Ketchikan, Alaska

If Anchorage is at one end of the Alaskan spectrum, you will definitely find Ketchikan at the other end. This small city contains more totem poles than anywhere in the world, and is set at the base of Deer Mountain.

Back in the 1930's, Ketchikan was fondly known as the salmon-canning capital of the world. While this may no longer be true, the salmon fishing remains outstanding.

Just before the beginning of the 20th century, a series of gold discoveries brought vast numbers of immigrants to the area. This created two important industries that strengthened the economy in Ketchikan: commercial fishing and lumber. The region prospered for a while, but suffered an economic depression after the gold dried up, and the immigrants were left with no more than when they came. Many of them left and went to other parts of Alaska where they could find work.

The city is quite compact and you can see most of it on foot. There are numerous stores that offer unique arts and crafts, jewelry, and other specialty items that are made by hand in Ketchikan. There are great trails for hiking and exploring, and a wide array of outdoor sports and activities is offered as well. A few restaurants will fill you up with hearty, quality food, but your options are definitely limited. While the nightlife and eating facilities are not bustling, it doesn't really matter, because Ketchikan is charming enough that its visitors don't need to be wined and dined.

Ketchikan's charm is complemented by Mother Nature, who relies on the intrinsic beauty of the region to captivate tourists.

• Saxman Native Totem Village
  Experience the living culture of modern day Southeast Alaskan Natives and view Saxman Totem Park, boasting the world's largest collection of authentic totem poles. For generations it has been tradition in Tlingit villages to welcome guests with elaborate ceremonies. At Saxman Village, visitors experience the same time honored welcome of years gone by. See totem carvers working in the Village Carving Center. Witness young performers demonstrating dances and telling tribal stories during your exclusive visit to the Beaver Clan House. Listen as your tour hosts share their history, art and ancestors' way of life, and help unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the towering, majestic totem poles that stand as sentries over the present generation. After your visit, your driver points out historic Creek Street and the downtown area en route back to the ship.
  
  
• Misty Fjords Seaplane Adventure
  Experience a landscape slowly crafted by nature over tens of thousands of years and by forces so great that only nature could create such handiwork. Once buried under a solid layer of thick glacial ice, the Misty Fjords National Monument is now home to some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska. Sheer granite cliffs, plunging 1,000-foot waterfalls, river valleys, and crystalline lakes surrounded by untouched forests are sights waiting to be seen.
  
  
• Neets Bay Bear Watch Expedition
  Join a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife expedition that is only available to a limited number of visitors to minimize impact on the wildlife population and to protect the fragile environment. Depart via floatplane to Neets Bay, home to one of Southeast Alaska's salmon hatchery operations and one of the bear-viewing locations in Alaska. A 0.25-mile hike over a wilderness road leads you to the viewing area where black bears congregate and may be seen fishing for their next meal. Along the way and during your viewing a naturalist guide will describe the habits of the bear and the lifecycle of their favorite meal, the salmon, and explain the important work done at the hatchery to protect Alaska's wild salmon population. The secure and covered viewing area allows for up close observation of the bears in their natural habitat among the Tongass National Forest wilderness. Other wildlife possibilities include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, marten and seals.
  
  
• Ketchikan Sportfishing
  Test your sportfishing skills in the calm cold waters off Ketchikan, "The Salmon Capital of the World." You'll go out for your catch in fully-equipped fishing boats ranging in size from 28 to 40 feet. Your experienced skipper knows where the fishing is at its best and all necessary equipment is provided. Beverages and an Alaskan smoked salmon snack will be served during the excursion.
  
  
• Back Country Jet Boat Adventure
  This tour offers you a first hand look at wilderness scenery, wildlife and rural coastal living as you cruise the island studded waterways of Clover Pass and Naha Bay. After a narrated motorcoach trip to Salmon Falls Resort, board a high-speed 48 passenger enclosed jet boat. Pass an ancient Native burial island, see occasional wilderness homes of Alaskans who prefer the pioneer lifestyle, and view the historical remnants of the quaint waterfront village of Loring. View an active eagle nest and watch for porpoise, whales, deer and bears along the way. Entering the salt chuck in Naha Bay, see fast flowing rapids formed by fresh water flowing from Roosevelt Lagoon and Naha River. Harbor seals frequent this seafood rich habitat. Cruise the jellyfish breeding waters of Long Arm, where some of these creatures may be brought aboard.
  
  
• Whiskey Cove Kayaking
  Join your kayak guide for an adventure on Ketchikan's unique waterfront. Starting from the dock, your guide will provide basic kayaking and paddling techniques and you'll be outfitted with the gear necessary for kayaking. Once comfortable, you'll paddle in a 2-person kayak along Ketchikan's colorful waterfront. Weather permitting, explore the shoreline along Pennock Island where the few inhabitants include hardy residents who must boat to work every day and majestic nesting Bald Eagles. Your guide will share the lore of Whiskey Cove, a secret hiding place for rumrunners during prohibition. View the fishing and pleasure boat fleet of this waterfront community from a unique perspective. During high tides you may paddle up Creek Street, the fabled red light district. This stream is thick with salmon during spawning season.
  
  
• Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure
  Immerse yourself in Southeast Alaska's underwater world as you snorkel the calm and clear waters of Mountain Point. Stay warm in a quarter-inch wetsuit complete with hood, boots and gloves, as you hover among Alaska's diverse marine life. Local water temperatures often exceed those of the Northern California coast. After a short ride, you will be outfitted with all the necessary equipment and be given a brief orientation before entering the water from a protected beach. Observe and handle a variety of multicolored sea stars, urchins, sea cucumbers and the giant sunflower star during your one-hour guided marine life tour. Discover the myriad of fish that inhabit these waters while snorkeling over the kelp forest. A hot beverage is provided before returning to your ship.
  
  

• City of Ketchikan
  
  
• Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce