Ketchikan, Alaska: Alaska’s First City Awaits You
Totem poles, rainforests, salmon runs, and stories that go back centuries. Here’s everything you need to know before your ship docks.
If Alaska Had a Greeting Card…
If Alaska had a greeting card, it would look a lot like Ketchikan. This little city, packed onto a steep hillside, welcomes you with totem poles, colorful houses on stilts, eagles circling overhead, and the smell of fresh saltwater.
It’s the first port of call on most Inside Passage cruises—and for good reason. It sets the tone for everything Alaska is supposed to be.
Whether you’ve got four hours or a full day in port, Ketchikan delivers. If you’re helping clients or planning for yourself, this guide covers the history, highlights, and shore excursions worth your time.
A History Worth Knowing
The name itself tells the story. “Ketchikan” comes from the Tlingit word Kichx̱áan, meaning “thundering wings of an eagle”—a reference to the sound of the falls at Ketchikan Creek.
Timeline HighlightsBefore 1885 The Tlingit people used Ketchikan Creek as a seasonal fish camp, taking advantage of massive salmon runs. 1887
A salmon cannery was built. After it burned down, the land was repurposed into a saltery and general store—marking the beginning of a town.
1890s–1900The Gold Rush brought rapid growth. Ketchikan became Alaska’s “First City”—the first stop for ships entering from the south.
1930sFishing dominated. With 13 canneries producing 1.5 million cases annually, Ketchikan earned the title “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Mid-1900s to TodayTimber replaced fishing as the primary industry, then tourism took over. Today, nearly a million cruise passengers visit each year. What You Don’t Want to Miss Creek Street
Creek Street is a historic boardwalk built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek. Once a red-light district, it’s now filled with shops, galleries, and Dolly’s House Museum.
Walk it on a summer day, and you might see salmon swimming right beneath your feet.
Insider Tip: Salmon runs typically happen mid-July through mid-September. If your cruise lines up, it’s one of the most unique natural sights you’ll ever see.
Totem Poles: Everywhere You Look
Ketchikan has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Key locations include:
Saxman Totem Park Totem Bight State Park Potlatch Park Totem Heritage Center
The Totem Heritage Center houses rare, unrestored 19th-century poles and tells the stories of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.
Fun fact: One of Ketchikan’s totem poles appears in U.S. passports.
Downtown Ketchikan
A designated National Historic Landmark District, downtown is fully walkable from most cruise ships.
Expect:
Waterfront promenades Local shops and galleries Authentic Alaskan character Best Shore Excursions in Ketchikan
You can book excursions through your cruise line—or independently (often cheaper). Either way, don’t skip them. Ketchikan is best experienced beyond the boardwalk.
- Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour (Top Pick)
A breathtaking wilderness only accessible by plane or boat. Think granite cliffs, waterfalls, and untouched fjords.
Not cheap—but unforgettable.
- Salmon or Halibut Fishing Charter
This is the Salmon Capital of the World for a reason.
Quick access from harbor Guided experience (they do the hard work) Trophy fish potential 3. Saxman Native Village Tour
A deeper cultural experience featuring:
Traditional dances Master carvers Stories behind the totem poles
Located just 2 miles from downtown.
- Tongass Rainforest & Zipline
Explore the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
Options include:
Jeep tours Canoeing Nature walks Ziplining through the canopy 5. Deadliest Catch Crab Boat Tour
Step aboard a real crab boat featured on the TV show Deadliest Catch.
A fan favorite—and one of the most unique excursions in Alaska.
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
A high-energy, family-friendly show featuring:
Axe throwing Log rolling Speed climbing
Pro tip: Buy tickets locally to save money vs. cruise pricing.
- Wildlife Cruise & Whale Watching
Best between May–September.
See:
Humpback whales Bald eagles Seals
Great for families and first-time Alaska visitors.
Good to Know Before You Go Docking Matters Most cruise lines dock downtown Norwegian Cruise Line docks at Ward Cove (7 miles out)
There’s a shuttle—but plan accordingly.
Yes, It Rains
Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in the U.S.
Bring:
Waterproof shoes Layers Rain jacket (skip the umbrella) Book Excursions Early
On busy days:
Up to 5 ships ~15,000 visitors
Top excursions sell out fast—especially:
Misty Fjords flights Crab boat tours The Bottom Line on Ketchikan
Ketchikan isn’t flashy—and that’s the point.
It’s real. It’s historic. And it’s exactly what you came to Alaska to experience.
Whether you’re:
Fishing for salmon Flying over fjords Walking Creek Street Standing in front of centuries-old totem poles
You’ll leave wanting more.
And honestly—that’s Alaska at its best.
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