Tuesday, April 9, 2024

17 of the Best Things to Do in Ketchikan Cruise Port: Complete Guide

cruise ship dock ketchikan

With its coastal setting on Revillagigedo Island, Ketchikan offers some of the freshest seafood found anywhere in the country. Temperatures range from around 30 degrees in the winter to the mid-70s in the summer season. The fog usually burns off by midday but the rain can stay with you for a while. June, July, and August are the months that receive the least amount of rainfall.

Cruise the Alaska Marine Highway – Alaska’s Best-Kept Secret

Autumn in Ketchikan starts in September, and there are no ships in Alaska from October to March. Ketchikan, often called the “gateway to Southeast Alaska,” sits snugly on the Inside Passage. This strategic location has contributed to its fame as a preferred cruise port destination. 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.

Is Ketchikan, Alaska, worth visiting?

Walker Cove (part of Misty Fjords National Monument) is approx 42 mi (68 km) from Ketchikan, and extends approx 9 mi (15 km) into mainland Alaska. Walker Cove is a scenic destination with stunning scenery - towering rocks (on the fjord's both sides) and hundreds of waterfalls. Wildlife seeing opportunities along the shoreline include bears, seals, bald eagles.

Take the “Deadliest Catch” Crab Fishermen’s Tour

It has lots of things to see, like really old totem poles and baskets made from cedar bark. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and unique wildlife experiences, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. If you love shopping, you likely visited Creek Street upon arrival, but that’s not the only place to buy souvenirs in Ketchikan. There are dozens of charming shops throughout this small town and you’ll be able to find the perfect gifts for each and every person on your list. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the estuary and will learn about the unique ecosystem where salt and fresh water meet. The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is about fifteen minutes south of Ketchikan and is also located in the Tongass National Forest.

Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles Excursion

Surrounded by colorful and intricately carved totem poles, the museum includes many artifacts from the native peoples who lived in Ketchikan before frontiersmen came to Alaska. Be sure to see all of the photographs, baskets, tools, totems, clothes, and masks while you’re here. This fantastic museum includes the world’s most extensive collection of unrestored totem poles from the 19th century. With its scenic overview of the Ketchikan Creek and stilted buildings, Creek Street is a short walk from the docks and is the perfect place for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

cruise ship dock ketchikan

How far is downtown Ketchikan from the cruise port?

Cruise ships dock conveniently in downtown Ketchikan and are just steps away from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.

Find Cruises to Alaska's Ketchikan Port

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is just a block away from the cruise ship port, so it’s a popular place to visit for anyone who wants to learn more about this region. Exhibits offer information about the natural history, wildlife, people, and culture of this unique part of the world. In this post, I share the best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a cruise, including shore excursions as well as inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Ketchikan cruise port for the day and answered some common questions. There’s lot of coverage to popular destinations, including Ward Cove, Totem Bight, and Saxman Park.

Totem Bight State Historical Park

Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean begins skipping scheduled stops in Skagway, Alaska.

Posted: Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Across the Stedman Bridge, you can find the Sun Raven Totem pole, and outside the Cape Fox Lodge, the Council of the Clans Circle welcomes visitors. 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.

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Ketchikan was also a favorite fishing spot for Haida and Tsimshian tribes, too. Ketchikan, Alaska, dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is never a dull place. Among the best things to do in Ketchikan is, of course, world-famous salmon fishing. I'll be making my 7th cruise to Alaska this year, so I always try different activities each time.

Still, there are plenty of free shuttles and tour buses that run around the downtown area, too. Embark on an exciting shore excursion to explore the natural beauty, culture, and wildlife of Ketchikan. Sip on a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate while appreciating the majestic Tongass National Rainforest and nearby animals in their natural habitat. If you’ve booked with Norwegian Cruise Line, their ships go to a new dock in Ward Cove, away from the port of Ketchikan.

If you want to take advantage of the fast and free shuttles and buses, two well-marked bus stations are immediately near the pier on Front Street. While the aim is to come back with a bounty of fish, you may also be lucky enough to see bald eagles and humpback whales. In the nearby carving shed, you can watch artists perform their craft using traditional tools, paints, and techniques used in totem pole carving.

The Ketchikan Rainbird Trail is quite popular and is easily accessible from town. It’s considered an easy trail that weaves through the thick rainforest and which offers lovely views of the harbor. If you enjoy fishing, there’s few places in the world that are more exciting for sport fishing than Alaska. There are a vast number of outfitters in town that offer charters, equipment and general guidance to anyone who would like to experience this sport in our northernmost state.

You’ll get a close-up view of fishing fleets, sea life, and Ketchikan’s waterfront while the captain shares local history and humorous stories. With a $5 pass (16 and older), you can engage with interactive displays about the coastal rainforest, learn about the culture and history of the Natives, and read up on local wildlife and industries. If you want to get away from the crowds and explore outside of downtown Ketchikan, there are several car rental agency options. Most have a shuttle that can get you from the port to your rental car.

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