Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
The Ultimate Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide: Best Excursions & Rainy Day Itineraries
16
items Heading to Ketchikan on your next Alaska cruise? From legendary Misty Fjords floatplane flights and salmon-tasting spots to the best rainy-day gear and Creek Street walking routes, here is everything you need to make the most of your port day in Alas...
Sections
4
Iconic Aerial & Scenic Adventures
Culture, Totems & History
Rainforest Wilderness & Wildlife
Practical Tips & Rainy-Day Essentials
Iconic Aerial & Scenic Adventures
Experience Southeast Alaska’s jaw-dropping landscapes from above and out on the open water with these bucket-list signature excursions.
The absolute gold standard for Ketchikan. Flying over snow-capped fjords and landing on a mirror-like alpine lake is unforgettable. Book this months in advance—it fills up fast.
Misty Fjords Floatplane Tour
An incredible high-speed catamaran ride into the local waters to look for humpback whales, orcas, seals, and soaring eagles.
Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Super fun if you want to take the helm yourself, following a lead guide through protected coves and islands around the Inside Passage.
Zodiac Boat Adventure
Combine a scenic coastal drive with an exhilarating zodiac boat ride along the George Inlet Fjords for an up-close look at local marine life and rugged Alaskan scenery.
Scenic Drive & George Inlet Fjords Zodiac Cruise
Culture, Totems & History
Immerse yourself in the rich 10,000-year-old heritage and native storytelling traditions of Southeast Alaska's First Nations
Led by local Haida and Tlingit guides, this small-group experience gives you a deep, authentic look into local history, tribal clan houses, and coastal rainforests.
Alaska Native Cultural and Scenic Shore Excursion
A classic open-air trolley ride that takes you down to Saxman Native Village to see the world's largest collection of standing totem poles.
Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour
Great for a mix of totem history, antique car displays, and a fantastic chance to spot black bears looking for salmon at Herring Cove.
Potlatch Totem Park and Herring Cove Tour
A short, engaging overview combining downtown highlights, tribal history at Saxman, and a delicious local smoked salmon tasting.
City Tour, Saxman Village, & Salmon Tasting
Rainforest Wilderness & Wildlife
Step into the lush Tongass National Forest to explore towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and active local wildlife habitats.
A peaceful 40-acre private reserve walk featuring historic sawmills, totem poles, and excellent opportunities to see eagles and deer.
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary and Totem Park Walk
An action-packed zipline adventure through the lush treetops of the Tongass National Forest.
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Adventure
Experience Southeast Alaska's wilderness on an exhilarating off-road UTV adventure to Mahoney Lake, complete with a delicious lunch.
Mahoney Lake Off-Road UTV Tour with Lunch
Experience the natural beauty of Alaska's lush temperate rainforest on a private guided hike, complete with scenic coastal views and a personalized pace.
Private Rainforest Hike with Cruise Pickup
Practical Tips & Rainy-Day Essentials
Ketchikan is known as the "Rain Capital of Alaska," averaging over 150 inches of rain a year, so a little liquid sunshine is practically guaranteed! Don't let a wet forecast slow you down—pack a reliable waterproof rain jacket, quick-drying layers, a...
Experience high-energy axe throwing, sawing, and log-rolling competition in a historic covered venue—a perfect indoor rainy-day activity right near the cruise docks.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Ticket
Discover Ketchikan’s colorful boardwalk history, totem poles, and salmon escapement spots with a guide, featuring plenty of covered areas along the historic waterfront.
Historic Creek Street Walking Tour
Stay comfortable and dry inside a heated cabin while taking in panoramic views of the Inside Passage and spotting local marine wildlife like whales and seals.
Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Boat Tour
Warm up indoors with a local culinary experience showcasing freshly prepared wild Alaskan crab, perfect for ducking out of the rain.
Alaskan Crab Feast