Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. The name Ketchikan comes from a Tlingit phrase that means "eagle with spread-out wings," a reference to a waterfall near town.
In the early 1900s, when gold was Alaska's claim to fame, fishing and timber industries were established in Ketchikan. The growth of these industries helped make this Inside Passage port Alaska's fourth-largest city.
Visitors to Ketchikan will be intrigued by its rich Native heritage, which includes the world's oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Heritage Center. The Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian are all a part of the city's colorful history. Ketchikan, with its abundance of salmon, is also a sportfishing paradise. Sightseers will be impressed with both the scenic town and its surroundings, especially Misty Fjords National Monument.
Points of Interest
- Outdoor Adventures
- Totem Bight State Park
- Saxman Native Village
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
- Misty Fjords National Monument
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- George Inlet Lodge
- Creek Street
City Highlights, Totems & Creek Street by Trolley
- Saxman Native Village
- Creek Street
Celebrate the rich history and culture of Ketchikan on this short tour that allows time for shopping and other excursions. Enjoy the city's highlights before a photo stop and interpretation of the world's largest totem pole collection. Then, stroll through infamous Creek Street - the city's old "red light district."
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$34.95
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Watch manly-men chop and saw wood, throw an axe, climb a tree, roll on a log and more at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Acclaimed by Travel Channel as one of the "Top 10 Things to See in Alaska," this rollicking presentation by real lumberjacks showcases Ketchikan's pioneer beginnings.
Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$39.95
Totem Bight State Park & Ketchikan Highlights
- Creek Street
- Totem Bight State Park
This guided tour brings you the highlights of Ketchikan as well as showing you some of the more colorful traditions of the Native Alaskan culture. You'll start with a motorcoach ride around town before arriving at Totem Bight Park to see the hand-carved totem poles and replica Native clan house.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack
$49.95
Historical Ketchikan & Creek Street Walking Tour
- Outdoor Adventures
- Creek Street
Discover the unique city of Ketchikan and learn more about its fascinating Tlingit culture on this guided walking tour of Alaska's "First City."
Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity
$49.95
Town & Harbor Duck Tour
- Creek Street
- Outdoor Adventures
Experience adventure with a splash in Ketchikan on Alaska's only "duck" tour. A modern, state-of-the-art amphibious vehicle takes you through the rustic streets and literally into the scenic harbor for a fun-filled tour of the best Ketchikan has to offer.
Easy Activity
$59.95
Local Connections; Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Axe Throwing Challenge Created by Champion Ironjack
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
A rip-roaring good time with quality entertainment and a special axe throwing competition created by Ironjack Rob Scheer! The history of Alaska's frontier comes to life as lumberjacks display their dazzling skills in springboard chopping, buck sawing, log rolling and more! Then, your small group gets a private lesson with the athletes and a chance to try your hand at axe throwing yourself!
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
$69.95
Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance & Totem Park (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Creek Street
- Saxman Native Village
Get a rare opportunity to visit a living Native village - and access areas not available to independent guests - combined with a tour of the historic city of Ketchikan. You'll visit Saxman Native Village, witness Native dancing and see the craft of totem carving before taking a motorcoach tour of picturesque Ketchikan.
Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$69.95
Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance & Totem Park
- Creek Street
- Saxman Native Village
Get a rare opportunity to visit a living Native village - and access areas not available to independent guests - combined with a tour of the historic city of Ketchikan. You'll visit Saxman Native Village, witness Native dancing and see the craft of totem carving before taking a motorcoach tour of picturesque Ketchikan.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$69.95
Local Connections: Ketchikan Pub Walk Created by Bar Historian
Experience the fun and lively ambiance of Ketchikan's local pubs. This fun, informative and entertaining walking tour includes a sampler beverage at several locations. Your local guide will share the the colorful history of the bar scene through stories and vinatge photographs.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$84.95
Totem Bight State Park & Lumberjack Show
- Creek Street
- Totem Bight State Park
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Combine two of our most popular tours (100 and 300) and experience Alaska's past and present. After a sightseeing tour around Ketchikan, you'll travel to Totem Bight State Park for a look at Native culture and history. Then, get ready for rip-roarin' fun at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which features chopping, buck sawing, axe throwing, log rolling and more!
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack
$84.95
Rainforest Canoe & Nature Trail
- Outdoor Adventures
Grab a paddle for a gentle canoe ride on a secluded mountain lake. Scan the shore for wildlife and learn about the natural and Native history of the Ketchikan area from your experienced guide. Then, step ashore at base camp for a snack and trail hike.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$99.95
Eagle Islands Sea Kayaking
- Outdoor Adventures
Embark on a kayak adventure in Tongass National Forest while learning of the area's natural environment and colorful history.
Strenuous Activity
$99.95
Rainforest Sanctuary Nature Walk, Totems & Eagles
- Outdoor Adventures
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
View many wonderful species of wildlife in their natural rainforest habitat on this mile-long guided trail walk, before touring a sawmill, viewing a bald eagle and exploring the on-site totem park.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
$109.95
Waterfront & Wildlife Cruise
- Saxman Native Village
- Creek Street
Cruise on an Alaskan-built expedition vessel through Ketchikan's colorful harbor and capture pictures of historic waterfront sights. Then set off on an intimate wildlife viewing adventure in search of whales, harbor seals, and more as you explore wilderness passages and rugged coastlines.
