Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan is known as Alaska's Native Cultural Center. It is also known as the salmon capital of the world and a paradise for sport fishermen and naturalists alike. During the summer months, the town bustles with visitors from all over the world.

Ketchikan is built along a steep hillside, with sections of the town built right over the water on pilings. The rustic boardwalk on Creek Street preserves a distinct historic feel, while the town hums with new construction to keep up with tourism.

Native art and culture flourish here due to the large population of Native Alaskans, represented by three indigenous tribes: the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.

Ketchikan has the largest collection of totem poles in the world, and has been recognized as one of the top 100 arts communities in America. Visitors will find an outstanding variety of shops, galleries and boutiques throughout the town.

Things to See & Do

* Salmon fishing
* Deer Park Eagle Preserve
* Creek Street
* Misty Fjords National Monument
* Deer Park Fish Hatchery

General information

Cruise Season - May - September
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language - English
Land Area - 10.7 sq km's
Population - 14,500 approx
Electricity - 110 vlt 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus nine hours
International Country Telephone Code - 1

Port Location - The waterfront in Ketchikan is the dock. It is quite possible to simply walk off your ship and start shopping as soon as you hit the dock (depending on where your ship is located along the waterfront)

Transport Links - Ketchikan is served by daily jet service from Seattle and Juneau and is served by the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Ketchikan's historic downtown is small and easily accessible by foot from the massive downtown dock where summer cruise ships moor, however the rest of the town stretches miles to the north and south along the waterfront. Taxi and bus service provides visitors with access to outlying areas and to tourist destinations outside of town.