The Essential 7-Day Ketchikan Itinerary: A Guide to Fishing & Exploration

Planning an Alaska itinerary often starts with a single goal: world-class fishing. However, to truly experience the "Salmon Capital of the World," one must look beyond the docks. Ketchikan is a complex landscape of temperate rainforests, deep-water fjords, and millennia of Indigenous heritage.

The following Ketchikan itinerary is designed for independent travelers who want a high-octane fishing trip without missing the cultural and natural landmarks of the Inside Passage.

Your Basecamp: The Landing Hotel

Conveniently located just down the road from the airport ferry, The Landing Hotel serves as a strategic hub. While staying here places you away from the congestion of the cruise ship berths, our location allows for seamless transitions between your morning charters and evening relaxation.

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Dining on Property

To streamline your stay, we provide two distinct dining environments on-site:

• The Diner at The Landing: A local institution serving hearty, classic American fare. It is the go-to spot for an early "Fisherman’s Breakfast" or a midday comfort meal.
• The Portside Pub & Grill: A refined yet relaxed setting for evening meals. It features a robust selection of local craft beers and a menu designed for refueling after a long day on the water.

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The 7-Day Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Ketchikan

After taking the ferry from the airport and hopping on our courtesy shuttle, settle into your room. Use the afternoon to orient yourself with downtown Ketchikan.

• Activity: Walk the Rainbird Trail. Accessible from the bypass above the hotel, this trail offers a panoramic view of the Tongass Narrows, giving you a bird's-eye view of the waters you'll be fishing all week.
• Prep: Visit the local gear shops to pick up your Alaska fishing license and any last-minute tackle.

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Day 2: Saltwater Salmon Charter

Ketchikan is legendary for its salmon runs. Spend Day 2 on a guided saltwater charter targeting King (Chinook) or Silver (Coho) salmon.

• Afternoon Activity: Once back at the docks, visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. It provides excellent context on the Tongass National Forest and the lifecycle of the fish you just caught.

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Day 3: Misty Fjords & Flightseeing

You cannot fully appreciate the scale of Southeast Alaska from the ground. Take a floatplane tour to Misty Fjords National Monument.

• Add-on: Many flightseeing tours offer a "remote landing" option where you can step out onto a mountain lake or a floating dock in the heart of the wilderness.
• Evening: Stroll through Whale Park downtown to see the beautifully maintained gardens and historic totem poles.

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Day 4: Deep Sea Halibut & Rockfish

Shift your focus from the surface to the bottom. Today’s charter will take you to deeper "honey holes" in search of Pacific Halibut and colorful Rockfish.

• Afternoon Activity: If you have energy left, visit the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. It is an authentic look at the rugged history of the timber industry that built this town.

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Day 5: Totems & Ancient History

Dedicate a day to the rich Indigenous heritage of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

• Morning: Head North to Potlatch Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historical Park. These side-by-side sites feature stunning clan houses and a carving shed where you can often see master carvers at work.
• Afternoon: Visit the Totem Heritage Center to see original, unrestored 19th-century poles rescued from abandoned village sites.

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Day 6: Bear Viewing & Rainforest Hiking (Kawanti Adventures)

During salmon season (late July through September), bears congregate at local creeks.

• Activity: Take a guided excursion to Herring Cove or Neets Bay for bear viewing.
• Alternative: Hike the Ward Creek Trail system. It’s an easy, flat walk through old-growth spruce and hemlock trees, leading to the serene Ward Lake.

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Day 7: Creek Street & Final Casts

Before your departure, explore the historic boardwalk of Creek Street.

• Activity: Walk the "Married Man’s Trail" and visit Dolly’s House Museum to learn about Ketchikan’s colorful "Red Light District" past.
• Shopping: This is the best time to pick up locally made Alaskan art or jade jewelry before catching the ferry back to the airport.

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Visiting for the Day?

If you are visiting Ketchikan via a cruise ship and want to see more of our community beyond the main docks, we invite you to explore the rest of the island. A short taxi ride or the free shuttle will bring you to The Landing, where you can enjoy a meal at The Diner at The Landing or The Portside Pub & Grill. It’s a great way to experience a different side of Ketchikan and enjoy a meal at a local staple before heading back to your ship.

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Trip Planning Checklist

• Booking: Secure your fishing charters and hotel rooms 6–12 months out.
• Shipping: Arrange for your catch to be processed, flash-frozen, and shipped via a local provider.
• Gear: Pack high-quality rain gear (Gore-Tex is preferred) and sturdy, non-slip footwear.

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Ready to finalize your Alaska itinerary? Check availability at The Landing Hotel and start planning your journey North to Alaska.