20 Interesting Things To Do In Ketchikan Alaska

1. Go On A Flightseeing Tour To Visit Misty Fjords National Monument

About 40 miles east of Ketchikan are the well-known geographical features of Misty Fjords, characterized by fjords, cliffs, and temperate rainforests. The region spreads over 2.3 million acres and is situated within the Tongass National Forest, the single largest protected area in the United States of America.

Flightseeing tours are usually done using floatplanes, where tourists are taken around the mountainous area, some of the clear water lakes, and waterfalls. Such trips frequently consist of landing on a small and private lake, making them popular things to do in Ketchikan AL.

2. See Local Wildlife At Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary

This sanctuary consists of 40 acres of land and offers several trails singled by boardwalks that take visitors through the tract of old-growth forest and alongside water bodies. Hikers and other visitors can sometimes meet black bears, which are searching for food close to the banks of the small rivers and streams.

There are also many bird species in the sanctuary, especially the bald eagle, which may often be seen flying high in the treetops. There are many varieties of small animals in the sanctuary as well. Squirrels and chipmunks are some of the small animals people can often witness while hiking through the brush.

3. Experience Historic Boardwalk of Creek Street

Ketchikan Creek is one of the most famous Ketchikan tourist attractions and is situated on Creek Street, which is a wooden sidewalk partially constructed on pilings. First, it was the city’s core of prostitution that was active in the early twentieth century. Today, it has become a place of lively shops, galleries, and museums.

Speaking about the interior, it is very beautiful and is accompanied by a convenient walking area along the boardwalk, providing views of the creek and its surroundings.

This place should by all means also be on the list of things to do in Ketchikan, since it is a combination of history, culture, and breathtaking nature.

4. Try Reindeer Sausages At Pioneer Cafe

Pioneer Cafe is found at 236 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK, and is an established diner-style restaurant boasting a 50s theme and serving good food. Among them, reindeer sausage is a regular feature on the list of Alaskan favorites.

This sausage is, for instance, used in loaded baked potatoes and mac and cheese, where customers can make a selection of having this sausage in their meals.

The reindeer sausage is favored for its great and juicy taste of reindeer’s meat with the basic dishes of the culinary offer of the cafe. Established in the late 1970s, the cafe has been frequented by the residents of Ketchikan and tourists for years.

5. Take A Bear Viewing Tours

This activity is among the many attractions one can enjoy among the available things to do at Ketchikan Alaska. It offers everyone a closer touch with the natural environment and the forces involved in the creation of Alaskan wildlife.

These tours usually include a short trip flight by floatplane or helicopter to places like Anan Creek or Traitor’s Cove. Here, you are likely to see black bears feeding on the salmon in the streams.

Visitors are accompanied to vantage points where one is allowed to watch the animals up close from viewing decks or from the ground. These tours also involve the scenery of Alaskan terrain, which includes forests, rivers, and mountains.

6. Enjoy A Thrilling Canopy Tour Through The Rainforest

This canopy tour should not be missed next time you plan for things to do Ketchikan Alaska because of the thrills it offers blended with a touch of nature. One can move from one wire to another on a cable and platforms that offer an observation of the forest from a very close range.

In general, such tours are safe and entail a briefing and checking of equipment before the tour begins. In the process, the guides give historical and geographical information about the existence of the flowers and animals around, thus making the exercise educational.

This activity enables the individuals to walk as if they were flying above the forest floor.

7. A Short Hike On Rainbird Trail

The trail considered is situated on the outskirts of the city, and it measures around 1.5 miles round trip and can normally be accomplished in under an hour. Viewers are lucky to witness the scenic views of Tongass Narrows and the vast forest area.

This trail is embedded in a temperate rainforest and is an ideal chance to enjoy nature while depriving yourself of the peculiarities of the area. On their way through the trail, one may notice some birds and the true beauty of the natural forest.

When it comes to the variety of things to do in Ketchikan, the Rainbird Trail is a great example of a quick outdoor fix.

8. Explore World-Class Salmon And Halibut Fishing

Ketchikan holds the reputation of being a splendid fishing hub, particularly for salmon and halibut fishing, making it a popular things to do ketchikan. The region boasts excellent fishing prospects for professional fishermen as well as those fishing for the first time.

Fishing charters can be hired in the area, and they ensure visitors get to the best fishing areas through the services of expert fishermen. In these charters, all the equipment needed for fishing, baits, and safety apparatus are usually provided to the clients.

Salmon such as kings, silver, sockeye, and large halibut are some of the species fishermen will likely pull from the water.

9. Delve Into A Trolley Tour

This tour is for those who want to explore in depth the things to do Ketchikan AK. The tour normally involves sights while the guide explains various aspects, such as the history and culture of Ketchikan.

Expect to view attractions that include the famous Creek Street, the Totem Heritage Centre, and other similar attractions. This way, the use of the trolley ensures that one covers a lot of ground in comfort while gaining information about some of the places of interest and history of the city.

As part of the tour, stops may include popular points of interest where visitors can disembark for a closer look.

10. Take A Day-Long Boat Excursion At Whale Park

Sailing through Whale Park is one of the marine activities in which people interested can spend one whole day enjoying the aquatic animals and the view of the sea. Such trips may, for instance, take between 6 and 8 hours and are used to provide an all-round feel of the marine ecosystem.

The main prospect is the possibility of encountering whales, including humpback, orca, and gray whales, while they are migrating, feeding, or even breaching. In the same respect, it is worth noting that there are normally guided tours that give information on the feeding habits and migration of the whales in the region.

