Ketchikan, Alaska: Welcome to Alaska's First City

Known as "Alaska's First City" because it's the initial port of call along the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is world-famous as both the "Salmon Capital of the World" and the "Rain Capital of Alaska". Tucked into the lush Tongass National Forest, this vibrant coastal town receives over 140 inches of rain annually, fueling pristine temperate rainforests where thousands of Pacific salmon return each year to spawn.

Things To Do

Creek Street

Built on wooden stilts over Ketchikan Creek, this historic boardwalk was once the town’s Gold Rush-era red-light district and is now a scenic landmark lined with shops, galleries, and prime salmon-watching spots.

$0 USD

Dolly's House

Located at #24 Creek Street, Dolly's House Museum is the preserved residence of Dolly Arthur, Creek Street's most famous Gold Rush-era madam. Now operating as a museum during cruise season, this former brothel highlights Ketchikan's colorful history "where both men and salmon came upstream to spawn".

$10/pp USD

Baranof Fishing

An authentic Alaska wilderness fishing experience where expert guides take you out on local waters to catch salmon or halibut, then chef-prepare your fresh catch for an unforgettable sea-to-table meal.

~$380/pp USD

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman Tour

Step aboard the F/V Aleutian Ballad—a real commercial crabbing boat from Deadliest Catch, for a scenic cruise through calm Inside Passage waters. Watch the crew haul up massive crab pots, octopus traps, and longlines while eagle-watching from a comfortable, heated amphitheater deck.

~$300/pp USD

Totem Heritage Center

Established in 1976 to preserve endangered 19th-century totem poles retrieved from abandoned village sites, this museum houses the world's largest collection of authentic, unrestored Native totems alongside traditional Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian arts and crafts.

$7/pp USD

Ketchikan Kayak Company

Captain your own 4-person inflatable Zodiac boat on a guided coastal tour following a leader vessel. Equipped with full waterproof rain gear, you'll zip along the Inside Passage coastline to spot eagles, seals, and local landmarks like Creek Street and Saxman Totem Park from the water.

~$250/pp USD

Married Man's Trail

A scenic winding boardwalk and dirt trail that follows Ketchikan Creek, originally used by Gold Rush-era men as a discrete back route to the Creek Street red-light district.

$0 USD

Ketchikan Firehouse

Located right downtown, this active station houses a small, free museum featuring historic firefighting gear, vintage equipment, and local memorabilia. Inside, they also have a unique vending machine where you can purchase official Ketchikan Fire Department t-shirts and patches to directly support the local firefighters.

$0 USD

Creek Street Funicular

A small, scenic tram that ascends 130 feet up a steep cliffside from Creek Street to Cape Fox Lodge, offering panoramic views of Ketchikan Creek, the harbour, and downtown.

$6 USD

Places to Eat

Jellyfish Donuts

A colorful gourmet shop famous for hand-dipped, made-to-order donuts. Alongside classic sweet flavors, their viral signature item is the savory Salmon Donut—a fresh brioche donut topped with cream cheese smoked salmon spread and scallions.

~$6 USD

Cape Fox Lodge

Perched high on a timbered bluff with sweeping harbor views, Cape Fox Lodge features an authentic Native art collection, local seafood dining, and direct access to downtown via the Creek Street Funicular. Entrees from

~$18-$38 USD

Alaska Crepe Co.

A popular downtown spot serving made-to-order sweet and savory crêpes—including breakfast options, sweet treats like Nutella or berry shortcake, and local specialties like wild Alaskan smoked salmon.

~$10 – $23 USD per crêpe

The Fish House

A casual harborfront spot right near the cruise ship docks, famous for fresh, made-to-order Alaskan seafood including fish and chips, salmon burgers, chowder, and local salmon or halibut tacos.

~$15-$30 USD

Krabby Crab Shack

Known for their huge, freshly steamed Alaskan Red King Crab legs served drawn butter style. A casual, no-frills seafood spot near the docks known for generous portions of fresh Alaskan seafood, including crab legs, seafood boils, fried fish baskets, and fish tacos.

~$15 - $35+ USD

108 Taphouse

They are famous for gourmet smash burgers (like their signature 108 Burger with truffle aioli, or the AK Burger with an elk patty) and an extensive selection of Alaskan craft brews on tap and in bottles, alongside appetizers like poutine and cheese curds.

~$18-$28 USD

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse