Ketchikan is a city where history and culture come alive. From the ancient traditions of the Tlingit people to the vibrant frontier spirit that still drives the town, Ketchikan offers guests a chance to explore a rich cultural tapestry. When you visit Ketchikan with Princess® Cruises, you'll dive deep into these experiences through a variety of carefully curated shore excursions designed to bring together the historic past and the cultural present.

Ketchikan is renowned for its totem poles, and one of the best places to see them is Totem Bight State Park. Here, you'll find beautifully restored poles that tell the stories of Alaska Natives. Princess’ Totem Bight State Park & Ketchikan Highlights excursion takes you through this historic site, providing insight into the artistry and traditions of the Tlingit people​.

With 25 totems, Saxman Native Village is home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Visitors can witness master carvers at work and enjoy a traditional Tlingit dance performance. Princess’ immersive, guided cultural experiences offer insights into the stories and traditions behind each expertly crafted work of art and help guests build personal connections to Tlingit culture.

Springboard chopping, buck sawing, ax throwing, log rolling and a dizzying 50-foot tree climb? Chopping wood will never look the same after you experience the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This Ketchikan excursion features daring feats by professional lumberjacks that offer an exciting look into the town’s logging history.

View historic lighthouses the way they were meant to be seen — from the water. During the relaxing Princess® Cruises Lighthouse, Totems and Eagles scenic boat tour, you'll get the best of Alaska's natural beauty and Ketchikan’s maritime history.

Want to get a broader feel for the town itself? A City Highlights Tour via trolley is a great way to see the best of Ketchikan, including Creek Street and the Totem Heritage Center. Enjoy the charm of a classic trolley ride while also getting a snapshot of the city’s unique blend of culture and history.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ketchikan, you can never go wrong with eating. That’s because Alaska is a food lover’s paradise. With fresh seafood caught right from the surrounding waters and local craft beers to enjoy, your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are some of the top culinary experiences you can enjoy during your stop in Ketchikan with Princess® Cruises.

If you want to combine breathtaking scenery with a memorable meal, the Wilderness Cruise & Silverking Lodge Seafood Feast is ideal. After a serene boat ride, you’ll arrive at Silverking Lodge, where you can indulge in a seafood extravaganza featuring fresh shrimp, clams and Dungeness crab — all prepared with a view of the Alaska wilderness​.

For a truly Alaskan experience, the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining excursion lets you catch your own fish and then enjoy it prepared alongside a roaring campfire. This hands-on adventure allows you to enjoy the pristine waters and succulent seafood that have helped make Ketchikan such a popular destination.

Ketchikan isn't just a fantastic location for culture and cuisine; it's also the perfect destination for thrill-seekers. Get your blood pumping with countless activities that indulge your wild side as you take in Alaska's rugged beauty. Here are some of the area's top adventure activities:

Want to see Alaska’s towering trees from an entirely new perspective? Feel the rush of adrenaline as you zipline through the lush canopy of the Tongass National Forest. On the Zipline Adventure Park excursion, you’ll soar over treetops, cross swaying suspension bridges and witness breathtaking views. It’s an exhilarating way to connect with nature from above.

Cut through the water in culturally authentic style with the Rainforest Canoe and Nature Trail excursion, where you'll glide across a secluded mountain lake surrounded by unspoiled wilderness in a traditional Alaska Native-style canoe. Afterward, enjoy a guided nature walk that reveals some of the unique flora and fauna of this temperate rainforest​.

Canoes too serene for your liking? For those seeking a bit more speed, the Adventure Kart Expedition delivers an off-road adventure through Ketchikan’s rugged backcountry. You’ll navigate through dirt trails and mountain paths, taking in the stunning landscape while kicking up some dust. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and sightseeing​.

One of the most awe-inspiring ways to explore Ketchikan is from above on the Misty Fjords National Monument by Seaplane excursion. You'll soar over dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls and dense forests, gaining a big-picture view of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes.

When you're in The Great Land, it's nearly impossible not to catch glimpses of Alaska's incredible animals. But to really increase your chances of memorable and educational encounters, consider one of these wildlife-themed excursions:

For a fun and family-friendly way to explore Ketchikan, hop aboard a "duck" — a unique amphibious vehicle that takes you on a tour through the streets of Ketchikan before splashing into the harbor. Then, cruise the waters of Tongass Narrows, frequented by animals like cormorants, sea lions, and killer whales. Also, keep an eye out for moose, beavers, porcupines, foxes, and one of the most concentrated groupings of bald eagles in the world.

Experience the thrill of observing Alaska’s majestic bears in their natural habitat on the Alaska Bear Encounter by Land & Sea excursion. You'll cruise through Tongass National Forest to Neets Bay, where black bears like to gather to catch salmon. From a safe viewing platform, you can watch these incredible creatures up close, making for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

For a hands-on wildlife encounter, try your hand at fishing in the rich waters surrounding Ketchikan. The Authentic Alaska Fishing Experience gives you the chance to catch salmon or halibut and even see some of the other wildlife that populate these waters — humpback whales, sea lions, seals, sea otters, river otters, porpoises, and more.

The Wildlife Safari Cruise and Beach Bonfire takes wildlife spotting and then turns up the heat. After exploring the coastline for marine life, you’ll land on a secluded beach for a bonfire with reindeer hotdogs, s’mores and Alaskan beer — a perfect end to an adventurous day​.

In Ketchikan, Alaska, there are plenty of things to do, but knowing what to do and how to do it can be challenging. Princess® Cruises is renowned for its award-winning “North to Alaska" program, immersing guests in authentic local culture through exclusive shore excursions, onboard enrichment activities and culinary experiences featuring fresh, locally sourced seafood. Simply put, Princess offers the full Alaska experience — from Ketchikan to the top of the world. 

Book your Alaska cruise or cruisetour today. And if Ketchikan is one of your ports of call, remember to set up a Ketchikan excursion to make your visit completely unforgettable.