Exploring Ketchikan, Alaska: A Guide to Cruising, Hidden Gems, and Local Spots
Ketchikan, Alaska, often referred to as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is a favorite stop on many Alaskan cruises. Known for its rich Native culture, picturesque waterfronts, and lush rainforests, Ketchikan offers much more than meets the eye. Beyond the standard tours, this charming coastal town is brimming with hidden gems, including local hangouts, great dining, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you're cruising to Ketchikan or planning a visit, here's your ultimate guide to exploring the best the town has to offer—whether you want to relax, party, or immerse yourself in local culture.
Top Cruise Lines for Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a popular stop on many Alaskan cruise routes, with luxury and adventure-focused cruise lines offering excursions here. Some of the top cruise lines that frequent Ketchikan include:
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Most cruises offer classic excursions like totem pole visits, wildlife tours, and scenic floatplane trips, but there's so much more to discover on your own or with specialized tours.
Must-See Hidden Gems and Experiences in Ketchikan
1. Explore Creek Street – A Historic Hotspot
Why it’s Special: This charming boardwalk, once the red-light district of Ketchikan, is now home to boutiques, galleries, and local restaurants. The area is perched over Ketchikan Creek, where you can see salmon swimming upstream during spawning season.
What to Do: Visit Dolly’s House Museum for a quirky look into the town's more colorful history or simply enjoy shopping for Alaskan crafts and art.
Local Tip: During the salmon run, you can watch seals and otters trying to catch fish in the creek right from the boardwalk.
2. Totem Heritage Center
Why it’s Special: Home to one of the world's largest collections of authentic 19th-century totem poles, this museum offers a deep dive into Native Alaskan culture.
What to Do: Take a guided tour to learn about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who carved these totems, and get a glimpse into their symbolic meanings and histories.
Local Tip: Visit the nearby Saxman Native Village for a live totem carving demonstration.
3. Misty Fjords National Monument by Seaplane
Why it’s Special: Misty Fjords, a dramatic wilderness area of deep fjords, towering cliffs, and glacial valleys, is best explored by air. A seaplane tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscape.
What to Do: Book a seaplane tour to soar over pristine lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic formations, landing on an isolated fjord for a peaceful break in nature.
Local Tip: For a budget-friendly option, opt for a boat tour of the fjords, though the aerial view is hard to beat.
4. Hike the Rainbird Trail
Why it’s Special: Ketchikan is located in a rainforest, and the Rainbird Trail is one of the best places to experience its lush greenery up close. This easy-to-moderate hike offers panoramic views of the town and Tongass Narrows.
What to Do: Bring a camera for stunning photos of Ketchikan’s harbors and cruise ships below. It’s a great, short hike to stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing.
Local Tip: The trailhead is located close to downtown, so you don’t need transportation to access it.
Where to Eat: The Best Local Restaurants
1. Alaska Fish House
Why it’s Special: Located right on the waterfront, Alaska Fish House offers some of the freshest seafood in town, with the day’s catch often coming straight from the dock to your plate.
What to Try: Opt for the grilled halibut, smoked salmon chowder, or king crab legs for a true taste of Alaska.
Local Tip: Sit outside if the weather’s good to enjoy your meal with a view of the boats in the harbor.
2. Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House
Why it’s Special: Set inside a historic hotel, Annabelle’s serves hearty, local fare in a warm, wood-paneled dining room that feels like a step back in time.
What to Try: Go for the seafood chowder and Dungeness crab, or indulge in their decadent Alaskan seafood pasta.
Local Tip: Annabelle’s also has an extensive selection of Alaskan craft beers to pair with your meal.
3. The Asylum Bar
Why it’s Special: A local favorite for both tourists and Ketchikan residents, The Asylum Bar offers a laid-back vibe with great drinks and a lively atmosphere.
What to Try: Try one of their local craft beers or specialty cocktails, such as the "Asylum Margarita."
Local Tip: They often host live music or karaoke, so check the schedule if you’re looking for a fun night out.