Easy Activity
$109.95
Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion
- Totem Bight State Park
- Outdoor Adventures
All aboard an award-winning wildlife voyage guaranteeing eagle sightings, eagles' nests, and views of Totem Bight State Park, Vallenar Rocks Wildlife Viewing Area & historic Guard Island Lighthouse. Complimentary sampler plates with salmon spread, crackers, bull kelp pickles, artisan chocolate and assorted beverages are provided.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$119.95
Local Connections: Ketchikan Photo Safari with Nature Photographer
- Outdoor Adventures
Calling all photographers! Join in a small photo safari and focus on Ketchikan's stunning beauty and the chance of wildlife encounters. Led by a professional guide, you'll receive expert natural-history interpretation while picking up tips and techniques to enhance your images.
Moderate Activity
$129.95
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- George Inlet Lodge
Experience what makes Ketchikan such an awesome place to visit with this Alaska-style lumberjackin' and crab-crackin' adventure! Watch rugged frontiersmen free-fall from trees, run on spinning logs and "battle" with axes and chainsaws at the famed Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Then, be treated to a delicious Dungeness crab feast!
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$144.95
Zipline Adventure Park
- Outdoor Adventures
Different from all other zip experiences, you can swing, scramble, climb and glide on suspended cables through a unique rainforest adventure park. This is a fun recreational outing for friends and family in a perfect setting - high in the lush green canopy of southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest.
Strenuous Activity
$149.95
Rainforest Trail E-Bike & Nature Walk
- Outdoor Adventures
Get active in the great outdoors with an electric bike and nature walk adventure. Surround yourself with the natural beauty of Tongass National Forest as you pedal to a rustic creek-side camp and a warm campfire. Refuel with a snack then embark on a guided walk through the rainforest.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$149.95
Sea Cycle Ocean Adventure
- Outdoor Adventures
Experience Ketchikan's beauty from a totally different perspective: from the seat of a sea cycle water bike. Pedal your way across Ward Cove, nestled in the Tongass National Forest, and behold an eagle's nest, a historic pulp mill and cannery site, and a wildlife estuary.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$159.95
Rainforest Island Nature Walk & Seahawk Adventure
- Outdoor Adventures
Join an experienced Alaska trail guide for a walk in the Tongass National Forest, through the natural beauty of the coastal rainforest on a remote island accessed only by sea. Cruise in an open motorboat and join an experienced Alaska guide along a boardwalk trail where you'll learn about different features of a temperate rainforest. You'll also enjoy a camp fire snack and an interactive beach life presentation.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$159.95
Exclusive Coastal Cruise & Oyster Farm with Ocean-to-Table Tasting
Experience a one-of-a-kind small-group tour combining a narrated waterfront drive, short coastal cruise and a visit to the Hump Island Oyster Farm complete with a culinary tasting. View the facility, learn about the oyster growing process, get a below-the-waves look at the bay with underwater drone footage, meet the critters in the touch tank and enjoy tastings at the on-site Oyster Bar.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$169.95
Rainforest Sanctuary Walk, Totems, Eagles & Crab Feast
- Outdoor Adventures
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
- George Inlet Lodge
Explore the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary on a walk of discovery and marvel at spawning salmon, black bears, bald eagles, an old saw mill and a totem pole park. Then savor a delicious Dungeness crab feast at the rustic George Inlet Lodge on this delightful half-day tour.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
$169.95
Backcountry Jeep & Canoe Safari
- Outdoor Adventures
A land and sea adventure that's not to be missed. Drive a four-wheel drive automatic Jeep Wrangler* over Ketchikan's backroads, paddle an authentic Native-style canoe on a tranquil alpine lake, and trek through the lush rainforest.
* Registered
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$179.95
Coastal Wildlife Cruise - an Animal Planet Exclusive
- Outdoor Adventures
This 3 1/4-hour high-speed boat ride takes you on a search for black bears, eagles, seals, porpoise, sea lions, humpback and killer whales.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$189.95
Wilderness Cruise & Silverking Lodge Seafood Feast
- Outdoor Adventures
Indulge your senses in an unforgettable journey of sight, scent and taste. After a narrated tour of Ketchikan enjoy an adventure boat cruise in search of wildlife. Then, disembark at Silverking Lodge for a stroll into the heart of the rainforest. Your rewarding adventure ends with a delectable seafood feast.
