What to do on your visit to Ketchikan? Firstly, Ketchikan, Alaska offers so much for visitors cruising to Alaska’s first city. For many this will be your first stop in Alaska and you’ll be able to experience an authentic Alaskan adventure. But, with so many activities and excursions to choose from, one has to ponder which activity fits your group’s itinerary best. Below we’ll go over a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best cruise ship excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Ketchikan Cruise Ship Shore Excursions – Private Fishing Charters
The absolute best way to experience Ketchikan, Alaska is booking a fishing tour with a private boat. Furthermore, Ketchikan fishing charters serve multiple purposes within a tour that offers whale watching, wildlife viewing, totem poles and historical narration. It truly embodies an authentic Alaskan adventure. In addition, we recommend booking a private fishing charter where the entirety of the boat and experience is dedicated to your group alone. This Ketchikan cruise ship fishing shore excursion offers the best way to spend your time in port.
Things To Do In Ketchikan
Ketchikan Sportfishing For Salmon and Halibut
It’s easy to see why many visitors stopping in Ketchikan ports via cruise ship choose to go charter sportfishing. With the infamous title of, “Salmon Capital of The World” it’s no wonder the choice to go sportfishing becomes evidently clear. World famous salmon and halibut fishing charters run daily from the cruise ship docks offering multiple times based on the cruise ship schedules. This makes it accommodating to all parties visiting Ketchikan’s ports. Not to mention it’s great for all ages and experience levels.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Ketchikan, Alaska
Believe it or not one of the most popular tours in all of Ketchikan is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. The Alaskan Lumberjack Show takes place only a short walk from the cruise ship ports and packs in almost 700 people! This is a great value based option for the whole family and only takes an hour and a half. Watch as the audience and lumberjack teams are divided and encouraged to cheer on their designated lumberjacks through the series of events. Following the finale of the lumberjack show most families choose to walk amongst the town stopping in at the many shops and cafes.
Creek Street Historic District
Creek street is located in downtown Ketchikan and is one of the top places to visit on your Alaska cruise. For one, creek street offers rich historical points along with a picturesque scene of the creek. During the summer months from July through September visitors to Ketchikan can expect to see hundreds of salmon swimming up the creek. In addition to the salmon run visitors may see harbor seals, eagles and sea lions. Make sure to place creek street at the top of your list when visiting Ketchikan on your Alaskan cruise.
Ketchikan UTV Tour Safari
Ketchikan UTV Tour Safari offers daily trips for cruise ship guests visiting Ketchikan. This tour highlights off roading with your family and friends on the rugged roads of Lake Mahoney. Remarked by many as an adventurous tour built with family in mind, this tour gets you off the beaten path. View the stunning Alaskan wilderness by way of UTV with a guided tour.
Best Places To Shop In Ketchikan
Ketchikan offers a wide variety of shops and stores for visitors looking to purchase souvenirs. Firstly there’s plenty of cruise ship owned jewelry stores on Front street. These stores display a wide variety of gems and jewelry for cruise ship guests. Secondly, there’s gift shops that cater to apparel like sweaters and jackets. Our top pick for this arena would be Tongass Trading Company located at the downtown cruise ship docks. Furthermore for those looking to purchase authentic Alaskan memorabilia and souvenirs we recommend Caribou Creek and Rain Barrel. Caribou Creek and Rainbarrel are located directly across from the Alaskan Lumberjack Show in downtown Ketchikan.
Best Places To Eat In Ketchikan – Alaska Fish House
By far the most popular choice for locals and cruise ship visitors alike is a resounding and unified nod to the Alaska Fish House. This culinary treat sits on the historic Thomas Basin harbor located directly next to the Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Treat the entire family to fresh crabs, fish and chips or my personal favorite the Alaskan fish tacos. This casual and convenient location will leave you delighted in every sense. Watch the boats coming in and out of the harbor as you sip a beer while awaiting the culinary delights.
