Tags
Alaska, Creek Street, Cruise, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Photography, salmon, travel
Ketchikan, a town like no other, dates back to the 1880’s when a man named Snow built a salmon saltery here and a fishing village was born.
Set at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s famed Inside Passage—a network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the world—Ketchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture.
Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to its location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage – it is the first city we reached on our cruise north from Vancouver, and our first introduction to the beauty and magnificence of Alaska.
Once on land, we had so many activities to choose from including a visit to the Totem Heritage Center, fishing for salmon, exploring the many eclectic mix of stores, and a stroll along the Creek Street boardwalk plus many more. There is a certain charm to Ketchikan, due to its wealth of native culture, colourfully displayed in an amazing collection of totem poles, and its diverse attractions and activities.

Totem Heritage Centre
We wandered along its famous Creek Street where we discovered its local wildlife including the swarms of salmon that make their way up stream through the summer. This area around Creek Street is now a heritage zone but once it was the town’s infamous red light district.
For 5 months of the year, Ketchikan goes crazy with the many cruise ships docking every day. The number one thing to do in the Salmon capital of the world is fish for Salmon where there are all 5 different types of Pacific Ocean salmon.
We wandered around many of the great local shops which were once wonderful houses in the area. Here I purchased several great Alaskan gifts that were surprisingly very reasonably priced.
It was interesting to read the history of the area and about the characters who lived and worked there. Dolly’s House is particularly interesting as was Dolly. A well maintained house of a prostitute, named “DOLLY” who lived many years ago. It has many interesting tales connected to Dolly who lived their till she was 72 years. This place is on Creek Street. I was intrigued by the diverse history of Creek Street
Totem Heritage Centre
After a very full and fun day which included a bus trip to the Totem Heritage Centre, shopping in many of the interesting stores on the waterfront and a visit to Creek Street, we boarded our ship to continue our cruise north and on to Juneau.
I’ve never really thought about visiting Alaska but your lovely photos and narrative reveal an interesting place. Hope you and your family are well? We’re having a fun summer re-exploring the area where we live. It’s kind of nice without the tourists but not great for the local economy.
Its funny, the inside passage cruise was on my bucket list forever but I did not really think that I would ever make it. It certainly was an amazing unforgettable experience. Thanks Sheree, Lyn
It is a very beautiful place.
The last frontier, it was out of this world. Thanks Lynette, Lyn
It is most certainly a beautiful country Lyn. And to have fishing like that at its doorstep would be heaven on a hook 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
And the salmon in Alaska is better than any I have tasted anywhere else. It was the most spectacular trip. Thanks Mark, Lyn
Such an interesting article. Perhaps one day I’ll make it to Alaska.
Thanks Little Miss Traveller. It was a trip to remember. So diverse and just plain stunning. Lyn
Always wanted to do this cruise. Now, I am not so sure it will ever happen. Thanks for sharing, Lyn. Allan
Yes Allan, who knows what is around the corner. I always wanted to but did not think that I ever would do it. Such a memorable experience into a world beyond my dreams. Thanks, Lyn
Excellent and captivating pictures, Lyn and such a wonderful place. Thank you for your virtual tour.
Thanks Kamal, It was the most fabulous trip and Ketchikan was a very unique and wonderful experience. Lyn
Yes it sure must be from your beautiful pictures, Lyn. You are always welcome dear ❤️❤️❤️
You’ve been to such awesome places along the North American coast. Assume it looks very different this year with no cruise ships! Hope to make it up there at some point.
Awesome with a capital A. I am so blessed to see and experience so much beauty. Thanks Caroline, Lyn
Love salmon fishing in Alaska along with the sights. So good to fish and cook it the dame day. Fresh and delicious
I enjoy Salmon. so having fresh salmon in Alaska was outstanding. My best experience was in Seward where the salmon was fresh straight from Bear Lake. Excellent. Thanks Greg, Lyn
It must be pretty quiet there this summer. No cruise ships and probably not nearly as many land-based visitors as usual either.
I know, I was thinking the same. The entire world has changed. Hope it is all worth it in the end. Who knows. Thanks, Lyn
Hi Lyn,
This is so unlike anything I ever imagined Alaska to be and such a treat to see. Thanks for visiting me on my blog and following me. I am so glad out paths crossed@
Thanks Cindy. It is the last frontier and I agree but apart from glaciers and abundant wildlife I really did not know what to expect. Lyn
What a great gift to share. Thanks again!
Two years ago in August I went on a cruise to Alaska and met a man in Ketchikan. Last year we went back to Alaska in August, and he proposed to me in Ketchikan. Hopefully if the virus will subside, we are planning to go back to Ketchikan next August and get married there. We love all of Alaska.
Lovely story Geri. I hope that your wishes come true. Stay happy. I really enjoyed Ketchikan. Thanks, Lyn