Light refreshments are provided too. The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions at Each Port The scenery gets more and more breathtaking the further you sail into the fjords, each view more postcard-worthy than the last. This celebration of a bygone era is a rip-roaring good time. The Deer Mountain trail is located approximately 1.5 mile from the cruise ship docks however, there is an extremely steep hill for half a mile, so taking a taxi is suggested. THE 10 BEST Ketchikan Nature & Wildlife Tours I hope this guide will help you discover the best Alaska cruise excursions with Princess Cruises. Combine your flight with a Crab Feast (Alaskan Art) Shows & Museums Adventure Tours There are many, incredible, adventurous things to do in Ketchikan! Situated on a wooden boardwalk built over the creek, the historic Creek Street served as the areas Red Light district until the 1950s. Just 22 miles away, accessed only by boat or by plane, it spans more than 2.3 million acres and is even more dramatic than the Grand Canyon with its thick rainforests, glacial valleys, rushing waterfalls, deep fjords, and sea cliffs. You can also choose to rent a vehicle to freely move around the area. Many visitors come to Ketchickan via cruise ship (chances are you found this post because you were looking for things to do in Ketchikan during your port stop) as part of an Inside Passage cruise. Home; Tours; Plan; Contact [email protected] (844) 6269600 Open Search; Checkout; My List; Search Close Search . Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio 6. Keep reading for all the best things to do in town, as well as the best Ketchikan shore excursions. We offer the absolute best options for your tours and cruise shore excursions in Ketchikan! There are lots of things to do in Ketchikan! Like this post? "@context": "http://schema.org", 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. Ketchikan calls itself the salmon capital of the world, referring to its past when fishing was established as one of the areas major industries. Grab Lunch at the Alaska Crepe Co. 5. Different from all other zip experiences, you can swing, scramble, climb and glide on suspended cables through a unique rainforest adventure park. Tongass Historical Museum is a small museum dedicated to historical Ketchikan with amazing exhibits and very close to Ketchikan Creek where you can spot live salmon ready to spawn (in season). The most popular Ketchikan Alaska Tours - Experience Ketchikan } On your return, a stop will be made along the shoreline to watch for the frequently sighted porpoises, seals and sea lions, and perhaps humpback whales, if youre lucky. Ketchikan Shore Tours & Excursions or a Boat Tour for one of the Alaska tours you won't soon forget! At the end, you are rewarded with impressive views of the city and the Tongass Narrows and its cruise ships, ferries, fishing boats, and floatplanes. If you're taking an Alaska cruise, here are nine fantastic Ketchikan shore excursions to consider. These experiences are best for ports of call tours in Ketchikan: Wildlife Viewing Sightseeing and Whale Watching; Ketchikan Private Family Tour! Fishing is one of the most popular Ketchikan Alaska Tours! However, do note that these are the rainiest months (with October seeing the most rain at over 15 inches) and that many tour operators and businesses close for the offseason. A rip-roaring good time with quality entertainment and a special axe throwing competition created by Ironjack Rob Scheer! After a sightseeing tour around Ketchikan, you'll travel to Totem Bight State Park for a look at Native culture and history. Located on an island, Ketchikan began life as an Indian fishing camp. Traitor's Cove, Neets Bay, or areas on Prince of Wales Island. Ketchikan is known as Alaska's "First City" because it's the first major community travelers come to as they journey north. Another way to experience the Misty Fjords National Monument is to see them from above on a floatplane. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. with a Visit Herring Cove on the many bus & van tours, a taxi cab tour, This tour takes you on a scenic seaplane flight above the majestic fjords youll get a spectacular birds-eye view of the towering fjords, cliffs, waterfalls, and water. Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. Then, step ashore at base camp for a snack and trail hike. Set amidst the peaceful forest, the park is home to 14 totem poles, each telling their own story, and a replica of a 19th-century clan house, offering a look into the Tlingit and Haida Native Alaskan cultures. If you want to skip the cruise ship and prefer to make your own arrangements to get to Ketchikan, you have a few options. A mix of history, stories of colorful events, and tasty brews are all included on this tour. