One of the most fun things to do when you are planning a cruise is to look at all of the shore excursions that are available at each of the ports of call. There is something for everyone – adventure, nature, food, fun – all for a PRICE. Some are worth it, some not so much. In this series I will tell you about our shore excursions – some booked through the cruise line and some exploring we did on our own. Our first – A do-it-yourself Ketchikan Shore Excursion.
4 Things To Do In Ketchikan
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Your Ketchikan Shore Excursion
Ketchikan is the southernmost city in Alaska and in the middle of the Tongass National Forest, which is part rainforest. You will likely have a little rain when you visit Ketchikan, so bring an umbrella and rainproof jacket. This is my favorite waterproof windbreaker because it folds up into a little zippered pocket – perfect to carry in your bag without a lot go bulk. When we got off the ship, it was drizzling a bit, but soon cleared off and we had a lovely morning.
We did not book a ship-sponsored shore excursion in Ketchikan. Instead, we did a little exploring on our own. As you get off the ship and make the short walk into town, there is a Visitor’s Centers with clean restrooms (always appreciated) and information on what to do in and around Ketchikan. Everything is this quaint little town is well marked, making it very easy to get around and find where you want to go.
As you walk around town, you will be struck with its natural beauty. The plants and foliage are lush.
If you like to shop, especially for jewelry, there are plenty of shops! We found this at every port in Alaska!
Totem Heritage Center
I was interested in experiencing some of the rich Native American history that is part of Ketchikan, which included seeing the Totem Poles. There are replicas of totem poles throughout Ketchikan. If you want to see “real” totem poles that aren’t replicas, visit the Totem Heritage Center that is operated by the City of Ketchikan. It is a short walk from downtown and has the world’s largest collection of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. Cost to get in: $5
[bctt tweet=”See largest collection of 19th Century unrestored totem poles-Totem Heritage Center-Ketchikan.” username=”MySideof50″]
Ketchikan Creek & Falls
Also a short walk from downtown, this salmon spawning ground is a site to behold.
Beautiful, clear water, green trees and flowers surround the creek and falls.
Annabelle’s Famous Keg & Chowder House
We arrived before 11:30 for an early lunch and had the most delicious clam chowder and Pub Style Halibut (beer battered & fried) that I have ever tasted. If chowder and seafood aren’t your thing, they have plenty of other choices – burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. As we were leaving a little after noon, there was a line out the door to get in. But I told the people in line that it was definitely worth the wait and I don’t say that about many places.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
This was recommended by several people. We elected not to go, but our friends who were traveling with us said it was quite entertaining. If you were taking a trip with kids, this would be a must see. If you book this show through the cruise line, it costs a bit more, but this covers your bus ride to the show, which you’ll want to take. So book it through the cruise line.
Ketchikan was our first taste of Alaska. Beautiful town and a lovely introduction to this great state!
Next up: Favorite Shore Excursions from Skagaway.
Going on an Alaskan Cruise and don’t know what to pack? Get my Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Packing list – based on what I took (way too much) and what I actually wore! Get it here.
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Beautiful photography. You obviously had a wonderful time.
Thanks, Mary. I am just now learning how to use my camera. It was great practice! I took LOTS of pictures!
Alaska is definitely on my bucket list and your pictures convince me even more! Great post! Thanks!
Glad to hear it! You won’t regret it. It is so lovely!
What a beautiful place Alaska is! I loved our cruise there years ago and want to return in the future.
So glad you were able to go! I think it should be on everyone’s list!
You shared so many great ideas about things to do. I enjoyed seeing that part of the world through your eyes and your photos.
Thanks you Janeane! More posts to come! It was such a lovely trip!
Great ideas! I haven’t made it to Alaska yet, but it is on my list. I usually prefer to explore on my own.
We did a couple of excursions on our own and a couple through the ship. The White Pass Railway tour through the ship was definitely worth it. I will be posting on it! Put Alaska on your bucket list!
We’re just beginning to explored Alaska and Ketchikan is definitely on our short list now – so beautiful!
It’s a small town, but lovely. I know you’ll enjoy it. I loved Alaska! Can’t wait to read YOUR posts about it!
