Unique things to do in Ketchikan, AK

🌊 Arriving in Ketchikan: A Lively Port Town

Our ship anchored in the harbor, as larger vessels had already claimed the main dock space. Shortly after arrival, we headed ashore and spent a few minutes exploring the downtown port area while waiting for our transportation.

The waterfront had a true Alaskan frontier feel—wooden buildings, fishing boats, souvenir shops, and mountain backdrops in every direction. A massive cruise ship docked nearby dwarfed everything else, highlighting the contrast between large-ship and small-ship cruising..

We took photos, joked around, and soaked in the atmosphere before our adventure began.

🎯 Our Excursion Choices

For this port, we split into two groups:

• Gary and I chose a ziplining and sky bridge adventure booked through Viator
• Bob and Mary selected a Native cultural experience in Saxman Village

Both excursions offered completely different perspectives on Ketchikan—and both became unforgettable highlights.

🌲 Ziplining in the Tongass National Forest

After a short van ride into the hills, we arrived at an adventure park nestled within the lush rainforest of the Tongass National Forest.

Surrounded by towering trees and dense greenery, the setting alone was impressive. After signing waivers and getting fitted with safety gear, we completed a training course and safety briefing before beginning our first full zipline run.

Knowledgeable Guides and Forest Insights

Our guides were a college-age couple spending the summer in Alaska—one studying environmental science and the other botany. Not only were they professional and encouraging, but they also shared fascinating information about local plants, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the day.

Their enthusiasm and knowledge added depth to the experience.

Soaring Through the Canopy

After our first major zipline, we navigated an aerial ropes course featuring suspended bridges, ropes, and platforms wrapped around massive trees.

From there, we soared through the forest on nearly ten individual zipline segments. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, temperatures hovered around a perfect 70 degrees, and the scenery felt straight out of a nature documentary.

The final zipline carried us down toward a platform built over the water. From above, we could see fish swimming below and were told to watch for whales, which often feed in the bay.

🎉 Age Is Not a Factor

One of the best parts of this excursion was the mix of ages in our group. About half were over 60, and half were under 30—but everyone had an equally fantastic time.

There was laughter echoing through the trees as people zipped overhead, and friendships formed quickly. While no special skills were required, participants did need reasonable mobility, as there were stairs and forest paths to navigate.

Afterward, we visited the gift shop, grabbed water, and boarded the van back to town to meet Bob and Mary.

🪶 The Saxman Cultural Experience

While Gary and I were in the rainforest, Bob and Mary visited the Saxman Cultural Center, located in the Native village of Saxman.

This community is home to Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian residents and features:

• A cultural center
• A carving shed
• A school and church
• Totem Park with over 25 hand-carved poles

Each totem tells a story and represents family history, legends, and spiritual beliefs. Master carvers often spend months crafting these works, many of which are commissioned worldwide.

Hands-On Cultural Learning

Bob and Mary began their visit in the crafts shed, where guides explained traditional symbols and design elements. They were each given wooden icons to paint—similar to oversized ornaments—which made the experience interactive and memorable.Next, they explored Totem Park and learned the meaning behind the towering carvings.

Masters at Work

They then visited the carving shed, where two master carvers were working on commissioned poles. Watching these artists shape massive logs into detailed storytelling pieces was both fascinating and humbling.

Salmon Chowder and Storytelling

Inside the cultural center, a Native woman demonstrated how to prepare traditional salmon chowder, which Bob and Mary described as delicious and comforting.

The Legendary Dance Moment

The highlight—perhaps most memorable for our family—came during the traditional dance performance.

When volunteers were requested, Bob (who rarely dances) stepped forward. Dressed in traditional robes and blankets, he learned and performed part of the dance on stage.

Mary captured the moment on video. It has since become both treasured and teased family footage.

Think The Proposal movie scene—Bob-style.

🛍️ Exploring Historic Creek Street

After reuniting, we enjoyed lunch near the pier before Bob returned to the ship. The rest of us continued exploring, following signs toward Creek Street.

Once Ketchikan’s red-light district, Creek Street is now a charming boardwalk lined with:

• Local shops
• Art galleries
• Cafés and restaurants
• Dolly’s House Museum
• Totem poles

The boardwalk runs along Ketchikan Creek, where thousands of salmon swim upstream in early summer.

In hindsight, Creek Street would have been a perfect lunch spot, and we wished we had spent more time here.

⭐ Summary: Why Ketchikan Is a Must-Visit Port

Ketchikan offers one of the most diverse port experiences in Alaska—combining rainforest adventure, Native culture, historic districts, and coastal charm.

Highlights from our visit included:

• Ziplining in the Tongass rainforest
• Immersive cultural learning in Saxman Village
• Exploring Creek Street
• Friendly local atmosphere
• Scenic waterfront views

Because cruise stops are limited in time, advance planning is essential. In addition to ship excursions, we found that booking independently through platforms like Viator can offer more variety and competitive pricing.

With thoughtful preparation—similar to our approach to making the most of every port—Ketchikan becomes far more than just a quick stop.

It’s a destination worth savoring.