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What is Ketchikan known for?
Set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage—a network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the world—Ketchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native ...
What is the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau?
The mission of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau is to promote Ketchikan, attract visitors and enhance the economy.
Why is Ketchikan known as the salmon capital of the world?
Due to our thriving, century-old commercial fishery, Ketchikan is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”. We are proud of our fishing culture and passionate about providing opportunities for visitors to catch and/or otherwise enjoy the best seafood on the planet.
THINGS TO DO
The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbors, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikan’s main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a picturesque boardwalk path built over Ketchikan Creek on stilts. Creek Street was Ketchikan's famed red-light district until 1954.
WEATHER
If you spend enough time in Ketchikan, chances are good it will rain at least once. The average annual rainfall is 162 inches, but it has been known top 200 inches. Local residents call it ”liquid sunshine” and umbrellas are rarely used. Rain or shine, the beauty of Ketchikan's setting is immediately apparent.
STAYING & EATING IN KETCHIKAN
There's a wide variety of places to stay in Ketchikan, from hotels located in the heart of downtown to rustic lodges off the beaten track overlooking the water. You’ll also find an array of inns, B&Bs, hostels, guest houses, and vacation rentals. There are also several campgrounds and RV parks just outside of town.
GETTING TO KETCHIKAN
Ketchikan is not on the road system as is therefore only accessible by sea and air. Most visitors arrive on large and small cruise ships, with Ketchikan being the first port of call in Alaska on most northbound itineraries.
HISTORY
The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people have lived in southeastern Alaska for over 10,000 years, and their arts, culture, and history can be seen throughout Ketchikan.
What is the downtown area of Ketchikan?
The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbors, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikan’s main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a boardwalk road built over Ketchikan Creek on pilings. The city center is best viewed from Ketchikan’s Waterfront Promenade that skirts the busy shoreline and is equipped with historical markers and whale-tail benches for visitors to rest and take in the view.
How much rain does Ketchikan get?
If you spend enough time in Ketchikan chances are good it will rain at least once . The average annual rainfall is 162 inches, but it has been known top 200 inches. Local residents call it ”liquid sunshine” and umbrellas are rarely used. Rain or shine, the beauty of Ketchikan’s setting is immediately apparent. The city is backed by forested slopes and distinctively shaped Deer Mountain and faces Tongass Narrows, a waterway humming with floatplanes, fishing boats, ferries and barges hauling freight to other Inside Passage ports.
What is the first city in Alaska?
Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to its location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage – it is the first city you reach as you cruise north, and for many visitors, their first introduction to the beauty and majesty of Alaska.
Why is Ketchikan so famous?
You’ll find out why Ketchikan is famous for salmon with Captain Jared of Rainy Day Charters. Leave the cruise ship crowds behind for an authentic Alaskan experience, surrounded by water, wilderness and wildlife. It’s a perfect excursion for a half-day in port, even better if you have more time to fill your entire box with fish.
What is the best way to see Ketchikan?
See it all on a Jeep or ATV tour, where you’ll be driving around old logging roads. Another option: a guided hiking trip, which you can combine with biking or kayaking, making for the ultimate Ketchikan adventure. If you’re more of a DIY traveler, pick a hiking trail and set off! You’ll find a wealth of views and wildlife around the area.
What are the sea creatures in Alaska?
Get an up-close look at Alaska’s unique sea creatures: urchins, sea stars, crabs, sea cucumbers…you may even see a whale!
What is the salmon capital of the world?
Anglers will love Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”. Go out on one of the many fishing charters to cast for these famous Alaskan fish. On a sea kayaking tour, you can explore the waters on a 3- or 5-hour excursion.
Can you explore Ketchikan on foot?
Exploring Ketchikan on foot is not only possible, but is one of the best things you can do given an hour and a half in town. Adventure Kart Expedition. This exciting tour puts you in a rugged Tomcar for an ATV adventure over 10 miles of old logging…. See Details.
What are some of the animals that are in the Ketchikan quilt?
Many quilts have Alaskan-themed patterns of wildlife, such as penguins, moose, polar bears, and bald eagle. You can choose from a variety of designs at Whale’s Tail Quilt Shop, which is located inside the Salmon Landing building.
How many totem poles are there in Ketchikan?
These hand-carved miniature totem poles make great souvenirs and gifts to take back home. Ketchikan has 80 Native American totem poles, the largest number in the world. These culturally significant poles commemorate events and were a means of storytelling as well. The totems can range from memorial poles to lineage ones. The hand-carved miniature totem poles of Alaska are made from yellow cedar wood and are painted and signed by the artist.
What is baleen basket?
Baleen is basically a malleable material found inside the plankton-eating bowhead whale’s mouth. It is flexible and used by the Inupiaq and Yupik people to weave attractive baskets that are sturdy. The baleen baskets are exquisitely made and usually have a touch of black. They are quite rare, making them expensive. They sometimes have a fancy ivory carving, such as a polar bear or seal, on the lid and start from 500 USD.
What is the salmon capital of the world?
Ketchikan is known as the world’s salmon capital. That comes as no surprise since you can find five species of the fish here: king, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum. You can pick up cans of tinned smoked salmon, fresh cans, smoked fillets, and salmon oil when here. So if you’re a seafood lover, make sure you pick up some canned salmon to take back home. Don’t forget to try some fresh salmon during your visit to Ketchikan.
How much rain does Ketchikan get?
Ketchikan’s geographical location, in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, allows for almost 160 inches of rain each year. Rain, the locals will tell you, is why the fishing is unmatched, the trees are so green and the wildlife is abundant.
What is the first city in Alaska?
Famous for its totem poles, float planes and camera-ready beauty, Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to its location at the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage. A scenic town perched along the shores of southeast Alaska’s coastal mountains and surrounded by the protected waterways of the Inside Passage, ...
