how do you spend a day in ketchikan, alaska

Your small group (usually just 4people) will board the companys comfortable boat and set off from the Ketchikan cruise-ship dock, leaving the big ships and the crowds behind. If you want to take one of the fun but expensive excursions then this post is not for you. Not only does it offer picturesque views and the opportunity to see local wildlife such as eagles and seals, but it also provides a chance to explore the towns lively atmosphere. 13 Top Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska By Linda Garrison Updated on 09/08/22 Dean Fikar / Getty Images Ketchikan is often called the "Gateway to Southeast Alaska" as it is the southernmost city on the Inside Passage. Deer Mountain is Ketchikans iconic backdrop. It's the only bar in Ketchikan with a deck on the water, making it the perfect spot to relax after a full day of exploring. The menu features a variety of seafood options but the real highlight of the visit is the breathtaking views that can be enjoyed from the restaurant. You can read more about us here! The first is the mini. In addition to the host of typical tide-pool life, its not uncommon to see whales and other large sea creatures during these expeditions. There are a few options to get the lay of the land: See it from above on a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords or rent a car and explore. Top 10 things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska; Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska; Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska . However, in order to keep you from drooling too much, Ill only recommend one breakfast place and one lunch place. With an entrance fee of only $6 per adult, its an affordable and enlightening experience that shouldnt be missed. Filled with an array of unique shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, its a great place to walk around. . How to Get Out of A Timeshare Presentation Fast & Enjoy Free Vacation! Keep in mind that the bus driver will have no change. Additionally, the locals told us that whales can be often seen playing near the dock, so keep an eye out for them as you explore the waterfront. Copyright 2023. Alavas Fish-n-ChowderAlavas says they dont serve breakfast because they are out catching your lunch (seriously, its on a sign outside the eatery) so you can bet that the fish here is as fresh as youll find. Ketchikan's new Salmon Walk trail offers cruise passengers more insight into the Alaska town's natural attractions. So, of course, youll want to make the most of it! After getting off the Ketchikan Ferry from the airport, you can walk or take a bus to Rainbirds first trailhead at the University of Alaska Southeast for a 1-hour hike or to the second trailhead on Third Avenue for a 30-minute hike. As an added bonus, this show is located less than a block from the dock so youll have time to see a bit of the town as well. This hike offers anice wide-open space experience and is not very long. Check out Snorkel Alaska for Ketchikans best scuba experience. The boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek is a must-see attraction when visiting the town. After arriving at the State Park the driver left us with about an hour before he returned. If you visit during the spring, you may find Sitka black-tailed deers. There are a number of operators who offer half-day and full-day trips to show you this beautiful region of Southeast Alaska thats truly accessible only by plane and small ship/boat. One day is not nearly enough to see all of Ketchikan and the surrounding region, but if you only have one day, weve gotta work with what youve got! This post is simply about how to spend a day in Ketchikan and maximize your time without any pricey excursions. Start here. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour Best Cheap Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska 6. Get . The best time to visit Ketchikan is during the summer months; June through August are the warmest and driest months of the year. Guide to Alaska Cruises: What to Do On Your Port Stops The secret to staying comfortable in Alaska is to dress in layers everyday, so you can add or remove to meet the conditions as they change. If youre sold on visiting Ketchikan but either already have planned to spend more than one day or are wondering if its worth extending your time, here are some other activities you can add to your itinerary if you do spend two or three days in Ketchikan. Check out local art on the downtown boardwalkCreek Street isnt actually a street at all -- its a boardwalk that runs through Ketchikans historic center to the east of Ketchikan Creek. The one-mile gravel trail to Coast Guard Beach winds through Ketchikan Gateway Borough land and then crosses into Alaska Mental Health Trust Land. If youre planning an Alaska itinerary and have decided to make a trip to Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is a must-visit spot. The native village introduces visitors to the customs and culture of Alaska's indigenous inhabitants and features the largest collection of totems you're likely to see. personalized fishing charter from Ketchikan, Book now and secure your spot to catch the famous Alaskan Salmon and Halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska. Book now and secure your spot to catch the famous Alaskan Salmon and Halibut in Ketchikan, Alaska! _____ Get insights into the towns natural and cultural treasures at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, full of interactive exhibits and displays, along with a movie theater. I should mention that there is also the possibility of doing neither. Totem Heritage Center Best cultural thing to do in Ketchikan Alaska, FAQs Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK). Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. If you want to avoid crowds and dont mind if some attractions are closed, look at the first few weeks of May or the last few weeks of September to take advantage of the shoulder season. There are plenty of free things to do in the city. There were a few unique attractions and a lot of history, also the man working there was great and loved sharing his knowledge. Experience this world-renowned gem of arainforest on aguided hike or an SUV tour when youstop Besides Behm Canal, mineral springs and volcanic lava flows are also located in the monument, so be prepared for unparalleled sights. If you plan to take at least 3 rides, get the day pass for 5 dollars per person. Photo by Carlos Rojas. Learn more about weather in this area. Layers, layers, layers. on. How to Get Out of A Timeshare Presentation Fast, Priceline Express Deals Hack to Reveal Hotel Name, Misty Fjords National Monument Floatplane Tour. Kind of. Want to see more of these unique carvings? With an entrance fee of only $5 per person, its a great value for an experience that immerses you in the local culture and nature. It was worth the small excursion for me as it was fun to see the clan house and all the totems, but you would not have to go if you didnt have time. Not only was an episode of the show filed here but you can go on the actual boat that it was filmed on. Ketchikan Exclusive Private Group Tour 2023 - Things to Do, Tickets Choose Ria or Western Union to deliver your money transfer. Snap photos of Totem Bight State Park and Guard Island Lighthouse while you cruise past rugged, remote islands. Afire-pit indicates that this is apreferred spot to spend some time orcamp. So, come along and discover the best and most exciting things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska that cater to all budgets and interests, whether youre looking for free activities or willing to spend a little cash. After buying an all day bus pass for $2 we set out on the 30 minute ride to the state park. Then, watch in wonder as sea creatures are hauled up in 700-pound (320-kg) crab pots. 907/225-5544).Alaska Cab (tel. The trips typically arent long but youll be able to see P.O.W. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center 3. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Book the Alaskan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast now! Choices range from destinations like the Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Park to shopping, hiking, or wildlife viewing. Youll spend your time on an amphibious tour truck with a guide that will show you the sites in town before heading down into the water. 10 Best Things To Do in Ketchikan Alaska from the Cruise Ship Port (2023) One of the highlights of the boardwalk is the salmon-viewing platform, where visitors can witness the salmon swimming upstream during the peak season in July and August. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Atrained guide will escort you through the forest to aviewing platform, where you can take in bears feeding on salmon as eagles dive in and out for scraps. Other buildings on the block are now more above-board youll find vacation rentals and a variety of local gift shops along the stretch. We recommend calling first and emailing if you're unable to leave a voicemail. . Check the Dollar Store. With the possibility of seeing whales and the beautiful waterfront views, a walk around the waterfront area deserves to be one of the best free things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska from a cruise ship. So go, have fun, and make some Alaskan memories that will last a lifetime! Paddle along canoe across agorgeous lake surrounded by stunning mountains, then walk through adramatic old-growth forest. But Im sorry to tell you that you cant possibly come close to doing everything. 25 Awesome Digital Nomad Jobs for Beginners (2023) Villa Vanilla Costa Rica: Our Spice Farm Day Trip We're the Coles! Our Alaska cruise is scheduled to spend a day in May in Ketchikan. If youre heading on an Alaskan cruise from Seattle then Ketchikan could very well be your first chance to get off the ship and stretch your legs. The third and final place for seeing totems in Ketchikan is the Totem Heritage Center. This center can take as short or as long as you would like. However, these are what I consider to be the best choices for a one-day itinerary in Ketchikan (whether youre on a cruise ship or not). Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska. If you like Thor, youll love this show. With fjords, forests, waterfalls, lakes, and much more, flightseeing in Ketchikan makes for an unforgettable outing, whether you choose to do it in an airplane or helicopter. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show celebrates that by challenging lumberjacks to a dozen themed feats of strength, be that weilding a seven-pound axe or souped-up chainsaw, or climbing up trees. 