Destinations / The best places to visit in Alaska, USA / Ketchikan

 

  Ketchikan is a bustling town, well known as the salmon capital of the world, and the ideal place for fishermen as well for naturalist enthusiasts. During the summer months the town is intense populated by tourists from all over the world. The rustic boardwalk on Creek Street keeps a deep historic spirit, while the town is highlighted by new construction that keep up the development of the tourism. Ketchikan has a beautiful location on the Western coast of the island of Rovillagigedo, near the most Southern borders of Alaska. The city is the first port of call in Alaska, for northbound cruise ships, and also for state ferries. The surface of the town comprises about three square miles of land and one square miles of water.

 

 

  The famous history of the town dates back to 1883, when there was built a salmon saltery, by a man named Snow. After two years, a businessman hired Mike Martin to explore the banks of Ketchikan Creek to see if there is a possibility to built a salmon cannery. Mike Martin and George Clark, the manager of the cannery have made a partnership and founded a saltery and a general store, in the early 1990’s. Later, Ketchikan was completely involved in this business, with the fishing trade flourishing. And by 1900 the city of Ketchikan was officially incorporated comprising a population of about 800 people. The mining activities started in the area, that brought Ketchikan to act like a very important trading community. In our days the logging industry has almost disappeared and Ketchikan started to value its new and more important industry, the tourism. Now the population of the town is about 14,500 and the city nowadays bustles with activity. A visit to this town is a great opportunity for everyone who loves the Native art.

 

 

  Ketchikan offers to the tourists incredible landscapes, full of majesty and charm. Located on the steep and rocky shore of the Revillagigedo Island offers stunning views, with dramatic panorama that enchant people’s eyes. Fishing and tourism are the main activities for the local economy in Ketchikan. It features five amazing boat harbors and a ship and dry dock facility offered to the big vessels. It represents the first stop for the most cruise ships situated on the North along Alaska’s great Inside Passage. The city of Ketchikan is located in the very heart of Alaska, and has no roads into or out of the city, that why the ferry travel is the major form of transportation, the city being accessible only by air or by sea.

 

  The most popular attraction in Ketchikan is the incredible collection of totem poles, which is the largest collection of this kind in the world, featuring the best evidence of the rich culture of the Tlingit people. The tourists can also delight their soul with the best shopping spots in the area, take advantage of the guided bus or the trolley tours that will take them to Ketchikan historical sights. The sport fishing, the float plane tours have a immense contribution to make Ketchikan both magnificent place to visit and an overwhelming experience. The city is surrounded by Tongass National Forest, which is the largest in United States. Including all these remarkable sites, Ketchikan is a fantastic town with much Tlingit and Haida Indian culture in evidence that give a notable attraction to the city. There are two areas that worth to be visited and explored. The ferry dock located on the Northern part of the town, in the older part, are the most exciting sights to see, perfect for a walking tour. Then choose to visit the Tongass Historical Museum that houses a collection of native art and culture, reflecting the timelessness spirit, well preserved here. The places that surround the town are really fascinating and there the visitors can enjoy lovely moments, in the most astonished landscapes. The nightlife here is also unforgettable. If you are here on Friday night do not miss the performance of the Fish Pirate’s Daughter melodrama, which is one of the most great shows around and in all Alaska’s performance. You will spend unrepeatable moments, surrounded by the most funny company, in a very pleasant atmosphere. The Frontier Saloon offers rock’n roll, the Pioneer Bar and the Rainbird Bar feature country music, Thunderbird also features the best music and dancing. So do not hesitate to spend the night here, in this places, because you will never be bored, only nice impressions will overwhelm you.

 

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