for choice, with many Ketchikan, Alaska attractions being mere steps from the port. Ketchikan tourist attractions like the Tongass National Forest, Totem Bight State Park and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show are some of the best things to do in Ketchikan.
Natural Sights in Ketchikan
Tongass National Forest
Encompassing 16.7 million acres, the Tongass National Forest is the world’s largest old-growth temperate rainforest and America’s largest national forest. You can hike on over 70 trails, rent a cabin, fish, take a dip in the hot springs, go spelunking or take a marine tour. Reach the forest by taking trails near downtown Ketchikan, or take an excursion or a private vehicle to reach other parts of the forest.
Misty Fjords National Monument
If you’re looking for remote beauty complete with waterfalls, head 40 miles east of Ketchikan to the Misty Fjords National Monument. Only accessible by air or sea, view magnificent ice-carved granite cliffs, watch for wildlife, kayak in lakes and follow hundreds of rivers and streams. Or simply enjoy the view as the area’s signature rain and fog envelop you.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
If you’re looking for a guided experience, the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary introduces you to local flora and fauna and Native Alaskan totem poles. Spanning 40 acres, this private reserve even has a sawmill you can browse. If you book a tour or an excursion, you’ll also have an opportunity to see live totem pole carving by a master carver. To get to the sanctuary, you can walk or take the free downtown shuttle that’s available from May to September from the Ketchikan cruise port.
Cultural Experiences in Ketchikan
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.
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 and take in the landscape from Stedman Bridge, which connects to downtown. See what Ketchikan has to offer right away, with Creek Street being just a 10-minute walk from the port.
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 show 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.
How To Spend One Day In Ketchikan
Year after year, exploring Alaska makes it onto so many vacation bucket lists. And with such a diverse variety of things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S., it’s easy to explore right from the Ketchikan, Alaska cruise port.
Many Royal Caribbean guests have already cruised to Alaska, “Excellent service, food, and staff! I have sailed [Jewel of the Seas®] twice, once to Alaska about 7 years ago, and now. Best ship in the fleet! I love the size and how friendly staff and vacationers both were!”
If you’re looking for the coolest things to do in Alaska, Ketchikan has some extraordinary attractions. Here are just a few you can explore in one day.
Ketchikan Salmon Walk
Step off the ship and stretch your legs in nature. One of the 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.
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
Next, go to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center to 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 the details of what makes this region so special.
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 home some of these treats to savor later or as a special gift for your friends and loved ones back home.
When building your itinerary, check out these top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska.
How To Get Around Ketchikan From The Cruise Port
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.
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!”
Whether you spend all of your time forest bathing and hiking through the Tongass National Forest, or you 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.
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