Things to do in Ketchikan
Discover amazing Ketchikan activities and premium in-home experiences.
Perched between lush rainforest and the winding waters of the Tongass Narrows, Ketchikan invites you to explore a world of towering totem poles, vibrant salmon runs, and mist-shrouded islands. Wander through colorful creek-side boardwalks, hop aboard a fishing charter, or drift beneath the ancient canopy on a kayak adventure. In Ketchikan, every sunrise brings the promise of fresh sea air, local flavors, and Alaskan wilderness at your doorstep.
Popular Activities in Ketchikan
Ketchikan Wildlife Safari & Sight Seeing Tour
Spot wildlife and totem poles around Ketchikan, plus an Alaskan snack
Private Halibut Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
Catch halibut in scenic Alaskan waters with expert captains on a family-friendly private charter
4-Hour Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
Catch wild Alaska salmon with expert captains and enjoy wildlife viewing on a private 4-hour charter
5-Hour Private Salmon Fishing Charter in Ketchikan
Fish for multiple Alaska species and spot wildlife on a private charter guided by expert captains.
Ketchikan Express Wildlife Viewing, Eagle Feeding & Whale Watching
Explore calm Alaskan waters with a private guide, spot wildlife, and feed eagles in a small, family-friendly outing
Private Fishing & Whale Watching Charter in Ketchikan
Fish for salmon and watch wildlife on a private charter from the downtown cruise ship docks
E-Bike & Guided Rainforest Walk at Clover Pass
Combine effortless e-biking with a guided rainforest walk and scenic snacks at Clover Pass Resort.
Ketchikan Rainforest Shoreline Kayak Eco Tour
Paddle calm coastal waters and soak in lush rainforest scenery on a relaxed 4-hour guided eco-tour.
Ketchikan Zodiac Speedboat Tour on the Pacific
Pilot your own fast Zodiac along Alaska’s Pacific coastline with a guide leading the way.
Ketchikan Whales & Wildlife Excursion
Cover more water by fast boat to spot whales and Southeast Alaska wildlife on a private 2-hour excursion
Private Whale Watching & Misty Fjords National Park Tour
Travel deep into Misty Fjords to spot whales and wildlife on a high-speed private charter
Full-Day Combo Fishing Tour in Ketchikan
Target halibut and salmon with wildlife viewing, plus an extended range option
Half Day Salmon Fishing Excursion
Fish Ketchikan's salmon-rich waters and keep your catch
Pull Crab Pots & Feast in Tongass Rainforest
Pull authentic Alaskan crab pots and savor a fresh Dungeness crab feast amid Tongass National Forest scenery.
Alaskan Lodge Wildlife Cruise & Seafeast
Experience wildlife cruising and savor a hearty seafood boil at a secluded Alaskan lodge.
World Famous George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
Savor a Dungeness crab feast with roundtrip transport and scenic Ketchikan views
Ketchikan Kayak Tour with Fast Boat to Orca Cove
Experience a small-group kayak adventure to remote Orca Cove, with wildlife spotting and smoked-salmon snacks
Half-Day Bottom Fishing and Nature Tour
Fish for halibut and rockfish and ride through prime whale grounds on a fast Ketchikan outing
Private Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Explore Ketchikan's wildlife-rich waters by private Zodiac with an experienced captain and expert naturalist
Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition
Explore Ketchikan's wildlife-rich waters by Zodiac with an expert captain and naturalist
Waterfront Gourmet Feast with Bush Pilot Tales
Sample gourmet Alaskan dishes while learning bush aviation history on Ketchikan's waterfront.
Ketchikan Zipline Tour Through Tongass Rainforest
Fly through the Tongass Rainforest on nine ziplines and spot wildlife from lofty platforms
Naturalist-Led Wildlife Boardwalk & Totems
Discover Alaska's wildlife on a guided rainforest boardwalk with a naturalist
Tongass Rainforest Zipline: 7 Lines & Sky Bridge
Glide over Tongass Rainforest on seven ziplines and a suspension bridge for a thrilling aerial eco-tour.
Full-Day Salmon and Halibut Fishing Charter
Chase salmon and halibut in Ketchikan with provided gear, snacks, and captain and crew
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
Cheer on world-champion lumberjacks in a fast-paced, family-friendly one-hour competition
Fly to Secluded Beaches & Spot Alaska Wildlife
Fly over water and land in a state-of-the-art hovercraft to reach secluded Ketchikan beaches and spot wildlife
Wild Bears at Neets Bay: Boat & Land Safari
Observe wild bears near Neets Bay on a guided land-and-sea adventure
Explore the Wonders of Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a vibrant coastal city where the lush Tongass National Forest meets the shimmering waters of Alaska's Inside Passage. Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this charming town offers visitors an authentic taste of Alaskan culture and natural beauty. Whether you're strolling along historic Creek Street, once home to lively bordellos, or admiring intricate Native totem poles at Saxman Village, there's no shortage of unique experiences here.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to do in Ketchikan. Embark on a guided kayaking tour through Misty Fjords National Monument for breathtaking views and wildlife sightings that include bald eagles and harbor seals. For those who prefer staying on land, hiking trails like Deer Mountain offer panoramic vistas that are worth every step. In summer months, you can join local fishermen for an unforgettable day catching salmon or halibut right from these rich waters.
The magic continues with cultural encounters that bring Ketchikan’s heritage to life. Visit Totem Bight State Historical Park to see stunning hand-carved poles set against a backdrop of towering trees and ocean waves. Local art galleries showcase works inspired by indigenous traditions and modern interpretations alike—perfect mementos from your journey northward into one-of-a-kind adventures only found in this part of Alaska.