Cost: Free. Having grilled salmon, salmon chowder, and salmon sushi where its freshest. If youre planning an Alaska itinerary and have decided to make a trip to Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan is a must-visit spot. Shops, restaurants, and museums are nestled between Ketchikans rocky hillsides and the creek that gave the city its name. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Popular routes from Ketchikan go to see the fjords and glaciers on the way to Juneau and Sitka. Many similar experiences can be had in other parts of the Pacific Northwest that are cheaper and easier to access. Check-in with the Ketchikan Visitors Center for a map and walking tour routes. What to do for one day? This forest spans about 17 million acres and is home to abundant wildlife, such as bears, moose, and beavers. Traitors Cove Bear Viewing 5. The powerhouse of Ketchikans arts community. Additionally, theres a free shuttle that travels along the citys downtown loop from May to September. My Alaska ebook bundle will help you plan an unforgettable Alaska trip, with tips on what to do in Alaska (including on a cruise), where to go, and the best Alaska itineraries. Which one of these things to do in Ketchikan intrigues you the most? (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.) Here are some highly recommended companies to book your fishing trip with: Alaska is home to a population of bald eagles, which is so robust that the bald eagle was never listed as endangered or threatened in this state. When planning an Alaska vacation, learning more aboutthe states 11 distinct Alaska. A totem pole is a sculpture carved from huge trees that illustrates stories, important events, family history, and even one's shame. In particular, Ketchikan is home to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples, and totem poles are a huge part of their culture. Address: 800 Venetia Way, Ketchikan, AK | 907-225-8001 ), Cape Fox Lodge, Funicular & Married Mans Trail, Have an Extra Day in Ketchikan? The classic hardwood floors of the Main Street Gallery are perfect for atwo-step, rhumba or jitterbug and you could learn any of these alongside an eclectic mix of folk from fishermen and artists to high schoolers and summer workers. The show featured real (and extremely athletic) lumberjacks that compete in 12 different events from sawing to tree climbing to log rolling. If you have the budget for it, a float plane tour might just be the most fun you can have in an hour or two. (and why is it $20 per gallon), What Mountains Can Be Seen From Portland? By jerb2014. 10. { Once youre at Totem Bight, take your time to explore the park and see the 14 totem poles and community house on display. Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. "@context": "http://schema.org", Annabelles is housed inside the Gilmore Hotel. 7 Things to Do in Ketchikan, AK | Travel Alaska In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Tlingit people. Local guides know first-hand where the best fishing spots are on the areas streams and lakes. These quiet, unhurried vessels give you the time to delight in destinations like Rudyerd Bay (a historic cannery), New Eddystone Rock (a volcanic spire that extends above sea level), and the spectacular sights and wildlife of Misty Fjords National Monument. What To Do In KETCHIKAN | Discovery Princess Solo Alaskan - YouTube If its your first stop (and possibly your first cruise) it can be a bit overwhelming to know that you only have half a day to see and do everything that there is. Ketchikan, Alaska doesnt have the highest mountains or the biggest glaciers. 7. Its also a recreation hotspot, where you can fish Tongass National Forests shimmering fresh-water lakes one day, then kayak past tumbling waterfalls the next. Youll get a birds eye view of the grandeur of the region when you go flightseeing in a small plane. Exploring the food and drink scene is one of the most fun things to do 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. If you have at least another half-day in the Ketchikan area but ideally a whole second day the best way to spend it is by splurging on a flightseeing tour of Misty Fjords National Monument. While some of these things to do require advance planning and cost admission fees, other experiences dont cost a thing except for maybe a bit of your patience. Ketchikan is a kayakers dream. Ketchikan is not a sprawling metropolisfar from it! Youll need to access the area by boat or seaplane, but the journey is worth it to see the huge park with its quiet bays, dramatic waterfalls, and towering cliffs. Lots of explanations of plants, and details on a green slug which produces 5 types of slime (including an antacid. 4. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Heres what I recommend for how to spend a day in Ketchikan, in order from morning to afternoon. The Totem Heritage Center is home to many original, unrestored totem poles that have been rescued from abandoned Native village sites. If youre arriving by boat, you might be in town for only a few hours or one day which is why I wrote this post for you! THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in Ketchikan (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor Youll also be looking out to the water a lot, so its advisable to find a good pair of polarizing sunglasses. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. If you like watching The Deadliest Catch youll love Ketchikan. The third and final place for seeing totems in Ketchikan is the Totem Heritage Center. Start here. What to order: Bacon cheeseburger, milkshakes Square Dancing in Ketchikan. I have a packing list for Alaska, including if youre taking an Alaska cruise; heres a short list of tips: As I said, your absolute best rule of thumb in terms of packing for Ketchikan is to prepare for rain, and be pleasantly surprised if its dry. Before jumping into the details of how to spend your day in Ketchikan, here are a few travel tips to ensure youre prepared to have a great time. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Thousands of visitors come here annually, and for good reason. Even if you dont book through your cruise the excursion operators cater mostly to cruisers and will have you back to port in time (guaranteed). Youll spot a funicular and a set of stairs leading up through the tree. If you are new to Alaska and want to learn more about it, this downtown museum/visitors center is a great way to get your bearings and learn a bit more about what to expect. Ill be honest, at least 70% of my reasons for going to Alaska were to see a bear. Stops on the routes include the Totem Heritage Center, City Park of Ketchikan, and Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery. The site comes complete with pit toilets, sheltered and unsheltered picnic tables with fire grates, and aquarter-mile trail accompanied by interpretive signs that address the local natural history. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. It's part of the cultures of plenty of many indigenous peoples of North America, specifically Alaska. Tours, Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports, More. 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. Other great places to learn about totems and culture are the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center in the downtown area and Totem Bight State Park. We like to hike and usually set up shore excursions on our own..I'm open to any and all ideas. The Top Things To Do In Ketchikan - Shore | ALASKA.ORG This show is a staple of Ketchikan and brings guests a thrilling competition of skill and strength that highlight Southeast Alaskas logging history. (Cape Fox Lodge is operated by Cape Fox Corporation, a Saxman Village company; this is one of the Native Alaskan corporations.). So, of course, youll want to make the most of it! What to do - Ketchikan Forum - Tripadvisor So even if you have just a short time to explore, you can still leave with a sense that you've experienced a true slice of life here in Southeast Alaska! The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and is now overseen by the state. This tour is run by an outfit that also provides other tours out of Ketchikan and you can check out the full experience (and buy tickets) here. Whether you choose to attend or skip the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, a visit to Creek Street is absolutely necessary. Theres definitely something special about paddling in these waters and being at one with the spectacular natural scenery that surrounds you. For being such a small town Ketchikan is packed full of things to do. Pack a raincoat or poncho as well as waterproof shoes or boots when you come here. Walk Around the Waterfront 2. The idea was to replace the ferry connecting Ketchikan with Gravina Island, where the Ketchikan Airportis. Essential Information One company, Southeast Sea Kayaks, offers tours that last between three and five hours. It is, perhaps, the most condensed microcosm of an old Alaskan town and you can get a taste of everything. The only two major airlines that land on the Ketchikan International Airport are Alaska Airlines and Delta Connection. (The bus fare is $2 per person, per ride, or $5 for the day. This activity is perfect for guests hoping to let someone else do the guiding while they spend time on the water for the chance to spot whales, seals, and other marine wildlife. If Totem Bight was not enough totems for you, there are two other places to see totem poles in Ketchikan. Experience the Historic Boardwalk of Creek Street, Top 10 Water Park Resorts in Phoenix & Scottsdale, 11 Best Extended Stay Hotels in Las Vegas, 10 Best Hotels in Vero Beach, FL Near the Ocean, Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska, Top 14 Luxury Beach Resorts Around the World, 12 Best Four Seasons Resorts Around the World, Top 9 Extended Stay Hotels in Pensacola, Florida, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, 10 Best Hotels Near Petco Park in San Diego, CA, 11 Best Hotels Near Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Because of the vastness of the landscape, youll want to charter some sort of transportation to show you around. The scenery here is stunning, with forests, lakes, waterfalls, and the coastline. Southeast Alaska's landscape is primarily mountainous islands chained together, carved out thousands of year ago by glaciers. Events to look forward to include the Pet and Doll Parade, Best Blueberry Dish Contest, Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, Community Art Project, and a Fun Run. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks, Ketchikan Eagle Viewing: 30 Eagle's Nests You Can See. Essential Information } 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. 14 IDEAL Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska for 2023 - Cruise Hive Island, Tongass National Forest, and Misty Fjords National Monument before heading back to the ground. "@context": "http://schema.org", Ketchikan has more totem poles than anywhere else in Alaska, ranging from 19th-century poles from now-abandoned villages to more recent carvings. They also serve a mean fish and chips. 9. It houses two separate sections: an upscale, laid-back bar area and a fancier sit-down area for more formal dinners. If youre a foodie and want your stop in Ketchikan to revolve more around some dining options youll want to consider the George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast which is a 2.5 hours experience including a tour and a private dining experience. Ketchikan is one of the most beautiful places to hike during the day. Here are some of the most recommended fishing charters: You can also do fly-out (or fly-in) fishing, where you fly with a floatplane to some secret spots in the sea or lake to catch some fish. Learn about how Native Americans went about their daily lives by exploring a set of clan houses featuring various carvings. Just leave your wife on the ship. [{"slug":"ketchikan","title":"4 Days in Ketchikan"}], Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. What to Do in Ketchikan (When You Only Have One Day! In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company, a prosperous salmon canning company, opened for business on Icy Strait Point, providing the locals with factory jobs. What to do for one day? - Ketchikan Forum - Tripadvisor Go for it! Itinerary. Top Things to Do in Ketchikan, AK - Ketchikan Attractions Things to Do in Ketchikan Popular things to do Ports of Call Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours City Tours 4WD Tours Hiking Tours Bus Tours Water Tours Top Picks Private Sightseeing Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Likely to Sell Out Sporting Events Day Trips & Excursions Shopping Tours Here youll find many totem poles and also learn about the carvings, native art, dances, and songs. Lumberjack Show & All-you-can-eat Crab Feast - #1 pick for excursions in Ketchikan, Alaska! This is a double-edged sword when it comes to choosing when to visit Ketchikan. The trips typically arent long but youll be able to see P.O.W. The flora, fauna, weather, and history in Ketchikan inspire and foster local Ketchikan art from when the city was founded, and this artistic tradition endures to this day.
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