Planning a trip to Alaska is no small undertaking. For many travelers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that blends rugged landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Choosing the right starting point is key, and Ketchikan, Alaska’s “First City,” is one of the best.
Located at the southern entrance to the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is often the first stop for cruise ships, ferries, and flights into Southeast Alaska. It’s both a destination in its own right and a gateway to the region’s most iconic experiences, from fishing and fjords to totems and temperate rainforests.
This guide brings together the top things to do in Ketchikan, organized by interest, with insider tips to help you plan wisely. Whether you’re here for a day or a week, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for what makes this corner of Alaska so special.
Step into one of the most important cultural institutions in Alaska. The Totem Heritage Center preserves 19th-century Tlingit and Haida poles—some more than 150 years old—while also celebrating contemporary Native artists. Pair your visit with a stroll along nearby Creek Street for an immersive look at both historic and living culture.
Just a few miles south of town, Saxman offers one of the largest collections of totems in the world. Summer tours include carving demonstrations and traditional dance performances, offering insight into the artistry and stories behind each pole. It’s one of the best things to do in Ketchikan for travelers interested in culture.
Built on stilts along Ketchikan Creek, this historic boardwalk was once the town’s red-light district. Today, it’s lined with galleries, shops, and museums like Dolly’s House, which provides a quirky glimpse into the city’s colorful past. For fewer crowds, go early morning or late evening.
Known as the “Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords is a vast wilderness of sheer granite cliffs, glacier-carved valleys, and glassy fjords. See it from above on a floatplane tour—often with a remote water landing—or by boat for a slower, more intimate experience. Best May–September; weather dependent. This remains one of the most iconic Ketchikan excursions.
Ketchikan sits within the Tongass, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Trails like Rainbird (short and scenic) and Deer Mountain (challenging with sweeping vistas) showcase everything from moss-draped trees to eagle nesting sites. Guided hikes with naturalists add context on salmon runs, flora, and ecology.
For tranquility and access to places larger boats can’t reach, kayaking is unmatched. Tours often shuttle paddlers to Orcas Cove or other remote inlets where bald eagles soar overhead and seals pop up nearby. Morning tours generally offer calmer conditions.
Rev through rainforest trails on guided UTV tours that follow old logging roads. Expect mud, ponchos, and panoramic viewpoints, rain or shine. Its one of the more adventurous things to do in Ketchikan if you’re craving adrenaline.
Test your nerve on courses that combine zip lines, skybridges, and platforms set high in the rainforest canopy. Tours typically run May–September and provide a unique perspective on Ketchikan’s old-growth forest.
During the salmon runs of late July–September, black bears gather to fish, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Herring Cove is a short trip from town, while Neets Bay offers a more remote option via boat or floatplane.
Humpbacks migrate through the Inside Passage from May–September, and orcas are also frequent summer visitors. Guided tours increase your chances of spotting them, along with porpoises, sea lions, and bald eagles. Don’t forget to bring binoculars!
A family-friendly mix of nature and heritage, this sanctuary includes guided forest walks, a historic sawmill, totem elements, and reliable opportunities to see bears during the late-summer salmon run.
Ketchikan’s nickname, the “Salmon Capital of the World”, is well earned. Summer is prime for charters, with salmon and halibut seasons overlapping June through September. Ask about fish processing and shipping services so you can enjoy your catch at home.
Equal parts history and entertainment, this one-hour show pits lumberjacks against each other in axe throwing, log rolling, and speed climbing. Shows run May–September in a covered arena near the cruise docks. Book early in peak season.
In late summer, watch salmon muscle their way upstream at the fish ladder near Creek Street. It’s one of the easiest, and most fascinating, free wildlife spectacles in town.
At the end of an adventure-filled day, having a convenient, comfortable base makes all the difference. The Landing Hotel is located just steps from the ferry and minutes from the airport shuttle—perfect for both short and extended stays. With 107 well-appointed guest rooms, two on-site restaurants, and a staff that knows the best local outfitters and excursions, The Landing offers more than lodging. It’s a trusted launchpad for your Alaskan adventure.
Ready to start planning your adventure? Book your stay at The Landing Hotel and enjoy the perfect mix of convenience, comfort, and access to all the incredible things to do in Ketchikan.
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