There are many amazing things to do and beautiful places to admire while visiting Ketchikan. For many ideas, please visit Visit Ketchikan Travel Page.
Here are some links and information that we think will be helpful in planning cultural, sightseeing, and outdoor excursions around Ketchikan. Check back from time to time as we will continue to add links.
General Interest
Ketchikan, Alaska, is truly the beginning of the last frontier. 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.

Image source: Alaska.org
Art and Culture
In Ketchikan, the long, rainy winters spark an incredible surge of creativity! Ranging from painting and quilting to carving and weaving and more, the coastal community becomes a hub of artistic expression. Art and culture have been woven into Ketchikan’s identity since the earliest cedar bark baskets, and today, the local community proudly shares their creative spirit with all who visit. To check out some of the local art, please visit this guide to artists and galleries.

Image source: Visit Ketchikan
Ketchikan boasts the world’s largest collection of totem poles, including some of the oldest still in existence. While the most ancient pieces are preserved in climate-controlled settings or private collections, many can be admired throughout the town, at the Totem Heritage Center, or in one of our stunning totem parks.
The Tongass Historical Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Ketchikan’s vibrant past, showcasing the people, industries, and cultures that have shaped this unique coastal community. Through engaging exhibits and carefully preserved artifacts, visitors can explore Ketchikan’s storied history—from its Indigenous roots and fishing and timber industries to the colorful characters that once walked its streets.
There’s a lot to see and do in Ketchikan! Grab a copy of the Historic Walking Tour Map and set out on your own tour of Ketchikan!