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$189.95
Ketchikan Salmon Fishing
- Outdoor Adventures
Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. Experience the thrill of fishing in the "Salmon Captial of the World" in the sheltered waters of Clover Passage aboard a modern fishing boat with covered cabin and restroom.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$199.95
Wildlife Safari Cruise & Beach Bonfire
- Outdoor Adventures
Join an intimate wildlife viewing adventure aboard a deluxe waterjet-powered expedition vessel, in search of whales, harbor seals, bears, eagles and more as you explore wilderness passages and rugged coastlines. A stop on a remote beach with Alaska Native camp hosts includes snacks and s'mores made over a campfire.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$199.95
Best of Ketchikan: Totems, Wildlife Cruise & Alaska Appetizers
- Saxman Native Village
Experience the best of Ketchikan by land and sea: the totems at Saxman Native Village, an amazing wildlife cruise and mouthwatering Alaska appetizers.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$199.95
Wilderness Exploration Cruise & Crab Feast
- Outdoor Adventures
- George Inlet Lodge
Explore Alaska's wilderness and experience the life of a crab fisherman on a fully enclosed, heated tour vessel for this narrated cruise through the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Enjoy a delcious Dungeness crab feast at the George Inlet Lodge, a historic cannery building converted to an elegant oceanside lodge.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal
$199.95
Backcountry Zodiac Expedition
- Saxman Native Village
- Outdoor Adventures
Skipper a custom-built motorized inflatable along the remarkable coastline of Revillagigado Island and the "Bridge to Nowhere's" Gravina Island for a unique Alaska adventure.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$199.95
Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
- Outdoor Adventures
Embark on the ultimate nature experience as you glide through the rich rainforest canopy along a series of dual cables suspended between tall spruce, hemlock and cedar trees. Watch for wildlife, a hidden waterfall and witness breathtaking views along the way.
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity
$199.95
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Misty Fjords National Monument
Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature's most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.
Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack
$209.95
Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer Cruise
- Misty Fjords National Monument
Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature's most spectacular creations, while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.
Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes snack
$209.95
Local Connections: Deadliest Catch Crab Fishermen's Tour Created by Captain David Lethin
- Outdoor Adventures
This award-winning, 3-hour cruise aboard the Aleutian Ballad from season two of the TV series "Deadliest Catch" reveals the fascinating world of commercial fisherman. Get up close with crabs and octopus and view abundant wildlife amid stunning scenery. It's fun for the whole family as you explore in calm, sheltered waters.
Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity
$209.95
Zipline Adventure & Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
- Outdoor Adventures
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Embark on a fun-filled family adventure combining an exhilarting zipline tour and the action-packed Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Enter the fly zone on an eco-adventure perfect for families, groups and first-time zipliners.
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity
$229.95
Adventure Kart Expedition
- Outdoor Adventures
Sit back, strap yourself in and hit the accelerator for an off-road adventure of a lifetime - you'll experience the rugged Alaska wilderness from the driver's seat of a specially designed off-road Tomcar adventure kart.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$229.95
Black Bear, Wildlife & Nature Walk - an Animal Planet Exclusive
- Outdoor Adventures
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
The only drive-to-bear viewing tour in Ketchikan takes you on adventure of a lifetime as you view black bears in their natural habitat.
Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity
$259.95
Neets Bay Bear Cruise
- Totem Bight State Park
Cruise into beautiful Neets Bay, teeming with wildlife including a large population of black bears. Refresh with a snack onboard, followed by a scenic motorcoach drive along North Tongass Highway back to your ship.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$289.95
Deluxe Salmon Sportfishing Expedition
- Outdoor Adventures
Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. Enjoy an elevated experience and the thrill of fishing on the protected waters of the Inside Passage aboard a large comfortable cabin cruiser with personalized service.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$349.95
Off-Road UTV Safari, Cruise, Crab & Craft Beer
- Outdoor Adventures
- George Inlet Lodge
From land to sea, this exciting adventure has you enjoying a rugged off-road safari from behind the wheel of a UTV, then continues on a catamaran cruise to George Inlet Lodge. Here you'll sample a variety of craft beers from local breweries served with a tempting array of Alaska delicacies.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$349.95
Hunting for Halibut
- Outdoor Adventures
Reel in a Pacific halibut during this Cook My Catch expedition! No matter your skill level, you'll fish like a local with a rod and reel, learn the secrets of hooks, tides and more with an experienced fishing guide at your side.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$369.95
Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining - a Discovery Exclusive
- Outdoor Adventures
Gear up for an authentic fishing excursion in the unspoiled wilderness of Alaska's southeastern coastline, and enjoy a gourmet meal featuring your catch of the day at a remote campsite.
Moderate Activity, Includes meal
$369.95
Neets Bay Bear Watch & Flight
- Outdoor Adventures
After an exhilarating 25-minute flight embark on a nature walk to Neets Bay in Tongass National Forest, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an up close view of the endearing black bears of southeast Alaska in their natural habitat.
Moderate Activity
$469.95
Alaska Bear Adventure & Flight
- Outdoor Adventures
Embark on a guided wildlife adventure that takes you to a remote site in the Tongass National Forest where you'll watch black bears in their natural habitat feeding on salmon runs.
Moderate Activity
$489.95
Private Hummer Adventure with Driver
Enjoy private car service with a twist - customize your adventure with a Hummer and a knowledgeable driver-guide at your service.
Easy Activity
$669.95