Alaska › Inside Passage › Ketchikan
Ketchikan, Alaska
Alaska's 'first city' and totem-pole capital — wettest port on the run, where a historic creekside boardwalk and floatplane wilderness sit minutes from the dock.
Alaska's 'first city' and totem-pole capital — wettest port on the run, where a historic creekside boardwalk and floatplane wilderness sit minutes from the dock.
Ketchikan docks most ships, but at four very different berths — three downtown, one way out at Ward Cove. Where you tie up changes your whole day.
💡 Pro move: If you land at Ward Cove, don't panic — the shuttle is free and frequent. Just give yourself a generous cushion before all-aboard; the line can back up late in the day.
Berth assignments shift by season and ship, but the 2026 pattern is clear: the big premium lines get downtown, while NCL and Royal Caribbean usually run from Ward Cove. Always confirm in your daily program.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Princess / Holland America | Downtown Berths 1–3 | Dock |
| Disney / Celebrity | Downtown Berths 1–3 | Dock |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Ward Cove (Berth 4) — free shuttle | Dock |
| Royal Caribbean | Ward Cove (Berth 4) — free shuttle | Dock |
| Overflow on busy days | Anchor near Berths 1/2 | Tender (occasional) |
Ketchikan packs wilderness, Native culture and gold-rush history into a small footprint. Pick one signature outing, then wander Creek Street on foot.
A floatplane soars over 3,000-ft granite cliffs, waterfalls and New Eddystone Rock, often landing on a remote lake. The Alaska bucket-list flight — weather permitting.
Find flightseeing tours →Restored totem poles and a Tlingit clan house in a coastal rainforest park ~10 mi north. Pair with Saxman Village for carving demonstrations. ($5 summer entry.)
Find totem tours →A catamaran cruises the same fjord wilderness at water level — about an hour each way — with naturalists pointing out eagles, seals, whales and the occasional bear.
Find boat tours →Chopping, sawing, log-rolling and 50-ft speed climbs in a covered downtown arena. Short, cheesy, family fun — and right by the docks if the weather turns.
Get show tickets →Ketchikan is made for walking straight off a downtown berth — a creekside boardwalk, totems, and a real mountain trail for the fit. Each route links to a map.
The iconic stilted boardwalk over Ketchikan Creek — former red-light district, now shops and the Dolly's House Museum. Watch salmon run the creek below in season.
🗺️ Open in MapsLoop past Whale Park's totem (the one on the U.S. passport), the Totem Heritage Center, and the waterfront. Flat, free, and right from the pier.
🗺️ Walking directionsA serious switchback climb from the edge of town to alpine views over the channel and islands. Only for the fit with ample port time, water, and rain gear.
🗺️ Open in MapsClimate normals for Ketchikan, Alaska (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 22 |
| Feb | 38°F / 3°C | 30°F / -1°C | 17 |
| Mar | 43°F / 6°C | 33°F / 1°C | 19 |
| Apr | 49°F / 9°C | 37°F / 3°C | 20 |
| May | 58°F / 14°C | 45°F / 7°C | 14 |
| Jun | 61°F / 16°C | 50°F / 10°C | 17 |
| Jul | 65°F / 18°C | 55°F / 13°C | 17 |
| Aug | 65°F / 18°C | 55°F / 13°C | 18 |
| Sep | 59°F / 15°C | 50°F / 10°C | 19 |
| Oct | 51°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 |
| Nov | 43°F / 6°C | 36°F / 2°C | 22 |
| Dec | 38°F / 3°C | 31°F / -1°C | 20 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Ketchikan, Alaska. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.