Wanderlust_and_wine

We just returned last week from our Alaska cruise and my husband went fishing for halibut in Ketchikan. Seward and Homer were not an option for him. He was one of four on the fishing boat and they all caught halibut. My husband's was a pretty small one, which meant less shipping charges to get it home, so I was fine with that. It was very tasty fish and my husband had a blast.

Same here. I've been looking at the forecast everyday and getting a bit worried.

If there's one thing we can count on with extended weather forecasts, it's that they're re reliably unpredictable. Either way, I'm going to Alaska, and that's pretty darn exciting! Hope you enjoy your cruise!

Sounds amazing! We leave on our first Alaskan cruise next Wednesday and so far it's looking like wel'l have the normal rainy/cloudy weather, but I'm still excited!

Ketchikan is very charming and has a lot to offer. On our most recent cruise, we did the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour. Maybe seeing pictures will help you decide. I'll post links below to my wife's website. Her pictures will give you an idea of what to expect.

 

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour Excursion

 

On one of our cruises, we walked around town and then ate lunch before returning to the ship.

 

Ketchikan Walk About

 

Have fun planning!

The pictures are great, and I appreciate you sharing. I'm finding out there's a lot more to do and see in Ketchikan than I originally thought!

The cheesy duck tour as mention earlier is a great way to kill a few hours for not a lot of money. It takes you all over the town several times, because it's not a big town LOL but they gave us a wonderful opportunity to see things that we wanted to explore a little harder on her own. So after we got off of the duck tour we did portions of the walking tour that is mentioned earlier by another poster. If it was me since I've already done the duck tour,I would probably do the totem poles and or possibly also the walking tour on my own. Ketchikan has great shops. The front is lined with the tourist trap shops that you see everywhere but down the side streets are lots of individually owned stores, many with some great jewelry and other gifts. Also lots of Art galleries and shops.

That sounds fun! Thanks for the suggestion.

Hi. Can you give me more information about your husband's fishing trip? My husband wants to fish and I don't. I've only identified tours that require a four person minimum. Thanks in advance.

My hubby booked a halibut fishing trip with Baranof Fishing Excursions. They advertise on their website that walk-ups are welcome, so I'm guessing they fit singles in wherever they have room. Good luck!

Hi,

 

I went to Ketchikan for the 1st time last September and visited the Totem Bight State Park + the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center + the historical downtown with Creek Street and Thomas Historic District.

 

I really enjoyed the Totem Bight State Park and spent one hour. FYI, fees entrance is $5 per person. There is a city bus, every hour with the silver line Northbound (from the dock to the park) and Southbound(to come back) line. The bus fare is only $2 per person one way ($5 for a day pass). It’s super easy and not far from the dock (the park is only 10 miles away).

I also recommend the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center if you are curious about Alaska’s history, wildlife, and natural environment.

 

If you’re interested I wrote an article about my Do It Yourself day in Ketchikan: http://daydreamunderthestars.com/2017/11/11/ketchikan-the-salmon-capital-of-the-world/

 

Let me know if you have any questions

 

Enjoy your trip!

 

Marie

Thank you! Great article and your tips are very helpful and appreciated.

Michele:)

When in doubt, look for the town's web site:

Look under FUN STUFF on the left side of the page to find info on tours, hikes, flightseeing and the maps for a walking tour

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/

 

or download the Visitors Guide;

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan-trip-planner-2018.pdf

Very helpful links... thanks!

Thank you for the many recommendations!

My husband is doing a fishing excursion while in port at Ketchikan and I have zero interest in joining him. Does anyone have suggestions for things I might enjoy on my own for a few hours?