With a population of around 7,500 inhabitants, Ketchikan is Alaska’s fifth largest city by population. Ketchikan, the rainiest town in southeast Alaska, is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The town offers the perfect blend of activities: kayak in Misty Fjords or hike up Deer Mountain in the morning, then poke in and out of fantastic galleries and shops in the afternoon.
Don’t miss a visit to Creek Street, a row of wooden buildings perched over the water on pilings. Brightly painted boutiques once catered to gentlemen seeking the company of “sporting women.
Located in the Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan receives over 160 inches of rain per year and resides in a rainforest. Dress in layers and be ready for anything is the best advice we can offer.
The waterfront in Ketchikan is the dock. Depending on where you ship docks along the waterfront, it is quite possible to simply walk off your ship and start shopping as soon as you hit the dock. If the pier is full of ships, you will tender into Ketchikan from the ship. The tenders will drop you right downtown.
Hungry? Look for the Burger Queen. Small white building. Doesn’t look like much but you just might enjoy the halibut and chips you have ever had.
Thirsty? Follow the bear tracks to the Arctic Bar. Enjoy a drink on the deck overlooking the tender wharf. You can even tell the tender guys to call you when it was the last tender.
Another place to check out is Annabelle’s. It is located right across the street from the tender wharf pier and offers good food and excellent drinks in a rustic Alaskan atmosphere.
Best shore excursion? Misty Fjords National Monument flightseeing trip or by boat, if you have the time. Other popular shore excursions would include the Lumberjack Tour, the Duck Boats Tour, Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour and the Saxman Native Village Tour.
Bonus note. If you can manage to be on a cruise calling on Ketchikan between Friday Aug. 5 and Sunday Aug. 7, take in the 41st Annual Blueberry Arts Festival. Click here for more info on that event.