4 Days in Ketchikan | Alaska.org Recommended Itinerary Perseverance Lake is one of Ketchikans picturesque mountain-lake scenes. Explore the rich ocean waters off Ketchikan while watching bald eagles and seals. Published on 4/5/2019 at 4:18 PM. From here we got a seat on a bus and rode on the 30 minute ride up to Totem Bight State Park. Exploring Ketchikan on foot is not only possible, but is one of the best things you can do given an hour and ahalf intown. But a perfect trip should also mean relaxing exactly the way you want. You might recognize this series of colorful, stilted houses from postcards about Ketchikan, and its a photo-worthy spot too. Exhibits include both traditional and modern art, which shows how present-day artists are keeping their culture alive. A bit over 5 hours ashore means that you'll have to be pretty brutal in trimming down your itinerary. Yes, Ketchikan, Alaska is a popular tourist destination worth visiting for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich culture. Ready to make the most of your short time in Ketchikan? Excursions vs. If youre more of a DIY traveler, pick a hiking trail and set off! The transportation around Ketchikan, however, is quite simple. More. Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. At Saxman Native Village, you can do a tour of the site to learn more about Tlingt history and present-day culture, as well as totem carving and the stories that totems tell. bear viewing observatory at Traitors Cove, book your Traitors Cove Bear Viewing tour now, Bering Sea Crab Fishermans Tour from Ketchikan, Check Prices & Availability for Bering Sea Crab Fishermans Tour, Walking is a great way to enhance your travel, Best Unique Way to Cruise Alaska without A Big Cruise Ship, Ultimate Guide you Want to Read before visiting Juneau, Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park Everything you need to know. But what are the best options? Cruise ships often stop over in Ketchikan as either the first or last port of call on Alaska cruises. These months offer the best weather, longer daylight, with mild temperatures and minimal rain. Once you have reached the end of the trail, continue walking towards downtown and follow Schoenbar Road down to the waterfront. If you search for Ketchikan Hiking Trails on Google Map App, you will find the trailhead popped up with the plus codes 982J + J9 Ketchikan Alaska. The first is Saxman Native Village, which is south of Ketchikan. Other than several spots with a panoramic view of Ketchikan, you will find lush areas of ferns. If youre trying to see and do as much as possible in Ketchikan, dont waste your time eating both meals in town. Speaking of Cape Fox Lodge, this is a great place to stay in Ketchikan more on that below but its also a nice spot for a morning coffee with a view overlooking the town, and there are some incredible Native Alaskan artifacts on display in the hotel lobby. Alaskas First City. Alaska salmon season back on after court halts closure that sought to The boardwalk also offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Ketchikan and the red-light district through the informative signs on the historic houses along the creek. Running just above and parallel to Ketchikans Third Avenue Bypass, Rainbird Trail is perfect if you only havea, Running just above and parallel to Ketchikans Third Avenue Bypass, Rainbird Trail is perfect if you only have acouple hours but still want to experience asmall piece of Southeast Alaskas rainforest. All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Informative signs are posted on afence gate up the road and on bothdams. In the end, watch the crew release the catch back into the sea and stow all the fishing equipment. During these months, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and participate in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and sightseeing. There are also pub crawls that experience local cuisine and other tasting tours are readily available. 1. All-inclusive meals and activities. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is an Alaskan institution; its been around for decades and draws crowds all day long they do 5-6 shows per day during the summer months! Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven ), How To Get To Mendenhall Glacier From The Juneau Cruise Port. Friend, someday is NOW. Travelers can also fly into remote areas above the Arctic Circle via bush plane and spend several evenings in towns like Coldfoot or Wiseman. Rippling muscleslong hair flyingits got all the good stuff. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Then stop off at ashoreline camp to enjoy asnack over an open fire. