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This strategic location has contributed to its fame as a preferred cruise port destination. If the pier is full of ships, you will tender into Ketchikan from the ship. In this post, I shared a complete guide to the 17 best things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, when you’re on a cruise. This historic boardwalk has a seedy past as the former “red light” district. Now, the colorfully restored buildings are occupied by quaint souvenir shops. The buildings and wooden boardwalk rest on wooden stilts (or piles) above the creek and are very picturesque.
Totem Pole in Ketchikan, Alaska
Souvenir shopping options vary from small trinkets to elegant jewelry pieces made from precious stones. I'll be making my 7th cruise to Alaska this year, so I always try different activities each time. In the nearby carving shed, you can watch artists perform their craft using traditional tools, paints, and techniques used in totem pole carving.
Manhattan, New York – Cruise Terminal Guide
Immerse yourself in cultural experiences by visiting Totem Bight State Park and marveling at the world’s largest collection of totem poles. From your cruise ship terminal at Berth 4, it’s possible to stroll into town or use the loop bus that travels to important sites like Totem Heritage Center. The downtown shuttle is free and with 15 minutes intervals will pass by all cruise berths.
Second Icon-Class Ship Will Have a Furry Family Member
If you have limited time in the port, the shuttle ride back and forth cuts into your port day and can factor into what you do in Ketchikan. So, you’ll want to prepare for a visit with a raincoat, waterproof footwear, and a compact umbrella. Since 140+ inches of precipitation fall over 235 days, you could experience sunshine of the liquid variety.
As you peruse this collection of activities, you can begin to plan for your stop in this port while you get excited about your trip. Take the chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage by visiting the Totem Heritage Center or witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Misty Fjords National Monument. This ensures a smooth experience when managing their finances while docked at the Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, head to Pioneer Cafe, where you can indulge in mouthwatering omelets, scrambles, and pancakes. With your beach pass, you can enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, or strolling along the shoreline while taking in the scenic surroundings. Feel the cool ocean breeze against your skin as you unwind on one of Ketchikan’s sandy beaches.
30 BEST Ketchikan, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour & Reviews (2024) - Cruise Critic
30 BEST Ketchikan, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour & Reviews ( .
Posted: Tue, 06 Dec 2016 18:34:09 GMT [source]
You will find ATMs located around the area, both at the port and in different parts of town, allowing you to withdraw cash if needed. If water-based activities are more your style, take advantage of options like kayaking or paddleboarding. Planning your cruise visit to Ketchikan, Alaska, can feel overwhelming.
Ketchikan Museums
It is a short walk from the cruise port to downtown, where you will find activities and attractions. Just north of Ketchikan you will find the Totem Pole Bight Park. They house a special collection of restored totem poles and give you all kind of information about the meaning of totem poles.
Married Man’s Trail
The venue for this spectacle is within walking distance of the cruise ship port and every ship offers excursions for people who wish to attend a show. The show is one hour long and there are three to five opportunities to see the show each day. What could be better than a fishing excursion in the Salmon Capital of the World? During this excursion, you’ll board a fishing boat conveniently located within walking distance of the cruise ship ports.
Activities in Ketchikan
However, the area was a summer fishing camp for the Tlingit native population for several thousand years. Ketchikan was also a favorite fishing spot for Haida and Tsimshian tribes, too. Here are the best things to do in Ketchikan, especially if you have only one day in port. Where to eat, adventure activities and other uniquely Alaskan attractions are all listed here. Art lovers might begin at the Scanlon Gallery, which has been showcasing items including paintings, ceramics, sculptures, woodwork, photography and jewelry since 1972.
Ketchikan has a large Native American population and also many interesting totem poles. Lumberjacks and locals mix with tourist-frequented haunts and shopping strips. She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a half-dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (primarily relying on train and public transit). Lisa helps people plan amazing vacations to Europe and popular cruise destinations. Cruise ships generally visit Alaska in the months of April through October.
This fantastic local restaurant is perfect if you want to fill up before the rest of your fun-packed day in town. This gorgeous monument depicts famous people in Ketchikan and some of the local history. It’s a must-see monument if you want to get oriented in the city. Ketchikan, Alaska, dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is never a dull place. Among the best things to do in Ketchikan is, of course, world-famous salmon fishing. Historical photographs and artifacts help bring displays to life.
In one of the show package options, you can receive personal training from a lumberjack on axe-throwing and demonstrate your newfound skills. The seventh figure, who is facing the harbor, is a real historical figure. His presence on the top of the statue is a symbol that the Native peoples were first to make a home in southeastern Alaska.
With unique excursions like snorkeling, flightseeing, and riding in an amphibious vehicle, you’ll make unforgettable memories with a gorgeous backdrop. You can also purchase tickets for Native dancing exhibitions and watch Native carvers use traditional techniques to work on commissioned totem poles. The Totem Heritage Center has one of the world’s largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. It also has an educational movie about totem poles and displays arts and crafts from the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.
May through September are most popular since the weather is more pleasant. Humpback whales are often seen in the waters near Ketchikan in May through September. This replica totem pole was carved by Israel Shotridge, the same carver who created the replica of Chief Johnson’s Totem Pole.
Here, guides will tell you about the history of and life in the Saxman tribe while you view more than twenty beautiful totem poles. If you’d rather stay in town, you might consider visiting the Totem Heritage Center. This attraction is maintained and promoted by the City of Ketchikan and works to educate the public about the living artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. There are several totem poles on display here and admission is free. Ketchikan’s stunning coastal location offers visitors access to pristine shores and breathtaking views. Whether relaxing on the sand or participating in water activities, a beach pass allows you to make the most of your time here.
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