Ketchikan

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and exciting adventures.

Discover magnificent landscapes with lush rainforests, towering mountain peaks, and numerous waterfalls. Explore the town's colourful past at the Totem Heritage Center and the historic Creek Street district. Embark on an array of outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking.

Where is Ketchikan?

Lauded as the first city of Alaska due to its position at the southernmost corner of the famed Inside Passage, Ketchikan is often the place where many first experience this great state. Located only 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Ketchikan emerges where southwestern cliffs meet the shoreline of Revillagigedo Island. Stretching for 31 miles, yet hardly ever exceeding 10 blocks in width, the town’s central artery, Tongass Avenue, unveils a unique urban layout.

Alaska's First City

The Gateway to This Great State

Set at the southernmost access point to the revered Inside Passage in Alaska, Ketchikan is the epitome of untouched beauty and an emblem of Alaska's rich native culture. Renowned for its vibrant salmon fishing industry, it proudly carries the badge of "The Salmon Capital of the World."

A haven for photographers, Ketchikan's resplendent landscape, from the awe-inspiring Misty Fjords National Monument with its mesmeric blue lakes and snow-topped peaks, to the sprawling 17 million acre Tongass National Forest brimming with lush cedar, Sitka spruce, waterfalls, and teeming wildlife, can turn any casual shot into a framed masterpiece.

Why Should I Visit Ketchikan?

Creek Street

With its historic charm, this enchanting boardwalk offers a unique glimpse into the past. Once the city's red-light district, today it's a picturesque venue featuring colourful wooden buildings, distinct shops, museums, and eateries. Central to this is Dolly's House Museum, a testament to Ketchikan's intriguing history. Overlooking the stunning Ketchikan Creek, Creek Street not only offers history but also striking views of local wildlife, making it a vibrant chapter of Ketchikan's story.

The Great Outdoors

Ketchikan, the 'Gateway to Alaska,' is a haven for outdoor activities. Try fishing in the renowned "Salmon Capital of the World," or hiking through the scenic trails of the vast Tongass National Forest. Take to the water with kayaking tours, witnessing stunning fjords and wildlife up close, and engage in Bird Watching to spot variety of species including bald eagles. Further excitement can be found in zipline Tours, serving a thrilling ride amidst breathtaking scenery.

Totem Heritage Center

Truly a cultural treasure, this remarkable museum keeps the indigenous heritage of the region alive, housing one of the world's largest collections of 19th-century Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian totem poles. These impressive totem poles, retrieved from local abandoned villages, each tell their own unique story through intricate carvings. Alongside them, the centre also showcases various indigenous artefacts, art, and history, providing visitors with a profound understanding of Alaska’s native cultures.