KETCHIKAN - ALASKA STATE

Ketchikan Alaska

As a travel destination, Ketchikan Alaska means different things to different people. Some people enjoy Ketchikan Alaska fishing; others come to explore Ketchikan"s Native American culture. If you were to take a Ketchikan tour, you would discover that the arts are also alive and well in this quaint town. Based on the number of festivals throughout the year, Ketchikan Alaska has been referred to as one of the “Top 100 Small Arts Communities in the United States.” Inspired by the scenic beauty and preserved history, many artists have made Ketchikan Alaska their home. Unlike the galleries in big cities, the artists themselves own most of the art galleries in Ketchikan Alaska. The Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council is the umbrella organization for the Ketchikan arts scene. They promote arts and cultural groups, local artists, art education programs and host performances exhibits throughout the year.

If you are interested in Alaska"s Native American heritage, the Totem Heritage Center"s collection of 19th century totem poles was collected from abandoned native villages. It is listed on the National Historic Register. Today center protects the poles while providing present day native artisans with an opportunity to study the traditional art forms of the Northwest Coast native tribes.

Many people decide on a Ketchikan Alaska fishing trip because of the abundance salmon that migrate from the ocean around Prince of Wales Island, and into the protected waters of the Inside Passage. In fact, it was for this reason that Tlingit natives selected Ketchikan Creek as their summer fish camp, and why the town was established in 1900 as a commercial fishing port. Because of the abundance of fish and the construction of salmon canneries, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”

People enjoy Ketchikan Alaska fishing because of its runs of trophy-size fish, which include king, silver, red, pink and chum salmon. The finest salt-water fishing for giant halibut, red snapper, ling cod and rock cod is also available. Numerous wilderness lakes and streams provide incredible fishing for steelhead, Dolly Varden, grayling, rainbow and cutthroat trout. Ketchikan Alaska is also home to the Waterfalls Resort, which features easy access to quality fishing grounds along with luxury resort amenities.

If you love the water but have no interest in fishing, a misty fjords one-day cruise is a great way to take a Ketchikan tour. Can"t decide whether you want to take a Ketchikan tour by water or air? No problem! Take a seaplane tour, and get the best of both worlds!

Whether your interests lie in Alaska fishing, Alaska cruises, Alaska culture or Alaska hiking, Ketchikan Alaska is a great place to visit.