Drinking, Relaxing, and Nightlife in Ketchikan
1. The Arctic Bar
Why it’s Special: The Arctic Bar is one of the oldest bars in Ketchikan, and its waterfront location offers a cozy spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
What to Try: Sip on a local Alaskan beer while enjoying views of the harbor, or try their signature cocktail, the Arctic Duck.
Local Tip: The Arctic Bar is known for its friendly, dive-bar atmosphere, and it’s a great place to strike up a conversation with locals.
2. Bawden Street Brewing Co.
Why it’s Special: A relatively new addition to Ketchikan’s nightlife, this local brewery specializes in craft beers brewed on-site.
What to Try: Sample their flagship IPA or seasonal beers, and pair them with locally made bar snacks.
Local Tip: The brewery is pet-friendly, so you may even meet a few furry friends while enjoying your drink.
3. Relax at the Clover Pass Resort
Why it’s Special: For a more serene experience, head to the Clover Pass Resort just outside of town. This waterfront lodge offers fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
What to Do: End your day with a cocktail by the water, watching bald eagles soar overhead or spotting humpback whales in the distance.
Local Tip: Consider booking a fishing charter from Clover Pass—this area is famous for its salmon and halibut fishing.
Local Shopping and Unique Finds
1. Tongass Trading Company
Why it’s Special: Established in 1898, this historic shop is the place to go for locally made Alaskan gifts and souvenirs.
What to Buy: Look for authentic Alaskan jewelry, carved totems, and hand-knit woolen goods.
Local Tip: This is a great place to buy gifts made by local Native artisans.
2. Scanlon Gallery
Why it’s Special: This fine art gallery showcases Alaskan artists, featuring everything from nature photography to hand-carved sculptures.
What to Buy: Invest in a unique piece of art to bring home as a memory of your trip.
Local Tip: The gallery offers shipping services, so don’t worry about transporting fragile items back with you.
Exploring Ketchikan, Alaska: A Guide to Cruising, Hidden Gems, and Local Spots
Ketchikan, Alaska, often referred to as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is a favorite stop on many Alaskan cruises. Known for its rich Native culture, picturesque waterfronts, and lush rainforests, Ketchikan offers much more than meets the eye. Beyond the standard tours, this charming coastal town is brimming with hidden gems, including local hangouts, great dining, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you're cruising to Ketchikan or planning a visit, here's your ultimate guide to exploring the best the town has to offer—whether you want to relax, party, or immerse yourself in local culture.
Top Cruise Lines for Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a popular stop on many Alaskan cruise routes, with luxury and adventure-focused cruise lines offering excursions here. Some of the top cruise lines that frequent Ketchikan include:
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Celebrity Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Most cruises offer classic excursions like totem pole visits, wildlife tours, and scenic floatplane trips, but there's so much more to discover on your own or with specialized tours.
Must-See Hidden Gems and Experiences in Ketchikan
1. Explore Creek Street – A Historic Hotspot
Why it’s Special: This charming boardwalk, once the red-light district of Ketchikan, is now home to boutiques, galleries, and local restaurants. The area is perched over Ketchikan Creek, where you can see salmon swimming upstream during spawning season.
What to Do: Visit Dolly’s House Museum for a quirky look into the town's more colorful history or simply enjoy shopping for Alaskan crafts and art.
Local Tip: During the salmon run, you can watch seals and otters trying to catch fish in the creek right from the boardwalk.
2. Totem Heritage Center
Why it’s Special: Home to one of the world's largest collections of authentic 19th-century totem poles, this museum offers a deep dive into Native Alaskan culture.
What to Do: Take a guided tour to learn about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people who carved these totems, and get a glimpse into their symbolic meanings and histories.
Local Tip: Visit the nearby Saxman Native Village for a live totem carving demonstration.
3. Misty Fjords National Monument by Seaplane
Why it’s Special: Misty Fjords, a dramatic wilderness area of deep fjords, towering cliffs, and glacial valleys, is best explored by air. A seaplane tour offers a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscape.
What to Do: Book a seaplane tour to soar over pristine lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic formations, landing on an isolated fjord for a peaceful break in nature.
Local Tip: For a budget-friendly option, opt for a boat tour of the fjords, though the aerial view is hard to beat.
4. Hike the Rainbird Trail
Why it’s Special: Ketchikan is located in a rainforest, and the Rainbird Trail is one of the best places to experience its lush greenery up close. This easy-to-moderate hike offers panoramic views of the town and Tongass Narrows.
What to Do: Bring a camera for stunning photos of Ketchikan’s harbors and cruise ships below. It’s a great, short hike to stretch your legs after a day of sightseeing.
Local Tip: The trailhead is located close to downtown, so you don’t need transportation to access it.
Where to Eat: The Best Local Restaurants
1. Alaska Fish House
Why it’s Special: Located right on the waterfront, Alaska Fish House offers some of the freshest seafood in town, with the day’s catch often coming straight from the dock to your plate.
What to Try: Opt for the grilled halibut, smoked salmon chowder, or king crab legs for a true taste of Alaska.
Local Tip: Sit outside if the weather’s good to enjoy your meal with a view of the boats in the harbor.
2. Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder House
Why it’s Special: Set inside a historic hotel, Annabelle’s serves hearty, local fare in a warm, wood-paneled dining room that feels like a step back in time.
What to Try: Go for the seafood chowder and Dungeness crab, or indulge in their decadent Alaskan seafood pasta.
Local Tip: Annabelle’s also has an extensive selection of Alaskan craft beers to pair with your meal.
3. The Asylum Bar
Why it’s Special: A local favorite for both tourists and Ketchikan residents, The Asylum Bar offers a laid-back vibe with great drinks and a lively atmosphere.
What to Try: Try one of their local craft beers or specialty cocktails, such as the "Asylum Margarita."
Local Tip: They often host live music or karaoke, so check the schedule if you’re looking for a fun night out.
Drinking, Relaxing, and Nightlife in Ketchikan
1. The Arctic Bar
Why it’s Special: The Arctic Bar is one of the oldest bars in Ketchikan, and its waterfront location offers a cozy spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
What to Try: Sip on a local Alaskan beer while enjoying views of the harbor, or try their signature cocktail, the Arctic Duck.
Local Tip: The Arctic Bar is known for its friendly, dive-bar atmosphere, and it’s a great place to strike up a conversation with locals.
2. Bawden Street Brewing Co.
Why it’s Special: A relatively new addition to Ketchikan’s nightlife, this local brewery specializes in craft beers brewed on-site.
What to Try: Sample their flagship IPA or seasonal beers, and pair them with locally made bar snacks.
Local Tip: The brewery is pet-friendly, so you may even meet a few furry friends while enjoying your drink.
3. Relax at the Clover Pass Resort
Why it’s Special: For a more serene experience, head to the Clover Pass Resort just outside of town. This waterfront lodge offers fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
What to Do: End your day with a cocktail by the water, watching bald eagles soar overhead or spotting humpback whales in the distance.
Local Tip: Consider booking a fishing charter from Clover Pass—this area is famous for its salmon and halibut fishing.
Local Shopping and Unique Finds
1. Tongass Trading Company
Why it’s Special: Established in 1898, this historic shop is the place to go for locally made Alaskan gifts and souvenirs.
What to Buy: Look for authentic Alaskan jewelry, carved totems, and hand-knit woolen goods.
Local Tip: This is a great place to buy gifts made by local Native artisans.
2. Scanlon Gallery
Why it’s Special: This fine art gallery showcases Alaskan artists, featuring everything from nature photography to hand-carved sculptures.
What to Buy: Invest in a unique piece of art to bring home as a memory of your trip.
Local Tip: The gallery offers shipping services, so don’t worry about transporting fragile items back with you.
Final Thoughts: Hidden Gem Adventures in Ketchikan
While Ketchikan offers all the standard cruise excursions, there’s a world of hidden gems waiting for those willing to explore beyond the tourist attractions. From secret hiking trails to vibrant local eateries, this coastal town is bursting with authentic Alaskan experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or a night out with the locals, Ketchikan promises an unforgettable visit on your Alaskan journey.