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This fantastic local restaurant is perfect if you want to fill up before the rest of your fun-packed day in town. From Front Street, turn right and walk to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Main street. If you don’t want to walk the city, you can also take the free Salmon Run Shuttle, that stops right beside the Discovery Center. This gorgeous monument depicts famous people in Ketchikan and some of the local history. However, the area was a summer fishing camp for the Tlingit native population for several thousand years. Ketchikan was also a favorite fishing spot for Haida and Tsimshian tribes, too.
Ketchikan’s Welcome Arch
Kayaking is an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the scenery. Kayaking the Ketchikan waters allows you to explore at a slower pace and in an intimate group. With a maximum of six guests, you’ll spend 2-1/2 hours paddling the coastal area and exploring a few sheltered coves. For thrill-seekers, this must-do tour has you zipping through the lush rainforest, with multiple stops to enjoy the scenic lookouts. A knowledgeable guide will keep you entertained with captivating stories on the history, geology, and wildlife along the way. The Caribbean isn’t the only place that offers snorkeling; Ketchikan, Alaska, does too!
Manhattan, New York – Cruise Terminal Guide
Today, the city is Alaska’s 5th most inhabited, with a population over 8,000 year-round residents. Still, Ketchikan has a small-town feel that makes even a day visit exciting and comfortable. In this post, I shared a complete guide to the 17 best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, when you’re on a cruise. This historic boardwalk has a seedy past as the former “red light” district. Now, the colorfully restored buildings are occupied by quaint souvenir shops. The buildings and wooden boardwalk rest on wooden stilts (or piles) above the creek and are very picturesque.
(NEW) Ward Cove Cruise Terminal
Ketchikan is known as the salmon capital of the world and has a colorful downtown area (historic Creek Street). There are a few benches in the park whose backs are carved in designs of whales, but the main feature that you’ll notice is the Chief Kyan Totem Pole. Learn about the traditions of the Native peoples, and about the ‘crests’, or figures carved on the totem poles. Each totem pole tells a story, as it is a combination of the carved crests along with the occasion for which the totem pole was created. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of the top Ketchikan shore excursions.
Creek Street in Ketchikan
They swoop down from the trees by the dozen in a competition to grab fish from the ocean’s surface. While I’ve been to Ketchikan six times, this Bering Sea tour was the highlight of all my port days. Shuttles run every 20 minutes, but you’ll need to know the last bus back to Ward Cove. If you have limited time in the port, the shuttle ride back and forth cuts into your port day and can factor into what you do in Ketchikan. Paddle a stable double kayak through the still waters of the Tatoosh Islands, completely immersed in the sights, scents, and sounds of the Tongass National Forest. There’s a good chance of spotting wildlife, from bald eagles perched in the spruce and hemlock trees to minks, deer, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and, if you’re lucky, whales.
14 IDEAL Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska (2021) - Cruise Hive
14 IDEAL Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska ( .
Posted: Thu, 05 Jul 2018 21:33:27 GMT [source]
Take a Walk on Creek Street
It takes most visitors around 30 minutes to see all three rooms in the museum, so it’s the perfect stop for an eventful day in the town. The city also had a large spruce mill, which supplied shipping crates and paper to the salmon canneries. The mill closed in the late 1990s when the US forest service began to protect the local spruce trees and the wilderness surrounding Ketchikan. This village has 25 standing replica totems (the most in any location). For a $5 fee, you can tour the village on your own or take an organized guided tour that will give more of the history behind each totem pole.
Creek Street lies at the edge of town and at the foot of Deer Mountain. It’s an easy minute walk from most cruise ships that are docked downtowm. In downtown Ketchikan, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and several museums within walking distance of the cruise ports. Prepare to be enchanted by Ketchikan, a quaint Alaskan town nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself in Native American culture at the Totem Heritage Center, embark on a wildlife-watching adventure, or indulge in fresh salmon at a local seafood joint. This charming port offers an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and culinary delights.
Culture & History of Ketchikan, Alaska
A number of charter boat companies offer whale watching experiences off the coast of Alaska that depart from Ketchikan. There are a number of different whale species that you can view in this area including orcas, humpbacks, grey whales, and fin whales. Once you get to the trail itself, you’ll see incredible views of the land and water below. You may encounter mountain goats and you’ll likely be able to view salmon in the river.
What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Ketchikan Cruise Port
If more vessels are scheduled on a given day, the cruise passengers need to tender. For a luxury gift or souvenir, look out for items made from qiviut, the ultra-soft fleece of the musk ox. If you want to take some salmon home, it’s available smoked, canned, as a spread, or as jerky.
This charming port is known for its delicious seafood specialties and delightful diner cuisine. Navigating Ketchikan is straightforward and offers several options. Public transportation, such as the Silver Line city bus, is one of the most reliable methods to explore the city. Close by lies Ward Cove – Alaska’s newest port and an absolute must-visit during your stay!
Every year from August to October you will find the salmon find the very stream they were born to spawn and die. It is a phenomenal event that you cannot miss if your cruise is arriving in August or September. Take the chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage by visiting the Totem Heritage Center or witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument. This ensures a smooth experience when managing their finances while docked at the Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, head to Pioneer Cafe, where you can indulge in mouthwatering omelets, scrambles, and pancakes. With your beach pass, you can enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, or strolling along the shoreline while taking in the scenic surroundings.
However, if there are many ships in port, you might be forced to tender as your ship drops anchor offshore. One great way to help support small businesses in Ketchikan is to visit and patronize local restaurants. Your captain will also try to find some dall porpoises for you to see as well. If you want to spend time on the water during your Alaskan adventure on a boat far smaller than your cruise ship, this might be a great excursion for you.
You will find ATMs located around the area, both at the port and in different parts of town, allowing you to withdraw cash if needed. And for a stroll, take a walk along picturesque Creek Street – lined with charming shops and galleries to explore. From outdoor adventures to cultural discoveries, there’s something for everyone in this gateway to Southeast Alaska. Planning your cruise visit to Ketchikan, Alaska, can feel overwhelming.
Dolly Arthur was Ketchikan’s most famous Madam of negotiable affection. Close to Ketchikan you can find the Misty Fjord National Monument. Inlets carved by glaciers thousands of years ago and wildlife in abundance. To help you navigate the town during your visit, Ketchikan offers a free shuttle service with routes throughout the area.
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