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Take in the dramatic beauty of a land slowly crafted by the hands of nature. Get a whole new perspective on Alaska on this tour that combines flightseeing aboard an authentic Alaska bush plane, a thrilling water landing, and a meal at a rustic Alaska lodge. "url": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com", There are also Wildlife Cruises for spotting whales, deer, bears, seals, eagles & otters and As you return to port, enjoy a king crab snack. Celebrate the rich history and culture of Ketchikan on this short tour that allows time for shopping and other excursions. 12 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska- Cruise Maven Cook My Catch is available on this excursion. The Best Alaska Shore Excursions Good 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. As an added plus, your guide will play photographer ensuring all those memorable moments will be captured. Join in a small photo safari and focus on Ketchikan's stunning beauty and the chance of wildlife encounters. exhilarating ride on a seaplane out to the Misty Fjords National Itinerary, 2 Days in Porto Itinerary: How to Have a Magical Weekend in Porto, 16 Magical Banff Photo Spots (that you shouldnt miss! Here are some of the museums to check out while in Ketchikan: Ketchikans breathtaking natural beauty and temperate rainforests create ample hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. THE TOP 10 Ketchikan Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Adventure (19) Flightseeing (8) Boat (15) Crab Feasts (7) Fishing (5) Helicopter (4) Kayak (2) Misty Fjords (3) Bear & Wildlife (16) Kid-Friendly (22) Adventure (19) Flightseeing (8) Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour View all shore excursions in Skagway. Youll find plenty to do just within this area. Take this excursion with a locally owned, family-run company that knows all the best spots. The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions - The Points Guy Youll discover the gorgeous waterways of the lush Tongass National Forest, heading across Revillagigedo Island to a US Forest Service maintained trail to reach the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing platform where bears can be seen plunging into the rushing water to retrieve their salmon. An The name Ketchikan comes from the Tlingit phrase that means eagle with spread-out wings, which refers to the creek in town. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. Today, Ketchikan has three operational canneries and one cold-storage factory. In addition, ride-sharing services are also said to be available (although Im not really sure how many cars are actually available since it is a pretty remote area). Ketchikans salmon is also known as the freshest in the world, and there are many places in town to consume it! Denali Experience: Camp Denali & North Face Lodge, Flightseeing: Denali Glacier Landing from Talkeetna, Glacier viewing (by boat): Prince William Sound, Encounter with Alaska Native culture: Alaska Native Heritage Center and more, Historic site: Kennicott Mine & Ghost Town, National park experience: Denali National Park, Scenic drive: Richardson Highway from Valdez to Fairbanks, Wild river rafting: Nova Matanuska Glacier, Wilderness lodge experience: Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge and it's private sister lodge, Alaska's Loonsong Lake Wilderness Lodge, Marine wildlife viewing: Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Girdwood, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks &more, The 13 most accessible and spectacular glaciers out of over 30,000, Best museums and villages to experience our unique cultures. It is also known as the salmon capital of the world, referring to its past when the city had a large salmon canning operation. Top 10 Ketchikan Excursions Zipline Park ($142.99) Zodiac Wildlife ($199.99) Boatman Adventure ($204.99) Misty Fjords Flightseeing ($444.99) Kart Adventure ($259.99) Jeep & Canoe Safari ($219.99) Rainforest, Totems & Eagles ($119.99) Eagle Islands Kayak ($99.99) Lighthouse Cruise ($124.99) Rain Forest ($194.99) Ketchikan Cruise Excursions Reviews Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Cape Fox Lodge, all free of charge! 15 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska: Fun, Cheap & Free! "dateModified": "2023-04-12", 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. 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. Then, step ashore at base camp for a snack and trail hike. In August and September you have a good chance of seeing brown bear walking along the river and along the lake's shore. You can also explore the forest in a Hummer some people in our group did this and it sounded like one of the coolest Ketchikan shore excursions! There are also Ketchikan Alaska cruise excursions that include a city tour plus museums & totem pole parks. Enjoy the city's highlights before a photo stop and interpretation of the world's largest totem pole collection. Or check out our waterways & try out your paddling skills on a One of the most popular is the Rainbird trail, a 1.3 mile hike that climbs through the rainforest, with towering trees, shrubs, and ferns. Popular Cruise Itineraries Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise One Week in Alaska Best Tours Tundra