Itinerary for about 4-5 hrs in Ketchikan

Question

We are arriving on NCL at 6am and leaving at 1:15. Apparently, the last free shuttle from downtown is at 11:30. We plan on doing our own thing. My question is, will we have enough time to check out Creek Street, maybe some totem poles, the salmon ladder and possibly get a local snack during this short period of time? We plan on getting off ship as soon as possible and hopefully walking and seeing as much as we can depending upon the distance to these things. Thanks for any info.

Answer

With roughly 4-5 hours in Ketchikan, it is definitely possible to see several highlights on your own if you plan efficiently and start right after the ship docks. Since your last free shuttle back to the ship is at 11:30, you’ll want to organize your time carefully.

Here’s a suggested walking itinerary:

Creek Street: Start here first. It’s very close to the cruise docks, so you can reach it within 5–10 minutes. The historic boardwalk and colorful buildings offer plenty of photo opportunities. Allow 30–45 minutes to stroll and explore.
Totem Poles: For a quick view, you can walk to the Totem Heritage Center or the small totem poles at Saxman Village. Saxman is a short drive away, so if you don’t want to take a taxi, you can admire totems along the waterfront and in public areas in downtown Ketchikan. Allocate 30–45 minutes for this.
Salmon Ladder: The creek ladder is close to the waterfront and downtown. A quick stop for photos and observation should take 15–20 minutes.
Local Snack: Grab a quick bite at one of the downtown cafes or shops near the docks. Popular options include seafood snacks, pastries, or coffee. Give yourself 20–30 minutes to enjoy this without feeling rushed.

Logistics tips:

Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some slight uphill walking in areas like Creek Street.
If you want to see Saxman Village to experience authentic native culture, you may need a quick taxi ride, which will take around 10–15 minutes each way.
Keep an eye on time to ensure you’re back at the dock for the last shuttle at 11:30. Walking speed and stops for photos will affect your schedule, so prioritize the sights that matter most.

Overall, you can cover Creek Street, see some totem poles, catch the salmon ladder, and grab a local snack comfortably if you stay on a tight but leisurely pace. Planning your stops in order and staying close to downtown will maximize your short visit.

Itinerary for about 4-5 hrs in Ketchikan

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