Ketchikan 'on the cheap'?

[LostFan#1]

Absolutely fantastic post, Rene; thank you for the time it took to write all that. I intend to cut and paste many of these suggestions. Wish we were staying in port longer than 4pm. The hiking sounds great, but Totem Bight and wandering Creek St may fill our hours all too quickly.

[Northern Aurora]

rditton: Thanks also for the informative post. I often think that the Totem Heritage Center is overlooked; it is wonderful, easy to walk to, and since it is enclosed is great when Ketchikan is experiencing some "liquid sunshine."

[JimAOk1945]

Ketchikan is a delightful port to walk around in. Last August, my wife and I took the southbound route on RC Radiance of the Seas. We had been to Ketchikan previously, so this time we just decided to walk around town. It isn't difficult if you just take your time and stop whenever you see something interesting.

My wife had some ideas of places she wanted to see we found them all.

If you have time, you are welcome to view the slideshow my wife put together with pictures she took on our "walkabout."

Each slideshow will play as soon as the page opens, but you can also go through the pictures by clicking on the thumbnails one at a time.

 

http://nancysoasis.com/ketchikan/ketchikan.html

 

Happy Sailing!

[SnowBird Cruzer]

I think DW and I will be in the same boat. I'm planning on blowing the excursion budget somewhere (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan) and will need to be on a budget for at least one of the stops.

 

I had seen a TV show called "Motion" on the LiveWell Network (part of ABC), and they had a rainy show in Ketchikan (They also went to Misty Fjords another time). One thing they did in Ketchikan was to go to Ward Creek Park and hike around.

 

I've already checked into a rental car and for about $60-$70, I could have a car for the day. We could drive up to Ward Creek and hike around. And then see more stuff as we find it. The rental car agency already offered up some more things to do too.

 

The link to Motion is http://livewellnetwork.com/Motion/episodes/111?show=motion&ct=lwhd_Episode

 

Both Ketchikan and Misty Fjords should be on this link. Otherwise, they were on Page 2.

 

I'm bookmarking this chat for later reference too!

[Sea42]

Ketchikan is a delightful port to walk around in. Last August, my wife and I took the southbound route on RC Radiance of the Seas. We had been to Ketchikan previously, so this time we just decided to walk around town. It isn't difficult if you just take your time and stop whenever you see something interesting.

 

My wife had some ideas of places she wanted to see we found them all.

If you have time, you are welcome to view the slideshow my wife put together with pictures she took on our "walkabout."

 

Each slideshow will play as soon as the page opens, but you can also go through the pictures by clicking on the thumbnails one at a time.

 

http://nancysoasis.com/ketchikan/ketchikan.html

 

Happy Sailing!

Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos with us!

[Lady Slipper]

Walking around town you'll find plenty of things to do! Of course 'on the cheap' means different prices to everyone but I'll drop some options & suggestions for under $40/person.

 

Museums around town:

- The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is $5/person - this is a great place to spend time. There are lots of exhibits, a must-see movie, great bookstore, & any info you would want (it's an Alaska Information Center too). It's only a block or so away from Berth #1 & 2.

 

- Totem Heritage Center also $5/person - has authentic original totem poles rescued from abandoned villages plus exhibits of baskets, masks, etc. The photos on the walls from the villages are what I love! It's located near City Park.

 

- The Tongass Historical Museum is $2/person and is located just next to Creek Street. Their exhibits change during the year and it is always amazing to see what they are showing.

 

- The Fish Hatchery & Eagle Rehabilitation Center -$12/person (you can purchase a combo ticket with the Totem Heritage Center for $15). **Please note that this may be closed in 2013 - there has been talk lately. I will update when I hear anything definitive** A great place to go to see eagles up close and to learn about the Salmon life cycle.

 

Totem Poles & Parks:

- There are several 'free' Totem Poles located around the downtown area (approximately 7 just in the downtown area!). And several people have already mentioned going to Cape Fox Lodge to see the Totem Circle. The only thing I would add to that is to make sure and go inside Cape Fox Lodge as on the ground floor and 2nd floor there are some incredible exhibits of masks, baskets, photos, etc. The funicular is right on Creek Street or as some have mentioned, there is a staircase on both Married Man's Trail or out to the street near the Fish Ladder. Pick up a copy of the Free Walking Tour Map and you'll see all of these spots listed.

