Ketchikan Port

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s First City, not because it was the first founded or the largest but because it is the first major destination you’ll reach as you travel north into the state. And it serves as an idyllic introduction to Alaska, steeped in rich heritage and surrounded by breath-taking examples of the natural beauty the area is known for. Unlike other cities, it wasn’t founded on gold mining but instead on timber and fishing, and you’ll see why with a visit to the amazing Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary or, for something completely different, a trip to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

The city began life as an Indian fishing camp and the influences of the Native Americans here live on through the Totem Bight State Park. Here you’ll see 14 totem poles, each telling a distinct story, as well as have the opportunity to learn more about Native Alaskan traditions and cultures. Meanwhile if you’re feeling adventurous and you want to get the adrenaline pumping, few destinations can offer such varied activities as off-road driving, hiking, kayaking, flightseeing and more.

The currency in Ketchikan is the US Dollar. Ketchikan is 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -8).