Tours Things to Do in Alaska Best Places to Visit Alaska's National Parks Guide to Glacier Bay National Park Guide to Denali National Park Things to Do in Fairbanks Things to Do in Ketchikan Your Trip to Alaska: The Complete Guide close Overview 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. Moderate Activity, Includes snack View Details Today, Creek Street is one of Ketchikans top tourist attractions, home to restaurants, galleries, souvenir shops, and antique stores. Big ship or small ship? Ketchikan Alaska Tours. Creek Street & Married Man's Trail, Dolly's House, Liquid Sunshine Gauge, "logo": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/logo.svg" I have been to Alaska once before in the Kenai peninsula. Seeing the Misty Fjords National Monument was a highlight for me it truly is one of the most magical things to do in Ketchikan! Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 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. mellow cultural tours of the incredible Totem Poles in town, flightseeing to the Misty Fjords National Monument, do-it-yourself tours of town, or even salmon & Ketchikan offers a wide variety of active, historic, and nature-oriented tours and activities, so plan ahead to make the most of your day. Ketchikan, Alaska Day Tours, Shore Excursions & Attractions By subscribing I agree to the terms and privacy policy. There are many, incredible, adventurous things to do in Ketchikan! The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. This 40-acre rainforest reserve is home to bald eagles, black bear, seals and a variety of birds, a live eagle display and a collection of totem poles. Ferries connect Ketchikan to other communities in Southeast Alaska, including Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau, Skagway, and more. Enjoy a delcious Dungeness crab feast at the George Inlet Lodge, a historic cannery building converted to an elegant oceanside lodge. Walking Tour Map at the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau when you arrive in town. October to March can be an ideal time to go if you are looking for peace and quiet. Now, it's a quaint place to tour Dolly's House museum, view totem poles, and shop at locally owned stores and galleries. Ketchikan is full of incredible wildlife from eagles, bears, deer, mountain goats, salmon, and all kinds of sea creatures. Hop aboard a Zodiac, a 14-foot inflatable boat that will bring you closer to some of the areas most enchanting places and you can even do the driving. One of the best ways to take it all in is to join a tour, and youll have many fabulous options, including these. Just 22 miles away, accessed only by boat or by plane, it spans more than 2.3 million acres and is even more dramatic than the Grand Canyon with its thick rainforests, glacial valleys, rushing waterfalls, deep fjords, and sea cliffs. In Ketchikan, we booked the Lumberjack Show and did an Axe Throwing add on and had a blast at both. From here, it is a 5 minute ferry ride into town. dresses, & memorabilia. See bears in their natural habitat? Be sure to come hungry! 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. Thank you! } 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. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center 3. THE 10 BEST Ketchikan Tours & Excursions for 2023 (with Prices) Youll also encounter steep switchbacks, rocky terrain, and not always a clearly marked trail. In this show, world-champion lumberjacks, wearing spiked boots and hard hats, compete in a number of traditional lumberjack games wielding axes, saws, gaffs, and chainsaws. Are you interested in catching the Madame, see her original hand-made During the height of the salmon season (July-September), there are sometimes so many salmon that the creek looks black! 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. Your rewarding adventure ends with a delectable seafood feast. Ketchikan is a relatively small city that measures about 5 square miles in area. Pass old-growth and new-growth woods, and stop to take advantage of spectacular photo-ops. Find out all about our famous The cove is teaming with salmon, eagles, the occasional deer, seals, & shorebirds. This tour is taken on electric bikes, traveling to the end of Ketchikans road to nowhere before hiking on a trail that winds by a waterfall, an active salmon-spawning stream and beach views, keeping an eye out for the native Alaskan wildlife along the way. I wander the world aimlessly in search of delicious food, spend way too much time dreaming of my next adventure, and kinda miss the fog (after complaining about it every day for 11 years). Best Wi-Fi at Sea Onboard Experience. 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. The summer months (June-August) tend to be the driest and warmest months of the year, with highs hitting the low 60s Fahrenheit. July tends to be the driest month, with about 4 inches of rain. 