7 Incredible Experiences to Enjoy in Ketchikan

Amid the hustle and bustle of the modern world, some places still evoke wonder and ignite the imagination with their expansive vistas and stunning landscapes. Alaska is one of those rare destinations, and the Port of Ketchikan eagerly awaits your visit during your cruise vacation.

With its breathtaking glacier-carved mountain passes, thriving wilderness rich with wildlife, and a vibrant local culture, Ketchikan offers attractions as plentiful as the salmon swimming in its waters and the eagles soaring above. Whether you're enjoying a family cruise or a romantic getaway in the Last Frontier, your Alaskan adventure will be filled with activities in Ketchikan. Here are some thrilling excursions to spark your wanderlust.

1. Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition

While Alaska is stunning from the ground, just picture the breathtaking views as you glide through the lush tree canopy on seven zip lines and three soaring suspended bridges. For thrill-seekers, the Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise to Ketchikan.

If time allows after a couple of exhilarating hours of zip-lining, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a garden filled with totem poles and observe a skilled artisan creating a new piece. Blending adventure with a taste of local culture, the Canopy Adventure & Wildlife Expedition will undoubtedly become a favorite story to share when you return home.

2. Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour

You’ve seen their lives portrayed on TV and imagined the thrill of being a crab fisherman on the Bering Sea. Now, it’s your chance to experience it firsthand on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour. Thankfully, you’ll skip the dramatic waters of the show and navigate the calm, sheltered waters aboard a boat featured on the program.

From your front-row seat, you'll witness the deckhands as they skillfully set and haul in massive crab pots, hoping to catch a bounty of king crab to meet their quotas. Throughout this unique experience, you'll hear captivating and often intense stories of life at sea while engaging with the crew and taking an active role in the adventure.

3. Adventure Kart Expedition

For those who prefer to stay on land, the Adventure Kart Expedition offers an exciting chance to take control of an off-road kart and explore the stunning Alaskan backcountry. You’ll navigate winding mountain trails, meander through lush forests, and tackle a custom obstacle course to put your off-roading abilities to the test.

Your journey will eventually lead you to a scenic overlook that rewards you with spectacular views of the Tongass National Forest and the renowned Inside Passage of Alaska. As these adventures can build up an appetite, snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the trip.

4. Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer

For those who love exploration, the seasonal Tracy Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer excursion is an ideal choice. Aboard a luxurious catamaran, you’ll glide through the renowned fjord while a naturalist shares insights about the unique Sawyer Glaciers and the ecosystem, detailing how this breathtaking landscape was shaped over millions of years. With some luck, you might witness the awe-inspiring “white thunder” as massive chunks of ice calve from the glaciers and crash into the sea below.

5. Exclusive Flightseeing & Crab Feed

In the vast, open expanse of Alaska, there are many secluded retreats hidden deep in the wilderness. The exclusive Flightseeing & Crab Feed excursion offers you a unique chance to visit one such location—a charming cabin perched on the shores of a remote inlet—where you can indulge in the finest Alaskan cuisine.

After a thrilling thirty-minute flight in one of Alaska’s iconic float planes, you’ll arrive at the secluded cabin, where you’ll savor Dungeness Crab caught fresh from the local waters. While you enjoy your meal, captivating stories about Alaskan life and the region’s rich history will keep you entertained. Following your meal, a narrated coach ride back to the port will delight you with wildlife sightings and even more tales from the Land of the Midnight Sun.

6. Neet’s Bay Bear Watch Expedition

Think about what Alaska represents to you, and we’re certain that wildlife will rank high on your list. Specifically, the majestic black bears of the region evoke images of untamed frontiers, rugged terrain, and the awe-inspiring artistry of Mother Nature herself.

The Neet’s Bay Bear Watch Expedition offers a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of these majestic creatures. Led by a knowledgeable naturalist guide, you'll take a short float plane ride followed by a hike to a secure observation point. Here, you’ll discover fascinating insights into the black bear's habits, their crucial role in the ecosystem, and may even spot some deer, eagles, and seals during your adventure.

7. Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Being surrounded by breathtaking landscapes doesn't mean you can't have a blast! If you're looking to enjoy an afternoon filled with laughter and excitement in Ketchikan, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is hard to surpass.

Transport yourself to the early 20th century as authentic lumberjacks perform songs, share tales, and showcase their remarkable skills. You'll be amazed by what can be achieved with just an axe and saw. With seats so close you can smell the sawdust in the air and unique souvenirs available, we assure you that the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show will provide plenty of stories to share for years to come.

While the stunning images of Alaska capture its beauty, they barely scratch the surface of the experience of zipping through the treetops, observing black bears in their natural environment, or exploring the Alaskan wilderness firsthand. Fortunately, there’s no better time than now to embark on a cruise to Alaska and begin transforming those dreams into reality. The Last Frontier is ready to welcome you.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may differ by ship and destination.