What to Do in Ketchikan on an Alaska Cruise: 18 Best Shore Excursions & Port Activities

Ketchikan, known as Alaska’s “First City” and the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers cruise passengers a variety of exciting activities during their port stop. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply want to explore this charming coastal town, here are the top 15 things to do during your visit.

18 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska on a Cruise (2025)

1. Soar Over the Misty Fjords

The 2.3 million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument, sometimes called “The Grand Canyon of the North,” is best viewed by seaplane. This floatplane tour gives you a bird’s-eye view of snow-capped mountains, blue lakes, glacial carvings, and flowing waterfalls. Everyone gets a window seat in these intimate aircraft, with complete narration of the history and geography provided throughout your aerial journey. Many tours even include a landing within the fjords for a truly unforgettable experience.

If the thrill of a floatplane ride does not appeal to you, there are several boat tours in the area as well.

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Price Range: $269-389 per person
Best For: Photography enthusiasts and scenic beauty lovers

Sample Tour: Misty Fjords Flightseeing

2. Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park

Ketchikan is home to over 80 Native American totem poles, and Totem Bight State Park offers one of the best collections. Located about 10 miles from downtown, this park features authentic totem poles, a tribal house, and beautiful coastal scenery. Follow the totem trail through the forest to the coast, learning the stories behind these impressive carvings. Most cruise lines offer excursions to this popular site, or you can reach it via public transportation.

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours (including transportation)
Price Range: $49-85 per person
Best For: Cultural enthusiasts and history buffs

Sample Tour: Rainforest Walk and Totem Park

3. Go Bear Watching

Alaska has the highest concentration of black bears, making bear-watching excursions extremely popular. The three most common areas for bear watching in Ketchikan are Neets Bay, Herring Cove, and Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek. Walking tours provide opportunities for closer encounters, while boat cruises and floatplane adventures offer different perspectives. Most tours include knowledgeable guides who explain bear behavior and habitat along the way.

We’ve personally taken a bear cruise and a walking tour during two separate visits to Ketchikan. Of the two excursions, we would recommend the walking tour (or a combination of the two) as it allows for the potential for more up-close encounters.

Tour Duration: 3-5 hours
Price Range: $189-399 per person
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers

Sample Tour: Bear Exploration By Land and Sea

4. Explore Creek Street

Once Ketchikan’s red light district during the Gold Rush era, Creek Street is now a charming historic boardwalk with locally owned shops and restaurants. This picturesque area is built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek, where you can watch salmon spawn upstream during summer months.

Don’t miss Dolly’s House Museum at 24 Creek Street, the former brothel of Dolly Arthur, which provides an interesting glimpse into the area’s colorful past. You can relive the era during the daytime hours with a historic video and tour of the house.

Tour Duration: 1-2 hours (self-guided)
Price Range: Free to explore; Dolly’s House tour $10
Best For: History lovers, shoppers, and those looking for unique photo opportunities

5. Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Located within walking distance of the main cruise ship pier, this entertaining show pits two teams of lumberjacks against each other in various timber sport competitions. Watch these athletes showcase their skills in chopping, sawing, tree climbing, axe throwing, and log rolling during the hour-long show. The covered and heated pavilion ensures you’ll stay comfortable regardless of Ketchikan’s notorious rainfall, and you can meet the lumberjacks for photos afterward.

You can purchase tickets on your own or as part of a tour through the cruise line.

Tour Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $37-45 per person
Best For: Families and those seeking unique entertainment

Sample Tours: Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

6. Take an Alaska Crab Fisherman’s Tour

Experience what it’s like to be an Alaskan fisherman aboard the Aleutian Ballad, one of the fishing vessels featured in the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” television show. The vessel remains in calm waters as it heads to the fishing grounds, where the crew will haul up crab pots and allow you to see and interact with crabs, octopuses, and other sea creatures. This authentic Alaskan adventure provides fascinating insights into the dangerous but vital fishing industry.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $189-229 per person
Best For: Fans of “Deadliest Catch” and marine life enthusiasts

Sample Tour: Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour

7. Go Salmon Fishing

As the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Ketchikan offers world-class fishing opportunities for all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as rockfish and halibut. Half or full-day fishing charters are available, with experienced captains who know the best fishing spots. Or, you can pair a fishing experience with a “fresh catch” dining experience.

