Ketchikan has many names and all are true in their own way. Ketchikan is known as "the salmon capital of the world" so you can bet that they know how to prepare the fish in a few unique ways. The entire experience takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, and its really one of those do it once experiences. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. (Ketchikan was not the first city in Alaska by date, but instead, the first city that prospectors reached when heading to the Klondike gold fields.) It provides the opportunity to discover, learn, and understand the culture and traditions of the Native Americans of Ketchikan. If youre getting bored with all the spa treatments, warm pools, and saunas on board the ship why not go for a dip in the frigid Pacific Ocean? The weights of the Kings being entered in recent years ranged from 55 to 60 pounds. { Public transportation options include municipal buses running every hour, seven days a week. If youre trying to see and do as much as possible in Ketchikan, dont waste your time eating both meals in town. You might recognize this series of colorful, stilted houses from postcards about Ketchikan, and its a photo-worthy spot too. Fairbanks. For more than 30 years, the annual Ketchikan Wearable Arts Show has been showcasing pure artistic talent in the form of gorgeous, wearable creations on the runway. Nowadays, its a national monument and wilderness area administered by the US Forest Service. Reservation Required: No Spending a day in the environs of our temperate rainforest can include an array of amazing experiences: ziplining between the tall trees over salmon streams (and bears! Using cedar bark and spruce tips, Native weavers made items essential to living in arainforest: jackets and classic conical rain hats, and watertight storage baskets. Expect gorgeous blue lakes, towering waterfalls, icy peaks and sprawling glacial rainforest valleys. Hours: Mon-Sun 10am10pm The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Travelers will be entertained at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. A major highlight of the park is the totem carving shed, where you can watch up close how Native American totem poles are carved. You may want to participate in this contest for the heaviest King salmon. #25 of 89 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Ketchikan. Everything we do and see we try to share with you here. As you might guess from the variety of monikers the city has earned, Ketchikan is a special place even by Alaska standards. As an added bonus, this show is located less than a block from the dock so youll have time to see a bit of the town as well. Oh, and no trip to Creek Street is complete without a stop at Dollys House, the former home of a local madam who was once known as Queen of Creek Street. The house is now a museum that preserves the history of this unique neighborhood. Not only do I love to travel, but I love talking about travel, learning about travel, researching travel, and helping others to plan itineraries for themselves. Website: Cape Fox Lodge | Heen Kahidi Dining Room. The only airport outside Alaska from where you can fly directly to Ketchikan is the Seattle/Tacoma airport. They serve classic American fare with an emphasis on seafood. Ketchikan Creek, located beneath the aptly named Creek Street, also offers a unique experience for visitors to paddle 6 miles to Tongass Narrows for opportunities to see spawning salmon, seals, and other marine wildlife. The price difference is pretty substantial, so many travelers opt to drive to Prince Rupert first and take the ferry from there. We like to hike and usually set up shore excursions on our own..I'm open to any and all ideas. 2023 Ketchikan All In One provided by Seaside Tours - Tripadvisor Cost: $6 per head for adults; discounts available for seniors; children 17 and below and military can come in for free As I mentioned, theres an afternoon adventure in your agenda: taking the city bus out to Totem Bight State Park, which is about 30 minutes north of Ketchikan. Ketchikan, Alaska doesnt have the highest mountains or the biggest glaciers. (Though this post is written for spending one day in Ketchikan, I do provide suggestions for what to do if you have more time, at the end.). Website: Anchor Text. This is a historic logging and fishing community with a waterfront setting and lots of opportunities for adventure. Not having time to enjoy more of the food here is a real downer because there are some great spots. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Ketchikan - Tripadvisor (Cape Fox Lodge is operated by Cape Fox Corporation, a Saxman Village company; this is one of the Native Alaskan corporations.). If youre on a cruise to relax and dont want to stray far from port then this is a great option! Every spring the hatchery sends 700,000 king salmon smolt on the adventure of alifetime. Getting to Ketchikan via plane: Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights to the international airports of Seattle and Juneau, as well as the Alaskan towns of Sitka and Wrangell. Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-8pm; Sat 12pm-8pm; Sun 12pm-6pm If youre sold on visiting Ketchikan but either already have planned to spend more than one day or are wondering if its worth extending your time, here are some other activities you can add to your itinerary if you do spend two or three days in Ketchikan. The hair will stand up on your arms as you consider the craftsmanship and the depth and complexity of each totems unique message. Its also fun to take a kayak out in the water when you visit Ketchikan to experience the waterways for yourself. Address: 800 Venetia Way, Ketchikan, AK | 907-225-8001 Step up afew boulders to gain afull view of the waterfall emptying into apool 30-feet directlybelow, On one of the run-off creeks from Achilles Mountain or Twin Peaks Mountain above pours a100-foot or more waterfall right beside Tongass Highway towards the end of theroad. One company, Southeast Sea Kayaks, offers tours that last between three and five hours. Youll spot a funicular and a set of stairs leading up through the tree. The Park is a collection of authentic totem pole designs of yesteryear, recreated in detail by native carvers keeping. Misty Fjords National Monument These fjords are the beauty you have come to see in Alaska. Website: Misty Fjords National Monument. Save. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Black bears (and sometimes even brown bears) are all over Ketchikan, and they thrive here because of the salmon. If you want an easier trip, ride the funicular up to Cape Fox Lodge and climb the stairs down. What to do for one day? Juneau vs. Anchorage Which Is A Better Travel Destination? Youll spend your time on an amphibious tour truck with a guide that will show you the sites in town before heading down into the water. Ill be honest, at least 70% of my reasons for going to Alaska were to see a bear. The center has "exhibits and interactive displays about the land, people, and culture of Southeast Alaska.". Halibut fishing is another fun option. Various exhibits feature Alaskas temperate rainforest, native fishing traditions, ecosystems, and natural resources. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour 2023 - Viator Art Galleries. However, the cannery only stayed in operation until 1953. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Experience the Historic Boardwalk of Creek Street, Top 10 Water Park Resorts in Phoenix & Scottsdale, 11 Best Extended Stay Hotels in Las Vegas, 10 Best Hotels in Vero Beach, FL Near the Ocean, Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska, Top 14 Luxury Beach Resorts Around the World, 12 Best Four Seasons Resorts Around the World, Top 9 Extended Stay Hotels in Pensacola, Florida, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, 10 Best Hotels Near Petco Park in San Diego, CA, 11 Best Hotels Near Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. 1. Highlights plus less visited destinations. The terrain changes as you go along the hiking trail. "@type": "ImageObject", Whether you choose to attend or skip the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a visit to Creek Street is absolutely necessary. 1. Check-in with the Ketchikan Visitors Center for a map and walking tour routes. The flora, fauna, weather, and history in Ketchikan inspire and foster local Ketchikan art from when the city was founded, and this artistic tradition endures to this day. Experience apiece of rustic, old-timey Ketchikan. Here are seven ways to love Ketchikan during your stay. Visit a Former Bordello (Dolly's House Museum) 3. Free and Cheap Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska Shore Tours A cement causeway allows tidewaters to come in and warm up in a protected pool, making the temperatures bearable even for children. If you have a whole day, you can also access this area through a boat cruise or have a tour boat drop you off so you can explore the area through kayaking. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Ketchikan Eagle Viewing: 30 Eagle's Nests You Can See. For most people, the best kayaking options in Ketchikan are the Eagle Island Excursion or a paddle around Orcas Cove. Cost: $ Stops on the routes include the Totem Heritage Center, City Park of Ketchikan, and Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery. With a landscape as vast as Alaska, one of the best ways to experience the area if you dont have much time is to go for a seaplane tour. Most recently, I was in Ketchikan in June 2022 on a cruise with Windstar Cruises, and had a full day to explore the city and a bit beyond. I should mention that there is also the possibility of doing neither. Show Map. Located just next door to the Totem Bight Park, the Potlach Totem Park was built on the old fishing grounds of Tlingit Natives and features some of the best Alaska native art aside from the historically significant totem poles. } The last piece of advice Ill give is to choose an experience that is unique to the area. 1. Those stairs are called Married Mans Trail as they lead from a former residential area atop the hill down to Creek Street; the funicular also connects to Cape Fox Lodge. Cost: $$$ THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Ketchikan - Tripadvisor Ketchikan is sometimes called the Eagle Capital of America, so slow down the pace of your travel and try to view some for yourself. To see the amazing wilderness, you can either take a flight on a float plane and see the area from above or take a cruise and explore from the water. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. If you are going to stick to the downtown area you probably wont need anything besides your feet to get around. Overview If you're a fan of the Discovery Channel's hit TV show 'Deadliest Catch,' you saw the Aleutian Ballad, a commercial fishing boat, escape a rogue wave in the Bering Sea. Your email address will not be published. The downtown area is especially walkable and accessible. Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour 4. The best time to visit Ketchikan is during the summer months; June through August are the warmest and driest months of the year. What to order: Fish and chips, smoked salmon chowder Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! The site comes complete with pit toilets, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables with fire grates, and aquarter-mile trail accompanied by interpretive signs that address the local natural history. You can explore the attractions on your own or as part of a guided tour. Well, it depends on your cruise and what you like (also on Ketchikans weather which can be touch and go). Taxis are also another option, albeit more expensive than the bus. Dolly Arthur was Ketchikans most famous madam in the heyday of Creek Street. With a population of just over 8,000 people and a location along the southeastern coastal cruise route, the city of Ketchikan is a popular tourist destination in Alaska. Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven In addition, air taxi flights on smaller seaplanes also connect Ketchikan to nearby communities. Your email address will not be published. 1 reply rainbirdreader Ketchikan Destination Expert for Ketchikan Level Contributor 2,838 posts 70 reviews 40 helpful votes 1. Another way to embrace the local salmon culture is to visit the Salmon Market to see the fish prepared in various ways and to buy a variety of locally produced foods. Located about 12 miles north of Ketchikan close to the beginning of the Tongass Narrows is the Guard Island Lighthouse. St. John's Episcopal Church. However, if you only have one day and dont want to rent a car, The Bus runs all the way out past Totem Bight State Park and is an easy, affordable way to reach the park. Here are some of the eagles nests you can visit: If Juneau is famous for whale-watching, Ketchikan is known as the place to be for finding bears. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour Best Cheap Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska 6. If youre striking out on your own, however, you have a few different options for getting around: If youre adventurous (bordering on crazy) and want to leave the island during your stop then air taxis, ferry services, and charter flights are available. deals, and more! In particular, Ketchikan is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, and totem poles are a huge part of their culture. 7-10 days is the most common. Get in on the axe-tion with a group of friends and try your own hand at the axe-throwing competition. The most spectacular and accessible waterfalls around Alaska you can see from the road, from ahike, or from aday cruise. (Getty Images) Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska" and one of the top places in the world to view the northern lights: Aurora chasers may want to visit the city during . This iconic location is a perfect spot to drop a line right outside of town. If youve never experienced anything of this nature its a fun (albeit spendy) way to spend your time on shore. Address: 50 Main St, Ketchikan, AK | 907-228-6220 If youre arriving by boat, you might be in town for only a few hours or one day which is why I wrote this post for you! "@context": "http://schema.org", For being such a small town Ketchikan is packed full of things to do. Website: Burger Queen. Alaska reindeer is another must-try in these parts, with the most popular versions being reindeer sausages and hot dogs. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. (and why is it $20 per gallon), What Mountains Can Be Seen From Portland? Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Ketchikan isnt a terribly difficult town to navigate. more, Master wood carvers &world-class weavers. Get During the 1930s and 1940s, many of Ketchikans boardwalk properties were brothels and bars. Dollys House Museum is here and worth checking out to learn about the famous red light district madam, Dolly Arthur. Ketchikan International Airport is actually on Gravina Island, and youll need to ride the airport ferry to get to Ketchikan proper. They also serve a mean fish and chips. An interesting fact about the bar is that it's the only one in the which has been lost at sea and then recovered. ), Cape Fox Lodge, Funicular & Married Mans Trail, Have an Extra Day in Ketchikan? The idea was to replace the ferry connecting Ketchikan with Gravina Island, where the Ketchikan Airportis. Admire the Native American Totem Poles, 4. Most visitors wont go to those residential areas, so Ive just focused on the walkable downtown area. Take a day cruise to experience the largest intact coastal rainforest in America or take a water taxi and kayak among glacial ice. Open For: Mon-Sun 6:30am-9pm Misty Fjords National Monument is located in the Tongass National Forest and contains Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Join our email crew and get 10% off our PNW hoodies & shirts!We'll also include you in sporadic emails, travel guides, and updates about the area! In downtown between Ketchikan Harbor and Ketchikan Creek, find the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, the Tongass Historical Museum, and the Totem Heritage Center, a museum . Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Seeing bears is pretty seasonal so youll want to check ahead of time what times of year the tours actually have tickets available. If part of your Alaska travel dreams includes seeing wildlife, then a visit to Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is worth spending your extra time in Ketchikan.
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