Whether you’re a part of a fishing family, or it’s just the dad, there’s something for everyone to do in Ketchikan. The forests of the final frontier are full of exhilarating activities and things to see, and the history is still very much alive, wherever you go. Whatever your family like to do, take them for a break in Ketchikan.
What You Need to Know About the Fishing
Ketchikan is known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ for good reason – there, you have access to silver salmon, chinook salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon and sockeye salmon. Try your hand at these beautiful and acrobatically fighting fish, but it isn’t just salmon. You can catch rockfish, halibut and even red snapper, and if you take a trip to some of the more remote fly fishing streams and lakes, then you’ll also find healthy stocks of brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Fishing in Ketchikan is well worth taking the time out to see, whether you’d prefer to take a skiff or motor boat out or fish right by your lodge – just sit back, relax and let them take the bait. For more information on Alaskan fishing, visit Alaska Sportfishing Expeditions for further details!
Activities to Enjoy in Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a bustling place where the locals have kept important traditions alive. There is a thriving community of artisans who make everything from high-quality jewellery, often using materials like Alaskan gold and jade, to both highly traditional and modern artworks. These can all be spied from the local shops if you have a good eye; just look out for the ‘Silver Hand’ emblem which signifies that an artefact was crafted by an Alaskan native. Another more predictable tradition of Ketchikan is a passion for seafood – and not just salmon! Crab, oysters, shrimp and clams will all be cooked to perfection and served for you with delight in Ketchikan. There’s a varied music scene that you can discover throughout the bars and restaurants, but if you’re more active in the day, you should try zip lining through the forests and over the lakes, canoeing, or taking a tour of the area by seaplane.
A History Ready to Be Explored
When you’ve located some traditionally made artefacts, you’ll want to know more about the Alaskan natives. You can hardly fail to notice the many totem poles around the area, but if you’re interested, then you should make it down to the Totem Heritage Center to see the biggest collection of them anywhere in the world. The frontiers people have their own history as well. To see how lawless life was for the early settlers, who came from all over the world, take a look at both the restored 1930s cannery and the former ‘House of Ill Repute’ to catch a glimpse of the experiences that make up the town’s history. Whoever you were, life was tough in Alaska, and it involved hardship and struggle – fortunately, your break there will be the exact opposite.
The first thing to do in Alaska is sit back, relax and look at the incredible views – fishing, exploring and discovering Ketchikan all come second.