Traveler Information for Ketchikan - Alaska
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General Information
Ketchikan is the southernmost town in Alaska. It is located in the Inside Passage on Revillagigedo Island (commonly known as "Revilla") and is a mandatory destination on all Alaska cruises by all major companies, on both round-trip and one-way itineraries. It is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest and about 55 km from the Misty Fiords National Monument. It is situated at the foot of Deer Mountain, which is about 910 meters high. This is a charming and picturesque town with a very active fishing port, where some of the houses are built on raised piers above the river.
Ketchikan is known for its many totem poles. The city has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. They can be seen at every corner: in parks, in building lobbies, and even on the streets. Ketchikan is considered a center for preserving the culture of native Indian tribes, particularly the Tlingit and Haida. About 8,000 residents live in the town, primarily earning their living from fishing and tourism. Ketchikan is nicknamed "The First City," not because it was the first city in Alaska or the most important, but because it is usually the first port reached by the large cruise ships sailing north from Vancouver or Seattle. Long before the arrival of the white man in the area in 1885, Ketchikan was a summer fishing spot for the Tlingit tribe. The discovery of gold in the area in the late 19th century brought many new settlers to Ketchikan. The development of the timber industry and commercial fishing also contributed to the city's development. In the 1930s, the city was dubbed the "Salmon Capital of the World." To this day, it is considered the most recommended destination for salmon fishing in the Southeast Alaska region.
Weather
In Ketchikan, about four meters of rain fall annually. It is considered the rainiest city in all of Alaska. It rains almost every day of the year. The locals refer to the rain as "Liquid Sunshine." At the cruise pier, there is a rain gauge showing the amount of precipitation accumulated in the city since the beginning of the year. The chance of rain on any given day is so high that city residents often joke that if you can't see the summit of the nearby mountain, it means it's raining. If you can see it, it means it's about to rain. The average maximum temperature in July is 18 degrees Celsius and in January 4 degrees Celsius.
Cruise Port
Cruise ships dock at the Ketchikan pier located in the center of the city, near the visitor center. The pier was recently expanded and can now accommodate six ships simultaneously. Occasionally, more than six ships arrive, and then some anchor outside the port. Within a few minutes' walk, you can reach an abundance of galleries, restaurants, and shops. It is important to note that the city is quite steep, and to reach a panoramic viewpoint of the city, you must climb a series of stairs up the hill.
Airport
Ketchikan International Airport (code: KTN) is located about 2 km west of the city center on Gravina Island, which is separated from the city by a narrow channel called Tongass Narrows. Passengers are required to take a roughly 7-minute ferry ride to the city. Ferries - The Alaska Marine Highway System connects Ketchikan with other cities in Alaska, British Columbia, Canada, and Washington state (the southernmost city the ferry departs from is Bellingham in Washington state).
♦ Main Attractions in the City
Ordering recommended tours in Ketchikan from Viator:
Land Tours and Attractions:
Boat Tours:
The most touristy street in the city is Creek St., which boasts the title of "The Most Photographed Street in Alaska." The houses on the street are built on stilts over the creek channel. In the early 20th century, this was Ketchikan's red-light district and had more than thirty brothels. Today, the small and colorful houses serve as trendy shops, galleries, and cafes.
During high tide, it is possible to boat in the creek for another recommended vantage point of the picturesque street. There is a pedestrian bridge on the street from which there is an excellent view of the salmon swimming against the current to reach their destination and spawn. Sometimes sea lions can be spotted catching the swimming fish and eating them greedily.
From Creek St., it is recommended to take the funicular (a cable car on tracks) for a small fee, which leads to the Westcoast Cape Fox Lodge. The view seen during the funicular ride and from the lodge (where you can eat a nice lunch) is spectacular.
It's also worth visiting "Salmon Falls" located near Park Ave. on a trail named "Married Man's Trail."
Starting in June, you can see thousands of fish climbing the waterfall or the "fish ladder" built to help them climb. There is a large carved statue of a jumping salmon there.
In Ketchikan, you can view Totem Poles at every corner. Each pole depicts an event in the tribe's life, such as a battle, birth, or wedding. You can view them collectively to admire their beauty and learn about the stories behind each totem.