Katie went on this Alaska cruise with a friend and her parents last summer. They went to the Lumberjack Show and got a great photo where these two brawny lumberjacks picked the girls up (I’ll try to share the photo via Facebook if I can figure out how to do it). Smiles all the way around! I think they booked this through the cruise line. And, you ask, how is it that your daughter gets to do these fun things, and you don’t? Just call me “martyr mom” 😉 No, actually, Katie has gone on a couple of trips with… Read more »
So glad she got to do this. It is just a wonderful trip. Stunning scenery every day. You’ll need to put that on your bucket list. Thanks for posting the girls at the Lumberjack Show. Our friends said it was really fun!
This brings back memories – we visited Ketchikan years ago on our Alaska cruise – and loved all the activities. Like you, we got some rain, and then it cleared.
Lovely little town. We had a great day there. Loved our whole cruise!
In 1988, my husband and I took a cruise and we did a couple of your “fun things” rather than take an excursion (the one excursion we took was in Skagway – it was all we could afford). It was certainly fun and unforgettable. We loved just walking around, and visiting the Totem Heritage Center. Thank you for the memories.
This brings back fond memories – we visited Ketchikan years ago with our children and loved every experience there!
what a gorgeous place – it reminds me of Albany – which is down the bottom of Western Australia – cold and close to the water but really beautiful and friendly too.
Sounds lovely, Leanne! I would love to visit Australia some day!
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This could not have come at a better time. We’re leaving for Alaska next week! First stop Ketchikan
All of a sudden we are considering Alaska, so I can’t wait to read about all your adventures as you go along. Ketchikan sounds like an easy place to arrange your own adventure.
Yes, Ketchican was easy to do on your own. I have some future posts planned highlighting excursions that we DID book through the cruise line that were totally worth it!
What an amazing trip. I love your photos, they are so vivid that we feel we are there with you!
Thank you, Estelle. I am just learning to use a “real” camera, as opposed to my iPhone. I had lots to practice on in Alaska!
I would love to see Alaska!
You had much better weather than we did when we were there. We didn’t book an excursion in Ketchkan. We walked around and shopped a little, and took lots of photos; but it was cold and rainy.
Hi Cathy,
Great photos. I use many of my trip photos to accompany my blog posts. Did you know I’ve cruised to Alaska eight times? I want to go again! I didn’t get to see the bears.
Thanks for bringing your post to the Blogger’s Pit Stop last week.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
You should blog on cruises (in your spare time). Saw the pics of your recent cruise on FB today – fabulous!
I think you have the topic for your next blog, Janice – Cruising!
I’m really enjoying the vicarious travel to Alaska! Sounds like it was a trip of a lifetime. I love hearing about local restaurants and food specialties and things to do in each area. And your photos are the best, I really feel like I am standing right there with you!
Thanks, Nikki. Slowly learning how to use my “real” camera!
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I won’t be able to go to Alaska anytime soon, but it’s nice to look at your photos and dream.
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Alaska is just gorgeous. We keep meaning to go back. Maybe this inspired us!
Carol, the friends we travelled with loved it so much, they’ve booked another Alaskan cruise for next year!
To be honest, I have never really thought about what a trip of to Alaska would include besides a lot of outdoor activity (in the summer!). This looks like a great stop – and I love making my own excursions around new places. Great ideas!
Tom – I was surprised at the variety of things to do at all of our stops. You would love it. Alaska is a beautiful place.
Alaska is on my list of places I’d like to see. I’ll keep this for reference, thanks!
Sharon – I hope you get to go. It is so beautiful. It was a wonderful trip!
We are hoping to do our Alaskan trip next year Cathy and I loved your Shore Excursion review of Ketchikan. Thanks for sharing with us at #BloggersPitStop and have a great weekend.
Hi Cathy, my boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Ketchikan in April. What Alaska cruise do you recommend?
We took Celebrity out of Seattle. But at all our stops, all the cruise lines were there, so you’ll see the same things no matter which line you take. Celebrity was very nice. Here are my other Alaskan Cruise Posts: Juneau – https://mysideof50.com/juneau-alaska-shore-excursion/ White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Tour https://mysideof50.com/white-pass-yukon-route-railway/ What to Pack https://mysideof50.com/packing-alaskan-cruise/ Butchart Gardens https://mysideof50.com/visit-beautiful-butchart-gardens/
Planning a cruise in August of 2019. This is such great information! Thanks so much!!!
Yea! So glad you found it helpful, Tanya! You are going to have such a wonderful time!