Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan is one of Alaska's oldest cities, offering a unique and culturally rich experience.

• A destination that feels distinct from a typical American town
• Blends elements of modern life with deep historical roots
• Small in size, but full of character and authenticity

Often considered the opposite end of the spectrum from Anchorage, Ketchikan delivers a different kind of Alaskan experience.

• Home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world
• Located at the base of Deer Mountain, adding dramatic natural scenery

Ketchikan has a long-standing connection to Alaska's fishing industry.

• Once known as the salmon-canning capital of the world in the 1930s
• Still recognized today for exceptional salmon fishing

The city's early growth was shaped by gold discoveries.

• Late 19th-century gold rush brought waves of immigrants
• Led to the rise of key industries:
  • Commercial fishing
  • Lumber
• Economic decline followed when gold resources diminished, causing many to leave in search of work elsewhere

Ketchikan's compact layout makes it easy to explore.

• Most of the city can be walked and experienced on foot
• Shops offer locally made arts, crafts, and jewelry
• A strong focus on handcrafted, regional products

Outdoor recreation is a major part of the experience.

• Access to hiking trails and natural areas
• Opportunities for a variety of outdoor sports and activities

Dining and nightlife are limited, but that's part of the appeal.

• A small selection of hearty, quality restaurants
• Less emphasis on nightlife, more on authentic charm and atmosphere

Ketchikan's true highlight is its natural setting.

• Surrounded by scenic landscapes shaped by nature
• A destination where the environment itself is the main attraction

Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," but this vibrant coastal town offers far more than fishing.

• A destination with diverse experiences for every type of traveler
• Combines Native culture, outdoor adventure, and scenic beauty
• A standout stop on many Alaska cruise itineraries

Start your visit in downtown Ketchikan, where history and culture come together.

• Walk through historic streets and waterfront areas
• Visit the Totem Heritage Center, home to one of the largest collections of unrestored totem poles in Alaska
• Learn about the traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples
• See authentic examples of Native artistry and craftsmanship

For breathtaking views, a seaplane tour offers a unique perspective of the region.

• Fly over Misty Fjords National Monument
• Take in granite cliffs, deep fjords, waterfalls, and dense forests
• Experience one of the most iconic and remote landscapes in Alaska

Adventure opportunities extend into the surrounding wilderness.

• Guided Jeep tours through Tongass National Forest
• Explore rainforests, rugged terrain, and remote areas
• A hands-on way to experience Alaska's natural environment

Fishing remains a core part of the Ketchikan experience.

• Home to five species of Pacific salmon
• Guided charters provide equipment, expertise, and local knowledge
• Options to process and ship your catch home

For a more active excursion, explore the region by trail.

• Guided mountain biking tours through the Inside Passage
• Ride through coastal forests and scenic landscapes
• A unique way to combine adventure with sightseeing

Ketchikan offers a well-rounded experience for cruise travelers.

• From cultural exploration to outdoor excursions
• A mix of relaxation, adventure, and education
• A destination that delivers memorable experiences both on land and water

• 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.

Additional Shore Excursions are available. Please call us toll free at 1-800-201-6937 for more information and reservations.