In Ketchikan, Alaska, you can enjoy a variety of activities that highlight its rich Native culture, natural beauty, and unique history. Here are some top things to do: Explore Native Alaskan Culture and Totem Poles
- Visit Saxman Village to see the largest collection of totem poles in the world and watch master carvers at work. You can also experience traditional Tlingit dancing and enter the authentic Beaver Clan House
- The Totem Heritage Center offers insight into the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples with historic totem poles and cultural exhibits
- Totem parks around town, including the Totem Bight State Historical Park, showcase impressive totem poles and clan houses with guided and self-guided tours available
Stroll Historic Creek Street
- Walk along this historic boardwalk that was once Ketchikan’s red-light district. It features eclectic shops, galleries, museums, and scenic views of salmon-filled creeks and wildlife like seals and otters
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife Viewing
- Take a flightseeing tour over Misty Fjords National Monument to see stunning fjords, waterfalls, and alpine lakes from the air
- Join a bear viewing tour at Traitor Cove to observe black bears in their natural habitat during salmon spawning season
- Go ziplining, hiking (such as up Deer Mountain), fishing charters, or whale and sea lion watching to experience the temperate rainforest and marine life surrounding Ketchikan
Cultural and Educational Experiences
- Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center for interactive exhibits on the Tongass National Forest and local Native traditions
- Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show for an entertaining display of logging skills and local heritage
Unique Tours and Local Attractions
- Take the Ketchikan Duck Tour, an amphibious vehicle tour that explores the city streets and harbor with engaging guides
- Explore downtown Ketchikan’s shops, art galleries, and historic sites, including notable sculptures and the “Welcome to Ketchikan” sign
These activities offer a well-rounded experience of Ketchikan’s culture, history, and natural wonders, suitable for a variety of interests and budgets
