Ketchikan for the Independant Traveler?

Hello,

Due to some ferry scheduling (when in AK we LOVE to use the Alaska Marine Highway) we find ourselves with a 3 day layover in Ketchikan during August %26#39;09.

No offense, but we generally try and avoid cities that cater to cruise ships. Way too many people gushing on to the streets and touristy t-shirt and fudge shops. And... our budget is kind of tight. (who%26#39;s isn%26#39;t these days?) That said, can anyone share any tips and ';must sees'; about Ketchikan?

We are looking for something accessible, as we won%26#39;t have a car. I am an obsessive photographer, so any points of interaction with wildlife and natural beauty are always a plus. We love to meet Native craftspeople.

Any suggestions for B%26amp;Bs, Misty Fijord trips? Where do people go to eat and enjoy Ketchikan when they are not involved in the cruise ship experience? Any small towns accessible from Ketchikan that would make a nice day trip?

Thanks for your input.

Ketchikan for the Independant Traveler?

You can take a flight or possibly a boat trip to the Misty Fjords (if weather permits); for totem poles and native heritage, you can go Saxman Village. I would take the city bus there though. It%26#39;s only a couple of bucks. If you don’t want to visit the native center, then the totem poles are free. You can try Annabelle%26#39;s Keg %26amp; Chowderhouse which is famous for their clam chowder. Note, if the cruise ships are not in port, many things can be closed in Ketchikan. Most of the shops are owned by the cruise line. I stayed at the Best Western while there. It is not downtown, but I did walk it a couple of times. Might be a mile or 2. There is a Super 8 there I believe right by the water. It%26#39;s closer to downtown. Don%26#39;t know any B%26amp;Bs. Hope this helps.

Ketchikan for the Independant Traveler?

Hi MarciaD,

Never fear, there is a real Ketchikan here that some of us have lived in for decades, cruise ships or not. For lodging, call the Ketchikan Reservation Service (www.ketchikan-lodging.com) at 1-800-987-5337 or Alaska Travelers Accomodation (www.alaskatravelers.com) at 1-800-928-3308 after looking at the many, many options on the website. You will find their self catered B and B options cheaper and more fun than a hotel and there are many choices downtown. Use the bus! One day for shops and museums (we have fabulous LOCAL art galleries and great small museums), a full day to take the bus to Totem Bight and back, enjoying the drive, the totems, the trails, the beach and the bookstore, another day take the bus to Rotary Beach south of town. Pack a picnic lunch and/or walk the four miles or so back to town...bike path most of the way. In town, hike to the bypass and Rainbird trail. Eat at Diaz or Burger Queen or The New York Cafe. The beauty of cruise ships is that they LEAVE by mid-afternoon generally. Walk the docks, enjoy Creek Street, just relax. For a great day trip, call Allen Marine a book a cruise/cruise or cruise fly to Misty Fjords. It is worth every penny. They are at 1-877-686-8100 or go Sea Kayaking (along the shore, mostly) with Southeast Sea Kayaks at 1-800-287-1607.

Thanks a million Rainbirdreader! Some great advice there. Really appreciate the post.

MarciaD