Thank you for your interest in visiting Ketchikan.
If this is your first time visiting, you may have a variety of questions regarding your trip. We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist you.
Please click here for access to our complete FAQ page
Visiting Ketchikan on a Cruise Ship
Cruise ships dock in one of two main locations in Ketchikan: downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove, which is approximately 5.5 miles from downtown.
The downtown area has five potential docking locations: Piers 1 through 4, and Doyon Landing, which typically accommodates smaller overnight ships. Ward Cove has a single pier that allows docking on both sides.
You may determine your ship's specific docking location by consulting our Cruise Ship Calendar. Please be aware that last-minute changes to the schedule sometimes occur.
We are pleased to offer a variety of activities for you to enjoy during your time in port.
Ketchikan provides options for every interest, including:
Guided Tours and Independent Exploration: Choose from structured experiences or explore the area at your own pace.
Outdoor Activities: For those seeking adventure, there are a variety of trails available for exploration.
Shopping: A wide selection of shops is available for those interested in retail therapy.
Cultural Attractions: Several museums are located in town for visitors interested in local history and culture.
Tours
We are pleased to offer a wide variety of tours in Ketchikan. There are several convenient methods for booking your excursion:
1. Direct Booking: You may book directly through the tour company’s website in advance.
2. Cruise Excursion: You can book an organized excursion through your ship.
3. Last-Minute Booking: Tours may be booked on the day of your visit at the Visitors Center on Berth 2 or at any of our kiosks located on the docks.
To help you choose, please consider the type of experience you are seeking. We offer both adventure and sightseeing options, and tours are available by air, water, and land. We also have excellent fishing opportunities.
Alternatively, you can explore Ketchikan independently using a self-guided walking tour or by renting a car to access areas less accessible by foot or public transit.
Ketchikan offers a wide variety of shopping experiences, catering to many interests.
Our retail offerings include jewelry shops, specialty shops, and artistic venues. For those who enjoy crafting, there are several shops that sell materials for you to create your own souvenir.
If you prefer locally made items, we have a diverse selection of shops providing merchandise made in Alaska and/or Ketchikan. Shopping is conveniently located around each cruise ship pier, as well as downtown and in the Creek Street area.
You’ll find historic maps, antiques, and other uniquely Alaskan goods.
Museums and Culture
Ketchikan offers a rich variety of museums and cultural experiences. The city is renowned for its vibrant art and culture scene.
Whether your visit spans four or eight hours, we encourage you to dedicate time to experience at least one of our cultural attractions to fully appreciate our wonderful town.
Ketchikan is not a sprawling metropolis—far from it! So even if you have just a short time to explore, you can still leave with a sense that you’ve experienced a true slice of life here in Southeast Alaska!
