Ketchikan

Founded as a salmon cannery site in 1885, Ketchikan’s livelihood was initially fishing and for years, it claimed to be the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Logging became an important industry as well, and when cruise ships started plying the waters of the Inside Passage, Ketchikan naturally became a popular port of call. It’s typically the first stop for those heading north.

The city is backed by Deer Mountain and the Tongass National Forest and faces Tongass Narrows, an extremely busy waterway.

Historic Creek Street is the heart of Ketchikan – it’s constructed over boardwalks that run along Ketchikan Creek which is typically loaded with salmon and trout during their migrations in the summer. Visitors can stroll the boardwalk and enjoy book stores, art galleries, bars and restaurants while watching locals fish for their lunch!