If your cruise itinerary includes Ketchikan, Alaska, get ready for an awesome adventure! This charming coastal city has shore excursions for every kind of explorer. From breathtaking wildlife encounters to enriching cultural experiences, Ketchikan has something amazing for everyone. Check out these top Ketchikan excursions that will leave you with lasting memories and amazing stories!
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Great Ketchikan Excursions to Explore
1 | Highlights of Ketchikan: A Walk Through Ketchikan’s History
Start your Ketchikan City Highlights Totem Parks and Sightseeing Adventure, by meeting your guide in town and then taking a drive to visit Rotary Beach. The coastline has stunning views of Ketchikan’s natural beauty. Continue your trip to Herring Cove, where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes and maybe spot some Alaskan wildlife.
Next, visit Saxman Village, which features a traditional totem park. Wander through the village and learn about the traditions of the Tlingit people. Marvel at the intricate totem poles that tell the stories of this community.
Choosing a highlight tour like this gives you a great taste of an area and let’s you experience a little bit of everything that the port is famous for.
Finish off your adventure with a leisurely walk along Creek Street. This iconic boardwalk, with its quaint wooden buildings perched over the water, offers a glimpse into the past. Let the historical ambiance captivate you as you explore this picturesque setting.
2 | Rainforest Sanctuary Center and Totems
Ready for an unforgettable walk on this Ketchikan Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park excursion? Get your walking shoes on and prepare for a beautiful hike in the Rainforest Sanctuary. As you walk through the sanctuary, your guide will tell you about the local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like bald eagles, bears, and even moose.
We saw a bear, bald eagles and salmon all through the back open picture window of this Sawmill when we were there, it was amazing!
After your hike, visit the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company Sawmill. Step back in time and learn about Ketchikan’s timber industry while enjoying the stunning views from the sawmill’s open picture window – you might even spot a bear or an eagle!
End your adventure by watching a native totem carver. Each totem tells a unique story and reflects the cultural heritage of Ketchikan. Don’t forget to visit the General Store for a coffee and some fun souvenirs to remember your trip.
3 | Saxman Village and Lumberjack Legends
The Saxman Native Village Ketchikan Highlights & Lumberjack Show starts with a visit to the Saxman village, where you can learn about some of Ketchikan’s history. This community is focused on traditional Tlingit culture and art. Explore the village and wonder at the intricately carved totem poles that stand as storytellers of the Tlingit people. Each totem pole is pretty incredible and they are all unique – highlighting the history, legends, and spirit of this community.
After learning about the cultural heritage at Saxman Village, head over to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for an fun and exciting time. This show features burly lumberjacks showcasing their impressive skills in axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw action. You can join the crowd and cheer for your favorite logger, making it a fun experience for the whole family.
This great combination of learning about the local culture and thrilling entertainment highlights what makes Ketchikan so special. This Ketchikan excursion is an amazing way to experience some of the iconic activities and cultures that the area is known for.
4 | Cast Away: A Private Halibut and Salmon Fishing Charter
This is a classic excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska, which is known for it’s world-class fishing experiences. Book a Private Salmon and Halibut combination Fishing in Ketchikan Alaska for an unforgettable day on the beautiful waters of the Inside Passage. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this personalized fishing adventure offers the perfect opportunity to reel in some of Alaska’s most prized catches.
Don’t worry about not getting to enjoy your catch! They can also process and ship your fish back to your home for an additional cost
Spend the day surrounded by the beauty of nature, casting your line and feeling the thrill of the catch. With expert guides at your side, you’ll have the best chance to land a halibut or a prized salmon. The calm waters and stunning scenery create the perfect fishing experience, making this fishing charter a must-do on your Ketchikan itinerary.
5 | Floatplane Flightseeing: A Feast for the Eyes
The Misty Fjords Flight Tour is a 1 hour flight tour where your will be soaring high above the misty fjords of Alaska. You will see breathtaking views of towering cliffs, mirror-like lakes, and lush greenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife below as you glide through this misty wonderland.
Know that Flightseeing is not always a sure thing, it can be cancelled because of weather, so it’s a good idea to have a second option ready if the weather isn’t favorable for flying the day of your excursion.
