Non-Touristy Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska
Off the beaten path experiences recommended by locals
Step away from the downtown cruise ship docks and Ketchikan is as non-touristy as it gets. Alaska’s First City is a bustling center of maritime commerce. While Ketchikan is a popular cruise ship port, commercial fishing is still an important part of Ketchikan’s economy, and the town is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town hosts the headquarters for the Alaska Marine Highway System, the state ferries and a large shipyard that services Bering Sea crab boats, research ships, barges, and other large vessels. Ketchikan makes its living from the sea.
Below are some non-touristy activities you can do while visiting Ketchikan. Okay, so some of these are a little bit touristy, but it’s not like you came all this way to pick up some groceries and take your car to a local garage for an oil change. That being said, these are some things we would recommend to family or friends visiting from out of town.
Maritime Heritage
Visit Thomas Basin Boat Harbor
Thomas Basin is located next to the Berth 1 cruise ship docks. Home to commercial fishing vessels such as seiners, long liners, and trollers, it also hosts the Ketchikan Yacht Club. Dredged in the 1930s, it was once a tidal flat where the town’s people played baseball at low tide. Be mindful that this is a working harbor and the fishermen are not there for entertainment purposes.
Do the Salmon Walk
Ketchikan is built on salmon. For thousands of years people have fished for salmon as they returned from the ocean. The Salmon Walk is a series of interpretive signs that starts in Thomas Basin (or anywhere along the loop) and follows the life journey of salmon up-river. The walk leaves touristy downtown and heads into Ketchikan’s residential neighborhoods. It ends at City Park and the Totem Heritage Center.
Culture and History
Totem Heritage Center
This is a cultural heritage center focused on Ketchikan’s Indigenous culture. It houses a collection of totem poles collected from the villages of Old Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island and the Tlingit village on Tongass Island, as well as baskets, regalia, and other artwork. The center’s mission is to preserve and grow Tsimshian, Haida, and Tlingit culture. The center has a Native Arts Studies program and offers certificates in basketry, carving, and regalia making.
Main Street Gallery
Operated by the Ketchikan Arts and Humanities Council, this gallery showcases the works of local artists both professional and amateur.
Walking Tour Map
Walking Tour Map – Historic Ketchikan published a walking tour map showcasing historical buildings and sites. Copies of the map can be picked up at the Ketchikan Daily News located at the intersection of Dock and Bawden streets.
Nature and Wildlife
Go Hiking
Ketchikan has many wonderful hiking trails both easy and challenging. The US Forest Service publishes a local trail guide. You can check out a SPOT locator beacon at the Visitor’s Center or the Ketchikan library courtesy of Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad. Remember to pack water, extra clothes, and a first aid kit as this is wild Alaska and the weather changes quickly.
Go Birding
Ketchikan has some excellent birdwatching. With over 280 species recorded, both novice and experienced birders will see why Ketchikan has earned a place on Audubon Alaska’s SE birding trail.
Explore by Small Boat
When locals have friends or family visit, we take them out in a small boat to show them the best of where we live. We designed our Alaska Ocean Wilderness Expedition to bring this experience to cruise visitors. This is a small group experience that gets you away from the crowds and out into the wilds of real Alaska. Obligatory plug for our small business as follows:
Want to get a true taste of our rainforest island lifestyle by exploring the surrounding waters with some knowledgeable locals? Learn about marine ecosystems and their relationship to life here in the Tongass? Want to truly experience nature in an adventurous way, using the same Zodiac boats used by scientists and Antarctic expedition cruises? Give back by participating in citizen science projects? Join us and see why we call this beautiful place home!
This 2.5 hour experience is perfect for birders, wildlife enthusiasts, and ocean lovers. Feel good knowing part of your ticket price goes to Alaska based conservation organizations through our membership with 1% for the Planet. Book today.