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. Wilderness Exploration & Crab Feast where you get to go crab fishing and then go to a crab feast! Get behind the wheel of a motorized Zodiac boat and take off on an exhilarating adventure through the George Inlet Fjord. This was the best excursion of our trip. Downtown Ketchikan is fairly small and compact, and very easy to explore on foot. The 2022 Alaska Cruise Ship Calendar for all Alaska and Canada ports of call for the 2022 Cruising Season, An incredibly easy & scrumptious smoked salmon appetizer made with green onion, cilantro, ginger, & avocado. Want to see more of the rainforest with less effort? With a guide in the lead, you'll cruise the sparkling waters in search of bald eagles, harbor seals, Sitka black-tail deer, black bears, and salmon streams. Snorkeling tour, or zoom through the lush rainforest on an Adventure Kart It may also be the rainiest city in America, but theres just something magical about it (and the locals refer to the rain as liquid sunshine). If you are visiting Ketchikan, whether on a cruise or on your own, you are in for a treat! Flightseeing is one of the most popular Ketchikan Alaska tours. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. contact me if you have any questions! 1. This tour offers a grab-bag of Ketchikan's sightseeing gems, including views of the Alaska Native totem poles and clan house at Totem Bight State Park . The Top Things To Do In Ketchikan - ALASKA.ORG Ketchikan is a popular port of call on Alaska cruises. Unravel totem pole mysteries, see carvers in action, shop for fine art and enter a clan house to watch Native dancers. (Do note that while these tours offer wildlife viewing opportunities, none guarantee it). One of the top things to do while in Ketchikan is to visit the remote Misty Fjords National Monument. You can fish the deep waters for Pacific halibut and four types of Alaskan salmon with your captain providing helpful tips and all your fishing gear is included too. If you can narrow down the top experiences you want to have, then you can figure out how to prioritize and fit them in. Through the Alaska cruise excursions offered on the many Passed on for generations and still incredible. Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity. "@type": "BlogPosting", Experience the rich living culture of the Tlingits as they welcome you to their village. Ketchikan is Alaskas first city, the salmon capital of the world, and one of Alaskas most unique cities. Ferry service is offered every 30 minutes and costs $6, and $7 for a standard vehicle. See whales? See The Rock 2. A stop on a remote beach with Alaska Native camp hosts includes snacks and s'mores made over a campfire. Enjoy worry-free booking with our flexible cancellation and guaranteed return-to-ship policies. 48 reviews. A guided seaplane tour is the best way to experience this roadless wilderness wonder. Clover Pass is a popular area for whales and other wildlife, and George Inlet is where youll see waterfalls and possibly more wildlife too. All of these areas are easy to walk to from the Cruise Ship docks and are identified on the Car, train, or group tour. Locally owned and operated by expert guides. It will bring you into the heart of the park to marvel at untouched areas far from the tourist crowds and includes a water landing in a calm bay or an alpine lake. Ketchikan Zodiac Escape Tour | Alaska Shore Excursions located at There are plenty of kayaking opportunities, whether you are looking for an easy paddle along the waterfront, or a multi-day adventure to the Misty Fjords. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Like Ketchikan itself, there are no roads leading in and out of the Misty Fjords National Monument the only ways to see them are via boat or seaplane. Which one is right for you? Some excursions offered include a kayaking tour to nearby Eagle Island or Orcas Cove. Route and schedule information is available here. (Theyre also one of the best things to do in Ketchikan to escape the rain!). Juneau Taku Lodge, Feast & Five Glacier Seaplane Discovery. The tour begins with a round at the Shipwreck Bar, followed by a stroll to Creek Street and down to the docks to learn about the famous fishing fleet and see the boats and crews as they prepare for their next catch. Taking a tour or excursion is an excellent way to see all the totem poles in the area, and to learn more about the original Native American inhabitants behind them. Youll be given tips on how to use your camera, how to frame the picture, what to concentrate on and how to best use Alaska as your photography subject. [x-cloak]{display:none!important}. That said, the climate here tends to be pretty temperate year-round compared with the rest of Alaska. The Best "Non-Excursions" in Port During Your Alaska Cruise This tour takes you on a half-day adventure with seven zip lines, and eight canopy ropes. Enter the fly zone on an eco-adventure perfect for families, groups and first-time zipliners. Here are some of the notable totems in downtown Ketchikan: Learn something new during your visit to Ketchikan at one of the citys museums. But don't forget a stop at Dolly's House on Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.