Answer: If you’re visiting Ketchikan and are interested in Tlingit culture and totem poles, both Saxman Native Village and Totem Bight State Historical Park are worth considering. You can visit either or both depending on your time and interests.

Answer: Since you’ve already visited the totem poles and Creek Street in Ketchikan, there are still plenty of scenic and relaxing options for a short cruise stop with senior adults. Ketchikan is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and even a few hours can be well spent enjoying it.

Answer: Ketchikan is a compact but scenic area, and renting a car can give you flexibility to explore beyond the cruise port. Driving toward Herring Cove is a great plan, and there are several interesting stops and sights along the way and nearby.

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.

Answer: Visiting the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary independently from Ketchikan is entirely doable, but since it’s located a bit outside the town center, transportation planning is key. The sanctuary is about 18 miles north of downtown Ketchikan, so it’s not within walking distance from the cruise docks.

Answer: In Ketchikan, most car rental agencies are indeed located on Gravina Island near the Ketchikan International Airport, which is accessible from the main part of the city by the Ketchikan Airport Ferry. This means there is no rental office directly at the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan.

Answer: Ketchikan is a compact and walkable town, so with 5-6 hours you can see quite a bit on your own. Since you’ll be getting off your Holland America ship around 8 am, most local shops, the Visitor Center, and many attractions will be open, though some restaurants may not serve lunch until closer to 11 or 11:30. The cruise ship docks at the Alaska Marine Highway terminal, which is right near the main part of town, making walking convenient to many attractions.

Answer: Ketchikan travelers should be aware that Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has established a new private dock located approximately 7 miles from downtown Ketchikan. This facility was developed using an old pulp mill building, which has been remodeled into a visitors center. The center includes some shopping options, entertainment diversions, and a few local shops setting up temporary kiosks.

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.

Answer: Ketchikan is a relatively small town in Alaska, and transportation options are more limited than in larger cities. While rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft do not currently operate in Ketchikan, there are several other ways to get around, especially if you plan to stay 5–15 miles outside of town.

Answer: With only 6 hours in Ketchikan (7 AM–1 PM), you can still see Totem Bight State Park, the Lumberjack Show, and Creek Street with careful planning. Here’s a suggested itinerary and detailed guidance.

Answer: Visiting Ketchikan during Christmas offers a unique opportunity to experience local Tlingit culture as well as the festive holiday atmosphere. December in Ketchikan is typically the rainy season, with frequent precipitation and overcast skies, so waterproof gear and layers are recommended. Temperatures are usually in the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (1–7°C).

Answer: Ketchikan offers several great bear-focused tours that can fit within your budget and time frame. Since you prefer a bus/land-based tour rather than a flight or boat cruise, you’re already looking at the right type of excursions. Here’s a breakdown of your options and some additional context based on prior visitor experiences:

Answer: Visiting Totem Bight State Historical Park from Ketchikan using public transport is possible, but it requires a bit of planning. The local public bus system, the Ketchikan Area Transit (KAT), runs routes that can take you close to the park, but service is not frequent, especially for tourists with limited time.

Answer: Spending 2–3 days in Ketchikan is a wonderful idea, as it allows you to explore beyond the quick cruise stop and really enjoy its culture, scenery, and outdoor activities. After your time in Ketchikan, you have several options for a 2–4 day continuation before flying back to Seattle, depending on whether you want more hiking, wildlife, or city experiences.

Answer: Docking at the Norwegian Encore in Ketchikan at 7:00 AM with departure at 1:15 PM gives you just over six hours onshore. Given your limited mobility, careful planning is important to ensure you see highlights without feeling rushed or risking missing the ship.

Answer: Given your tight schedule in Ketchikan, planning your post-tour time efficiently will help you see and photograph the highlights. Your Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour ends at 11:15 am, and you need to be back on the ship by 12:30 pm, giving you roughly an hour of sightseeing.

Answer: Short answer: yes — there are several Ketchikan charters that will take just two anglers (private or “couples” charters), and mid-June can be a very good time for salmon fishing (you’ll often find coho/silver starting to appear and kings/chinook are also present in early summer), but you should check current king-salmon retention rules before you go.

Answer: In Ketchikan, most organized salmon fishing excursions are boat-based, as salmon primarily run in rivers and estuaries accessed via water. However, there are some land-based or shore-access options if you prefer to avoid another boat after your cruise. These experiences often involve a local guide driving you to a nearby river or stream where you can fish from the shore or wade into calm waters.

Answer: In Ketchikan, most traditional taxi services primarily focus on transportation rather than guided tours. However, some local taxi companies and private drivers do offer custom sightseeing tours, especially for visitors wanting a more personalized experience. These tours can include stops at popular viewpoints, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Creek Street, and local scenic areas. It’s best to contact taxi services directly in advance to inquire about tour availability, pricing, and whether they can accommodate your preferred schedule.

Answer: Ketchikan has a vibrant local arts scene, and while there are many tourist-oriented shops with mass-produced souvenirs, there are several places where you can find genuine local craftsmanship, from Native Alaskan art to contemporary pieces by local artists.