Ketchikan's best
shore excursions

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Floatplane sightseeing

Unlike a helicopter, a floatplane can land in a remote lake or fjord, turn of its engine, and let you sense nature's intense silence and solitude. They travel to various destinations. By far the best is to Misty Fjord (which is also reachable by boat tours). The area is blessed with sheer mountain cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful lakes.

Ketchikan has over a half-dozen floatplane tour operators (but no helicopter services). The best by consensus is Taquan Air (click link to visit its website).

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Creek Street

This former red-light district today hosts boutiques, galleries and eateries luring tourists strolling along the boardwalk. The buildings are built over the narrow Ketchikan Creek on pilings. During the mid-summer salmon runs, you can see salmon flipping their way upstream to spawn.

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Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Although the show is a bit hokey, there's no denying that the championship-caliber lumberjacks put on a crowd-pleasing contest in log rolling, pole climbing, and ax throwing. The show's script generates laughter, the lumberjacks' skills, applause.

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Ketchikan runners-up

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Bear viewing tour

Unlike in a zoo, bears do not appear on cue. Your chances of seeing them in their wild habitat is best from late July through early September. Keep in mind my bear-viewing rule of thumb: "When salmon are gone, bears are gone."

Totem Poles

You'll find a wide assortment of totem poles in and around Ketchikan. The three best spots are the Totem Heritage Center, Totem Bight, and Saxman Totem Park. The first is in town, the others are beyond. Each offers Native Indian culture arts, crafts and presentations.

Rainforest tour

Do it by road - or book a fly-in combined rainforest and hike tour.

Museums

The Southeast Alaska Discover Center and Dog Sled Mushing Museum have interesting exhibits.

Zipline

Soar through the tree tops as you sit in a harness attached to a hanging zipline.

Sea kayaking

Get up close to wildlife and the undisturbed wilderness.

Salmon sport fishing

It's excellent in July and August.

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Best cruise ships by category
Best 4 Alaska cruise ports to visit
Best shore excursions - overview
Helicopter tours - Ranks #1
Floatplane tours - Ranks #2
Best 3 Juneau shore excursions
Best 3 Ketchikan shore excursions
Best 3 Sitka shore excursions
Best 3 Skagway shore excursions
Denali National Park
Goldstar Dome railroad ride
More pre- and post-cruise options

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World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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Ketchikan Visitors Bureau

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