Cruises from Ketchikan 2024

Due to its position at the southern end of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan is often referred to as Alaska’s “first city.” Ketchikan welcomes tourists from all around the world during the summer. It’s the starting point for most cruises to Alaska and the first place many tourists see when they arrive in the state. Two big harbors and several cruise ship piers are located in the central business district. There aren’t enough days in the week to see all of the amazing sights and experiences that are here for history buffs, nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and fans of Native American art.

Creek Street in Ketchikan

The town of Ketchikan is built along the edge of a steep hillside, with some areas of the town built directly over the water on pilings. Historic Creek Street, a boardwalk road constructed over Ketchikan Creek on pilings, is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Creek Street’s rustic boardwalk has been preserved to maintain the area’s historic character, but the town itself is bustling with new development to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Ketchikan’s Waterfront Promenade is the best place to take in the city’s sights, since it winds around the waterfront and features informative historical markers and whale-tail benches.

Native Alaskan culture

Ketchikan has something for everyone; whether you want to learn about Alaska’s indigenous peoples, Southeast Alaska’s early settlers, local art, go fishing, or explore the outdoors, you’ll have a fantastic time here. And no matter where you go or what you do, nature will always be there to greet you. Ketchikan is a must-see for any art lover with an appreciation for Native American culture due to its exceptional collection of totem poles. Ketchikan is said to have been named after the native term “Katch Kanna,” which means “spread wings of a roaring eagle.” This is a good way to describe Ketchikan, where bald eagles are often seen sitting on rocks near the water.

Ketchikan totem poles

Some of the oldest surviving totem poles can be found in Ketchikan, which also houses the world’s largest collection of them. The oldest ones are kept in climate-controlled isolation, while others are housed in private collections; however, you may see many of them all across town, in the Totem Heritage Center or in one of our beautiful totem parks.