LDS Alaskan Shore Excursion - Ketchikan

Alaska is the final frontier. I think that is why it is so popular and one of my favorites from a North American gateway. Ketchikan is one of the first stops on an inside passage itinerary and a perfect port to begin exploring and seeing those things that Alaska brings to mind. Salmon fishing is one of those Alaskan things and Ketchikan is known as the Salmon fishing capital of the world. Totem Poles also are a big part of visiting Alaska and this is a great place to get to know something about them. And don't forget the quaint shopping area called Creek Street, shops built on stilts over a river. On a sunny day there isn't a nicer place than Creek Street and the glimmering river below.

Of course Ketchikan also holds another record beside the Salmon Capital, it is also the wettest spot in Alaska so finding that sunny day might be elusive. Plan on rain and if you get a sunny day it will be a nice unexpected extra.

We are able to offer 3 different shore excursions on this trip and I want you to become acquainted with Ketchikan through these tours.

Totem Poles and Lumberjacks. This tour starts with a 2 1/2 to 3 hour trip that highlights Totem Bight Park. The park is situated in a cove along the ocean, also known as a bight and features trails through old rain forest growth. The foliage is almost tropical as you view large ferns and green grasses. After a short walk along the trail you enter an open area surrounded by totem poles of various sizes and shapes. The local guide will tell you what the figures mean and how placement on the pole has specific meaning.

A Clan House has been restored in the same area where you can sit inside and listen to folkloric tales from the area tribes. There is some free time to explore and take pictures once you exit the Clan House. Be sure and take the boardwalk near the ocean edge, if the Fireweed is in bloom you are in for a real treat. You may spend your free time visiting the bookstore in the park, or the souvenir shop just up the road a few paces. Included in the tour is a quick overview of Ketchikan. You can be dropped off in the shopping district, at the ship, or continue on the "Sea" portion of our next tour, Ketchikan Land and Sea.

The Lumberjack Show is a continuation of the Totem Bight tour. Once you have completed the tour listed above you will then be dropped off at the Lumberjack Show in the middle of Ketchikan. You will divide up into cheering teams and encourage your lumberjack team to win the title. The competition consists of pole climbing, log sawing, a log roll and many other events.

This show is featured on ESPN when they air the Lumberjack Championships each year.

The show will last about an hour and once it is finished you will have some free time to explore Ketchikan on your own or you can choose to walk back to the ship for lunch . The city is small and you are in the middle of town so nothing is very far away. Enjoy!