Ketchikan is the largest southern state in Alaska. The city’s economy relies on fishing and tourism. With its spectacular location amid a mountainous backdrop and rich waters teeming with fish, Ketchikan is known as the ‘salmon capital of the world’. Its name comes from the creek that runs through a large portion of the city.
Although Ketchikan is officially the fourth wettest area in the world, don’t let this deter you from the adventures and experiences that abound in this Alaskan gem. The city boasts a strong Indian heritage and is famed for its totem park, home to the largest collection of the intricately designed poles in the world. Ketchikan is among the top 100 art communities in the US with a number of establishments housing works and exhibitions. The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council acts as an umbrella organization for the promotion and coordination of the art scene in the city.
On top of any visitor’s to do list should be a cruise around the spectacular Misty Fjords, a massive area featuring extreme variations in landscape from soaring cliffs and hanging valleys to waterfalls, fjords and glaciers. Shopping in Ketchikan’s dock-side shopping area is a delight, with stores selling a wide variety of goods, the traditional handicrafts of the area among the most interesting offerings. Seafood features greatly in Ketchikan cooking and restaurants with a number of local specialties on offer in some of the city’s best yet inexpensive eateries.
Highlights
Misty Fjords: located 35 miles outside Ketchikan this national monument is sight not to be missed and the perfect setting to take some impressive photos of the diverse Alaskan countryside.
Saxam Native Village Totem Pole Park: the park’s poles each tell their own story. One of the best features of this attraction is the fact that you can see carvers at work, keeping this historic tradition alive in the modern day.
Tongass Historical Museum: this one-roomed museum has a system of rotating exhibits outlining the history of the town and features a collection of native artifacts.
Creek street: this is a picturesque commercial area with a range of cafés, boutique stores, galleries, and art and crafts stores.
Flight-seeing: take a trip in an Alaskan bush plane for spectacular views of the contrasting Ketchikan land and seascape.
Totem Heritage Park: is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Guides will give you interesting information and facts about the poles, their meanings and cultural background.