1 Day in Ketchikan: Perfect Port-Day Plan

For our day in Ketchikan, we had to be back on the ship by 2:30 pm, so this was our shortest port day by far.  We opted to have a leisurely breakfast on the ship before getting off around 8:30, but if you wanted more time, you could get off as soon as the ship docked.  

Depending on what you want to book and when it is available, you could swap up this itinerary and do your tour first, then walk the town.

We opted to eat breakfast on the ship, grab a snack before leaving the Heritage center or at the Lumberjack show, and have a snack once returning to the ship before resting before dinner. 

Quick plan at a glance

• Morning (8:30–10:30): Creek Street loop (boardwalk/shops/salmon ladder/creek)

• Late Morning (10:30 - 12:30): Saxman Native Village Tour or Bear viewing at Herring Cove (seasonal) or Misty Fjords Flightseeing

• Early Afternoon (1:00–2:00):  Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show or extra time shopping/photo walk

Tour Options in Ketchikan:

 Misty Fjords Floatplane 

• Scenic takeoff from the harbor; soar over glacier-carved fjords, cliffs, and waterfalls. Most tours include a peaceful water landing in a protected cove.

• TIP: Sit on the left side of the outbound for great views. Wear dark clothing to reduce window reflections for photos.

Creek Street + Salmon Ladder 

• Walk the boardwalk, pop into galleries, then continue along the creek to watch salmon (in season) and spot eagles.

• Short stroll from the dock. Historic, colorful houses on stilts over the creek.

• Detour up Married Man’s Trail to the salmon ladder (late summer/early fall, you’ll often see salmon running).

 Bear Viewing at Herring Cove (late July–Sept best) 

• Short drive/shuttle south of town. Black bears come for the salmon; bald eagles frequent the area too.

• No bears? It’s still a lovely, easy nature stop—bring binoculars.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show 

• High-energy, family-friendly competition (axe throws, log roll). Fun, uniquely Ketchikan, and walkable from the pier.

 Saxman Native Village (short shuttle/drive) 

• World-class collection of totems, carving shed, clan house, and—if timing aligns—cultural demonstration.

 Saxman Native Village

Other experiences available in Ketchikan:

Zipline or Jeep/ATV tours 

Guided fishing (salmon/halibut; arrange fish processing/shipping if you land one!)

Kayak Tours

More Tips for Visiting Ketchikan:

Transportation: Most in-town sights are easily accessible on foot. For Herring Cove or Saxman, consider using the trolley, book a tour, or use a rideshare/taxi service.

Weather: Ketchikan is a rainforest—pack a light rain shell, waterproof shoes, and a hat even on “sunny” days (this was our only "rainy" day, but cleared up before we left for our tour

Photography: Bring a polarizing filter for water glare and a mid-zoom (24–105mm or 18–135mm) for planes, wildlife, and landscapes, and wear dark clothing if photographing from a plane or bus to reduce glare from your clothing. 

Seasonal notes:

Salmon & bears: Peak late July–September; earlier in summer, you may see fewer bears in Herring Cove, but still plenty of eagles/scenery.

Flightseeing: Weather-dependent. Have a Plan B (Totems + Creek Street + Lumberjack) in your back pocket.

Accessibility & Family tips:

Creek Street boardwalk is a reasonably easy walk from the port.

Lumberjack Show is great for kids; loud and lively.

Flightseeing involves step-in floatplanes; mention mobility needs when booking.

Related Podcast Episodes You’ll Love 

• Episode 119 – What You Need to Know Before Planning an Alaska Cruise

• Episode 126 – Victoria, BC in 36 Hours: A Travel Guide

• Episode 128 – The 4 Biggest Questions People Ask Before Booking an Alaska Cruise

• Episode 130 - Best Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions in Ketchikan, Juneau & Skagway