Gray Line of Alaska

Alaska Cruises offers an outstanding one-day cruise to Misty Fjords National Monument, the 2.2-million-acre treasure is a must see while in the Ketchikan area. You will be awestruck by cliffs towering thousands of feet above you and waterfalls that cascade into the placid waters of the ocean. You will sail past New Eddystone Rock, a volcanic plug rising 237 feet from the Behm Canal’s waters. Bald eagles can be seen soaring throughout the Monument while other sea birds nest in mossy niches on the cliffs. Emerald waters on all sides reflect the lushness of the temperate rainforest. For your added pleasure, a guide will provide a professional narration of the wildlife, plants and geology of this area. Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages onboard. 1-800-228-1905, 907-225-6044 Alaska Cruises also offers a Historical Waterfront Cruise that captures the essence of Ketchikan’s bustling waterfront community. See the areas where most of Alaska’s First City occurred. The warm, comfortable excursion yachts provide a relaxing, informal atmosphere where you can chat with the captain and guide. Explore Ketchikan’s colorful past and tour the town in a whole new way. Journey back in time and view the Creek Street Historical District, once the town’s lively “Red Light” District. 800 228 1905, 907 225 6044.

The Alaska Queen is the newest addition to Alaska Travel Adventures, one of the most respected tour operators in the state. It is the largest steam driven paddle wheeler west of the Mississippi. The Alaska Queen will offer a 2-1/2 hour narrated cruise around Ketchikan providing insights on the deeds and misdeeds of the area’s early settlers as well as pointing out landmarks seen along the way. 1-800-791-2673

Allen Marine Tours offers an amazing opportunity to Explore Misty Fjords - one of nature’s most spectacular creations - while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. Pass colorful fishing boats and float planes on route to a wilderness experience you will never forget. Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for wildlife as you “fly” at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. View an active bald eagle’s nest, a Tlingit pictograph and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces. Enjoy a selection of complementary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here. Note: Be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation decks … and don’t forget your camera! 907 225 8100 / 1 877 686 8100

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show World class athletes compete in 12 exciting events for the title “Bull Of The Woods”! Covered, heated grandstands ensure your comfort as you enjoy chopping, sawing, the death defying speed-climb, logrolling, music and more in this salute to Alaska’s frontier woodsmen. A must see during any Alaskan adventure! 1-888-320-9049

Holland America Tours offers a number of tours: Totem Bight Tour, 2.5 hours. Learn about the lore and legend of the Alaska Indian culture as  your guide takes you through a forest of hemlock and spruce to an old Indian  campsite and ceremonial house. Have your picture taken with your favorite  totem - there are lots of them. May to September.

Southeast Discovery Center has several world-class exhibits including the Rainforest Room, a Native Fish Camp and Totem Poles. Discover the magical lands of Southeast Alaska. They have a friendly knowledgable staff to serve you. 50 Main St. one block from Cruise Ship dock. 907-228-6220

Centennial Museum Library on Dock Street in downtown Ketchikan, has an excellent collection of Indian artifacts, pioneer relics, wildlife, ores and minerals, a gun collection, pioneer household equipment, old photos and books on Alaska. An outstanding place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Creek Street, where you will find Dolly’s House, is a collection of ancient frame houses and shops resting on pilings over the water are joined by boardwalks bordering Ketchikan Creek.

Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center. Built in 1954, 350,000  King, Coho and Steelhead salmon raised and released annually. 1158 Salmon Road, Ketchikan, AK 99901; 1-800-252-5158, 907-225-9533.

Hiking trails around Ketchikan offer another exciting dimension to  your visit there. The Deer Mountain Trail, for example, begins right in town just behind City Park at the intersection of Deermount and Fair streets. An easy though steep hike, much of this well-maintained, five-mile-long trail  is boardwalk. The trail can be climbed in about four hours, and the reward is a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

For further information or reservations contact: Holland Ameria Tours in the Air Sea Travel, 1601 Tongass Avenue, #3, Ketchikan, AK 99901; 907-225-5930.

Ketchikan Creek and Falls downtown adjacent to the library, offers excellent views of the salmon runs that have made the town famous.

Ketchikan's King Salmon Derby is actually one of four salmon Derbys in the town, all getting underway in May or June. Entrants compete for thousands of dollars.

Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center on Ketchikan Creek adjacent to the City between Deermount and Woodland Streets, The center contains some 33 original totem poles or pieces of poles collected from abandoned Tlingit or Haida Indian villages. A craft center provides a workshop for artisans and craftsmen, and classes teach native Alaskans such arts as carving, tool making and basketry. A 15-minute guided tour is available during regular summer hours.

Ketchikan Walking Tour, a free do-it-yourself activity, includes 33 points of interest within easy walking distance of downtown area. The two-mile  excursion takes about two hours. Free map at Ketchikan Visitors Bureau.

Liquid Sunshine gauge at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau graphically shows Ketchikan's 162 inch average rainfall—in feet!

Totem Poles which make up the world's largest collection are clustered  in Totem Heritage Center, downtown; in Saxman Totem Park, two miles south of Ketchikan; and in Totem Bight, a State Park 10 miles north of town. Additional  totems are scattered throughout the city.

For the visitor who really wants to get off the beaten path, there are several remote resorts and fishing lodges within easy driving or flying distance from Ketchikan. Contact local air services for rates for specific destinations.

Craig and Klawock on Prince of Wales Island are two Indian communities which offer fishing, as well as scenic, historic and cultural interest. Served by the State Ferry System.