Best Things To Do Ketchikan Alaska

Are you here looking for something to do in Ketchikan Alaska?  

I am telling you without any hesitation that you will have exciting and life lasting memories with these family things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska.

FIRST OF ALL:  We took an amazing Alaska Cruise which stopped in Ketchikan Alaska.  Our cruise ship was Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.  If you have not read my first post on WHY SPEND THE MONEY ON INSPIRATION CRUISES, you can do so HERE.  

Planning on going to Juneau, Alaska, you have to check out my post AMAZING THINGS TO DO BEAUTIFUL JUNEAU ALASKA HERE

If you are visiting Ketchikan from a cruise ship, get off the boat.

There is plenty to do in the lovely port town of Ketchikan, Alaska.  This was our second time to explore Ketchikan.  On this trip, we took a crab tour.  This crab tour ended up being one of the best things we did on our journey.  More about this trip in a minute. 

The first time we visited Ketchikan was on our Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise in 2012.  We had no idea what to do so we decided on a city tour.   We took the Trolley Tour of the City and ended up at Creek Street to walk around the shops.  These stores were run by people from Alaska and sold items made in Alaska.  Creek Street is an easy walk from the cruise ships.  It is a great place to buy gifts.  You can read all about it here.  

The Trolly Tour made a stop at Totem Poles Park which is popular is Ketchikan.  We had plenty of time to walk around and take pictures.  We enjoy our Trolly Tour and Creek Street, but our first trip to Ketchikan did not compare to the memories we made in Ketchikan the summer of 2016.  

Deadliest Catch Boat 

This visit to Ketchikan we decided to walk around and explore the city.  We ended up again at the famous Creek Street before heading back to the docks to head off on an adventure of a lifetime.  We loaded up on not just any boat but the Deadliest Catch boat.  Many of you may have seen the Deadliest Catch on T.V.  It is a reality show about men risking their lives to catch crab.  

The crab tour on the Deadliest Catch Boat is called The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour.  

They took the original boat and turned it into a tour boat with stadium seating.  We boarded and headed out for a once in a lifetime trip.  This crab tour was extremely educational, fascinating and lots of fun.  Do not worry about getting cold.  They have lots of coats.  If it is a cold day, sit under the heaters that are above your head.  They provided lots of heat.  I can eat my weight in seafood, and now I know generations of men have risked their lives for me to enjoy a delicious meal.

On The Deadliest Catch Boat

While on this crab tour you get to see so many different types of sea creatures and hold some too.  We were amazed at many of God creatures especially the giant octopus and king crab that was caught.  My personal favorite thing on board the boat was seeing all the Bald Eagles.  We did not see one or two bald eagles.  

Bald Eagles Swarmed All Around Us

You could have heard a pin drop as quiet as everyone was on the boat while watching the eagles.  I think everyone was speechless at the beautiful Eagles.  We were on Indian territory, and the crew had permission to feed the eagles.  It seemed like 40 or 50 eagles all around us moving as fast as lightning.  I may be exaggerating a little with the number, but it looked like that to me.  It was one of the best things we did during the entire cruise.

The amazing Bald Eagles we saw on our Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour.

The Deadliest Catch Crew were all excellent and shared personal and touching stories.  I even recognized a couple of the men from the T.V. show.

The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour is an absolute must do when in Ketchikan.  This is a fun and informative tour for all ages.

The below picture is an enormous King Crab we caught while on the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour. 

The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour

Getting ready to head off into the Alaskan waters. 

My daughter Carly showing off one of the crabs caught while we were on Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour.

I had never seen nor caught an Octopus.  It was exciting to bring this big guy onboard. 

The Deadliest Catch boat had stadium seating.  Everyone had a great view.

We could not wait to see what was in the crab pot.

“Hurry up” What did we catch?

We all loved holding the crab and getting our picture taken.

Creek Street is a short walk from the cruise ships.  It is not to be missed while in Ketchikan.  

Creek Street Shops

The view of Ketchikan from The Deadliest Boat. 

Other Things To Do In Alaska

• BEST PLACES TO SEE NORTHERN LIGHTS
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• What Alaska Cruise Excursions Should I Book?
• ALASKA IN THE SUMMER: PACKING GUIDE
• Tips & Tricks for an Alaskan Cruise
• Things To Do In Juneau (In Just 6 Hours)
• 5 THINGS I WISH I’D KNOWN BEFORE MY ALASKAN CRUISE
• Free Things to do in  Alaska with Kids
• What To Expect on an Alaskan Cruise: Weather and Wildlife
• ALASKA CRUISE PLANNING: WHERE TO FIND THE HIGHLIGHTS
• 7 Most Common Alaskan Cruise Questions