When cruise ships dock downtown, there is plenty to see as you walk off the ship. You might be surprised by the abundance of jewelry stores, souvenir and T-shirt shops that greet you, but not much further you’ll find the charm of Ketchikan. We’ll give you all the details, from must-see sights to the most amazing seafood chowder and one-of-a-kind fish and chips. These are within walking distance from the port and will fit every budget. If you didn’t pack well for your Alaskan cruise, Tongass Trading Company has everything you need, from the perfect XtraTuff pair of boots everyone wears in Alaska to quality brand-name rain gear, fleece layers, and the best souvenirs. It’s only a few blocks away.

Early Spring on Creek Street

If you’re sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’ll be taking a shuttle bus downtown. For the cruise lines that dock downtown, once you disembark, head towards Front Street until you reach Mill Street, and then turn onto Main Street. There, you will find various tourist shops and excellent restaurants such as the Alaska Fish House. This restaurant is known for its amazing salmon chowder and the best fish & chips. During our last visit, we tried the trio sampler, which offered a taste of fresh, local Halibut, Salmon, and Cod. 

Thomas Basin Harbor

This is a great time to do some shopping or check out the Alaska Discovery Center. The entry fee is $5, and it gives you a chance to learn about the history and culture. One of my favorite areas is walking over the Ketchikan Creek Bridge which offers great views of Thomas Basin and Viewing Platform. You'll likely see sea lions and salmon swimming around. Across the bridge, you'll find Alaska's oldest cafe, The New York Cafe. I always make sure to have their seafood chowder every time we visit.

Thomas Basin Harbor Sunset

After seeing Thomas Basin and walking back across the bridge, it’s a great time to walk along historic Creek Street. This boardwalk, built on stilts, is filled with stories and charm. Once the red light district of Ketchikan, it now offers many places to explore or take a guided tour for a fee. One of the most famous attractions here is Dolly’s House. 

Night View of Dolly's House, Creek Street, and the Ketchikan Creek Bridge

To add some excitement to your day, take a ride on the tram to the Cape Fox Lodge. The ride is free, and you can visit a beautiful hotel with a fantastic restaurant that offers views of downtown, the harbor, and surrounding islands. In front of the hotel, there is Totem Pole Park, a quiet area with authentic totem poles and beautiful gardens. Inside, there’s a unique gift shop that's worth visiting, especially if you want to avoid the crowds downtown.

Cape Fox Lodge Lit Above Creek Street

An alternative to taking the vernacular is to hike uphill to The Cape Fox taking the Married Man’s Trail, or walk down the trail if you take the vernacular up. The trail is named for the route that connects homes to the red light district, and was a way for the married men to sneak down to the ‘entertainment’. It now has wooden stairs and a railing, offering a fun climb, or descent, with views of downtown while surrounded by a dense rainforest atmosphere with the thick trees that surround the trail.

Married Man's Trail

Going further up the hill less than a mile from The Cape Fox you’ll reach City Park. Another location that’s less crowded and has great views over town and the perfect southeast Alaska feel. This open space has picnic tables and garden flowers and with Ketchikan Creek running through it, you will likely see wild salmon in the summer. 

Hiking Trail in Ketchikan

As you head back from Creek Street, whether you're coming down the tram or stayed on Creek Street, cross over the water to reach the Tongass Historical Museum. You can learn more about the history of the island there, or continue straight onto Mission Street. Make a stop at Crazy Wolf Studio, a local Native American Arts Studio that offers authentic Ketchikan art, unlike anything you'll find near the tourist shops. As you walk towards your cruise dock, two places worth visiting are the 108 Tap House & Burger Bar and the Uncharted Alaska Distillery.

Ketchikan Harbor - Evening Light

As you head back from Creek Street, whether you're coming down the tram or stayed on Creek Street, cross over the water to reach the Tongass Historical Museum. You can learn more about the history of the island there, or continue straight onto Mission Street. Make a stop at Crazy Wolf Studio, a local Native American Arts Studio that offers authentic Ketchikan art, unlike anything you'll find near the tourist shops. As you walk towards your cruise dock, two places worth visiting are the 108 Tap House & Burger Bar and the Uncharted Alaska Distillery.

Some Highlights From A Day's Walk 

Ketchikan Float Planes