11. Spend A Laid-Back Afternoon On A Pub Crawl

Despite being a small town, Ketchikan has some pretty and quirky bars that are ideal for afternoon outings. Still, there is one rather informal venue that is called Sweet Mermaids, and it offers quite a choice of beers, including regional ones.

One is the Green Coffee Bean Company, which is a coffee shop, but they have a great selection of craft beers, and the atmosphere is rather laid-back. If you are looking for a classic pub-type feel, then try Alaska Fish House. They sell fresh seafood and have several Alaskan beers.

Also, Pilothouse Brewery offers exceptional services through its beers produced within the state and a well-equipped dining area.

12. Watch Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of the most popular ketchikan alaska attractions. This activity provides visitors a chance to witness the rugged life into Alaskan lumberjacks’ lives. This action-packed show showcases the actual professional lumberjacks and their events like axe throwing, log rolling, tree climbing, and actually sawing, etc.

The show takes place in a real open lumber yard, which resembles a logging camp of the distant past. People can also clap for their favorite lumberjacks along with them and there are special segments available for the viewers to join the show and sing or dance, thus winning everyone’s hearts.

13. Take Part In Helicopter Glacier Tours

These tours are often conducted out of the Ketchikan waterfront, where customers book their flights and prepare themselves for the tour. A simulated view of the helicopter ride can show the audience the rainforests, fjords, and, of course, glaciers.

While on the tour, tour guides sometimes provide information concerning the formation of the structures and the physical characteristics of the region. The duration of the flights ranges from 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on the package that a client needs.

There are options, where the tour includes stepping on the glaciers. In that case, people can leave the boats and walk on the ice.

14. Discover The Tongass Historical Museum

The Tongass Historical Museum is one of the notable museums with a focus on the cultural history of the region. It was founded in 1924 and occupies the building of the former city hall, built in 1935.

The museums contain a vast array of Indigenous peoples’ artifacts and photographs, as well as gold rush exemplary exhibits and memorabilia. Some significant artifacts found in the museum are Tlingit and Haida culture, the early Russian and European impacts, and the historical development of Ketchikan as a logging and fishing town.

The museum also hosts educational programs, lectures, and cultural events that offer deeper insights into the area's heritage.

15. Learn About Native Alaskan Culture In The Saxman Native Village

Travelers searching for things to do in Ketchikan AK will find Saxman Native Village an interesting place to glimpse the native Tlingit culture and origin.

This village was founded in 1894, and Saxman, a culturally rich town today, boastfully celebrates possessing the largest number of standing totem poles found in Alaska. Some of them are executive carvings from Tlingit artists and sculptors that depict the Tlingit tradition, stories, myths, and history.

As for the traditional culture, people can also observe the Tlingit dance in the Beaver Clan House, where native people perform songs and dances wearing masks and furs.

16. Stay At Super 8 By Wyndham Ketchikan Hotel

Super 8 By Wyndham Ketchikan is an economy-class hotel located in Ketchikan, in the U.S. state of Alaska. It lies within walking distance of major tourist attractions, including Creek Street and the Totem Heritage Center.

Other services provided include free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a business center within the hotel. The necessities and some extra amenities in the rooms are TV flats, mini-bar fridges, microwaves, and others.

It must be noted that other amenities, such as free parking and laundry facilities, are available for the guests.

17. Dine On Seafood by the Waterfront

Of all locations for dining, the Waterfront is by far one of a kind, as it provides picturesque views. Ketchikan has quite a few delicious seafood restaurants, ideally situated close to the water’s edge.

Thus, Green Coffee Bean Company is famous for fresh seafood and provides clients with a comfortable dress code combined with beautiful views of the harbor. 

Sweet Mermaids is a beautiful restaurant that offers seafood specialties in a rather casual setting but right by the water. The restaurants of particular repute include the Alaska Fish House, located on the waterfront, which specializes in fresh seafood, particularly halibut and salmon.

18. Hike Deer Mountain Trail

The Deer Mountain Trail is one of the many trails situated near Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest. It follows a distance of about 4.2 miles, with the whole track involving a steep rise and an incredible view of the top part.

Climbers can prepare for a long, steep climb with a lot of elevation. In the end, they are rewarded for the climb with breathtaking views of Ketchikan, the waterways, and distant mountain ranges.

The trail covers forests, and there are areas with coarse rocks. The trail can be hiked from the early summer until the fall.  As you reach the top of the mountain, beautiful views await the hikers.

19. Taste Local And Other Brews At Alaskan Brewing Company

Alaskan Brewing Company was founded in 1986 in Juneau, Alaska, and has been producing various craft beers that reflect the Alaskan spirit and character. Other beers that tourists can find in the brewery include Alaskan Amber, which highlights the brewing history in this area.

For tourists, the brewery provides the service of giving them a tour of the brewing works and the background of the company. The tasting room allows you to try more of their beers, which include seasonal and specialty beers.

It is a highly-rated brewery that has been recognized for its care of the product and its contribution to the craft beer industry in Alaska.

20. Go Through The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center

The Alaska Discovery Center serves as an informative tool for travelers about the physical and historic attributes of Southeast Alaska. It is run by the U.S. Forest Service and is in the Tongass National Forest, which is the biggest national forest that exists in America.

Aimed at engaging the youth, the center has exhibits that showcase the several ecosystems in the zone, such as wildlife, forests, and other formations. This site offers the opportunity to learn more about the local wildlife and plants, Native Alaskan tribes, and the effects of climate shifts.