7 Things to do in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a destination to the wild untamed side of the Alaskan landscape. If you are looking for things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska – or really just about anywhere else in the world – you've come to the right place.
1. Take a cruise through the Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is a series of waterways that run through southeastern Alaska and western British Columbia, connecting Prince William Sound and other bodies of water to northern Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia. The passage itself is actually named after its many islands, which are called “inside” because they're surrounded by water on all sides—there's no way to get “outside.”
There are many ways to experience this beautiful stretch of nature while visiting Ketchikan: you can rent a kayak or boat, or even just do some whale watching. But if you want to get really up close and personal with the wildlife, you should definitely take a cruise through the Inside Passage!
2. Visit the Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is a place to get away from the city and into nature. It's located in Ketchikan, Alaska, and is home to some of the most stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness.
In addition to its many hiking trails, the forest has several campgrounds where you can set up your tent or RV, and enjoy the peace and quiet of being surrounded by trees.
If you're looking for something more active than just sitting around, then you can participate in one of the many activities offered by the forest's rangers. These include guided hikes through different parts of the forest as well as guided canoe trips on nearby rivers and lakes.
If you're feeling more adventurous still, then try your hand at fishing or hunting for wild game such as deer or duck!
3. See sea lions at Saxman Village
In Ketchikan, there are a number of ways to see sea lions. The easiest way is to visit Saxman Village, where visitors can view the black-and-white animals from a boardwalk above the rocks below.
Saxman Village is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Located on Pelican Harbor and reached via a short walk from downtown Ketchikan, this park features plenty of room for picnics, walking trails and views of the mountains, water and wildlife on nearby islands.
Many visitors enjoy watching the sea lions at Saxman Village as they lounge on the rocks below. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. You can also watch traditional dances while visiting Saxman Village performed by their veteran dancers.
4. Go fishing in Misty Fjords Wilderness
One of the best things to do in Ketchikan is go fishing for salmon, trout and halibut. You can go salmon fishing at the mouth of the Ketchikan River or take a charter boat out into the Misty Fjords Wilderness. The Misty Fjords Wilderness is located on Revillagigedo Island which is about 12 miles from the town of Ketchikan.
The Misty Fjords Wilderness has some of the most spectacular scenery that you will ever see. The area has large glaciers that flow down from the North Pacific Rim Mountains into the ocean as well as several lakes that have been carved out by these glaciers over thousands of years. You can also see whales almost anytime during your trip through this wilderness area because they migrate through here every year during their annual migration cycle between Alaska and Mexico/California coastlines (depending on species).
5. Try some salmon and halibut at one of the many local restaurants
If you're in Alaska, then you're going to want to try out some of the more exotic foods that are available there. This is especially true if you've never been to Alaska before. One of the best places to find these foods is at the many restaurants in Ketchikan, which is located on Revillagigedo Island.
When you visit one you should definitely try their salmon. Salmon is one of the most common types of seafood eaten in Alaska and it's also one of the tastiest! You can find it in almost every restaurant there, so be sure to try some out when you get a chance!
You should also try Halibut, which is another popular type of seafood in Alaska, but it's not as commonly served up as salmon. However, if you want some good halibut then look no further than this island! There are several great places where you can get this delicious fish dish cooked up just right for your enjoyment!
6. Catch the ferry from downtown Ketchikan to Gravina Island daily
One of the most popular things to do in Ketchikan is catch the ferry from downtown Ketchikan to Gravina Island. The trip takes about 20 minutes and is a great way to get away from the crowds downtown.
The ferry departs from the dock next to the Totem Heritage Center and travels across Revillagigedo Channel, which separates Gravina Island from Ketchikan. The views are beautiful, especially if you ride on an early morning or late afternoon trip when you can see the sun setting over the water.
When you arrive at Gravina Island, you'll find a small town with several shops and restaurants. You can also walk around looking at the historical buildings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You'll find many different things to do in Ketchikan once you get there!
7. Visit Totem Bight State Park
First of all, the view. The park overlooks Ketchikan Harbor, with mountains in the background and ships coming in and out of port all day long. It's so beautiful!
Secondly, the wildlife! There are bears everywhere! They'll even stand up on their hind legs to get a better look at you if they're not used to being around people much.
The most important part is the totem poles! There are totem poles everywhere in this park, many of which are directly from Alaska Native tribes who live nearby. These totems tell stories about their culture as well as what they believe in (like animals).
So, if you're looking for some adventure while visiting Ketchikan, then you should definitely come there! You'll have lots of fun exploring everything that this park has to offer. It's also a great place for families because there are a lot of activities that kids will love doing while they're here!
We hope that this list has been useful to you when planning your trip to Ketchikan, whether it is for business or pleasure. The city has plenty of things to keep any tourist busy for a weekend, so be sure to leave enough time for each adventure. As long as you're conscious of what you're up against—the rain, the crowds, and so on—you should be able to find fun activities for everybody in the family.
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