Most tours provide all necessary equipment and even process your catch for shipping home if not partaking in the dining experience tours. This authentic Alaskan experience is perfect for both novice and experienced anglers.

Tour Duration: 4-6 hours
Price Range: $209-349 per person
Best For: Fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels

Sample Tour: Fish Tour & Fresh Catch Dining

8. Visit Saxman Native Village

Located about 3 miles from downtown, Saxman Native Village offers insight into the rich cultural heritage of Alaska’s Native peoples. Tour the village to see one of the world’s largest gatherings of totem poles, visit the Beaver Clan House for a traditional performance, and watch master carvers at work in the Carving Center. This immersive cultural experience provides a deeper understanding of Alaska’s indigenous communities.

You can reach this village via an organized shore excursion or public transportation.

Tour Duration: 2-3 hours
Price Range: $69-99 per person
Best For: Cultural enthusiasts and those interested in Native traditions

Sample Tour: Saxman Native Village and City Tour

9. Go Sea Kayaking

Explore Ketchikan’s pristine coastline from the water with a sea kayaking adventure. Paddle through protected coves and inlets with experienced guides who point out wildlife and explain the local ecosystem. No previous experience is necessary, as full instruction is provided. For a unique experience, consider the Orcas Cove tour, which takes you to a remote area only accessible by boat for exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tour Duration: 2-4 hours
Price Range: $89-159 per person
Best For: Active travelers seeking a water-based adventure

Sample Tour: Eagle Island Kayak

10. Visit the Totem Heritage Center

Located within walking distance of downtown (or via the free summer shuttle), the Totem Heritage Center houses the world’s largest collection of 19th-century totem poles. These authentic poles were rescued from abandoned Native village sites and have been carefully preserved. Informative exhibits explain the rich history and cultural significance of these impressive works of art, making this an educational and visually stunning experience.

Additionally, you can take a self-guided walking tour through the city to discover more modern day totems, including the replica of the Chief Johnson Memorial Totem pole.

Tour Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Range: $5 admission
Best For: History buffs and cultural enthusiasts

11. Take a Wildlife Viewing Cruise

Explore the waterways around Ketchikan with a dedicated wildlife viewing cruise. These tours focus on spotting marine wildlife such as orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Heated cabins provide comfort in any weather, while open-air viewing decks offer unobstructed photo opportunities. Knowledgeable naturalist guides enhance the experience with information about the local ecosystem and animal behaviors.

Tour Duration: 2.5-4 hours
Price Range: $139-199 per person
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers

Sample Tour: Alaskan Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition

12. Go Ziplining in the Tongass National Forest

Experience the thrill of soaring through the canopy of the world’s largest temperate rainforest on a zipline adventure. Courses typically feature multiple ziplines of varying heights and lengths, connecting platforms built high in the trees. Expert guides provide safety instruction and share information about the unique ecosystem below. Some tours combine ziplining with other activities like wildlife viewing or totem park visits.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $159-189 per person
Best For: Adventure seekers ages 8+ (min and max weight requirements apply)

Sample Tour: Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition

13. Snorkel in Alaska’s Waters

For a truly unique experience, don a wetsuit and explore the underwater world of Southeast Alaska. Despite the cold water temperatures, thermal protection allows you to comfortably observe sea stars, urchins, crabs, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. This activity provides a rare perspective on Alaska’s diverse marine ecosystem that few visitors get to experience.

Tour Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Price Range: $159-179 per person
Best For: Adventurous travelers seeking unique experiences

Sample Tour: Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

14. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

Located in downtown Ketchikan, this informative center features interactive exhibits about the region’s natural and cultural treasures. Learn about the Tongass National Forest, Alaska Native cultures, mining and fishing industries, and local wildlife through engaging displays and a theater showing educational films. This is an excellent introduction to the area and can help you better appreciate other excursions during your visit.

Tour Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Range: $5 admission
Best For: All ages, especially first-time visitors to Alaska

15. Take a 4×4/ATV Backcountry Tour

Venture off the beaten path with a guided 4×4 or ATV tour into the Tongass National Forest. These tours take small groups into areas inaccessible by conventional vehicles, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and experience the wilderness away from crowds. Drivers receive full instruction, and the rugged terrain offers excitement for adventure seekers while showcasing Alaska’s natural beauty.

