Ketchikan Alaska

Ketchikan Port

Transportation from Ketchikan Alaska Port

Welcome to Ketchikan, Alaska! Once your cruise ship docks at the port, you have a few options to get into the city center. Ketchikan is a tender port, which means that you will need to take a small boat from your cruise ship to the shore. From the tender dock in Ketchikan, you can easily walk into the city center. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes and allows you to enjoy the scenic views of the waterfront and surrounding area. If walking isn't your preferred option, there are also shuttle buses available near the tender dock that can take you into downtown Ketchikan for a small fee. These shuttles typically run frequently throughout the day and provide a convenient way to reach popular attractions in town. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, there is a public bus service in Ketchikan. The most common bus route for tourists is Bus Route 1B, which runs from the cruise ship docks to various stops in town including Creek Street and Totem Bight State Park. The cost for a one-way trip on the public bus is around $2-$3 per person. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, rest assured that getting from the port to central locations in Ketchikan is relatively easy and convenient. Enjoy exploring this charming Alaskan town!

Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska Port

Free Activities

1. Creek Street: A historic boardwalk perched above Ketchikan Creek, Creek Street is renowned for its colorful buildings and vibrant history as the former red-light district of the city. 2. Totem Heritage Center: Home to a remarkable collection of intricately carved totem poles and Native Alaskan artifacts, the Totem Heritage Center offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. 3. Saxman Native Village: Visit Saxman Native Village to witness traditional Tlingit culture through dance performances, totem pole carving demonstrations, and storytelling sessions by local indigenous artists. 4. Married Man's Trail: Take a leisurely stroll along the Married Man's Trail, a scenic path that winds through lush forests and offers panoramic views of Ketchikan and its surrounding natural beauty. 5. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Explore exhibits on local wildlife, ecosystems, and native cultures at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, an educational hub showcasing the diverse environment of the Tongass National Forest. 6. Salmon Capital of the World Sign: Snap a photo next to the iconic "Salmon Capital of the World" sign located near downtown Ketchikan—a perfect memento of your visit to this bustling fishing town. 7. City Park & Whale Park: Relax in City Park or Whale Park, two charming green spaces in Ketchikan offering peaceful settings for picnics, birdwatching, or simply enjoying views of passing cruise ships in the harbor. 8. Dolly’s House Museum: Step back in time at Dolly’s House Museum, once home to infamous madam Dolly Arthur who operated a brothel on Creek Street during Ketchikan’s gold rush era. 9. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (Free Viewing Area): Catch glimpses of thrilling lumberjack competitions from outside The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show venue—no ticket required! Witness axe-throwing, log rolling, and more feats of skill. 10. Rotary Beach & Refuge Cove State Recreation Site: Unwind at Rotary Beach or Refuge Cove State Recreation Site where you can soak up stunning waterfront views while watching floatplanes land and take off from nearby seaplane bases.

Paid Activities

1. Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing Tour: Embark on a scenic flight over the breathtaking Misty Fjords, where towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests create a mesmerizing landscape. 2. Totem Bight State Historical Park: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's native tribes at Totem Bight State Historical Park, home to intricately carved totem poles that tell stories of the region's indigenous peoples. 3. Saxman Native Village and Totem Pole Park: Immerse yourself in Alaskan Native culture at Saxman Native Village, where you can witness traditional dance performances, visit a carving center, and admire beautifully crafted totem poles. 4. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Experience the thrill of an authentic lumberjack competition at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where skilled athletes showcase their strength and agility in axe throwing, log rolling, and more. 5. Creek Street Historic District: Wander through Ketchikan's historic Creek Street district, once a bustling red-light district turned vibrant shopping area lined with colorful buildings perched above Ketchikan Creek. 6. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: Delve into the natural history and diverse ecosystems of Southeast Alaska at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, featuring interactive exhibits on local wildlife, glaciers, and conservation efforts. 7. Salmon Fishing Charter Excursion: Join a guided salmon fishing charter excursion in the abundant waters surrounding Ketchikan for a chance to reel in prized salmon species while enjoying panoramic views of the rugged coastline. 8. Rainforest Canopy Zipline Adventure: Soar through the lush rainforest canopy on an exhilarating ziplining adventure that offers bird's-eye views of Ketchikan's verdant landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. 9. Potlatch Totem Park & Tlingit Clan House: Step back in time at Potlatch Totem Park to witness authentic Tlingit cultural demonstrations, explore traditional longhouses adorned with intricate carvings, and learn about indigenous traditions. 10. Dolly’s House Museum: Discover the intriguing history of Ketchikan's infamous past at Dolly’s House Museum, once a renowned brothel turned museum that offers insights into the city’s colorful past through artifacts and exhibits.

Food to try in Ketchikan Port

1. Smoked Salmon Chowder: A hearty and creamy soup filled with chunks of smoked salmon, potatoes, and vegetables, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. 2. Dungeness Crab Cakes: Delicately seasoned crab meat formed into patties and fried to golden perfection, these crab cakes are a delicious appetizer or main course option. 3. Halibut Tacos: Fresh halibut pieces grilled and served in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and tangy sauce, offering a delightful fusion of flavors. 4. Alaskan King Crab Legs: Indulge in the sweet and succulent meat of Alaskan king crab legs, typically steamed or boiled and served with melted butter for dipping. 5. Reindeer Sausage: A unique local delicacy made from reindeer meat seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a flavorful twist on traditional sausage dishes. 6. Berry Cobbler: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm berry cobbler made from locally sourced berries like blueberries or raspberries topped with a buttery crust. 7. Baked Alaska: A classic dessert featuring layers of cake and ice cream coated in meringue that is baked until golden brown, creating a decadent treat. 8. Wild Salmon Burger: Enjoy a juicy salmon patty sandwiched between toasted buns along with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and zesty aioli for a satisfying meal. 9. Moose Stew: A hearty stew made from tender moose meat simmered with root vegetables in savory broth, providing comfort food at its finest. 10. Spruce Tip Ice Cream: Experience a unique flavor sensation with spruce tip-infused ice cream that offers hints of citrusy notes from the evergreen tree's young shoots. These traditional foods showcase the diverse culinary offerings available at this port destination while highlighting the region's rich seafood heritage and indigenous ingredients.

Interesting Facts about Ketchikan

1. Ketchikan, Alaska is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" due to its abundant salmon population and world-class fishing opportunities. 2. The city is home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world, with many on display at Totem Bight State Historical Park and Saxman Native Village. 3. Ketchikan receives an average annual rainfall of over 13 feet, making it one of the wettest cities in the United States. 4. The historic Creek Street in Ketchikan was once a red-light district during the Gold Rush era and is now a popular tourist attraction lined with shops and galleries. 5. Visitors can experience traditional Tlingit culture through dance performances, art exhibits, and storytelling at venues like the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. 6. Misty Fjords National Monument near Ketchikan offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness accessible by boat or seaplane. 7. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan provides entertainment with thrilling lumberjack competitions showcasing skills like log rolling and axe throwing. 8. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails such as Deer Mountain Trail or take a guided kayak tour through picturesque waterways surrounded by lush forests. 9. Ketchikan's local cuisine features fresh seafood delicacies like Dungeness crab, halibut fish tacos, and smoked salmon chowder that reflect its coastal location. 10. Don't miss the chance to visit the Tongass Historical Museum in Ketchikan to learn about the city's rich history through exhibits on Native American heritage, early settlers, and maritime traditions.

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