Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan is Alaska’s “First City” and gateway to the Inside Passage. Ketchikan is a blend of Native Culture, rich wildlife, unspoiled nature, and vibrant coastal charm! However you get here, whether by cruise or plane, there are so many things to do and experience in Ketchikan, Alaska. As a Ketchikan local, you can bet this guide will be full of must-see-do items, including scenic hikes, best eats, local art, great foraging, and opportunities to meet the real Alaska locals, yes, bears, whales, and eagles!

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Explore the Heart of Downtown Ketchikan

1. Creek Street: Historic boardwalk, shops, and art galleries. You can take the trolley up to Cape Fox Lodge from Creek Street, which gives you a great view of downtown Ketchikan and is a super fun ride!

2. Watch the Salmon Run: In the late summer, you can view salmon running along the creek. There are viewing decks all along Creek Street.

3. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: No trip to Ketchikan would be complete without stopping by and checking out hot guys and girls tossing around wood, competing, and well, go check it out for yourself!

4. Local Shopping: Souvenirs, Native art, small boutiques like Fabulous Fiber Arts & More, Parnassus Books, Fish Creek Company, and so many more!

Shopping creek street, ray troll art ketchikan

Get Outside: Hiking, Waterfalls & Scenic Drives

5. Hike or Drive to a Waterfall ( Hiking: Rainbow Falls, Lunch Creek Trail). To drive to a waterfall (Beaver Falls), simply follow S. Tongass Hwy Southbound. It’ll take around 30 minutes from downtown Ketchikan and will be on your left-hand side. The waterfall is pretty easy to spot from the car, and there’s a 2-car pull-off area you will notice. If you get to the Power House at the end of the road, you’ve gone too far. Here’s a full list of all the Ketchikan hikes!

6. Ward Lake & Settlers Cove: Great for family picnics, swimming, or camping. Ward Lake is easy to get to, has plenty of parking spots all along the lake; however, unless you have an all-terrain or jogging stroller, I’d recommend carrying your child in a hiking backpack the trail is a bit rocky. Settlers Cove is all the way out north of the island and is totally worth the drive. There’s a small waterfall to view, beach access, and trails. This is an awesome place to see bears catching salmon and enjoying the berries. Make sure to be loud and carry bear spray if needed.

7. Revilla Road Drive: Scenic pull-offs, mountain views, and forest solitude. You might get lucky and spot some wildlife like bears, on this drive. But keep your eyes peeled!

8. Ketchikan, Alaska Zipline Tours: There are multiple zipline and canopy tours available during the summer in Ketchikan. It’s quite the adventure!

Meet Alaska’s Wild Side

9. Bear & Whale Watching Tours (seasonal: May–Sept). I highly recommend this Wildlife Tour!

10. Tide Pooling at Bugge’s Beach: Search for starfish and tiny crabs. Plus, enjoy the ample seating and kids’ park, our family’s favorite! If you’re lucky, you might catch whales breaching from the beach.

11. Foraging Adventures: Berries, edible plants (Able to do so at Ward Lake, South Point, Higgins Beach, and Refuge Cove). Make sure to grab a foraging guide from Parnassus Bookstore, and only eat if you are 100% certain of identification. Ketchikan does have dangerous mushrooms/berries, and always leave some for others, including wildlife.

things to do in ketchikan, whale watching

Take to the Water

12. Kayak at Connell Lake or the Tongass Narrows. If you want the most adventure, try this local Kayaking Tour of the Tongass Narrows. Many hotels and locations in Ketchikan offer kayak rentals if you prefer to explore on your own. You’ll find most of what you need from Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center.

13. Misty Fjords National Monument: Scenic floatplane or boat tours. We prefer a boat tour and were so happy we did; the vessel was extremely comfortable, and we enjoyed every moment of visiting the Misty Fjord National Monument. Check out the Misty Fjords and Wilderness Explorer from Ketchikan.

14. Fishing Trips: Wanting to fish for salmon or halibut? You can try your luck at Ward Lake for salmon or trout (rent gear from Southeast Exposure Outdoor Adventure Center). If you want to get out on the ocean for ocean salmon or halibut, there are many local charter experiences to choose from. Let me tell you, freshly caught fish is a must!!

