The best Alaska cruise. Then, step ashore at base camp for a snack and trail hike. 13 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions for Families April, May, and September are also ideal times to visit, with highs hovering in the 50s Fahrenheit. In addition, a ferry route is available to and from Bellingham, Washington the trip takes about 38 hours. However, do note that these are the rainiest months (with October seeing the most rain at over 15 inches) and that many tour operators and businesses close for the offseason. It encompasses more than two million acres of sheer granite cliffs, 1,000-foot waterfalls, and crystalline lakes. Embark on a kayak adventure in Tongass National Forest while learning of the area's natural environment and colorful history. Want to see more of the rainforest with less effort? Cruise on an Alaskan-built expedition vessel through Ketchikan's colorful harbor and capture pictures of historic waterfront sights. Highlights plus less visited destinations. During the Prohibition, Creek Street was also the place to go for a drink, as its location on the water made it ideal for smuggling whiskey into the saloons and brothels through hidden trapdoors. Youll see them covered in lush green vegetation and towering waterfalls that directly fall into the water. It is also an excellent opportunity to see some of the areas sea life and wildlife, which you can see on this kayaking eco-tour. If visiting in the winter, do note that it can snow in Ketchikan, although there is usually not a large accumulation of snow and is considerably less than in many other parts of Alaska. You'll also enjoy a camp fire snack and an interactive beach life presentation. During the height of the salmon season (July-September), there are sometimes so many salmon that the creek looks black! deals, and more! Get a rare opportunity to visit a living Native village - and access areas not available to independent guests - combined with a tour of the historic city of Ketchikan. Today, Creek Street is one of Ketchikans top tourist attractions, home to restaurants, galleries, souvenir shops, and antique stores. Bear Tours! Your guide will tell you all about the areas culinary delights and the local history as well. See The Rock 2. Great for all ages & a ton of fun! All-Terrain Vehicle tour. The Top Things To Do In Ketchikan - ALASKA.ORG Light refreshments are provided too. Experience adventure with a splash in Ketchikan on Alaska's only "duck" tour. (Theyre also one of the best things to do in Ketchikan to escape the rain!). View the facility, learn about the oyster growing process, get a below-the-waves look at the bay with underwater drone footage, meet the critters in the touch tank and enjoy tastings at the on-site Oyster Bar. 9 Best Excursions In Ketchikan Alaska - Cruises Popular things to do Ports of Call Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours City Tours 4WD Tours Hiking Tours Bus Tours Water Tours Top Picks Private Sightseeing Tours Luxury & Special Occasions Sporting Events Likely to Sell Out Day Trips & Excursions Shopping Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Multi-day & Extended Tours Special Offers Ways to tour Ketchikan However, for those that dont or if you choose to navigate on your own, there are a few options. Destinations. The area is also famed for its stunning natural beauty, with temperate rainforests, creeks, and rugged coastline, creating ample outdoor recreation opportunities (which are some of the best things to do in Ketchikan). So it's no surprise that there are lots of 15 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan (Alaska) Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. In addition, ride-sharing services are also said to be available (although Im not really sure how many cars are actually available since it is a pretty remote area). Experience the thrill of fishing in the "Salmon Captial of the World" in the sheltered waters of Clover Passage aboard a modern fishing boat with covered cabin and restroom. You'll visit Saxman Native Village, witness Native dancing and see the craft of totem carving before taking a motorcoach tour of picturesque Ketchikan. Cruise in an open motorboat and join an experienced Alaska guide along a boardwalk trail where you'll learn about different features of a temperate rainforest. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Choosing between the many available Ketchikan Alaska tours can be difficult as they are so varied! The tour begins with a round at the Shipwreck Bar, followed by a stroll to Creek Street and down to the docks to learn about the famous fishing fleet and see the boats and crews as they prepare for their next catch. But, if we had to pick one, these would be our picks for the best Alaska travel experiences. The Alaska Catch. After arriving at Lake Harriet Hunt, youll hop in a Native American-style canoe that stretches for 37 feet, making your way across the water. Once docked, you'll walk along a well-maintained forest trail to a viewing platform for the chance to witness bears feasting on salmon returning to spawn. Popular Cruise Itineraries Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise One Week in Alaska Best Tours Tundra Tours Things to Do in Alaska Best Places to Visit Alaska's National Parks Guide to Glacier Bay National Park Guide to Denali National Park Things to Do in Fairbanks Things to Do in Ketchikan Your Trip to Alaska: The Complete Guide close Overview This tour takes you on a half-day adventure with seven zip lines, and eight canopy ropes. Ferry service is offered every 30 minutes and costs $6, and $7 for a standard vehicle. Explore Tours in Ketchikan, Alaska | Venture Ashore View many wonderful species of wildlife in their natural rainforest habitat on this mile-long guided trail walk, before touring a sawmill, viewing a bald eagle and exploring the on-site totem park. Sheldon Jackson Museum. When walking through downtown, be sure to stop by exhibits from a mock rainforest to interactive exhibits perfect for young and old alike. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. In Ketchikan, we booked the Lumberjack Show and did an Axe Throwing add on and had a blast at both. (Sadly, we didnt see any salmon when we went over, though). Your rewarding adventure ends with a delectable seafood feast. Is one town better for fishing/tours than the other? A number of short and well-maintained trails start from near the cruise ship terminal, making hiking one of the best things to do in Ketchikan on a day trip. No matter when you are planning to visit Ketchikan be prepared for the rain (heres a complete packing list)! Your guide will reveal the history and geology of the area while you just sit back and enjoy. Consult a ranger or go on a guided hike this 3-hour rainforest hike comes highly recommended, and also includes a stop at totem park (another one of the best things to do in Ketchikan). Full refund for cancellations 24+ hours in advance. So you can say it rains in Ketchikan. Embark on a fun-filled family adventure combining an exhilarting zipline tour and the action-packed Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. There are many, incredible, adventurous things to do in Ketchikan! Or also try one of the guided walking tours! Whether you are looking for adventurous tours like ziplining or ATV tours, Totem Poles in downtown that you can see on your own and a great collection of Native Alaskan art Then, get ready for rip-roarin' fun at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, which features chopping, buck sawing, axe throwing, log rolling and more! This 3 1/4-hour high-speed boat ride takes you on a search for black bears, eagles, seals, porpoise, sea lions, humpback and killer whales. This celebration of a bygone era is a rip-roaring good time. Excursions - Princess Cruises In this show, world-champion lumberjacks, wearing spiked boots and hard hats, compete in a number of traditional lumberjack games wielding axes, saws, gaffs, and chainsaws. Some tours also combine the totem park(s) with other notable attractions and activities in the area, such as a rainforest walk or a city tour. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. 4.7 (15) Join us for a spectacular Zodiac trip exploring part of Alaska's Inside Passage leaving from the dock of Ketchikan! Unfortunately, we had limited time and didnt have a chance to sit down for a proper meal in town. Explore the best tours of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Haines and the region's rugged wilderness with Alaska excursions from Shore Excursions Group. If you're taking an Alaska cruise, here are nine fantastic Ketchikan shore excursions to consider. Ketchikan Duck Tour! The Tongass National Forest offers ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and more. The Calling all photographers! Then, your small group gets a private lesson with the athletes and a chance to try your hand at axe throwing yourself! dresses, & memorabilia. There are dozens of additional hiking trails outside the downtown area, in the rainforest, & near the many lakes, & streams. Youll travel through the Tongass Narrows and surrounding waterways, stopping at Annette Island, the only Native reservation in the state, and Herring Bay, a hot spot for black bears with fish hatcheries just up the river. All of these areas are easy to walk to from the Cruise Ship docks and are identified on the Getting to Ketchikan via plane: Alaska Airlines offers daily nonstop flights to the international airports of Seattle and Juneau, as well as the Alaskan towns of Sitka and Wrangell. } This is a fun recreational outing for friends and family in a perfect setting - high in the lush green canopy of southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest. During the peak salmon spawning season there can be thousands of salmon in the water! Take the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Fishermen's Tour 4. Many visitors come to Ketchickan via cruise ship (chances are you found this post because you were looking for things to do in Ketchikan during your port stop) as part of an Inside Passage cruise. . Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Explore the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary on a walk of discovery and marvel at spawning salmon, black bears, bald eagles, an old saw mill and a totem pole park. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Traveling by boat, its also a great opportunity to take in the sights from the water, plus your fishing license and tag are included too. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop.