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Natural Beauty of Ketchikan
Alaskan cruises are a hit every summer
season amongst cruisers. 
One of the more popular stops is the small city of Ketchikan.
This port town is an outdoors lover’s paradise. You could spend days taking in everything the are has to offer, from pristine hiking trails, the largest collection of standing totem poles, to whale watching and some really fantastic fishing!
Take the time to learn about the Tlingit and Haida native history of the area and visit the large collection of totem poles in the area, located at Totem Bight, the City of Saxman and the Totem Heritage Center.
A visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, a large protected area to which the landscape was carved by glaciers in large u-shaped troughs created many glacial valleys filled with sea water. Continuing with the native history, you will find pictographs (native rock art) painted along cliff walls. Within the monument area, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various wildlife like killer whales, sea lions, black and brown bears and mountain goats! The area is quite remote so most people either take a cruise/ferry service or charter a floatplane, which is a marvellous experience on its own.
For those looking to stick closer to town, there are unique shops and dining opportunities downtown Ketchikan. Make your way down to Creek Street to find unique gifts and souvenirs made from local artists from Ketchikan. Seafood lovers, rejoice! You’re in Alaska, home of some of the best salmon, crab, halibut clams and oysters in the world! Tantalize your taste buds with local dishes at one of the many restaurants in the downtown area – conveniently just steps away from the cruise ship terminal. Not into seafood? Not a problem! Ketchikan still has your regular favourites, from fast food to pizza and pastas; you’ll find a meal that excites you.
Ketchikan’s claim to fame is that they are the “Salmon Capital of the World”. I think this can be disputed because this proud British Columbian (Vancouver Islander to be specific) has heard the same claim made by not one, but two local towns: Campbell River and Port Alberni, BC. Either way, the fishing is good so arrange a day of fishing and enjoy that fresh catch! Coming back to prestigious title of “Salmon Capital of the World”, I say let the fishing enthusiasts decide for themselves! …Or we could propose an amendment to the title from “Salmon Capital of the World” to, respectively, “Salmon Capital of the USA” and “Salmon Capital of Canada” – Let Port Alberni and Campbell River duke out who gets the honour for the Canuck title!
