Ketchikan Tour Options

If you are visiting Ketchikan, there are several things to see no matter what your budget may be. If the sky is the limit and money is no object, then lucky you! As for the rest of you, I have suggested several tours/activities at different price ranges. Hopefully you will find the perfect way to spend the day in Ketchikan.

Very Inexpensive:

Tongass Historical Museum~$2 admission
The museum is a five minute walk from the cruise ship docks. It is right next to the Ketchikan Public Library. There are many interesting artifacts and old photo collections. The exhibits change quarterly. I've seen two of the four exhibits and have been impressed both times. It's a great way to learn about Ketchikan's history.

Discovery Center~$5 admission
The Discovery Center has four different exhibits. Each exhibit explains different types of information about South East Alaska. One exhibit explains the Native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian's history and survival skills in South East Alaska. Another, explains different types of wildlife. All four exhibits are very detailed with excellent visuals. The Discovery Center also has a great book store and offers a complimentary 15 minute movie explaining Alaska's wildlife. I went to the Discovery Center a few weeks ago when my parents came to visit. I was very pleased with all of the wonderful information at such a great price.

Inexpensive:

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show~$34 Adult $17 Child
This show is very entertaining for all ages. The Lumberjack's compete with eachother and really do a great job of getting the audience involved. There is complimentary popcorn and fun music.

Alaska Amphibious Tours (Duck Tour)~$38 Adult $24 Child
The Duck Tour is another tour that is fun for all ages (especially great for families). If you want to sit, relax, and enjoy a guided tour of Ketchikan, then this tour is for you. The tour takes you to Creek Street. The upbeat tour guides explain the unique history of Ketchikan. After that, the bus/boat drives into the Tongass Narrows harbor. It's a tour that is the best of both worlds...land and sea!

Moderate/Expensive:

Kayaking Tours~approx $149
There are several different companies who offer kayaking tours. It is a great way to be active and get away from the crowds. There are excellent photo opportunities as well. You also have a great chance of running into orca whales!

Alaska Canopy Adventures~$169
I did this tour a few months ago and had a blast. You start the tour by riding an old Mercedes 4x4 up into the mountain. After listening to the demonstrations, you do one practice "mini-zip" across the cable line. This allows you to get a feel for how to stop and slow down. After that, your next "zip" is extremely high into the tree tops (if you are scared of heights, this excursion may not be for you). But, you are ALWAYS hooked up to the lines, so even though you are hundreds of feet in the air, it is still very safe throughout the entire excursion. After the tour you can purchase a picture of your final zip for about $20.

Misty Fjords Sea Plane Tour~approx $229
This tour is one of the more expensive tours offered in Ketchikan. If you are willing to pay the price, then prepare to be amazed. The Fjords are beautiful and the water is crystal clear. The aerial views are amazing! Depending on the time of day, there is a good chance you will see bears too. This tour will by far leave you with the most memories.