Things to Do in Ketchikan: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Ketchikan, at the southern tip of Alaska's Inside Passage, calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World and has the largest collection of standing totem poles anywhere. Rainforest, fjords and Native Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian culture define the town.
This guide covers the best things to do in Ketchikan, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Misty Fjords, Prince of Wales Island and Metlakatla, plus food and practical tips.
Top things to see in Ketchikan
Creek Street
Historic boardwalk on stilts over a salmon stream.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totems and a clan house in the forest.
Saxman Native Village
Totem park and carving shed.
Totem Heritage Center
Original 19th-century totem poles.
Misty Fjords National Monument
Granite cliffs and waterfalls by floatplane or boat.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Logging sports show.
Deer Mountain Trail
Hike above town.
Married Man's Trail
Short historic path to Creek Street.
Ketchikan in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown
Walk Creek Street and visit Dolly's House museum, then follow the Married Man's Trail. Lunch on fish and chips. In the afternoon, see original poles at the Totem Heritage Center and the Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery. In the evening, watch the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
2Day 2 · Totems
Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park, north of town, then Saxman Native Village to the south, where carvers often work in the carving shed. Lunch in town. In the afternoon, explore the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Dinner on fresh salmon.
3Day 3 · Misty Fjords
Take a floatplane flight or day cruise into Misty Fjords National Monument, with sheer granite walls and waterfalls. Lunch on board or after landing. In the afternoon, rest or walk the waterfront. Dinner downtown.
Ketchikan in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Fishing
Join a half-day salmon or halibut fishing charter, with your catch processed and shipped home. Lunch back in town. In the afternoon, go kayaking along the shoreline. Evening at a local brewpub.
5Day 5 · Deer Mountain
Hike the Deer Mountain Trail for views over Tongass Narrows. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ward Lake Recreation Area. Return for dinner.
Ketchikan in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Prince of Wales Island
Take the ferry to Prince of Wales Island, home to Tlingit and Haida villages, caves and wildlife. Lunch in Craig or Klawock. Explore totem parks. Stay overnight.
7Day 7 · Last day
Return to Ketchikan, shop for Native art and smoked salmon, and have a farewell seafood lunch. Ketchikan International Airport is on Gravina Island, reached by a short ferry.
What to do in Ketchikan on a weekend
For a weekend in Ketchikan, combine Creek Street, Totem Bight, Saxman and a Misty Fjords flight.
Most cruise visitors only have a day, so stay longer for quieter evenings.
What to do in Ketchikan in the evening
Evenings are quiet; enjoy salmon dinners, a brewpub and sunset over Tongass Narrows.
In summer, daylight lasts late.
Ketchikan for couples
Couples can take a floatplane to Misty Fjords, kayak at sunset and dine on Dungeness crab.
Ketchikan with kids
With kids, the Lumberjack Show, salmon ladders, totem parks and easy hikes are perfect.
What to eat in Ketchikan
King salmon
Grilled or smoked.
Dungeness crab
Local catch.
Halibut
Fish and chips.
Smoked salmon
To take home.
Alaskan beer
Local brews.
Where to stay in Ketchikan: best areas
Downtown
Walk to Creek Street.
Waterfront
Harbor views.
North Tongass
Lodges.
Fishing lodges
All-inclusive.
What to do in Ketchikan when it rains
On rainy days, which are common, visit the Totem Heritage Center, the Discovery Center and Dolly's House; bring rain gear and enjoy the rainforest.
How much does a trip to Ketchikan cost?
Expect $180 to $350 per night, $20 to $40 for meals and $300 to $400 for a Misty Fjords floatplane flight.
Practical tips for Ketchikan
Best time to visit
May to September.
Getting around
Walk downtown; buses and taxis; boats and floatplanes for excursions.
Our practical tips
- Pack rain gear.
- Book floatplanes early.
- Watch for bears on trails.
- Avoid peak cruise hours.
- Buy authentic Native art.
- Bring layers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting a raincoat.
- Visiting only on cruise days.
- Hiking without bear awareness.
- Missing the totems.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Ketchikan?
Creek Street, totem parks, Misty Fjords and salmon fishing.
How rainy is Ketchikan?
Very; it gets around 150 inches of rain a year.
When is salmon season?
Roughly May to September.
How do you reach the airport?
By a short ferry to Gravina Island.