alaska - ketchikan
 

hi
has anyone got any ideas on what to do in Ketchikan besides Kayaks?

There are a few options. The Alaska heritage center is a nice museum. There are totems, two places. There is also the boardwalk and old town.

We stopped at Ketchikan when on an Alaskan cruise and spent all of our time in the old town walking around. There were a number of shops and other interesting things to see.

Misty Fjords flightseeing, black bear viewing in August.

Whatever you do, don't go to the "International Lumberjack Championship" It's a tourist trap that they hold every time new cruise ships arrive.

There is a very good state park a few miles outside of Ketchikan (I can't remember the name) which has authentic Native American lodges and totem poles.

Saxman Village?, it is not a state park, and best seen with a guide as the commentary is needed to really get much out of the area.

"Saxman Village" is south of town a bit. I believe the state park is "Totem Bight" and is the opposite direction of town. Both are a short cab ride from the dock. See more about them both at http://www.everythingalaska.com/eta.tb.html. Enjoy Alaska!

http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/totembgh.htm

Totem Bight is about 12 miles north of Ketchikan, but a cab would probably work ONLY if you arrange a pick up as cabs won't be waiting at the park. There will also be several tours available at the dock visitor center to also consider. Saxman Village is 2 miles south of Ketchikan.

thanks everyone

Ketchikan is not a place to spend much time in. I once arrived there via the Alaska Marine Highway at about 5:30 a.m.
The bars were open and busy and there were police cars cruising the main street. I spoke with some folks who had decided to spend a few days there. They told me it was a mistake.