Sunday, April 21, 2024

Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska with Babies, Toddlers and Kids CRUISE PORT GUIDE

things to do in ketchikan alaska from cruise ship

South of Ketchikan is the Saxman Native Village & Totem Park, where you’ll find a clan house and a carving center in addition to the extensive collection of replica totems. According to the Totem Heritage Center, totem poles honor important individuals or significant events, and they may also proclaim one’s ancestral lineage and social standing. While they have great cultural importance, they have never been worshipped as religious objects. In downtown Ketchikan, tour and shuttle buses, taxis, and other forms of transportation are readily available for passenger excursions.

Married Man’s Trail

Ketchikan’s E-bike and hike combines an electric bike tour with a leisurely walk through the Tongass National Forest. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a complimentary alder-smoked salmon tasting and treats from other local Alaskan companies. Now the snorkeling experience differs from warm-weather destinations. While you won’t see tropical fish, you’ll view sea stars, crabs, barnacles, swaying kelp, and substantial sea cucumbers. The Alaska Raptor Center, located just 10 miles from town, is an excellent destination for families looking to learn more about raptors like bald eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks. Seeing Ketchikan by helicopter allows you to appreciate Alaska’s incredible natural beauty.

Fishing Charters

For jewelry lovers, Orca Jewels and Infinity Jewelry Ketchikan offer some stunning and authentic local pieces at reasonable prices. The Rain Barrel and Soaring Eagle are great too, offering a wide variety of Alaskan crafts. The tour was well-organized, lasting about 4 hours, with half the time spent on the water. The calmness of the area makes for a perfect kayaking environment, ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The hike up to Minerva Mountain from Carlanna Lake is particularly memorable – just follow the cairns through the stunning alpine scenery. The plant life is diverse, from dense rainforest canopy to muskeg meadows.

things to do in ketchikan alaska from cruise ship

How to Spend One Day in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024

The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, eagles, harbor seals, humpback whales, and more. Tongass National Forest is a must-see for anyone who loves hiking in nature and breathing in the forest air. The forest is a great place to hike, camp, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from short and easy to long and strenuous. The most popular trails include the Ward Lake Trail, the Perseverance Trail, and the Deer Mountain Trail. The Deer Mountain Trail is a challenging hike, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

Wander through the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

things to do in ketchikan alaska from cruise ship

At the end of Creek Street, the Stedman Bridge provides a good spot to cast your line. Although the boat has been renovated, much of the equipment used by a fishing boat still remains. During the tour, the staff pulls up crab traps, and you can see the different varieties. 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.

The pole narrates the legend of Fog Woman and the creation of Salmon, a significant piece of Native American storytelling. From the thunder of lumberjacks’ axes to the whispering wings of eagles, here are 25 extraordinary experiences that will leave you with tales taller than a Sitka spruce. Ketchikan really is something special, tucked away in the vast Tongass National Forest. I still remember my first time there, amazed by the green expanse of nearly 17 million acres. It’s so pristine and secluded, you can only get there by boat or floatplane.

I loved kayaking through tranquil fjords, with massive granite walls around me, all shaped by ancient glaciers. It truly feels like you’re in the middle of a grand natural cathedral. For those looking to enhance their experience, some show packages include personal axe-throwing training with a lumberjack. Alternatively, pair the show with an all-you-can-eat crab feast, complete with delicious sides and desserts, for a truly Alaskan experience. If you want something more adventurous, zip lining, fishing, off-roading, and kayaking tours are readily available.

If walking long distances is difficult, this is the perfect way to get around downtown and beyond. Ships dock in the center of town, unless there are many ships in port, then anchoring offshore and tendering passengers in may be necessary. Even though it’s a small town, there are lots of great things to do in Ketchikan. Ketchikan Public Library also offers free WiFi access however it is a 1-mile (mostly uphill) walk from the cruise port.

Totem Bight State Historical Park – If you’ve ever been curious about totem poles and what they were used for then a visit to Totem Bight Park is a must if you’re visiting Ketchikan. Accessible either by boat or seaplane, a visit to this wonderland is a definite must. Be prepared to see whales breaching, porpoises playing and a myriad of other wildlife including bears, moose, otter, sea lions and seals. Take the whole family as your kids will enjoy the action as the lumberjacks compete against one other. Tickets are $38/adult, $17.50/child (3 to 12) and free for kids under 3 years of age.

16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions - Royal Caribbean Blog

16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions.

Posted: Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

When you find yourself in the untamed wilderness of Ketchikan, you’re not just entering a realm of stunning landscapes but also an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife watching. This remote corner of Alaska is a haven for diverse and extraordinary fauna, and embarking on a wildlife-watching tour promises an adventure like no other. Your adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska, begins with a visit to the iconic Creek Street. This historic wooden boardwalk, perched on the banks of Ketchikan Creek, offers a charming blend of old-world charm and modern vitality. Fortunately, many tours combine some of the top attractions highlighted below.

The city also had a large spruce mill, which supplied shipping crates and paper to the salmon canneries. The mill closed in the late 1990s when the US forest service began to protect the local spruce trees and the wilderness surrounding Ketchikan. Ketchikan has an average yearly rainfall of feet, so odds are you will get a little wet during your visit.

Located on the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s First City because it is the port of entry for ships entering from the south. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean. Overall, Ketchikan offers a unique opportunity to witness some of the most incredible wildlife in Alaska. Whether you're interested in bears, eagles, or whales, there's something for everyone.

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