Final stop - Ketchikan - suggestion on things to do

Question

I have a general sense of all that Ketchikan has to offer, but this will be our final stop on our vacation and I am trying hard not to overlap the types of activities we do. Here are our current stops/activities. Knowing the following, what would you suggest we focus on doing in Ketchikan? We arrive at 10 am and depart at 6 pm.

Exploring Palmer/Hatchers Pass, Wade Fishing in Willow, exploring Talkeetna, exploring Girdwood, maybe Alyeska Resort and Wildlife conservation center, Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Tour, Train from Anchorage to Whittier, Chilkoot Bennet Scenic Journey in Skagway, car rental in Juneau with Glacier Gardens and Mendenhall Glacier.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Since Ketchikan will be your final stop and you’ve already covered a lot of inland and glacier-focused activities, you’ll likely want to focus on experiences that are unique to Southeast Alaska’s coastal environment, native culture, and charming town atmosphere. With your arrival at 10 am and departure at 6 pm, you have roughly a full day to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed.

Here are some focused recommendations for a well-rounded day in Ketchikan:

Totem Bight State Historical Park: Ketchikan is famous for its totem poles and Native Alaskan heritage. This park features a collection of totems and a replica clan house, offering a cultural experience distinct from other stops on your trip.
Creek Street: This historic boardwalk area built over the water was once the town’s red-light district and is now filled with galleries, shops, and cafes. It’s a charming stroll with great photo opportunities and a sense of Ketchikan’s history.
Misty Fjords Scenic Flight: If you want a dramatic view of coastal fjords, cliffs, and waterfalls without repeating glacier hikes, a floatplane or helicopter flight over Misty Fjords National Monument is unforgettable. It’s a different perspective from your Kenai Fjords tour and fits well within a half-day schedule.
Fishing or Wildlife Excursion: Ketchikan offers short salmon or halibut fishing charters, or wildlife boat tours focused on sea otters, eagles, and seals. These coastal experiences are very different from your inland wildlife adventures.

Other suggestions to make your day enjoyable and relaxed:

Start with a visit to Totem Bight or the Saxman Native Village in the morning to enjoy cultural attractions before crowds arrive.
Take a casual lunch along Creek Street or at one of the local seafood restaurants near the waterfront.
Reserve the scenic flight or wildlife boat tour for the afternoon, giving you a memorable climax to your Alaska trip.
Allow some buffer time to stroll the docks and shops near the cruise port or ferry terminal, soaking in the small-town coastal vibe without pressure.

Overall, focusing on coastal scenery, totem heritage, and a relaxed exploration of Ketchikan’s town center will provide a fresh and memorable finale to your Alaska vacation without overlapping your prior glacier and inland experiences.

Final stop - Ketchikan - suggestion on things to do

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