Cruise Port Guide · Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Ketchikan is at the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage and is often the first Alaska stop on a cruise. Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, it’s also home to colourful Creek Street and a large collection of totem poles.
Ketchikan at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Patty, Susan & Karie
“If you can, book a tour with a local Native guide. The culture and stories made our day!” – Patty
Our top picks in Ketchikan
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Salmon donuts at Jellyfish Donuts
Patty’s first stop in Ketchikan was the famous Jellyfish Donuts, known for their salmon donuts. Yes, salmon donuts! It’s a fun, only-in-Alaska treat and a great way to start your day in town. When in Alaska…
- Known for
- Salmon donuts
- Best time
- Early, before flavours sell out
- Good for
- A fun local treat
- Who went
- Patty
Rainbow Falls, totem poles and a Native guide
Patty’s group took a 3-hour tour with Wild Adventure Tour, with stops at Rainbow Falls and a Native village to explore the totem poles and learn what they mean. They got lucky and had a native of the land as their guide, and the culture and stories he shared made the tour well worth it.
- Company
- Wild Adventure Tour
- Length
- About 3 hours
- Stops
- Rainbow Falls and a Native village
- Highlight
- A local Native guide
Creek Street, salmon and a surprise seal
All three of our consultants made their way to Creek Street, the historic boardwalk lined with colourful buildings on stilts right along the creek. Patty ended her tour here, watching for seals and visiting Dolly’s House, one of the boardwalk’s best-known historic buildings.
- Cost
- Free to stroll
- From the ship
- Walkable
- Don’t miss
- Dolly’s House
- Look for
- Seals and salmon in the creek
Salmon and seals in Ketchikan Creek
When Susan visited, her timing couldn’t have been better. Ketchikan Creek was full of salmon swimming upstream against the current, and then she spotted a seal right in the creek too! Watching it all happen in the middle of town was amazing.
- Where
- Ketchikan Creek, by Creek Street
- Best time
- Late summer salmon season
- Cost
- Free
- Bring
- Your camera!
More ideas for your day in Ketchikan
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Fishing and wildlife toursKetchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, so fishing charters and wildlife tours are popular here, and the harbours are full of fishing boats. Keep your eyes open around town too: bald eagles are a common sight, perched in the trees and soaring over the water.
Rainforest walksKetchikan sits in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the US. Trails wind through towering, moss-covered trees, and even a short walk feels a world away from the busy cruise docks. Bring a rain jacket!
Misty FjordsMisty Fjords National Monument is one of Ketchikan’s most popular excursions, by floatplane or boat. Expect towering granite cliffs, waterfalls and mirror-calm fjords, and on a floatplane you may even land on a remote lake. Book early!
Know before you go
- Bring a rain jacket: Ketchikan is in a rainforest, so be ready for showers.
- Walk to Creek Street: it’s an easy walk from the cruise docks, so you don’t need a tour to see it.
- Book tours early: smaller tours with local guides can fill up fast.
- Bring your passport: Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports. Bring a passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Ketchikan FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is there to do in Ketchikan on a cruise?
Try a salmon donut at Jellyfish Donuts, take a tour to Rainbow Falls and a Native village with totem poles, walk Creek Street, visit Dolly’s House, and watch for salmon and seals in Ketchikan Creek.
Can you walk to Creek Street from the cruise ship?
Yes. Creek Street is an easy walk from the cruise docks in downtown Ketchikan.
When can you see salmon in Ketchikan?
Susan saw salmon swimming up Ketchikan Creek on her September sailing, and even spotted a seal in the creek.
What is a salmon donut?
A Ketchikan specialty at Jellyfish Donuts. Patty made it her first stop of the day!
Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver?
Yes. Alaska cruises visit U.S. ports, and Canadians must travel with a valid passport. We recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book an Alaska cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a travel consultant who has actually been to Alaska and can help you choose the right ship, itinerary and shore excursions.
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Tell us how you like to travel, and we’ll help you find the right ship, itinerary and excursions in Ketchikan.