things to do in ketchikan, alaska from cruise ship

Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, Alaska, 7. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Beautiful gallery with authentic art. Very cool! Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. You can stroll along the boardwalk trails, go hiking, relax in the remote cabins scattered throughout the forest, take a dog sled ride on a glacier, or go fishing in one of the most thriving salmon streams. Its nicely carved and painted but very tall so you have to stand across the street to get it all into a photo. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. This charming port offers an unforgettable blend of nature, history, and culinary delights. Hugging one side of Connell Lake, this trail offers good views of ascenic mountainlake. Youll board an intimate fishing boatcomplete with top-quality fishing and rain gear, as well as heaters, snacks, and beveragesclose to the Ketchikan cruise terminal. Experience kayaking in Alaska away from the crowds with unique Ketchikan paddling tours that make you feel likea. You can use their fuel station if youre bringing your own boat, rent a boat for a DIY fishing trip, or arrange for guided charter fishing. This place has all the alaska souvenirs you will ever need for those on your shopping list. Get insights into the towns natural and cultural treasures at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, full of interactive exhibits and displays, along with a movie theater. But outside of the town are a TON of things to do. Acampground with eight campsites is available as well and one public-use cabin on the water that can be rented. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagways big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. There are some cruise destinations Barcelona, for instance, or Venice where you really dont need to sign up for shore excursions. Paddle across the shimmering lake to ashoreline camp for adelicious snack over an open fire. What a lovely spot. The exceptional guided kayaking tour lasts 4 hours and takes you through downtown Ketchikan, into Knudson Cove Marina, and on to the protected ocean waterways of Clover Pass. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. Saxman Native Village is one of the must-visit totem pole parks in Ketchikan as it has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Southeast Alaska Discovery Center just a short walk from the cruise dock, see interactive exhibits and displays about the regions temperate rainforest, native traditions, local ecosystem and natural resources. Knudson Cove Marina, Ketchikan, Alaska, 19. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). Scanlon Gallery Arctic Spirit, Ketchikan, Alaska, 18. But for someone who isnt going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the areas classic Alaskan scenery. has written about cruising for more than 25 years and for many years oversaw USA Todays award-winning cruise site. If you get chance do have a look at the church - traditional in build and ouzing charm, character and history. You let Alaska Hummer Adventures know your preferred sites in advance (theres aform on their website) and they will customize your tour to fit. more, 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, Picnic tables with fire grates, and aquarter-mile trail accompanied by interpretive signs that address the local natural history. Taxis are available at the dock and run by metered fare. Main Street Gallery (Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities), 20. Thank you for your thoughts. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price. You can spend extra time in aplace if theres amagical, National Geographic-type moment happening! The trip from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan takes 36 hours, and connections can easily be made to other top destinations including Juneau, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka, and Whittier. The Main Street Gallery is basically a community arts centre and art gallery. The most famous bar in Ketchikan is the Arctic Bar and Liquor Store. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. Ketchikan was known during the 20th Century for its "red-light district," with brothels lining the streets, the buildings of many which still stand on pilings along the boardwalk known as Creek Street, now housing shops and cafes instead of "ladies of the night.". Not one bit. Manage Settings Its absolutely gorgeous and just what we were looking for. A multitude of quaint shops of a wide variety can be found here. This lovely city park was a great place to sit and rest for a while during our walk around Ketchikan. Creek Street was once Ketchikans thriving red light district, filled with people who were looking for a good time in the form of hard liquor and female companionship. Your tour will end at Ketchikans Creek Street, including a tour of former brothel Dollys House museum. *NOTE: Our website contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you. If you are looking for ashortish in-town trail, this trail begins at the back of aneighborhood and walks up aservice road to adam that overlooks amountain-lake scene. Creek Street Photo credit: roger4336 / Foter / CC BY-SA. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Short, .5mile loop hike to beautiful waterfallviews. Its proximity to town makes the recreation area popular with the locals. Dolly's House Museum, Ketchikan, Alaska, 12. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. They have several live musical performances scheduled, so you can enjoy local artists while you have your meal. They host ten exhibits each year of works in various mediums and these can be solo, group, or open-call shows. The origin of Totem Bight State Historical Park came long before the park was actually established; in the early 1900s, many Natives Alaskans were forced to move out of their settlements in search of work because of the non-native settlements that had come in and refused to barter. Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs thats the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Whether you're cruising Alaska's Inside Passage and Ketchikan is your port of call, or you're flying in and visiting independently, these are the top experiences in Ketchikan. All profits directly go to support the people and town of Hoonah. Inside, youll be able to see several photos of Dolly, much of the original decor, and even the secret closet in her bedrooms, where she hid contraband liquor during Prohibition. It is beautiful! Below, Ive listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. Ketchikan is only accessible by sea or air, so food costs and other items will be higher than elsewhere. Located in downtown Ketchikan, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is a great place to visit at the start of your trip as its filled with so much information about the unique natural and cultural history of the area. Eat Salmon in downtown Ketchikan. 1. Deer Mountain is Ketchikans iconic backdrop. The lighthouse was a guiding light for many fishermen, as the area had previously destroyed countless vessels with its dense fog and shallow inlets. The trail is over 2.75 miles one way, and can take anywhere from 3.5 to 4 hours. Take a narrated motorcoach ride to Tongass National Park where your adventure will begin. This might be the biggest eagle statue anywhere? As the brothels were shut down one after the other, the last one to remain was Dollys House, named after the dollhouse-like appearance of its exterior. Only hitch was the silver line bus, which was very prompt, left from a stop across the street from the bus station and we missed it. Today, Ketchikan is known for having the world's largest collection of Northwest totem poles, used to record the legends and history of the native peoples. If you find yourself in Ketchikan, AK, make sure you stop by Alaska Stone Art/Rail Creek LLC. 1. But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp. Enjoyed our visit to the stores. Many of the tour operators youll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. The mostly-flat trail follows the circumference of the lakes shore in aswath of gravel that is wide enough. Anglers will love Ketchikan, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. Go out on one of the many fishing charters to cast for these famous Alaskan fish. Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan, Alaska, 8. Don awetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel and get an up-close look at the unique sea creatures of the 49th state: urchins, sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, andwhats thata humpback whale swimming nearby?! If you want to get out of the rain, head up Tongass Avenue to Ketchikan Plaza, the areas only indoor shopping center. Take a Boat Trip Through the Misty Fjords. Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, youll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. Thinking another trip is in order to get the second pair Ali ;). The granite monument extends over 2.3 million acres across the Tongass National Forest and there are extraordinary canals and other waterways youll come across during your exploration. Which one is right for you? It is so worth your time to check out this gallery. Visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. If you have a few people, youre probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Explore the rich ocean waters off Ketchikan while watching bald eagles andseals. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. This trail begins at the back of aneighborhood and walks up aservice road to adam that. And for good reason. Be sure to become a temporary Eagle & have a drink on their patio!! Deer Mountain is Ketchikans iconic backdrop. Totems at Totem Bight State Park. No problem. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. I realize you are never guaranteed catching fish, just looking for a better outcome than what we had in Kenai peninsula. 2. The center houses the worlds largest collection of unrestored 19th century totem poles, many of which were recovered from uninhabited settlements in Old Kasaan, Tongass Island, and Village Island. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Rainforest Canoe Adventure and Nature Trail, Alaska Kayak Company - Kayak & Hiking Tours, Minerva Mountain Trail & The Carlanna-Perseverance Traverse. Nice pix of creek. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Great views and we saw mountain goats grazing on the northwest slope. Connell Lake is agood choice if you want atrail that is less popular but just as close to town as the Perseverance trail. 1. Up to the T at Ketchikan Lake rd and Rotary Beach, actually a group of beach stops on the south side of Ketchikan, are an interesting diversion from the Art Galleries Points of Interest & Landmarks. The friendly staff will help you find something just right for you or a delicious treat you can take back as a souvenir for friends and family. On this tour, take in all the highlights with a local guide. There are not many alternative beaches in Ketchikan due to the combination of cold temperatures and distracting sea life such as seals and salmon. You will reach elevations of over 2,600 feet and it should be noted that the weather on Deer Mountain is unpredictable and snow persists well into the summer. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Its huge and beautiful. One time, I even saw a bear. The mostly-flat Ward Lake trail follows the circumference of the lakes shore in aswath of gravel that is wide enough for two people to walk abreast. I understand lots of folks turn around at that point but we trudged on to the top. Take a Day Cruise Day cruises let passengers glide through Ketchikan's scenic waters with views of nearby glaciers, 3,000-foot vertical cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Anglers will love Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World." Go out on one of the many fishing charters to cast for these famous Alaskan fish. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The Misty Fords National Monument is a stunning 2.3 million acre park. I have been to Alaska once before in the Kenai peninsula. Then duck into fun shops as you stroll Creek Street Boardwalk, home to the towns red-light district until the 1950s. Be sure to visit some of the preserves most picturesque areas such as Rudyerd Bay, Punchbowl Cove, and Walker Cove. A must see if you visit Ketchikan. Prepare to be enchanted by Ketchikan, a quaint Alaskan town nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls.

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