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Buses to Ketchikan initially cost extra, though outcry from passengers changed that policy. Some passengers were able to do this successfully, like Marlena Tungate and Ernie Hernandez III of Los Angeles. The young couple celebrated their honeymoon on the first Alaska cruise of the season (which was also their first cruise ever). One of the highlights of a half-day at Ward Cove is the e-bike journey through privately owned forests to Connell Lake, on the official border with the Tongass National Forest public lands. Along the way, guides will stop and explain some of the plants, as well as features like wetlands that help preserve the ecosystem.
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The fog usually burns off by midday but the rain can stay with you for a while. June, July, and August are the months that receive the least amount of rainfall. The tour company provides all the equipment and protective clothing you’ll need for the tour as well as a safety briefing.
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Misty Fjords National Monument is located 40 miles East of Ketchikan. Downtown Ketchikan can be tricky for biking when there are a lot of tourists, but locations like the Saxman Totem Park are a short 3-mile bike ride, mostly on a dedicated bike path. However, June and July are the driest months of the year (with around 7 inches of rain), making these months a good time to cruise to Alaska.
Creek Street in Ketchikan, Alaska
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season - Cruise Critic
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season.
Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Finally, curved ulu knives, traditionally made by the Inuit, are a popular buy. Just remember that a purchase like this would have to travel home in your checked luggage. "As we develop more activities at The Mill there will be less urgency to leave the property where guests will be able to dine, shop, and explore on their own," Black told Cruise Critic. “The vision is to provide guests more opportunities to explore, learn and relax. Ward Cove has made the day smoother for those who want to spend their time in Ketchikan.
Learn about this great skill of carving these poles and visit the show. Visit the Saxman Native Village by shore excursion or take the public Silver Line bus to it (see description above). The public transport system in Ketchikan can bring you anywhere you need to go. There are 2 bus lines in Ketchikan of which the Silver Line might be the most interesting for you.
With a backdrop of evergreen Sitka spruce trees, an ocean for a front yard, and historic homes on piles above the water, Ketchikan is a beautiful place to visit on a cruise vacation. They also offer comprehensive tours averaging 3 hours in length for $75/hr. She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a half-dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (primarily relying on train and public transit). Lisa helps people plan amazing vacations to Europe and popular cruise destinations. Chief Johnson was the chief of the Gaanaxadi clan of the Tongass tribe.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the estuary and will learn about the unique ecosystem where salt and fresh water meet. Because it’s so easy to access from Ketchikan and other Alaskan destinations, it’s a great place to explore for anyone who wants to experience Alaska in its purest form. In June 2019, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line announced the company's plans to construct in Ketchikan a private dock (cruise terminal) in Ward Cove - located approx 5 mi / 8 km north of the city. You can check out the Port of Ketchikan’s cruise ship schedule to plan your activities. You have several options to book your cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska.
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Ketchikan has long been an important hub of the salmon-fishing and -packing industries. Visitors can try their luck on a sportfishing or simply savor the fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants on a cruise to Ketchikan excursion. Ketchikanis also one of the best spots along the Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of Native Alaskan nations like the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Not really a street at all, this boardwalk extends out into the Ketchikan Creek with buildings built on wooden pilings in the water. Because cruise ships dock in the center of town, shops and restaurants are literally across the street and a within less than a 10 minute walk from the dock. The visitor’s bureau is located on the dock if you wish to pick up a local map.
Explore the historic district of Ketchikan, Alaska, and immerse yourself in its rich Native American culture. Admire the intricate totem poles that are important symbols of their heritage. Another well-known cruise line that visits Ketchikan is Princess Cruises. Their itineraries include stops at the port of Ketchikan, allowing passengers to enjoy the unique attractions and natural beauty of this Alaskan city. The best time to visit the Ketchikan, Alaska, cruise port is between April and October.
The entire bus fleet is wheelchair accessible, and two are mobile works of art, having been painted by Ray Troll and Oliver Martin. Their murals depict the colorful salmon, which are at the heart of Ketchikan’s economy and way of life. This is an excellent goal to pursue and it is one that is fairly easy to achieve if you know where to look.
If you love being behind the wheel, an Adventure Kart excursion in Ketchikan is the way to go. You’ll explore the lush green Tongass National Forest in a two-person off-road vehicle. The tours take several stops as you climb through the forest to glorious views. You’ll also have the chance to see wildlife from above, including bald eagles, mountain goats, bears, and possibly marine animals like sea lions, humpback whales, and orcas. If you want to get away from the crowds and explore outside of downtown Ketchikan, there are several car rental agency options.
This educational attraction is located in Saxman, about ten minutes south of Ketchikan. Here, guides will tell you about the history of and life in the Saxman tribe while you view more than twenty beautiful totem poles. If you’d rather stay in town, you might consider visiting the Totem Heritage Center. This attraction is maintained and promoted by the City of Ketchikan and works to educate the public about the living artistic traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. There are several totem poles on display here and admission is free. Port Ketchikan's downtown dock currently can handle only one such large vessel at a time.
The excursion is suitable for all family members, especially the kids. Electric bikes are easy to ride and take the grunt work out of peddling. On this ecotour, the highlight is the incredible temperature rainforest hike. The tour sells out and is rated one of the best, so book your tour online to prevent disappointment. In the nearby carving shed, you can watch artists perform their craft using traditional tools, paints, and techniques used in totem pole carving. While your arms will feel the workout on this excursion, you’ll escape the crowds of Creek Street and won’t feel rushed.
Taste local salmon in any restaurant in town, or buy it vacuum-packed to take home. Because of the abundance of fish, Ketchikan is a great place to spot bears who come to the creek to feast, literally plucking their prey out of the water. Ketchikan has four berths and your cruise ship is bound to dock at one of them.
It allows people from all walks of life to stand on the edge of the commercial fishing world. The majority of these shops are within easy walking distance from the cruise ship docks but there are some excellent options a bit further away as well if you care to seek them out. Whether you seek sweaters, salmon, jewelry, Alaskan art, candy, or any other item, you can find whatever you seek in Ketchikan. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is just a block away from the cruise ship port, so it’s a popular place to visit for anyone who wants to learn more about this region. Exhibits offer information about the natural history, wildlife, people, and culture of this unique part of the world. They house a special collection of restored totem poles and give you all kind of information about the meaning of totem poles.
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