Tour Duration: 2.5-4 hours
Price Range: $169-249 per person
Best For: Adventure enthusiasts looking for off-road excitement

Sample Tour: Adventure Kart Expedition

16. Ketchikan Duck Tour

Experience Ketchikan from both land and sea aboard an amphibious “Duck” vehicle on this family-friendly tour. Begin with a narrated drive through the historic downtown area, passing Creek Street, the salmon ladder, and Ketchikan’s colorful harbor. Then, splash into the water for a unique perspective of the waterfront, canneries, and bustling harbor. The knowledgeable guides share entertaining stories about Ketchikan’s colorful history, from the Gold Rush days to the modern fishing industry, while pointing out wildlife and local landmarks.

Tour Duration: 1.5 hours
Price Range: $49-69 per person
Best For: All ages, especially families and those with limited mobility

Sample Tour: Ketchikan Duck Tour

17. Tongass National Rainforest Hiking Adventure

Explore the world’s largest temperate rainforest on foot with a guided hiking tour through pristine sections of the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest. Led by experienced naturalist guides, you’ll trek along well-maintained trails surrounded by towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar trees draped in moss. Learn about the unique ecosystem, identify native plants, and spot wildlife including eagles, ravens, and possibly bears. Different trail options accommodate various fitness levels, from easy walks to more challenging hikes with elevation gains.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $89-129 per person
Best For: Nature lovers and active travelers with moderate fitness levels

Sample Tour: Hiking the Tongass National Rainforest

18. Alaska Lodge Adventure & Seafeast Tour

Experience the magnificent wilderness of Southeast Alaska combined with a delicious seafood feast on this popular excursion. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from the cruise port to the historic George Inlet Lodge, a charming rustic building that was once an old cannery bunkhouse. From there, board a comfortable catamaran for a narrated cruise through the pristine waters of the Inlet Fjord, surrounded by the breathtaking Tongass National Forest. Watch for wildlife including bald eagles, seals, and possibly bears along the shoreline. The highlight of the tour is participating in the time-honored tradition of pulling up crab pots to see the day’s catch before returning to the lodge for an all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab feast complete with melted butter, fresh Asian salad, and blueberry cheesecake.

Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Price Range: $159-199 per person
Best For: Seafood lovers and those seeking a combination of scenic beauty and culinary experience

Sample Tour: Wildlife Expedition With Seafood Feast

Sample Activities for Your Ketchikan Port Day

Adventure Seeker

• Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour (3 hours)
• Ziplining in Tongass National Forest (3 hours)
• Alaska Snorkeling Experience (2.5-3 hours)

Family-Friendly

• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (1 hour)
• Ketchikan Duck Tour (1.5 hours)
• Wildlife Viewing Cruise (3 hours)

Budget-Conscious

• Southeast Alaska Discovery Center ($5)
• Self-guided Totem Walking Tour (free)
• Creek Street exploration (free)

Ketchikan Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cruise ships typically stay in Ketchikan?

Most cruise ships dock in Ketchikan for 6-8 hours, giving passengers enough time for 1-2 excursions or several smaller activities.

Is Ketchikan walkable from the cruise port?

Yes, downtown Ketchikan is very walkable from the cruise docks. Creek Street, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, and many shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance.

What should I wear in Ketchikan?

Ketchikan receives significant rainfall (earning its nickname “Rain Capital of Alaska”), so waterproof jackets, layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Even in summer, temperatures typically range from 50-65°F.

What’s the best time of year to visit Ketchikan?

May through September is cruise season in Ketchikan. July and August offer slightly warmer temperatures and better chances to see salmon spawning, while May and September provide fewer crowds.

Are tours available for cruise passengers with mobility issues?

Yes, several excursions are accessible to those with limited mobility. The Deadliest Catch boat tour, wildlife viewing cruises, and the Lumberjack Show are suitable options. Always contact tour operators in advance to discuss specific needs.

Which cruise ship terminal will I dock at in Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has multiple docking areas. Most major cruise lines dock at one of the four berths in downtown, within walking distance of attractions. NCL ships often dock at Ward Cove, about 7 miles north of downtown, where a shuttle service is available to bring passengers into town.

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