My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Planning a Visit to Ketchikan
If you're arriving via cruise then you can go ahead and keep scrolling, however if you're flying or boating in chances are you'll need a place to crash. Even though the choices for where to stay in Ketchikan are quite limited, these are some of your best options in town.
My favorite tours in Ketchikan :
- Crabbing on the Aleutian Ballad - Ketchikan Duck Boat Tour - Alaskan Lumberjack Show
7 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan
1. Crabbing Tour
This is hands down my favorite tour in Ketchikan, maybe even one of my favorites in the entire state of Alaska. Not only is it a unique excursion that you truly can't find anywhere else in Alaska, but it was so interesting to learn about the crabbing industry and hear all the fishermen's crazy crabbing stories! For about 3 hours you'll be taken out on the Aleutian Ballad - a crabbing boat that was featured on the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" for being hit by a rogue 60 foot wave. During the tour you'll be taught all about different sea creatures like octopus, crab, and smaller critters, and even get to hold and touch a few! 
2. Walk Historical Creek Street
This historical boardwalk surrounds Ketchikan Creek, and was originally the town's "red light district" during the boom of the city's gold rush. Nowadays, it is filled with small hotel buildings owned by Creek Street Inn and other small shops selling local crafts! This is a great area to get a picturesque view of the creek, have a chance to see salmon and black bears, and enjoy your time exploring the shops to find your perfect souvenir! 
3. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
This is one attraction you can't miss while in Ketchikan. Whether you're looking for something entertaining or historical, this tour has both! You'll be brought in & seated on either the Dawson Creek (Canada) or Sawmill Creek (U.S.A.) side, and throughout the show encouraged to cheer on your team while boo-ing the other. The events are amazing, shocking, and full of energy.
4. Explore Downtown Ketchikan
No trip to Ketchikan is complete without exploring downtown. In addition to there being a great photo op with the "Welcome to Alaska's 1st City" sign at the intersection of Mission and Front Street, there's also plenty of places to eat if you're just looking to enjoy your time in town! Some of my personal favorites are the Alaska Crepe Co. & the Alaska Fish House!
5. View the Misty Fjords
Unfortunately during our port day we didn't have time for this flight excursion, but we've heard from multiple sources this is one not to be missed! For about 2.5 hours you'll board a floatplane with noise-cancelling headphones before making your way over the Misty Fjords. This national monument and wilderness area is known for it's incredible cliffs and coastlines, and can only be reached on a boat cruise or on a float plane. If you're looking for incredible views while you're in Ketchikan, then this is the place to go! 
6. Ketchikan's Duck Boat Tour
If you're looking to get the best of exploring town and some epic views from the water, then the Ketchikan Duck Tour is your best two-in-one option. Not only will you get a narrated tour of the city to learn more about Ketchikan's history, but you'll also be taken out through the Tongass Narrows. The tour itself is only 90 minutes, so this a great fit for any length of itinerary!
7. Zipline Ketchikan
Unfortunately there aren't many places you can go zip lining in Alaska, but lucky for you Ketchikan is one of those few! On this 3-ish hour guided tour you'll be taken to the Ketchikan Zipline Adventure Park - which has 7 zip-lines and 8 canopy ropes through the Tongass National Forrest - meaning incredible forest views! If you want an exciting, adrenaline filled adventure, this is the tour you'll want to book! 
8. Tongass Historical Museum
Located right near Historical Creek Street, this local museum is $6 per person for admission. Inside, you can learn all about the history of Ketchikan and the surrounding areas, the local fishing culture and history, and plenty of historical photos. It's a great way to learn about the area on your pace! 
9. Tongass National Forest Discovery Center
Just a few blocks from both the port area and Creek Street, the Discovery Center is a great way to learn about the Tongass National Forest. At only $5 per person, the building has lots of hands on "Junior Ranger" activities for the kids and even free wi-fi. 
10. Trolley Tour
In case you're not interested in the Ketchikan Duck Boat Tour, then there's another option to tour the town of Ketchikan. This open air trolley tour is a picture perfect way to save your energy while still touring Ketchikan and learning about the town's history while visiting some of the most popular sights in the area.
11. Whale Watching Tour
The Southeast of Alaska has some of the best whale watching in the entire world, and Ketchikan is no different. If you're lucky, you'll see multiple whales in the summertime - just keep your fingers crossed to see them up close! If you're lucky, you'll see some other marine life on the way too!
Watch my Ketchikan Adventures here!
Other Alaska posts you might be interested in :
-> 7 Best Tours in Alaska -> 7 Reasons to Visit Sitka, Alaska -> 15 Easiest Glaciers to Visit in Alaska
Pin this List of Tours in Ketchikan for later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make
Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. 
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