Itineraries for Your Trip to Ketchikan
3 Days in Ketchikan for First Timers
Ketchikan was one of my first introductions to Alaska and a great representative of the Indigenous culture, small-town charm, and unbridled nature that I now love about the state. Whether I was reading up on Tlingit and Haida traditions in the Totem Heritage Center, wandering the colorful Creek Street, or exploring the purest green forest I’d ever seen, I felt like I got a glimpse of what makes Alaska unique here.
Since there is much to do in town and the surrounding nature, you’ll be glad for three days in Ketchikan. Here are some suggestions for seeing the best the town has to offer.
You can expect clouds and precipitation almost year-round, so bring rain gear.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Totem Heritage Center.
One of this part of Alaska’s main draws is its nature (and the wildlife that lives in it), which means you’ll likely want to spend part of your first day in town on an outdoor excursion. It’s possible to see whales year-round from Ketchikan, so start with whale watching and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, too.
When you return, stroll through the historical downtown before finding another way to admire Ketchikan’s natural wonders. A plane ride above the Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords National Monument is a spectacular option.
With its vivid colors and plentiful wildlife, Ketchikan is a photographer’s dream. So, on your second day in town, consider a photo safari to visit some of the most scenic and lesser-visited natural attractions and get tips on taking good photographs.
Later in the day, get to know the historical downtown of Ketchikan better on a walking tour that takes you to significant sites, before heading out to spot wildlife, the black-sand Rotary Beach, and more. If you have extra time, you can walk 15 minutes or take a bus to the Totem Heritage Center to learn more about the local Indigenous tradition of totem making.
Ketchikan has a rich Indigenous history that you can dive into. On your last day in the area, visit with a Native American guide to learn more. Such a tour might visit Totem Bight State Historical Park, just outside of town, where you can see restored totem poles native to this area.
For an extra dose of Alaskan culture, end the day at a lumberjack show that turns the area’s logging history into entertainment. Then try Alaskan crab at a waterfront restaurant before you go.
