Ketchikan

Why Visit Ketchikan With EWT Tours?

Ketchikan calls itself the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the data backs it up — over 1.5 million salmon return to local rivers each summer. The town is built on stilts over the harbor, with Creek Street’s wooden boardwalk winding above the salmon-spawning waters of Ketchikan Creek. During spawning runs (typically July-August), you can watch salmon leap right beneath your feet.

The town has the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. The Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Park both offer authentic Tlingit cultural experiences — carving demonstrations, traditional dances, and the chance to walk among centuries-old totems still telling their stories.

For wilderness travelers, Misty Fjords National Monument is the marquee day excursion. The 2.3-million-acre fjord system is reachable by floatplane (a 90-minute scenic flight) or boat (4-hour round trip). Sheer granite cliffs rise 3,000 feet from the water, with hundreds of waterfalls and zero road access — pure wilderness.

EWT Tours visits Ketchikan as the final cruise port. Optional excursions include Misty Fjords floatplane, lumberjack show, totem pole heritage tour, or a salmon fishing charter.