Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide: Misty Fjords, Orcas and What to Do

If you have one day in Ketchikan on an Alaska cruise, here is my answer: go see Misty Fjords National Monument. It was the highlight of my own Ketchikan stop, and it’s the excursion I recommend to clients again and again. If you’d rather stay close to the ship, Ketchikan still has plenty to fill a port day, from the historic boardwalk on Creek Street to two great places to see totem poles.

I sailed Alaska’s Inside Passage in early June 2023 aboard Norwegian Sun, on a 10-day roundtrip from Seattle, and Ketchikan was our stop on June 9. It was one of my favorite ports of the whole trip. Within minutes of arriving, my husband Scott announced he wanted to live there. Here’s how I spent the day, plus what I tell clients when they ask me how to plan theirs.

My Ketchikan day: a small boat to Misty Fjords

For our excursion, we took a smaller boat out of Ketchikan to Misty Fjords. Before we even reached the fjords, we came across a pod of orcas near Ketchikan. Seeing those fins rise out of the water is a moment that stays with you long after the cruise is over.

Then came the fjords themselves: granite cliffs rising straight out of the water and waterfalls pouring down through the spruce. Our guide pointed out the Three Sisters falls on the way. Would I recommend this excursion? Definitely!

What is Misty Fjords?

Misty Fjords National Monument is part of the Tongass National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It was proclaimed a national monument in 1978, and today more than 2.1 million acres of it are designated wilderness, the largest wilderness area in the Tongass. Thousands of years ago the whole area was buried under ice. As the ice retreated, it carved long, deep fjords with cliffs that rise thousands of feet above the water. Behm Canal is the main waterway through the heart of the monument.

Boat or floatplane?

There are two main ways to see Misty Fjords on a cruise stop. A boat tour puts you on the water at eye level with the cliffs and waterfalls, and gives you more time to watch for marine wildlife along the way. That’s how I went. A floatplane covers more ground in less time and shows you the fjords, lakes and waterfalls from above, which is a great fit if you’re short on time or want that bird’s-eye view.

Both are weather dependent, so I always tell clients to book early and choose a tour timed to get you back to the ship with time to spare.

Wildlife you might see

Nothing is guaranteed in the wild, and that’s part of the thrill. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game describes the waters of Misty Fjords as a prime feeding area for humpback whales, Steller sea lions and harbor seals. Bald eagles nest in the trees along the shoreline, and mountain goats sometimes appear on the ridgelines. The Forest Service notes that killer whales, porpoises and bears are possible sightings too.

Our orcas were a wonderful surprise. That same day on our Misty Fjords boat trip, we were also lucky enough to watch humpbacks bubble-net feeding, something I hope every client gets to see. My advice: bring binoculars, and keep your camera handy from the moment the boat leaves the dock.

Other things to do in Ketchikan

Creek Street. Creek Street is Ketchikan’s best-known historic area, a wooden boardwalk lined with buildings on stilts along Ketchikan Creek, just steps from the waterfront. Once the town’s red-light district, it’s now a walkable stretch of shops, galleries and cafés. During the salmon runs, you may see fish moving upstream right below the boardwalk.

Totem Bight State Historical Park. North of town along the North Tongass Highway, Totem Bight has a community house and a collection of totem poles. It grew out of a 1938 Forest Service program that hired skilled Native carvers to repair or recreate poles left behind in old villages, and young artisans learned the art of carving along the way.

Saxman Totem Park. About 2.5 miles south of downtown, Saxman Totem Park shares the living traditions of the Tlingit people through hand-carved poles that tell clan histories, with walking paths and interpretive signs.

See it with a local. When clients want a more local Ketchikan experience, I often recommend Sourdough Cab Co, a locally owned company in Ketchikan. I reach out to them myself to set up trips for my clients, and it’s a nice way to see the town and its sights at your own pace.

Tips for a Ketchikan port day

• Book Misty Fjords ahead. Small boats and floatplanes have limited seats, so reserve before you sail.
• Dress in layers. Weather in Southeast Alaska can change quickly. A rain jacket and comfortable shoes go a long way.
• Mind the clock. Leave a cushion between your tour’s return and all-aboard time.
• Go early in the season for waterfalls. The Three Sisters falls run strongest early in the season and dry up by about mid-June, once the snowcaps have melted.
• Save time for town. Creek Street is an easy walk from the waterfront, so you can explore before or after your excursion.

Ketchikan cruise port FAQ

Is Misty Fjords worth it on a cruise stop?

In my opinion, yes. It’s some of the most dramatic scenery in Southeast Alaska, and you can see it by boat or floatplane within a single port day.

Should I choose a boat or a floatplane?

Choose a boat if you want time on the water and a better chance to watch for wildlife. Choose a floatplane if you’re short on time or want to see the fjords and lakes from above.

Can I explore Ketchikan without a tour?

Yes. Creek Street is walkable from the waterfront. Saxman Totem Park is a short drive south of downtown, and Totem Bight is farther north, so a cab, local driver or tour is the easiest way to reach it.

Will I see orcas or whales in Ketchikan?

You might. Humpback whales, orcas, seals and eagles are all possible in the area, but sightings are never guaranteed. Seeing orcas on my way to Misty Fjords was pure luck, and that’s what makes it so special.

Planning an Alaska cruise?

Choosing the right excursion in each port can make or break a cruise day. I’d love to help you plan yours, Ketchikan included. Reach out here and let’s talk about your Alaska trip. For more from my own cruise, read Seeing Alaska Beyond the Big Cruise Ships.