We are exploring the possibility of visiting Ketchikan OR Sitka areas in November. Is there enough to see and do to keep us busy for 3-4 days? What about the weather?

Just got back from a cruise to those ports. Sitka was larger and had more to do in the town. Ketchikan is very rural, small, with nothing much in the town. I can't see why you would want to go anywhere up there in November. I wanted to leave after 2 hours in the town!

November is during the onset of the rainy season, and in Ketchikan, that is REALLY rainy. On that alone, I would pick Sitka. bb is also correct that Sitka is bigger and has more to do. The only reason why you would choose Ketchikan would be if you are a big fisherman or want to take a boat trip into fjord areas. Misty Fjords is nearby and very spectacular (and in November, it will be misty!).

I don't think you'd be very pleased with your visit - the weather will likely be pretty awful - rainy, windy, snowy, any/all of the above, plus the days will be getting quite short. Yes, Sitka has more to offer than Ketchikan; however I can't imagine how as a first timer I'd find enough to do to occupy 3 or 4 days.

One idea that you might consider, though, is flying to Juneau or Sitka, then taking the State ferry south to Bellingham WA, or vice versa. In the fall/winter, you'll have the boat pretty much to yourselves, and it's a wonderful trip - misty mountains and islands sliding by outside your cozy cabin, the occasional Orca or eagle, a few hours on the shore during stops at one or two of the small towns (including Ketchikan), really a blast. Takes about 3 days depending on where you get on (I'd recommend Juneau).