Ketchikan, Alaska – #SmallTownSaturday

Ketchikan

Howdy! It’s Small Town Saturday and today we are featuring Ketchikan, Alaska-the beginning of the last frontier.

Ketchikan is located at the southernmost entrance to Alaska’s Inside Passage. It is most notable for it’s salmon fishing as it is crowned “The Salmon Capital of the World”.

So grab your cup of coffee and adventure with me as we discover this beautiful town full of Alaska Native Culture.

Getting There

Technically, the only way to get to Ketchikan is by sea. It is located on Revillagigedo Island-a five-minute ferry ride from their international airport.

If you have ever taken an Alaskan Cruise, chances are you might have stopped in this quaint town. But if cruising isn’t your cup of tea, you can fly into Seattle and catch one of the multiple flights operated by Alaska Airlines. It is a quick 90 minute flight. From there you will hitch a ride on the ferry and enjoy a 5 minute ride to the island. Ferry’s depart every 30 minutes and many of the hotels offer shuttle services to and from the ferry.

Where to Stay

From bed and breakfasts to lodges and resorts, and even campgrounds, hostels, and your traditional hotels, Ketchikan offers just about any stay you can imagine.

The Cedars Lodge is located right in downtown Ketchikan. You will enjoy luxury accommodations with easy access to their shopping and attractions.  Grab your fishing guide and enjoy some of the best salmon fishing!

Black Bear Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast. Tripadvisor, Frommers Alaska and Lonely Planet give the Black Bear Inn their highest rating. Your room includes a fireplace and covered porch where you can enjoy your ocean view.

Right across the street from the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal you will the find The Landing Hotel. This hotel offers two full service restaurants, free on-site parking and is pet-friendly!

Things to Do

Calling all fisherman! There is nothing like fighting king salmon or halibut. You can fish with any of their fishing guides; however they are not essential. You can rent a skiff or even fish from the bridge or breakwater if you’d like to venture out on your own.

A common question is what the locals do in the winter time. They make art. The weather fosters and feeds the art and culture in Ketchikan. You can enjoy dance and theater performances, take a look at their beautiful quilts, and shop for everything they can knit, carve and weave.

You will also find the largest number of totem poles in Ketchikan. Some are more than 100 years old! The Totem Heritage Center houses a large collection of Native artifacts.

You take a variety of sightseeing tours as well. Sightsee by air and see the beautiful aerial views. Take a cruise to see Native villages, glacial fjords, whales, bears, and eagles!

At the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary you will visit the 40 acre reserve. It is located at Herring Cove and home to eagles, black bears, seals, birds and other species attracted by the salmon runs in the marine estuary.

Where to Eat

You will  have some of the best seafood you have ever had in life in Ketchikan. But there is so much more to enjoy then just seafood.

At Bar Harbor Ale House you will find their modern menu with a BBQ flair.

Enjoy views of whales swimming by from the comfort of your own private patio at the Edgewater Inn Restaurant & Marina.

And at Annabelle’s Keg and Chowder House, Ketchikan’s most popular restaurant, you can enjoy king crab, salmon and halibut. Afterwards, satisfy your sweet tooth with their made from scratch desserts!

Ketchikan is a nature lovers dream. You don’t need to be a professional to come home with some of the most gorgeous and awe-inspiring photos. Book your idyllic vacation to Ketchikan today! Contact your Travel Guru for price points and more things to see and do. Oh, and if you need a payment plan to fund your travel adventure-we got those too!

Namaste

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