Port of Ketchikan cruise port guide

Port of Ketchikan — Ketchikan, United States.

Ketchikan is the first Alaska port on the Inside Passage northbound — a narrow, vertical city of colourful houses stacked up a rain-forested hillside, with the world's largest collection of standing totem poles and a Creek Street boardwalk that was once the red-light district. It earns its unofficial title of Salmon Capital of the World, and the rain gear is not optional.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Ketchikan?

Four cruise berths line the downtown waterfront on Tongass Avenue — all within a short, flat walk to the town centre and Creek Street. When all berths are occupied (common in summer), later arrivals anchor and tender in, dropping passengers at the same downtown dock. A free shuttle runs continuously between berths and the town, though most people just walk.

How do I get from the cruise port to town?

The whole downtown core is within 15 minutes on foot.

Getting around

Ketchikan's downtown is compact and very walkable. The city buses are wheelchair-accessible and run for $1, though most cruise-day sights are reachable on foot. For the outlying totem parks — Saxman Native Village (2 miles south) and Totem Bight State Park (10 miles north) — a taxi or guided tour is needed. Bear watching floatplane tours to Neets Bay depart from the waterfront.

Don't miss

• Creek Street boardwalk (1–1.5 hrs) — A wooden boardwalk built over Ketchikan Creek, lined with former brothels-turned-galleries and shops, and a salmon ladder where you can watch fish run in season (July–September). The most atmospheric street in Southeast Alaska.
• Totem poles at Saxman & Totem Bight (1.5–2 hrs each) — The world's largest collections of standing totems are here. Saxman Native Village (2 miles south) has guided cultural tours; Totem Bight State Park (10 miles north) is free and set in a forest clearing. Both require transport.
• Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (1.5 hrs) — A roughly one-hour show of authentic logging competition skills — tree climbing, axe throwing, log rolling — in a covered stadium near the pier. Runs in the cruise season (May to September). Cheesy but entertaining, and genuinely skilled.
• Bear watching by floatplane (3–4 hrs) — Neets Bay, 45 minutes by floatplane, has one of the best brown bear densities in Alaska. Late July through September for salmon season peak. Book ahead — weather cancellations are common.
• Misty Fjords by floatplane or boat (2.5–5 hrs) — The dramatic granite fjords of the Tongass National Forest, accessible by floatplane (45 min) or catamaran (4 hours). One of the most spectacular landscapes in Alaska.

Planning your day

The Creek Street walk, one totem site and a seafood lunch can fill 4–5 hours without any transport. If the weather is clear, a floatplane excursion to Misty Fjords or Neets Bay takes you somewhere that can't be replicated anywhere else in Alaska — book well ahead and check the weather forecast. The Lumberjack Show and a sit-down salmon lunch make a complete low-effort port day for those who want to stay close to the docks.

Food & drink

Ketchikan lives up to its salmon capital billing — wild king, coho and sockeye salmon are the stars, alongside Dungeness crab and fresh halibut. The Creek Street boardwalk has several waterfront dining options, and the town has a handful of genuinely good restaurants for a city its size.

Where to eat

• Alaska Fish House — Right on the waterfront near the pier — fresh salmon chowder, halibut, crab and local seafood in a casual, reliably good setting. A go-to for visitors who want proper Alaskan seafood close to the dock.
• Creek Street dining — Several cafés and restaurants on the historic boardwalk above the creek — atmospheric setting and generally good seafood. A good lunch spot while walking the historic district.
• Pioneer Café — A simple downtown diner popular with locals, with breakfast served all day plus burgers and fish and chips. Nothing flashy, big portions and fair prices by Alaskan standards.
• Salmon Landing Market — A waterfront shopping complex at Salmon Landing, a short walk from the docks, with gift shops, places to eat and smoked salmon to take home. Handy for souvenirs on a short port day.

Must try

• Alaskan king salmon — The centrepiece. Fresh wild king salmon in season (May–September) grilled, baked or smoked is a completely different experience from anything sold elsewhere. Don't leave without eating it.
• Dungeness crab — Sweet, fresh and everywhere. Steamed whole and eaten with butter — the way it should be. Ask at restaurants if it's local and in season.
• Smoked black cod (sablefish) — Black cod smoked over alder wood — buttery, rich and deeply flavourful. Found at the fish markets and some restaurants. Outstanding for bringing home vacuum-packed.
• Spot prawns — Caught locally in the Inside Passage, these are among the best prawns in North America — large, sweet and nothing like farmed shrimp. In season spring through early summer.

Know before you go

• 🗣️ Language — English.
• 📋 Documents — Standard US ship card and ID. No special requirements.
• 🛍️ Shopping & hours — Downtown Ketchikan shops open around 8–9am, close 6–9pm in cruise season. Best buys: authentic Tlingit and Haida art (check for hallmarks of authentic native work), smoked salmon, amethyst and local gemstones, and Rain Gear (you will need it). Creek Street galleries sell high-quality local art.
• 🌤️ Weather — Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America — 160 inches of rain per year. Expect rain on any visit and pack fully waterproof gear, including footwear. The forest is extraordinarily lush because of it.
• 📶 Connectivity — Good mobile and Wi-Fi coverage downtown.
• ♿ Accessibility — Downtown waterfront and Creek Street boardwalk are accessible. City buses are wheelchair-equipped. Totem Bight State Park has accessible paved paths. Some floatplane tours can accommodate limited mobility — ask operators.
• ⏱️ Getting back — All docks are right downtown — you're minutes from the ship. Floatplane tours return to the same waterfront dock. Note that weather can delay floatplane operations; reputable operators monitor this and will have contingencies.

Sources: whatsinport.com; ketchikan.com (local visitor bureau); alaskashoreexcursions.com