During your flight, keep an eye out for wildlife below – from playful otters to majestic eagles. It’s amazing what you can spot from a different viewpoint! After your flight, your guide will provide transportation back to your cruise ship.
6| Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour
Take the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour from Ketchikan and get ready to sail on the Aleutian Ballad, the boat you’ve seen on Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.” Don’t worry though, no rough waters, only the calm waters of the Inside Passage.
As you set sail, you’ll meet a crew of seasoned fishermen who will share the ins and outs of life as a commercial fisherman. Their thrilling stories from the high seas will captivate you, giving you a true sense of the adventure and danger they face.
Experience the on-board live tank, which offers up close experiences with some amazing sea creatures. Watch as they swim around, and even get the chance to touch some of them—it’s an up-close encounter you won’t forget.
The highlight of the tour is watching the skilled crew in action. Feel the excitement as they haul and set long lines, barrel pots, and massive 700-pound king crab pots. You’ll feel the adrenaline rush as each pot emerges from the depths, revealing the catch of the day.
Grab some snacks, including delicious crab legs, right on board – perfect for you to enjoy during the tour!
If you’re up for a day of sea adventures, captivating tales, and incredible marine life, the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour is calling your name. Get on board, set sail, and let the sea stories unfold right before your eyes—an experience that will leave you hooked!
7 | Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari: Thrills in the Heart of Nature
The Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari excursion starts by hopping into a Jeep, ready to tackle off-road trails winding through misty mountains and lush forests. The whole ride will be full of stunning views of Ketchikan’s beauty.
Next up canoeing across the waters of Lake Harriet Hunt. You will be surrounded by the Alaskan wilderness where you can take in the beauty of the area. If you are lucky you might be able to spot some otters or other sea creatures during your canoe trip.
But there’s more—get ready for a guided hike through an old-growth forest. Along the way, stop to take a break and enjoy some snacks while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, the Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari is just what you need. Gear up for a journey where wheels roll, paddles dip, all while exploring beautiful Ketchikan!
8 | Ziplining in Ketchikan: Soar Through Alaska’s Treetops
Looking for an unforgettable adventure and one of Ketchikan’s best excursions? The Ziplining with the The Rainforest Zip, Skybridge & Rappel Adventure in Ketchikan excursion near the Tongass National Forest is a must-try. This place is perfect for thrill-seekers who want to experience the rush of flying through the treetops and soaking in some incredible scenery.
We decided to go ziplining during our Ketchikan excursion, and it was one of the best choices we made! Seeing the forest from up high was amazing, and zooming through the trees was a total blast—even with a bit of drizzle, we had a fantastic time.
The day we went was a little drizzly, which the guides told us made us go a little faster on the lines, so if you go on a rainy day, you are in luck for a little more speed on your excursion!
The staff were fantastic with teaching us how the course worked and showing us before each line what we would need to do. There were multiple lines with different lengths and inclines, giving us a variety of experiences. Our time in Ketchikan was short and this was the perfect way to spend our time there!
After ziplining, we checked out some cool totem poles and an old sawmill. And while we were there, we got lucky and spotted a bear, some salmon, and even a couple of bald eagles! We saw them all in the same spot together – it was the perfect Alaskan moment!!
Things to Consider When Ziplining
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you can move around in easily.
- Bring a waterproof jacket, as it can be cool and rainy in the rainforest.
- Listen carefully to your guides’ instructions and follow their safety rules.
- Relax and have fun! Ziplining is a great way to experience the beauty of the Alaskan rainforest and get a thrill at the same time.
- Book your tour in advance, especially if you are visiting during the summer season.
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
- If you are pregnant or have any medical conditions, be sure to talk to your doctor before going ziplining.
Tips for visiting Ketchikan
- Ketchikan is a relatively small city, so it is easy to get around on foot. However, there is also a public bus system and a number of taxi companies.
- Ketchikan has a temperate climate, but it can be rainy year-round. Be sure to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.
- While exploring nature trails or engaging in outdoor activities, keep an eye out for bears, eagles, and other local fauna. Maintain a safe distance and follow local guidelines for wildlife encounters.
Ketchikan is a great port city with so much to explore! Whether you explore the history of the town, go on a thrilling adventure or connect with nature, your Ketchikan excursion will be unforgettable.
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