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Walking around the waterfront and downtown Ketchikan is a must-do activity for all visitors, especially those arriving by cruise ship. View all Skagway Tours or check out our lists of the best things to do in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Anchorage, Denali National Park, . The Best Value Excursion is the Alaskan Lumberjack Show and All-you-can-eat Crab Feast Combo. After a scenic helicopter ride, we'll take . The entire experience takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, and its really one of those do it once experiences. Salmon Capital of the World. The return bus stop is right in the state park parking lot, making it super easy to catch the bus back! (and why is it $20 per gallon), What Mountains Can Be Seen From Portland? They were about $3 each. Settlers Cove State Recreation Site offers two of the best sandy beaches to be found in the Ketchikan area and provides pit toilets and sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables with fire grates. Paddle across the shimmering lake to ashoreline camp for adelicious snack over an open fire. Get on (or in) the Water - Fish, Kayak Cruise, or Snorkel! Housesitters. If you are going to stick to the downtown area you probably wont need anything besides your feet to get around. The Best Way to Spend a Day in Ketchikan - Review of Southeast Sea meaning you can spend time in Alaska's interior before the cruise begins. The companys custom-made vessels are perfect for these waters: big, stable, smooth, and powerful. Saxman Native Village celebrates all things Alaskan and Tlingittotem poles, folklore and dance, lumberjack exploits, and woodcarvers. Royce Bair / Getty. In this section, you will find the best cheap things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska and make the most of your trip without spending a fortune. The Salvage Trail is an out-and-back trail that rolls up and down through the woods, paralleling RevillaRoad. Read our research on: LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences| Artificial Intelligence | Affirmative Action Read our research on: LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences| Artificial Intelligence | Affirmative Action The newest federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day, celebrates the end of slavery in the . If you want an easier trip, ride the funicular up to Cape Fox Lodge and climb the stairs down. Jeffs DeHaviland Beaver an award winning Alaskan float plane is also athrill for those wanting aquintessential Alaskan adventure. Let me know in the comments! Stroll along Creek Street The Best of Ketchikan Highlights, 14. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Bring appropriate outer layers and jackets. Take in the views from the open-air observation deck or the heatedcabin. On a sea kayaking tour, you can explore the waters on a 3- or 5-hour excursion. You can follow Google Map instructions to get to the large parking lot on Third Avenue with a 300-step staircase to the trail. He even took me to seethis clan house replica, which was used as a basis for the actual clan house that we saw in Totem Bight State Park. This small-group tour lasts approximately four hours and offers great value for a true taste of Alaska. How to Spend A Day In Ketchikan On A Cruise! Ketchikan Alaska - YouTube Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For Alaska's day-to-day weather, it's best to plan for a bit of everything. Much like hiking the access road to Lower Silvis Lake, the Whitman Trail is another service road to two dams that generate electricity for Ketchikan residents and was recently made available for hiking and recreation; however, no motorized vehicles are permitted. This beach is agood place for walking, sunbathing, beachcombing, photography, writing, reading, meditation, tai-chi, just sitting, marine-life viewing, and dog swimming. Then duck into fun shops as you stroll Creek Street Boardwalk, home to the towns red-light district until the 1950s. You can have your pick from buggies, planes, jeeps, and more. Send Money for a Birthday | Kroger Money Services Experience kayaking in Alaska the way it should beaway from the crowdswith these unique Ketchikan paddling tours that make you feel like atrue explorer. This is a great option if you want to explore Ketchikan for a few days. (Ketchikan was not the first city in Alaska by date, but instead, the first city that prospectors reached when heading to the Klondike gold fields.) Which states recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday? | Pew Dogsledding is Alaska's favorite sport and now you have a chance to take part! Hear shrieks and squeals of excitement as kids wade around in tidepools with their buckets finding all manner of critters eels, bullheads, snails, hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea anemones, starfish, blimmies (eeltype fish), small octopus, eelgrass, clams, mollusks, andkelps. Those stairs are called Married Mans Trail as they lead from a former residential area atop the hill down to Creek Street; the funicular also connects to Cape Fox Lodge. However, there is a free shuttle bus that runs the downtown loop every year from May through September. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. About Us Affiliate Disclosure Privacy Policy Contact Us. Here are a few tips for saving money on the birthday parties without sacrificing a fun experience. Paid Content For. As soon as the ferry landed on the Ketchikan side, we saw a seaplane land on the water just a few meters from us and that was pretty cool. Along the way I did get to see the sign for the city of Ketchikan as well as its liquid sunshine gauge which showed how much rain they had last year in feet, it was a crazy amount. Independent travelers can easily find enough activities to spend several days! My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. A one-of-a-kind opportunity in Ketchikan to don a wetsuit and peer below the waters surface at Alaskas unique marine life. Rain Capital of Alaska. There are also ongoing classes and programs where people still make these totems frequently, so you can drop in and watch them actually be created. Along the way, you could see an abundance of native wildlife, from killer whales to porpoises, mountain goats, or bears. This is a double-edged sword when it comes to choosing when to visit Ketchikan. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Alaska Kayak Company - Kayak & Hiking Tours, Rainforest Canoe Adventure and Nature Trail, Minerva Mountain Trail & The Carlanna-Perseverance Traverse. The mostly-flat trail follows the circumference of the lakes shore in aswath of gravel that is wide enough. This makes it one of the top stops to enjoy on your Great Alaskan Journey! Related: . In this post, Ill share my best advice on how to spend one day in Ketchikan, to help you plan if you want to visit this unique Alaskan town but dont have a ton of time to do so. See the Chief Johnson Totem Pole 8. Totem Bight State Historical Park - 12 PM - 2 PM - $2. Car, train, or group tour. Refuge Cove State Recreation Site is asliver of land lining part of an edge of aneighborhood and is apopular beach picnicking destination with the locals. . Leaving from the end of Tongass Highway, enter the Lunch Creek Trail and very soon take the trail to the left as this steps you quickly down to awaterfall viewing platform and then the rest of the way down to where, to the right, you can also cross the Lunch Creek bridge, which provides waterfall views as well as the ocean where the creek flowsinto. Well, it depends on your cruise and what you like (also on Ketchikans weather which can be touch and go). This facility is located on a nature reserve in Tongass National Forest, and offers guided tours to see wildlife including eagles and brown and black bears. Don awetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel and get an up-close look at the unique sea creatures of the 49th state: urchins, sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers, andwhats thata humpback whale swimming nearby?! 18 Top Things to Do in Alaska - Best Vacations: Top Destinations and Hotels The three-hour trip starts with ashort flight over the Tongass National Forest to Traitors Cove. Head to Totem Bight State Park, located on the ocean north of town, or go just south of town to Saxman Totem Park. Tracy Arm Fjord: The Most Beautiful Part of the Inside Alaska Cruise, Cross Hike from Mount Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Alaska, Tips for First Time Visitors at Haleakala National Park, 7 Things to do at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Overwhelmed by choices? Cross the road and walk up the opposing side to the state park. Watch whales, hike, fish, visit local communities, and moreall at your ownpace. Things to do in Ketchikan From Cruise Ship- The Adventuring Millennial So if you cant wait any longer on your cruise, Ketchikan is a great place to see bears! If youre stopping by for lunch, you can grab a quick beer and a bowl of steaming chowder to warm you up, or, if youre feeling fancier, its also ideal for a sit-down dinner. See it all on a Jeep or ATV tour, where youll be driving around old logging roads. Get away from the crowds on atrail north of Ketchikan. If you want to get your heart pumping, make the climb up Married Mans Trail to the Lodge, then enjoy the view on your funicular ride down. How to Buy a Keg for a Holiday Party | Epicurious In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Tlingit people. The first trailhead is at the rear of the University of Alaska Southeast Parking lot. That means the freedom to see new countries, dive into different cultures & cuisines, and uncover hidden gems along the way. This is apopular weekend hike if you want to spend 24hours in the Tongass National. After walking through the historical section I ended up at the historical museum that we passed in the beginning. (This includes their iconic pair of NSFW happy bears youll need to snap a pic of before you leave.) If you want to take one of the fun but expensive excursions then this post is not for you. This is the magic of snorkeling in Alaskaa singular experience that you can only do in the waters around Ketchikan. Chances are that you have seen an Aleutian Ballad a commercial fishing boat on the Discovery Channels hit TV show Deadliest Catch. Either eat an early breakfast on the ship or a late lunch when you board. A multitude of quaint shops of a wide variety can be found here. If youre looking to see some wildlife while getting a workout this is a fun option. Its appropriate for all ages so bring the family! See The Rock 2. 7 Day Alaska Itinerary : How To Spend One Week in Alaska Discover the rich history and culture of the Tlingit and Haida people at the Totem Heritage Center. The ferry ride may be short, but the views are truly spectacular. Thats especially true in a city like Ketchikan, where more than 2 million acres of national forest, endless fresh seafood, and plenty of flannel-wearing lumberjacks await. Most visitors arrive in Ketchikan by boat on a cruise ship; you can also reach Ketchikan as it is on the Alaska Marine Highway System (the Alaska Ferry).
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