Cruise port · United States · Alaska
Ketchikan cruise port guide
Ketchikan is often the first Alaska port on Inside Passage cruises, a rainy, colorful town known as the Salmon Capital of the World and home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Ships dock right downtown, and the highlights are historic Creek Street, totem parks, Misty Fjords floatplane flights and bear-viewing trips.
- Totem poles
- Floatplane tours
- Native culture
- Bear viewing
Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Alaska
- Type of stop
- Cruise port
- Language
- English.
- Currency
- U.S. dollar. Cards are widely accepted.
- Best time to visit
- June–August
- Average highs
- 37–66°F through the year
About Ketchikan
Ketchikan stretches along the waterfront of Revillagigedo Island, with houses on stilts, fishing boats and forested mountains rising behind. It has deep roots in Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian culture, a lively fishing industry and a reputation as one of the wettest towns in the United States.
A typical port day includes a walk along Creek Street, a boardwalk of colorful houses on pilings over a salmon stream that was once the town's red-light district, and a visit to a totem park such as Saxman or Totem Bight. Popular excursions include floatplane flights over Misty Fjords National Monument, bear watching in late summer and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.
Ketchikan suits culture lovers, families and anyone keen on Alaska's wildlife and scenery. Expect rain, and expect the downtown area to be busy when several ships are in port.
Where cruise ships dock in Ketchikan
Ships dock at berths along the downtown waterfront, so there's no tendering on most calls. Creek Street, the shops, the visitor center and the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show are within a 5 to 10 minute walk. A free downtown shuttle often runs along the waterfront and to nearby sights in summer. Saxman Native Village is about 2.5 miles (4 km) south, and Totem Bight State Historical Park about 10 miles (16 km) north, both reachable by taxi, local bus or tour. Floatplane tours leave from docks close to downtown.
Best things to do in Ketchikan on a cruise
- 1
Creek Street
history
This boardwalk of colorful houses on pilings over Ketchikan Creek was the town's red-light district until the 1950s. Today it's lined with shops, galleries and Dolly's House Museum, a former brothel. In late summer, look down to see salmon swimming upstream.
- 2
Misty Fjords National Monument
scenery
Floatplane flights soar over this wilderness of granite cliffs, waterfalls and fjords, often landing on a remote lake. Boat tours are an alternative for those who prefer not to fly. Both depend on the weather, which can limit views.
- 3
Saxman Native Village and Totem Park
culture
South of downtown, Saxman displays a large collection of totem poles, a clan house and a carving center, with cultural performances on many cruise days. It offers insight into Tlingit traditions.
- 4
Totem Bight State Historical Park
culture
North of town, this forested park has totem poles and a clan house set along a trail to the water. It's peaceful and scenic, about 20 minutes from downtown.
- 5
Bear viewing
wildlife
In mid to late summer, when salmon run, tours visit sites where black bears fish in streams. Some involve a floatplane flight to remote locations; sightings are likely but not guaranteed.
- 6
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
family
This lively, family-friendly show near the docks features log rolling, axe throwing and speed climbing, celebrating the region's logging history.
- 7
Totem Heritage Center
history
This center preserves original 19th-century totem poles retrieved from abandoned villages, offering a closer look at traditional carving. It's a short walk from Creek Street.
Ketchikan weather by month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 383 | 383 | 436 | 4910 | 5814 | 6217 | 6619 | 6619 | 6015 | 5111 | 426 | 373 |
| Low °F (°C) | 310 | 30-1 | 331 | 383 | 457 | 5010 | 5412 | 5513 | 5010 | 436 | 362 | 31-1 |
| Rain in (mm) | 11.8299 | 8.1206 | 7.5190 | 7.5191 | 5.2133 | 6.1156 | 6.2158 | 8.6218 | 10.2259 | 11.5292 | 12.7323 | 10.7272 |
| Daylight (hrs) | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 7 |
What to eat and drink in Ketchikan
As the Salmon Capital of the World, Ketchikan serves salmon in every form, from grilled fillets to smoked salmon and chowder. Halibut, crab and fish tacos are also popular. Look for local seafood shacks and cafés downtown, and try smoked salmon as a souvenir.
Tips for your port day
- Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes; Ketchikan gets a lot of rain.
- Book floatplane and bear-viewing tours early, and be prepared for weather cancellations.
- Use the free downtown shuttle when it's running to save time.
- Visit Creek Street early or late to avoid crowds.
- Check salmon run timing if seeing salmon or bears is a priority; late summer is best.
Cruise lines that visit Ketchikan
Often on the same itinerary
Ketchikan cruise FAQs
Can you walk from the Ketchikan cruise dock to town?
Yes. The cruise berths are right downtown, and Creek Street and the shops are a short walk away.
What is the best excursion in Ketchikan?
A floatplane flight over Misty Fjords National Monument is a highlight. Totem parks and bear viewing in late summer are also popular.
How rainy is Ketchikan?
Very. Ketchikan is one of the wettest towns in the United States, so bring a good rain jacket and expect showers.
Can you see bears in Ketchikan?
Yes, on tours in mid to late summer when salmon are running. Black bears fish in streams at several sites, some reached by floatplane.
Why is Ketchikan called the Salmon Capital of the World?
Because of its long history of salmon fishing and canning and the abundance of salmon in the surrounding waters.
Updated November 2026 by the BookMyDreamCruise editorial team. How we research and fact-check.
Sources: Wikipedia, Wikidata, NASA POWER climate data.