Tip: If you want to take home some freshly caught fish, you can purchase freezer boxes from the local grocery store (Safeway) or at the Tongass stores near the cruise ports, and Alaska Airlines will accept them as checked luggage, with a few stipulations, of course. But very worth it, we always sent out family back to Florida with a box full, and they were so grateful we did.

Discover Ketchikan’s Culture & Art Scene

15. Totem Poles at Saxman Village or Totem Bight State Park.

16. Ketchikan Area Arts & Humanities Council (KAAHC): You can check out local art at the gallery or join KAAHC for an art workshop, sometimes it’s painting, dancing, or weaving. Check out the calendar for up-to-date classes.

17. Local Music & Theater: Summer performances, art walks, and festivals.

Family Fun & Community Events

18. Blueberry Arts Festival (First weekend of August): Parades, crafts, food, tons of local art, a family must-see.

19. Rec Center Fun: Pool, sauna, basketball courts, indoor activities.

20. Playgrounds or local cafés: City Park is a great place to spot salmon, totem poles, and to have your kids play at the local park. Our family’s favorite cafe is located downtown, Local Grounds (449 Mill St, Ketchikan, AK 99901) . It’s delicious, make sure to order from the seasonal menu!

Local Eats & Coffee Stops

21. Alavas Fish N’ Chowder: Hands down the best eats on the island, we crave the fried Halibut chips and fries. It’s to die for, located in the Safeway parking lot, go ask Miles for the goods! (2417 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901)

22. Local Grounds by Simply Bella: Okay, I love coffee, but there’s a second Local Grounds (4970 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901) location connected to a super fun shopping experience, Simply Bella (4966 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901), with tons of great finds for the whole family!

23. Cape Fox Lodge: Try the crème brûlée with a view (800 Venetia Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901)

24. Salmon Falls Resort: Only open during the summer, it’s perfect for an upscale dinner (16707 N Tongass Hwy, Ketchikan, AK 99901) and has a beautiful waterfall to see while you’re there.

25. Bar Hopping for Adults: Arctic Bar (509 Water St, Ketchikan, AK 99901) and Totem Bar have harbor views and are a great place to mingle with the locals.

Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems

26. Watch the Sunset at Refuge Cove.

27. Island Hopping: Explore Grant or Back Island. Rent a kayak or small boat from Knudsen Cove Marina (407 Knudson Cove Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901).

28. Northern Lights (Rare but Possible): Best chance in late fall/winter.

When to Visit Ketchikan

Best Months: May–September for tours & wildlife.
Off-Season Charm: Quieter, budget-friendly, cozy indoor activities (art classes, rec center, cafés).

Plan Your Trip

Getting there (ferry, flight, cruise). If you fly in, you will arrive on Gravina Island and have to take a quick ferry across the Tongass Narrows to the “main island.” This ferry runs every half hour on the airport side. You exit the airport, walk across the pickup area, and follow the signs to the ferry. You will walk downwards towards an awning and pay the attendant, and walk onto the ferry. The ferry ride is very short, around 5 minutes, and does have indoor seating available. Be careful because many folks drive their cars onto the ferry. For prices and ferry schedules, please check out the website.

If you arrive via cruise, you’ll be right in front of the downtown Ketchikan area, where you can visit local shopping, the Lumberjack Show, eat (Alaska Fish House 10/10), and plenty of tour companies all along the berthing ready to take you around town (Try the Duck Tour, our kids loved it so much we went every year). Make sure to check out Lilli’s bubble Tea on the berth, the cucumber tea is the BEST!!!

Transportation options (rental car, taxis, shuttles). I highly recommend renting a car if you’re staying for more than a day, and using Turo is great! Uber also works great, or public transportation can take you to many places all over the island that I’ve mentioned.

Family Travel Tips

Make sure to bring a RAIN PROOF, not rain-resistant, Jacket. You can always stop by the local Rendevous Thrift Store (2711 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901) or kids consignment store Silly Munchkins (2417 Tongass Ave # 107, Ketchikan, AK 99901) in the mall to pick up some great gear for yourself or kids. You absolutely will need rain boots, great socks, and a beanie. Even in the summer, you can expect rain and wind.