Ketchikan On Your Own: One Day at Ketchikan Cruise Port
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One of the most popular cruise ports in Alaska is the town of Ketchikan. If you’ve decided to explore the city on your own, you’re in luck because the town is extremely walkable and most ships dock a few steps from all the major attractions.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, check out our full guide to Cruise Ports in Alaska.
Ketchikan On Your Own: (Jump To)
Things To Do in Ketchikan:
From Creek Street browsing to totem carving demos, you’ll find a deep bench of best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska within an easy walk of the docks. If you’re searching for things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska, on a short call, add salmon viewing, the Totem Heritage Center, and a harbor lunch to your plan.
Walk Creek Street
The most famous street in Ketchikan is Creek Street. Formerly a row of brothels and bars for wayward sailors Creek Street is now a grouping of wooden shanties with Alaska souvenirs and other items catering to the ship-riding tourist population.
For a few dollars, you can visit Dolly’s House a museum celebrating the boardwalk’s sorted past.
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Don’t forget to pack a good pair of travel binoculars to spot wildlife from the ship!
Check out our What to Pack Guide for more suggestions.
Visit the Totem Heritage Center
A fifteen-minute walk (aided by numerous helpful signs) will take you to the Totem Heritage Center. The center contains exhibits meant to preserve 19th-century totem poles and to educate visitors about Native Alaskan crafts and art forms.
The admission ticket also grants access to the Tongass Historical Museum which is located closer to the port.
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Try to See Bears and Running Salmon
The jumping fish put Ketchikan on the map. If you time your trip correctly you will get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the salmon swimming upstream to spawn. The best place to see this wonder of nature is from the Salmon Ladder Observation Platform. Here, the fish jump to the higher elevations of the stream.
If there are salmon, there are likely bears close by too.
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Eat at the Alaska Fish House
Half of NowGoSeeIt is allergic to seafood, but a visit to the Alaska Fish House is a must-do before heading back to your unlimited buffet on board.
They’re famous for their Dungeness crab, but the fish tacos and chowder are worthy of mention.
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Walking Tour of Ketchikan Alaska
Map an easy loop from the Ketchikan Cruise Terminal: Creek Street, Married Man’s Trail, City Park, and the Totem Heritage Center, then back along the waterfront. This DIY Ketchikan walking tour hits culture, nature, and snacks without needing a shuttle or guide.
Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions at the Port of Ketchikan, Alaska
Top picks include Misty Fjords flightseeing, bear viewing by floatplane, rainforest walks, and lighthouse-totem-eagle cruises—each a signature excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska. Booking early is smart, especially if you want scenic flights or small boats, since these are the best things to do in Ketchikan Alaska from cruise ship.
Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing
One of the top-rated excursions in Ketchikan is a flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords. Floatplanes take off right next to the cruise dock and fly over alpine lakes, waterfalls, and steep granite cliffs. It’s expensive, but unforgettable.
Alaska Bear Adventure by Floatplane
For wildlife lovers, a short floatplane ride brings you to remote viewing platforms where you can (safely) watch bears in the wild. This experience is limited and books out quickly, especially in July and August.
Lighthouse, Totems, and Eagles Tour
This scenic boat tour combines wildlife viewing with a stop at Guard Island Lighthouse and includes narration about local history and Native culture. Eagles are almost always spotted.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary Walk
Just outside of town, this nature walk in a private rainforest preserve is a relaxing way to learn about the region’s ecosystems, spot birds and bears (in season), and visit a raptor center.
Things To Do in Ketchikan Alaska:
Walk Creek Street
Visit the Totem Heritage Center
Visit Tongass Historical Museum
Eat at the Alaska Fish House
Salmon Ladder Observation Platform
Eat crab at the Alaska Fish House