 

- Totem Bight and Potlatch Park are located side by side about 10 miles North of downtown. As everyone has mentioned, the City Bus will take you there for $1/each way. There is no admission charge, however, Totem Bight is a State Park and donations are always accepted if you feel so inclined (especially if you take one of the printed maps!) Or you could always print one yourself before you go. There are also informational signs spread throughout Totem Bight, giving you some history of the poles & Clan House. Potlatch Park has a Totem Carving Shed where you may see a carver working and their tools, an antique car museum & an antique firearm museum that even if you're not a gun enthusiast, is worth checking out the fascinating items inside.

 

- Saxman Native Village is about 3 miles South of downtown and can also be reached via City Bus (or, if it's a gorgeous sunshiny day you can always walk there, there is a gorgeous path that follows the road - perfect for viewing the surrounding islands!). There is a small fee, last year's price was $5/person. Be sure to print out the totem descriptions as there are no informational plaques here. Saxman also has a Totem Carving Shed where you may be able to see actual carvers working away.

 

 

Walking around town:

- Be sure to check out the Staircase Streets....if you dare! :-) I love the view up the staircase over the Tunnel - great for photos of the town & Cruise Ships!

- Walk by the Ketchikan Daily Newspaper building and learn about their old press.

- Dolly's House is on Creek Street and is $5/person (as of 2012). Inside is an actual (not a replica!) 'working woman's' home complete with furnishings, appliances, hidden compartments, and, um.....tools. :-) It's an interesting stop. Or you could always give Dolly's girls a small 'tip' and get a photo with one of them outside.

- Take a look at the 'liquid sunshine gauge' located by the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau building - yes, we get about 300 days of rain and it adds up!

- Depending on the timing of your visit, cruise down to the Stedman Bridge (just across the street from Creek Street) and watch the fishermen catch Salmon.

- Walk Married Man's Trail to the Fish ladder (again, in season) and watch the crazy kamikaze salmon hurtling their selves up the waterfall. Walk just down the street, just across the street from the American Legion building for the BEST viewing platform of the thousands of salmon waiting to try their luck at the waterfall.

- Look for eagles - they're everywhere, especially in the early part of the season.

- Cruise down to the marina and check out the fishing & pleasure boats. And check out the Ketchikan Yacht Club. If it's low tide, look for some starfish - if you're lucky you'll see some of the 'sunflower starfish' that can have something like 24 legs!

- Go geocaching! There are several geocaches in the downtown area!

- The Library has been moved but is still accessible by City Bus.

 

 

Go for a hike! (if you're going to do this, be SURE to pick up a 'spot' from the Visitor's Bureau so that if you get in trouble or lost you can activate the beacon and the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad can find you.

 

-The Deer Mountain trail is a GREAT hike and if you are willing to walk up the hill to the trailhead, will cost you nothing. Of course you could take a taxi up to the trailhead (my recommendation) or even catch the City Bus to the corner and walk up the hill to the trailhead. It's a tough'ish hike but the 1 mile lookout is absolutely spectacular (as is the summit!)

 

- The Rainbird trail is also a great hike and is a milder hike than Deer Mountain. It's within walking distance (though up a steep hill) or you could jockey the Bus system to get there.

 

- The Ward Creek Trail is spectacular as well but is best visited if you rent your own car, no bus service is available.

 

 

Go Shopping (or Browsing)...

 

While there are lots of jewelry stores and an adequate number of 'touristy stuff' - tchotchkes, t-shirts, hats, and the like, there are also several fascinating/local stores with very cool or unusual items! Here are some of my 'favorite' places - spots I take family & friends:

 

- Are you a quilter? Stop by the Silver Thimble Quilt shop for some amazing "Alaska" fabrics & kits. They're located in the Salmon Landing, just opposite the Lumberjack Show.

- Are you a beader/looking for yarn/craft supplies? Call for a free shuttle to The Point, located about 2 miles from downtown (next to the Safeway). Check out their amazing art from local artists - the pottery, paintings, & crafts are simply gorgeous. They also serve special soups & sandwiches daily.

- The Christmas in Alaska store is very popular for ornaments & all things Christmassy. :-)

- The SoHo Gallery is on Creek Street and has some fascinating art - folks from all around buy Ray Troll's t-shirts for his witty & colorful art.

- Also on Creek Street is the 'Ketchikan Carver on the creek" - a store for Norman Jackson's wood art

- Also on Creek Street is Sam McGee's - great for local jams & jellies (and has a free tasting station) coffees, chocolates, etc.

- Crazy Wolf Studio located just across the street from Whale Park is another great place for authentic, local art, totem poles, baskets, etc.

