The History
Ketchikan Alaska is the first known city of Alaska, and was a top spot for salmon fishing back in the day. What I loved the most is the Native impact on this town and how they remind everyone of the deep roots. Ketchikan is also known to have the largest amount of totem poles in the world.
Now this town relies on the fishing, lumber industry and as of the last 10 years the rising cruising industry. It is one of, if not the best, cruise ports I have ever been to. Not only the diverse population, the scenic passage but the food. My all time still to this day restaurant resides in this quaint waterside town.
Things To Do
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a great tribute to the hard work of the men and women in the lumber industry. It is entertaining to say the least, with it’s comedy and competitions. The crew make chairs on the spot for a youngster in the audience keeping it entertaining for the kids. At the end of the show you can get a picture with the crew. Good times for everyone.
Creek Street
Creek street is a cozy little shopping area located within walking distance of the port. Now here is where I found my favorite jam. Look for Sam Mcgees Salmonberry Jam at some of the local shops, you will not be disappointed. No it is not the salmon fish, which is what I thought, it is the Salmonberry and it is delicous. You can also find great little riverside restaurants here but trust me, the best place to eat is yet to come.
Whale Tour
One of the big highlights for me was going on a whale tour. The tour I picked was nature photography and whale tour. I had tried 2 times before to get out there and I really wanted to see an Orca. Unfortunately I got called back to the ship both time and the third time was a charm. I didn’t get to see an Orca but I did get to witness bubble netting and a male breach out of the water. Now if you are unfamiliar with bubble netting it is a process the wales use to trap their meal. The wales circle their prey and once the fish are stuck in the bubbles the wales come up through the middle. Well I guess it did not go to plan because within a few minutes a large male breached. It was the most spectacular sight I had ever witnessed.
Native Art
Ketchikan has the most totem poles in one city in the world. I have no idea why I am so mesmerized by totem poles, maybe it is that they are never the same, or the detail that goes in to them. Three places to visit are the Saxman Native Village, the Totem Heritage Center and the Potlatch Totem Park.
Tongass National Park
For those who love nature Tongass National Park is a great place for a day hike. Probably one of the main reasons that so many people visit this area is for this park. You look up any review of here and you will only see people talking highly of it. Lets be real, anyone that loves nature, the birds, the towering trees, the waterfalls and so much more, wouldn’t complain. There is something about unspoiled earth that makes you feel at ease.
Guard Island Lighthouse
The Guard Island Lighthouse has some very strange history. I will only tell you a snippet about the one as it is crazy and I don’t want to ruin all the stories before you come visit. Lets just say there were 2 pet deer on the Island to which one of the pet dogs was so jealous of it chased it off the island and they banished such dog to another. But seriously, now I want to live here with a pet deer and that amazing view every morning.
Places to Eat
Now I am only going to tell you about one place. The reason, it is amazing!!! Still to this day (many years later) I crave the salmon chowder and kung pao calamari. Most times we went to this port I was exhausted from the long week but I always made myself or someone else pick these up for me.
Annabelle’s Famous Keg and Chowder house is located at 326 Front St just a 5 minute walk from the cruise dock. When you go there tell them about my blog and ask them to send me the recipe, maybe after a few hundred people telling them they will finale give it to me. Enjoy!
Gift Shops
Gift shopping here is great. From Christmas stores to Russian trinkets to Native Art. Here is a list of stores that I got my gifts from.
- 1. Christmas in Alaska- Great place to get ornaments and some early Christmas shopping done at.
- 2. Sam Mcgees- As I had mentioned before on Creek St, go here for the jams.
- 3. Caribou Creek – Great place for smaller gifts and native art.
- 4. Artic Spirit Gallery- Great place for native jewelry.