Nicknamed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” the port town of Ketchikan makes its home on Revillagigedo Island (say that 10 times fast) in southern Alaska, tucked between the waters of the Inside Passage. This remote community along the shorelines of the Tongass Narrows has maintained its frontier coastal charm with carefully preserved 19th-century buildings, native totem poles, and thriving fishing traditions.
A fun way to explore Ketchikan’s history and culture is by strolling along its most iconic street – Creek Street. High above Ketchikan Creek, on weathered stilts and wooden boardwalks, you’ll see the former red light district that gives you a glimpse into the town’s early gold mining and brothel days. Make sure to walk through the exhibits at Dolly’s House Museum, showing what life was lke working in the bars and brothels during the pioneer era.
Venturing further into Ketchikan you’ll be amazed by the lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls of Tongass National Forest, home to all five species of Pacific salmon. Join local guides to fly fish, perhaps spot bears foraging along river streams, or embark on an offshore charter to reel in heavyweight halibut.
For those with just a half-day in port, Ketchikan’s downtown boardwalk area offers plenty of attractions within close walking proximity. Bring your rain gear and head over to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits spotlighting regional native cultures, rainforest ecology, and early industrial development. The Totem Heritage Center also makes for an engaging indoor attraction, displaying a revered collection of 19th century poles and cedar clad houses.
Be sure to browse through the many native Indigenous art galleries as well, where you can meet talented woodworkers, weavers, and silversmiths from Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes that call this region home. Watch them create precious pieces reflecting native legends passed down through generations.
Round off your day wandering local eateries along the boardwalk harborside, where Dungeness crab cakes, wild salmon off the smoker, and seafood chowders capture Ketchikan’s maritime setting. With its fresh seafood, fascinating gold rush relics and stunning scenery, Ketchikan captures Alaska’s adventurous pioneer spirit no matter how brief your visit may be.
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