- Smoked Salmon? Walk up Mission Street to Salmon Etc on the right or the corner of Mission & Main Street for free samples & good prices.

- Chocolate? Be sure to walk to KetchiKandies - they have free samples of their homemade fudge and have spectacular chocolate covered Oreo cookies (my favorite is the mint/dark chocolate ones!) that are a favorite here. If you're already eating too much on the cruise, just walk by....the aroma of the fresh chocolate may just lure you in!

- I personally love the PNW native jewelry at Tom's Treasures, right beside the movie theater on Mission Street, there is tons to choose from (I own probably one of half the store! haha) and the owner is very fair & is open year round!

- I'm sure I've missed some....

- Tongass Trading Company is a large building located on the docks (with two other stores across the street) where you can find just about anything Alaska-related.

 

I'm sure I will get 'blasted' for this statement but it's my opinion. I feel that taking a tour teaches you more than just walking around a city, reading the info on the map. You won't find many tours that doesn't teach you about the surroundings, history, or information about the area. If you're not interested in that - OK, no problem.

 

If you are, there are only a few low-cost tours. One that I like a lot is the Ketchikan Duck Tour. It is 90 minutes for $40/Adult, $25/kids (if you pre-book! It $42 on the dock) and you are driven around the downtown historical part of the city where they talk about the history of the area. Then you drive into the water and cruise through the marina & Narrows. I find you get plenty of information but it's not a history lesson, they throw in humor so that it's not boring. You can get a good feel of the place during the tour and walk around afterwards to the spots you want to spend more time in.

 

I also like the Lumberjack Show! Not only do you get a show but learn a bit about the logging that was so prevalent in the area. I know someone has already commented on the price, but $35/Adult (half price for kids) for an hour show may not be too much for others.

 

I send family & friends on both of these tours regularly.

 

That's probably waaayyyy too much information but I hope the OP gets some ideas. :-)

 

Enjoy...

Rene

 

Rene:

Thank you so much for all this wonderful information. I am going to print it out and go over it with our friends who are cruiseing with us. And it is "never too much information":D

[Kycruisefan]

Great information. Thanks!

[In Toronto]

Loved the slideshow. Thank you.

[WeRockChalkKU]

Thank you everyone.

[SnowBird Cruzer]

Thanks to this thread, and my own research, we'll be doing our own thing in Ketchikan.

the car rental agency has given me some good places to visit and hike.

DW and I are looking forward to it.

 

FYI-I found one of the shore excursions will go to one of the parks we are going to on our own. They want $80pp. I will be renting a car for under $65.

Parking is free at the parks and hikes are free too.

And of course, all the scenery comes at no charge too.

 

This is all good as we are dropping over $400 total in Skagway to hike out and stand on a glacier. (But that's a bucket list item so it must be done)

[crusinpsychRN]

rditton--the Duck Tour sounds silly. Is it? Is it worth the money?

[rditton]

The Duck Tour definitely uses humor, laughter, music & jokes in it's tour. However, it's also very informative. If you've ever taken a Duck Tour you know how it works. The guides are experts at providing lots of information about the area in a fun way. I send all of my family & friends on it as it provides a great 'overview' of the area and is a fun way to see both the downtown area & the harbor area.

 

So - is it worth it? I say yes. It's about the least expensive tour in town ($42/Adults, $25/kids) and they even offer a $2 discount per Adult ticket when you purchase in advance.

 

Enjoy!

[merinski]

Is the Lumberjack show worth it? Is it easy to get to? Not much said about it. Thanks:)

[zetalove08]

Helpful for me too! These links are great- thanks so much everyone!

[Kesstral]

If you take the city bus (the Blue route) out to Totem Bight, pay $2 and ask the driver for a day pass, that will allow you to take more than 2 bus trips it you decide to go south to the other totem park on the Red route (or like we did and get off at Walmart). Also avoid getting on AT the cruise ship dock if you can walk to 2 blocks or so to the Library (unless you are way out at berth 4) which is stop 8 on the route map. The bus will stop at the Library first and had we waited at the cruise ship dock we woulddn't have gotten a seat.

 

http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/bus/documents/KetchikanBusSchedule.pdf

[rditton]

Is the Lumberjack show worth it? Is it easy to get to? Not much said about it. Thanks:)

 

As with the Duck Tour, this is another of my 'favorite' tours! We go at least a time or two every year. It's a show - a foot stomping, hand clapping, 'Yo-ho' yelling good time. There are several events & competitions between two teams. The action is fun and the lumberjacks are both amazing and hysterical. I think it's definitely 'worth' the admission price. These guys are athletes! The seats are stadium-style but have cushions and the theater is heated from above.

