Ketchikan in about 5-6 hours

Question

This is what I hate about cruises…no immersing yourself in an area…but it is what it is. I would like to walk around so will stop at the Visitor’s Center for a map. I’d like to see Creek Street, the Salmon Ladder, the totem poles in town and maybe walk part of a nearby trail if there is one.

I would like to eat some King Crab Legs for lunch. I looked at the restaurants recommended by Trip Adviser, but many of the menus are out of date and some of the reviews talk about how touristy and expensive these restaurants are even for lunch. Can anyone recommend a more local and tasty restaurant that serves King Crab Legs? Where would locals go?

Is there anywhere we could get to on our own to possibly see bears given our limited time? If we get off the ship as early as 8 am, are things open? I know my husband will insist we get back to the boat by 2:30 so lunch at 12 or so. That leaves 8-12 to explore on our own.

The itinerary says we are in port until 3 pm. It is a Holland America ship. Any caveats about where they dock.? This is the least time we have in a port. I didn’t want to book an excursion here because of time limitations.

Thank you for your advice..particularly for the restaurant.

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.

For your itinerary, here’s a practical plan for 8 am – 2:30 pm:

8:00 – 8:30 am: Stop at the Visitor Center for a map, tips on walking routes, and any updated info on local attractions.
8:30 – 10:00 am: Walk Creek Street and check out the historic wooden sidewalks and old buildings. This area is very close to downtown and picturesque for photos.
10:00 – 11:00 am: Head to the Totem Heritage Center or nearby totem poles around town to see authentic Tlingit totems. Many of the downtown totems are within a 10-15 minute walk.
11:00 – 12:00 pm: Quick walk to the Salmon Ladder or explore nearby trails such as the Rainbird Trail, which is short and accessible from town, giving a taste of local forest scenery.

For lunch, if you want King Crab Legs that locals actually enjoy, try these options:

Annabelle’s Famous Keg & Chowder House: Known for seafood including King Crab; locals recommend it for a casual yet quality meal without the full tourist markup.
Ketchikan Seafood Market & Restaurant: Offers fresh Alaskan seafood, including crab, at reasonable prices; it’s a more low-key, local-style place compared to the larger tourist-focused spots.
Alaska Fish House: Centrally located and praised for its fresh crab legs and friendly service; it’s smaller and less touristy than some harborfront restaurants.

Regarding wildlife viewing, with only a half-day it’s unlikely to see bears independently, as they are usually spotted via guided tours outside town (at creeks or estuaries). However, if you have a car or taxi, driving 10-15 minutes out to the Tongass National Forest area near Ward Creek might give you a chance to glimpse wildlife along the trails or creeks, but sightings are never guaranteed. Otherwise, focus on town attractions and the short Rainbird Trail for some nature immersion.

Key tips for your limited time:

Stick to walking distance attractions near the cruise dock to maximize time.
Plan lunch around 12 pm so you’re back to the ship by 2:30 pm without rushing.
Wear layers and waterproof shoes, as Ketchikan often has light rain and damp streets, even in summer.

By following this plan, you can see the highlights of Ketchikan, enjoy a great local seafood lunch, and have a short nature experience without booking an excursion.

Ketchikan in about 5-6 hours

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