Why You Should Visit Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska is a port along the inside passage. It is not out in the open ocean; instead you pass between small islands and the shores of Alaska when you are on a ship. From the ship, you take a tender to the shore instead of docking at a port if you sail on Norwegian Cruise Line and other cruise lines. Tenders are medium-sized covered boats powered by diesel engines.

From the ship you can view the town built into the hills along the shore. The houses are brightly colored and they stand out from one another. Paint themes are red, yellow, brown, tan, gray, blue, and combinations of those colors. Homes are all block style, but some are large; some are small; some are short, and some are tall. As you arrive onshore, the Tongass Trading Company welcomes you. It is a general store offering outdoor wear, foot wear, hardware, marine needs, curios, and groceries. You can find almost anything you need in this depot. After you pass through the store, the town of Ketchikan greets you.

Ketchikan, Alaska acquired its name from the Native American phrase for “thundering wings.” There is a large sculpture of an eagle with a massive wing span on the edge of the town that commemorates the title. Native American culture is evident throughout the town.

Ketchikan is one of the largest salmon processing sites in the United States. You can visit Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center where injured eagles are cared for and salmon are hatched in huge tanks of water. This procedure is called “farming salmon”. The processing and canning facility is located nearby. There is also good salmon fishing in the area and you can rent a boat, or go on a fishing tour to try your luck.