Ketchikan Cruise Port

Ketchikan is a port city on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, close to the Canadian border. Often called Alaska's "First City" because it is the first major stop for many ships entering the Inside Passage from the south, Ketchikan is primarily a port of call on Alaska cruises. Cruise ships dock close to the town centre, making it easy for visitors to explore the waterfront and many of the city's attractions on foot.

Ketchikan's history is closely tied to the development of Alaska. During the Yukon Gold Rush in the late nineteenth century, the town became an important gateway for prospectors travelling north. As the gold rush faded, the fishing industry took over, and Ketchikan grew into one of Alaska's leading salmon canning centres. Tourism now plays a vital role in the local economy, welcoming visitors from around the world while preserving the city's rich history and culture.

The city is especially well known for its Tlingit heritage and is home to one of the world's largest collections of standing totem poles. Visitors can explore impressive displays at Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Potlatch Totem Park and the Totem Heritage Center, where historic poles are preserved and Indigenous art and traditions are celebrated. The nearby Tongass Historical Museum provides further insight into the region's history and the cultures that have shaped Southeast Alaska.

One of Ketchikan's most famous landmarks is Creek Street, a colourful wooden boardwalk built on stilts above Ketchikan Creek. Once the town's lively red light district, it is now filled with galleries, gift shops and cafés, while Dolly's House Museum offers a glimpse into its colourful past. The surrounding downtown area has been designated a National Historic Landmark District, adding to the town's unique character.

Fresh seafood is a highlight of any visit, with restaurants along Front Street and Main Street serving local salmon, halibut and crab. Outdoor activities are equally popular, including kayaking, wildlife watching, fishing charters and scenic floatplane flights to Misty Fjords National Monument. Known for its frequent rainfall and lush landscapes, Ketchikan offers a memorable introduction to Southeast Alaska, combining Indigenous culture, frontier history and spectacular natural scenery.