Unfortunately it is not possible to drive to the beautiful city of Ketchikan in Alaska as it doesn’t have any road links to the mainland. Ketchikan is situated on Revillagigedo Island and there are no bridges or road connections from the island to the U.S. mainland. Revillagigedo Island is located at the southern end of the Inside Passage, which is a remote and inaccessible part of Alaska. The only way to reach the area is either by flying or taking a ferry from either a neighbouring coastal community or Bellingham in Washington. Both the Alaska Marine Highway System and the Inter-Island Ferry service operate regular vehicle ferries that stop at Ketchikan. It’s therefore possible to bring your vehicle to Ketchikan for future onward travel, but only with the aid of one of the ferry networks.
Where is Ketchikan Located in Alaska?
Ketchikan is located in the south-eastern part of Alaska, in the United States. It is situated on Revillagigedo Island, which is part of the Alexander Archipelago, a group of islands that extends along the coast of south-eastern Alaska. Ketchikan is often referred to as the “Gateway to Southeast Alaska” because it is a popular starting point for visitors arriving from the Continental United States.
How to get to Ketchikan in Alaska
Land
There is no way to travel by road to Ketchikan as the island on which it is located is completely isolated from the mainland. There are no bridges or road connections, meaning the only way to reach Ketchikan with a vehicle in tow, is by travelling by ferry.
As Ketchikan is part of a network of islands, it is possible to travel to other cities and towns within the Southeast Alaska region. The Tongass Highway, which is also known as Alaska Route 7, provides road access to neighbouring communities such as Saxman, Ward Cove, and Metlakatla.
Sea
Ketchikan is well served by two ferry services that cover south-eastern Alaska. The Alaska Marine Highway System is the largest service with 13 vessels and 30 destinations along the Alaskan coast. The service extends from Bellingham in Washington all the way to Dutch Harbour. It offers year round services to Ketchikan, several times a week.
The second service is the Inter-Island Ferry service that operates between Hollis on Prince of Wales Island and Ketchikan. The relatively short journey of 36 miles takes around 3 hours to complete. The ferry departs daily throughout the year.
Air
Flying into Ketchikan is an increasingly popular option. The cities is served by Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), which is located on the adjacent Gravina Island, just west of Ketchikan. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The airlines offer regular flights to and from major local cities such as Seattle and Juneau, as well as other regional airports.
In addition to the mainstream commercial airlines, there are also several charter companies that offer flights to Ketchikan. The airport also facilitates a large number of floatplane services that can take you to more remote locations in the area. Floatplane tours are a popular way to see the stunning scenery of the Tongass National Forest and the Misty Fjords National Monument.
Like many destinations in Alaska, travelling to Ketchikan is neither cheap nor easy. That being said, the end destination more than justifies the effort and costs involved. Regardless of how you choose to travel to Ketchikan, it’s well worth booking in advance to guarantee availability and the best price possible.
Best Things to see and do in Ketchikan
There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Ketchikan and the wider area. If you’ve got the time and the budget, you can easily be kept busy for a week or longer. Here are 10 of the top things to do in the greater Ketchikan area:
Visit the Tongass Historical Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Ketchikan and the surrounding region. It has exhibits on local industries, Native Alaskan art and artifacts, and the city’s role in the Alaska Gold Rush.
Go fishing: Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” and there are numerous fishing charters available. You can try your luck at catching salmon, halibut, and various other fish.
Take a scenic flightseeing tour: Ketchikan is surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska, including the Misty Fjords National Monument. A flightseeing tour by floatplane or helicopter is a great way to see this natural beauty up close.
Explore the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary: This wildlife sanctuary is located just outside Ketchikan and offers guided tours through the Tongass National Forest. Here you’ll have opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Take a zipline tour: Several zipline tours are available in Ketchikan, offering a thrilling way to experience the rainforest canopy from above.
Visit Creek Street: This historic boardwalk is built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek and is home to a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
See the totem poles: Ketchikan is home to several totem pole parks, including the Totem Heritage Center, where you can learn about the history and artistry of these traditional Native Alaskan carvings.
Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center: This interpretive center provides information about the natural and cultural history of the region. It has exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Tongass National Forest, the traditional cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people, and the history of the Alaska Gold Rush.
Take a sea kayaking tour: Several companies offer guided sea kayaking tours in the waters around Ketchikan. These tours provide a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the region.
Go on a whale watching tour: Ketchikan is located on the Inside Passage, a popular feeding ground for humpback whales, orcas, and other marine mammals. Several whale watching tours are available, offering the chance to see these majestic creatures up close.
Best Time to Visit Ketchikan in Alaska
The best time to visit Ketchikan, Alaska is during the summer months, from June to August. Inevitably this is also the peak tourist season, as the weather is relatively warm and the days are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight. During this time, you can enjoy the many outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Availability on transport and tours can be limited at this time and prices are usually higher.
If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and prefer fewer crowds, you could also consider visiting Ketchikan in the shoulder seasons of May or September. During these months, the weather can be more variable, but you’ll likely find lower prices on accommodations and activities, and fewer tourists to contend with.
The winter months in Ketchikan tends to be cold and very wet with limited hours of daylight. Many tourist focused business shut down at this time as well. It all combines to make the winter a relatively unappealing time to visit.
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