
![]()

![]()
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
Best glaciers
Famous Alaskan foods
Itinerary insights
Alaska
facts & tidbits
Packing
tips
Best cruise lines by category
22 cruise lines
- descriptions
Top 10 destinations
Cabin selection
Cruise costs
Booking advice
Shore excursions
Cruise pros & cons
Cruise dining insights
Family cruising tips
Cruise etiquette
Ship communications
Cruise industry - facts
More cruise tips/insights
Why the Silver Shadow is special
Top activities
Dining
Dinner menus
Crew photo gallery
Suite photo gallery
Deck plans
Other public spaces
Silver Shadow facts
More pointers

Alaska
Antarctica
Arctic
Baltic
Bermuda
Canada New England
Caribbean
Fjords of Norway
Galapagos
Hawaiian
Honeymoon
Luxury
Mediterranean
Mexican Riviera
Nile
Persian Gulf
Romantic
River cruises
South American
TransAtlantic
World
Yangtze
Site map
About my credentials & website
Reader testimonials
Email me your opinion


Best 3 Ketchikan
shore excursions
Alaska cruise

Floatplane sightseeingUnlike 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).
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.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack ShowAlthough 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.
Bear
viewing tourUnlike 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 PolesYou'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 tourDo it by road - or book a fly-in combined rainforest and hike tour.
MuseumsThe Southeast Alaska Discover Center and Dog Sled Mushing Museum have interesting exhibits.
ZiplineSoar through the tree tops as you sit in a harness attached to a hanging zipline.
Sea kayakingGet up close to wildlife and the undisturbed wilderness.
Salmon sport fishingIt's excellent in July and August.

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


![]()
![]()

sponsored ad

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights
WONDERS OF ... | WONDERS OF ... | CRUISE GUIDES | SAFARI GUIDES | WORLD'S TOP WONDERS |
| ||||
| OTHER TIPS & INSIGHTS | ||||
|
| |||
SPECIAL TOPICS | MORE | |||
| ||||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|