A Day in Ketchikan, Alaska

It took me about 6 months, but I’m finally getting around to blogging about our family trip to Alaska.  It is one of my favorite trips to date for all the wonderful vistas that came with visiting this beautiful state.  We’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to discovering Alaska’s vast landscape.

Discover Ketchikan Alaska

Ketchikan was our first stop on our Alaskan cruise.  I stepped onto the deck of the Ruby Princess and was instantly charmed by what I saw.  In the early morning hours, the air was cool and a light fog lingered around the mountains.  It was picturesque.  I loved how the homes hugged this coastal town, lending a cozy, charming feel to the whole place at first glance.

A Walk Around Town

First stop?  SHOPPING!  I can’t help it.  I love shopping.  We stepped off the walkway and headed into the first store.  The kids got new hats and socks for their Alaskan adventures.  We took our time walking through town, enjoying the cool air, trying the local cuisine and working our way to Creek Street.

Creek Street

Also known as the Salmon Capital of the World, it was clear why it got that name as we walked along Creek Street.  I was told that we were about a week past the peak of salmon season but there were still plenty of large salmon swimming along Creek street.  We even spotted a sea lion swimming through the waters.  I read on the cruise ship pamphlet that Creek Street used to house brothels.  Now it’s populated with art galleries, restaurants and shops.  A must see if you’re in Ketchikan.

From Creek Street we met up with our taxi service, Ketchikan Taxi Cab Tours.  Due to the size of our party, we opted for a private taxi service to take us around town.  I highly recommend it as you can personalize your tour of the town to your interests.  Dave, our guide, and his wife took us to the Alaskan Rainforest Sanctuary with stops along the way to point out the bald eagles and stories about the town.

Heading back towards town, we stopped by the docks for a glimpse of the Time Bandit from the Deadliest Catch.  Let’s just say I was a total fan girl just looking at the ship from across the water.  It was smaller than what I envisioned in my head but it was great to see it up close.  Unfortunately, the Hillstrand brothers were no where to be seen. Just as well.  I probably would have screamed his name and fainted.

Totem Bright State Park

We topped off the tour with a visit to Totem Bright State Park.  This was a scenic walk that displays beautiful Alaskan Native art of the Tlingit and Haida cultures.

The Mother & Child totem was my favorite totem.  “Her hands are protectively placed on either side of her child…offering wisdom and knowledge to all who enter”

The kids had a blast picking huckleberries from the bushes.  The bushes were laden with berries and our wonderful guide was so sweet and patient as the kids stuffed their faces with the tart berries.

This was a wonderful way to start our Alaskan journey!  Ketchikan is a charming town with a lot of personality.

Check back in to see more of our vacation to Alaska.

Have you traveled with your family to Alaska before?  I’d love to read about your adventures.  Share them in our comments!