Ketchikan hotels
Ketchikan is the first Alaska cruise port sailing north from Vancouver or Seattle, and the self-styled salmon capital of the world. The town clings to Revillagigedo Island in a 3-mile strip with the cruise berths, Creek Street heritage boardwalk, and the Tongass rainforest rising straight behind. Hotel choice comes down to walk-distance from the berths.
Three Ketchikan picks
Cape Fox Lodge. Tlingit-owned above Creek Street with the funicular that lifts you 130 feet from the boardwalk. Sockeye run below the deck in July. Rate band: $210 to $360.
The Landing Hotel, Best Western. On the airport ferry side across from the cruise berths, 4-minute ferry hop. Best value for repeat travellers who fly rather than cruise in. Rate band: $170 to $260.
Gilmore Hotel. 1927 downtown brick building, 2 blocks from the Berth 3 gangway. Small rooms, character, walkable everywhere on Front Street. Rate band: $150 to $230.
Practical planning notes
- Cruise days are typically Monday through Friday in May and September, seven days a week from June to August; Sundays are the quietest day to overnight downtown.
- Ketchikan International Airport is on Gravina Island; a $6 pedestrian ferry runs every 30 minutes, and takes 6 minutes across Tongass Narrows.
- Rain gear is not optional (Ketchikan averages 150 inches of rain a year); the town supplies rentals at the visitor centre if you underpack.