Ketchikan is a historic fishing and logging town at the southern tip of the Inside Passage that offers a ton of things to see and do, making it a wonderful Alaskan vacation destination. The scenery is spectacular, with a picturesque harbor where salmon frequently leap out of the water, dense forests, waterfalls, lakes, and streams. The network of waterways wind through breathtaking landscapes that are ripe for paddling and boating, with opportunities to watch for abundant wildlife, including whales like orcas and humpbacks while bald eagles soar through the skies. One of the best ways to take it all in is to join a tour, and you’ll have many fabulous options, including these.
Misty Fjords Seaplane Tour
One of the top things to do while in Ketchikan is to visit the remote Misty Fjords National Monument. Just 22 miles away, accessed only by boat or by plane, it spans more than 2.3 million acres and is even more dramatic than the Grand Canyon with its thick rainforests, glacial valleys, rushing waterfalls, deep fjords, and sea cliffs. A guided seaplane tour is the best way to experience this roadless wilderness wonder. It will bring you into the heart of the park to marvel at untouched areas far from the tourist crowds and includes a water landing in a calm bay or an alpine lake. You’ll be able to watch for all sorts of wildlife, with harbor seals and mountain goats frequently spotted.
Whale Watching & Wildlife Viewing
If your goal is to see wildlife, particularly whales, Ketchikan is one of the best small towns in Alaska for wildlife viewing. Take this excursion with a locally owned, family-run company that knows all the best spots. You’ll travel through the Tongass Narrows and surrounding waterways, stopping at Annette Island, the only Native reservation in the state, and Herring Bay, a hot spot for black bears with fish hatcheries just up the river. See the unique lighthouse at Guard Island while keeping an eye out for frequently sighted whales and bald eagles, and stop in front of Totem Park to view the beautiful Totems from the water. Clover Pass is a popular area for whales and other wildlife, and George Inlet is where you’ll see waterfalls and possibly more wildlife too.
Salmon & Halibut Fishing
If you like to fish, you’ll love Ketchikan — the “Salmon Capital of the World.” It also brings the chance to hook halibut while out on one of the many guided fishing excursions available. You can fish the deep waters for Pacific halibut and four types of Alaskan salmon with your captain providing helpful tips and all your fishing gear is included too. Traveling by boat, it’s also a great opportunity to take in the sights from the water, plus your fishing license and tag are included too.
Rainforest Walk and Totem Park Tour
A family-friendly excursion, this tour will bring you on a guided walk through the rainforest that leads to a waterfall. You’ll stroll among the old-growth trees, moss-blanketed forest and alongside a creek before stopping at the waterfall viewing area. A local guide can point out the flora along the way, providing insight into how these resources were vital to the Alaska Natives. At Totem Park your local guide will share the stories behind the elaborately carved totem poles and you’ll learn about the local native culture inside of a Clan House too.
Ketchikan Kayak Eco-Tour
If you want to do some paddling, this small-group kayak eco-tour will take you out on the waterways through the islands of Clover Pass. You’ll be surrounded by magnificent scenery while watching for the native Alaskan wildlife where the Tongass National Forest meets the sea. It’s possible to spot everything from eagles’ nests and sea lions to migratory humpback whales. As it’s limited to a maximum of eight people, so you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience and more time to learn about the area from your expert guide.
Ketchikan Jeep and Canoe Safari
Discover hidden areas on land and water with this half-day Jeep and canoe safari. You’ll travel on back roads and through rainforest deep within Tongass National Forest, with commentary on local geology shared via two-way radios. Pass old-growth and new-growth woods, and stop to take advantage of spectacular photo-ops. After arriving at Lake Harriet Hunt, you’ll hop in a Native American-style canoe that stretches for 37 feet, making your way across the water. Once on the other side, it’s time for a guided nature hike through an old-growth forest. At the forest camp a tasty meal of clam chowder, smoked salmon and buttered rolls with local wild-berry jam will be enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
Duck Tour
You’ve probably heard about the “Duck,” a state-of-the-art amphibian vehicle that can travel on land and water. Originally started in 1946, today Duck tours can be found in many harbors, rivers and lake cities, including Ketchikan. The 90-minute tour will show you the sites, starting with the harbor, traveling through Tongass Narrows and then passing through the city of Ketchikan, with stops for capturing photos or just to marvel at all the beauty, including the famous totem poles. Your guide will reveal the history and geology of the area while you just sit back and enjoy.
Zodiac Wildlife Adventure
Hop aboard a Zodiac, a 14-foot inflatable boat that will bring you closer to some of the area’s most enchanting places — and you can even do the driving. You’ll follow your guide on a 2.5-hour ride through the inlets and estuaries before venturing out into the open water searching for whales, seals, sea lions and more. Bald eagles make frequent appearances, bringing many opportunities for outstanding photos. You might even spot some of the commercial crabbing vessels that were featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch.” High quality gear, snacks, beverages and transport from Ketchikan’s port are all included.
Photo Safari
If you’re hoping to take lots of photos on your Alaskan trip, this photo safari is a must. You’ll head out with a local expert and knowledgeable photographer to some of the top spots as well as some of the best hidden places few visitors get to see. You’ll be given tips on how to use your camera, how to frame the picture, what to concentrate on and how to best use Alaska as your photography subject. It includes fresh brewed coffee and fresh-baked cookies too.
Traitor Cove Bear Viewing
Available during the peak bear season from July 20 through September 30, this unforgettable tour will bring you to the bear viewing observatory at Traitors Cove by floatplane. You’ll discover the gorgeous waterways of the lush Tongass National Forest, heading across Revillagigedo Island to a US Forest Service maintained trail to reach the Margarete Creek Bear Viewing platform where bears can be seen plunging into the rushing water to retrieve their salmon. After the bears feed, watch the bald eagles swoop in to pick over the scraps. The 4.25-hour experience includes the flight, 30-minutes each way for a bird’s-eye view over the stunning landscapes, and three hours at the observatory with the other 15 minutes for pick-up and drop-off.
Taste of Ketchikan
Enjoy a food walking tour that includes a five-course tasting focused on Alaskan delicacies, including fresh local seafood like halibut, salmon, and crab paired with Alaskan beer and followed up by a homemade dessert. Your guide will tell you all about the area’s culinary delights and the local history as well. Those who’ve experienced this tour rave about the incredible offerings like smoked salmon chowder, fish and chips with three types of fish, plates piled high with crab and desserts like blueberry and rhubarb bread pudding. You definitely won’t finish this one hungry.
Fish Tales and Ales Historical Creek Street Walking Tour
A mix of history, stories of colorful events, and tasty brews are all included on this tour. You’ll follow your guide for a historical walking tour of Creek Street, a historic boardwalk and former Red Light District. In the summer months salmon gather here by the thousands to spawn upstream, while eagles, seals and otters are never far away, searching for their own feast. The tour begins with a round at the Shipwreck Bar, followed by a stroll to Creek Street and down to the docks to learn about the famous fishing fleet and see the boats and crews as they prepare for their next catch. Finish up at the infamous Potlatch Bar for more drinks and tales. As an added plus, your guide will play photographer ensuring all those memorable moments will be captured.
Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rain Forest Hike Ecotour
Want to see more of the rainforest with less effort? This tour is taken on electric bikes, traveling to the end of Ketchikan’s “road to nowhere” before hiking on a trail that winds by a waterfall, an active salmon-spawning stream and beach views, keeping an eye out for the native Alaskan wildlife along the way. On your return, a stop will be made along the shoreline to watch for the frequently sighted porpoises, seals and sea lions, and perhaps humpback whales, if you’re lucky. Light refreshments are provided too.