 

It's incredibly easy to get to. It's located 1 block away from Berth #1. So even if you're parked at Berth #4, it's only about a 3 cruise-ship length walk away. Easy.

[jlbl4902]

Thank you to everyone with the great ideas!

[cvpends]

Ketchikan is a delightful port to walk around in. Last August, my wife and I took the southbound route on RC Radiance of the Seas. We had been to Ketchikan previously, so this time we just decided to walk around town. It isn't difficult if you just take your time and stop whenever you see something interesting.

 

My wife had some ideas of places she wanted to see we found them all.

If you have time, you are welcome to view the slideshow my wife put together with pictures she took on our "walkabout."

 

Each slideshow will play as soon as the page opens, but you can also go through the pictures by clicking on the thumbnails one at a time.

 

http://nancysoasis.com/ketchikan/ketchikan.html

 

Happy Sailing!

 

Beautiful slideshow!

[cvpends]

We did exacty what several people suggest you do in Ketchikan. Take the public bus and visit Totem Bight Park and Potlach Park.

 

I did a "Live" posting from our cruise. This is the link:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1697232&page=2

 

The Ketchikan post begins at # 40 at the bottom of page 2.

 

 

Nice review -- thanks for posting the link!

[cvpends]

Many thanks to all of you who posted such valuable information on this thread! Last time we were in Ketchikan we took a long tour and didn't have much of a chance to walk around, so I think we will enjoy a walking tour in this beautiful town this time. All of you make this concept seem so reasonable :)

[ShannonSC2]

Thank you so much for the great information on Ketchikan. We leave for our cruise on June 10 (just booked 2 days ago) so I am trying to figure out things to do that is cheap and that 2 teenagers would like. I think we are going to do the walking tour. The more I see pictures of the area and read about other views I am very excited.

[pdmlynek]

...

Also avoid getting on AT the cruise ship dock if you can walk to 2 blocks or so to the Library (unless you are way out at berth 4) which is stop 8 on the route map. The bus will stop at the Library first and had we waited at the cruise ship dock we woulddn't have gotten a seat.

 

http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/bus/documents/KetchikanBusSchedule.pdf

 

I second this, especially if you do NOT arrive in Ketchikan very early in the morning (some ships arrive at 9 or 10). We walked to the Library stop early, so that we would be among the first in the line. We were shocked that during the 30 minutes of waiting in front of the library, NOBODY from any of the 3 ships that were docked showed up for the 7:45 bus. And we were even more shocked that NOBODY got on at either of the stops in front of the ships! Everyone on the bus was a local.

 

After seeing the Totem Bight for an hour by ourselves (1 hour was plenty of time for us), many more people were pouring into Totem Bight as we were leaving at 9:15. I would thus say, that if you take the 8:45 or later, it might be better to walk down to the library, but for any earlier buses, you can go from the stop at your ship.

[RNRcruisers]

What a great thread! We will be in Ketchikan on June 20th and were wondering if we should book a tour but it really sounds like a great place to explore on our own. We are only there from 6am until 12:30pm which does not sound long enough! Thanks everyone!

[sapete]

If you take the city bus (the Blue route) out to Totem Bight, pay $2 and ask the driver for a day pass, that will allow you to take more than 2 bus trips it you decide to go south to the other totem park on the Red route (or like we did and get off at Walmart). Also avoid getting on AT the cruise ship dock if you can walk to 2 blocks or so to the Library (unless you are way out at berth 4) which is stop 8 on the route map. The bus will stop at the Library first and had we waited at the cruise ship dock we woulddn't have gotten a seat.

 

http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/bus/documents/KetchikanBusSchedule.pdf

 

The Zuiderdam docked at berth 4 during it's 11 May cruise and it looks like it will be at this berth all season. This added about 10 minutes to our walking time both ways.

[RVRCLC]

What a great thread! We will be in Ketchikan on June 20th and were wondering if we should book a tour but it really sounds like a great place to explore on our own. We are only there from 6am until 12:30pm which does not sound long enough! Thanks everyone!

 

We have been there several times and never take a tour.

One of our favorite ports. Don't miss going up to the hotel

to see their totems. Visit Dolly's house, walk Creek Street.

Be sure to visit the museum. Take a close-up photo of one of the

totem faces.