Can You Visit Ketchikan, Alaska? – All You Need to Know about this Popular Tourist Destination

Ketchikan, Alaska, is a popular tourist destination for people from around the world. It is the largest city in Alaska’s Inside Passage and is known for its abundant wildlife, towering totems, rugged scenery, and outdoor activities. People flock to Ketchikan each year to experience its incredible beauty and adventure. But is it possible to visit? The answer is definitely yes! Ketchikan is open to travelers year round and there are many options for getting there and things to do once you arrive. In this guide, we will give you all the information you need about Ketchikan and help you plan for your own visit.

Where is Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is situated on an island on the southwestern coast of Alaska, in the Tongass National Forest. The city lies at the northern end of the Inside Passage, which is a network of waterways that runs through parts of British Columbia, Alaska, and Washington. It is the southernmost city in Alaska and has a milder climate than other Alaskan cities due to its coastal location.

How to Get to Ketchikan

Getting to Ketchikan is relatively easy as there are many options available.

By Air

The easiest way to get to Ketchikan is by air. The city’s airport, Ketchikan International Airport ( KTN), is served by Alaska Airlines and several other regional carriers. Flights from mainland US cities such as Seattle, Washington, can take up to 4 hours one way but flight times may vary depending on where you are traveling from.

By Boat

If you’re looking for a unique way to reach Ketchikan, you can try taking an “Inside Passage” cruise. This can be a great way to tour the region and take in the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Cruise ships depart from cities such as Vancouver, Seattle, or Anchorage and travel north through the narrow channels of Southeast Alaska. The journey takes several days and Port Ketchikan is usually the first stop on many cruises.

By Ferry

Finally, if you’re looking for an economical way to reach Ketchikan, you can try taking the Alaska Marine Highway. This ferry system connects cities along the Inside Passage, as well as ports in Washington State and Canada. Ferry trips can take up to 15 hours one-way but are much more affordable than flights or cruises. Plus, you can bring your car onboard!

What to Do in Ketchikan

Once you arrive in Ketchikan, there’s no shortage of things to do. The city is known for its abundance of wildlife, which includes eagles, sea lions, whales, and more. There are also many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and whale watching.

Explore Totem Poles

Totem poles are an iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest Coast and there are several great spots in Ketchikan to explore these fascinating carvings. Totem Bight State Historical Park features a series of hand-crafted poles featuring traditional Native American stories and designs. Another popular spot is Saxman Native Village, where you can view 27 authentic totem poles and experience traditional Tlingit culture.

Visit Creek Street

Creek Street is one of the most iconic destinations in Ketchikan. Located on the banks of Ketchikan Creek, it was once an area known as a “red-light district” with houses owned by local madams in the early 1900’s. Today, it is home to unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants offering stunning views of the creek.

Go on a Wildlife Viewing Tour

Ketchikan is renowned for its abundant wildlife and there are many tours available for visitors who want to experience nature up close. There are numerous operators offering whale watching tours from May through October, as well as bear-viewing tours in the summer months. Fishing trips and kayaking tours are also widely available for those looking for a more adventurous experience.

Take an Island Adventure

Travelers looking to explore beyond Ketchikan’s city limits can take a day trip or multi-day excursion to some of the nearby islands. Popular destinations include Prince of Wales Island and Wrangell Island where you can explore untouched wilderness that’s home to bears, salmon, eagles, whales, and more. Many of these trips include camping or lodge stays where you can relax by a fire under the stars.

Tips for Visiting Ketchikan

To make the most out of your trip to Ketchikan here are a few tips: • Bring a waterproof camera – Ketchikan rains about 7 months out of the year so it’s important to have a waterproof device for all your outdoor activities. • Wear layers – The temperature in Ketchikan can vary greatly throughout the year so it’s important to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove throughout your trip. • Protect yourself from mosquitos – Mosquitos are abundant in June and July so be sure to wear bug spray when exploring outdoors areas during these months. • Don’t forget sunscreen – During the summer months in Ketchikan, the sun shines for up to 22 hours a day so it’s important to wear sunscreen when outdoors for extended periods of time.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need about visiting Ketchikan and that it has inspired you to plan your own trip. Ketchikan offers something for everyone and its natural beauty and rich native culture make it one of the most unique places in Alaska to visit. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Ketchikan for an adventure like no other! For additional information about visiting Ketchikan, check out TravelAlaska, your go-to website for planning your trip to Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Can You Visit Ketchikan, Alaska? – All You Need to Know about this Popular Tourist Destination

Ketchikan, Alaska is a popular tourist destination in the United States, especially known for its breathtaking natural beauty, endless recreational opportunities, and rich cultural heritage. It is located in the southeastern part of Alaska, and it is a part of the Tongass National Forest. If you are planning to visit Ketchikan, Alaska, there are several things that you need to know before you go. This blog post will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Ketchikan, Alaska.

1. What is the best time to visit Ketchikan, Alaska?

Ketchikan, Alaska has a mild maritime climate with abundant rainfall. The best time to visit Ketchikan, Alaska is from May to September. During this time, the weather is relatively warm, and the days are longer, providing visitors with more time to enjoy the amazing outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. It is essential to pack layers of clothing since there can be sudden changes in weather conditions.

2. How do I get to Ketchikan, Alaska?

The easiest way to reach Ketchikan, Alaska is by air or sea. Ketchikan International Airport is served by several major airlines that offer direct flights from Seattle and other regional airports in Alaska. You can also reach Ketchikan, Alaska by taking a ferry, which is a popular and affordable option for visitors who want to explore the Inside Passage. The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System operates multiple daily sailings between Ketchikan and other coastal communities in Alaska.

3. What are some of the top attractions in Ketchikan, Alaska?

Ketchikan, Alaska is home to some of the most fantastic attractions and landmarks in the United States. Some of the must-see things in Ketchikan, Alaska include:

a) Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States, covering over 16.7 million acres. The forest has miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and amazing scenery. It also offers visitors the opportunity to explore the wildlife, such as bears, wolves, and moose.

b) Misty Fjords National Monument

Misty Fjords National Monument is a stunning wilderness area with steep cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers. Visitors can take a cruise through the majestic fjords, hike the trails, or go fishing.

c) Creek Street

Creek Street is a historic district in Ketchikan, Alaska, that was once a red-light district. Today, it’s a charming boardwalk with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

d) Totem Bight State Historical Park

Totem Bight State Park is a collection of totem poles, ranging in age from 50 to 100 years old. Visitors can explore the park and learn about the history and culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people.

4. Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Ketchikan, Alaska?

While Ketchikan, Alaska is not the best place to see the Northern Lights, there is still a chance that you may be able to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis during clear nights in the winter months.

5. Can I go whale watching in Ketchikan, Alaska?

Yes, Ketchikan, Alaska is a fantastic destination for whale watching. Visitors can take a guided whale watching tour and see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close.

6. What is the best way to explore Ketchikan, Alaska?

The best way to explore Ketchikan, Alaska is by taking a guided tour. There are several tour companies in Ketchikan, Alaska that offer a variety of tour options, such as kayaking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can also rent a car and explore the area on their own.

7. Where can I stay in Ketchikan, Alaska?

Ketchikan, Alaska has several hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals that cater to visitors. Prices range from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations.

Conclusion

Ketchikan, Alaska is a beautiful tourist destination with something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural beauty, learn about the rich cultural heritage, and explore the many attractions and landmarks. With the information provided in this blog post, you can plan your trip to Ketchikan, Alaska with confidence and ensure that you have a great time.