LUMBERJACKS + CRAB FEAST & Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska 🌲🪓 🦀 ALASKA CRUISE Stop 🚢 Norwegian Sun

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Ketchikan was the first stop of our 7-day Alaskan cruise. We hit the ground running, trying to tackle as many things to do in Ketchikan as possible. Thus, after docking in Ward Cove, we rode the bus into town and set out to make the most of our day in town.

On the journey over, we learned that Ketchikan holds many titles, including the Salmon Capital of Alaska, the Rain Capital of Alaska, and Alaska's First City, seeing as it's one of the entrances to the Inside Passage. We learned that around these parts, there are more black bears than people, and we also learned that this island receives intense amounts of rain, so they just call the rain 'liquid sunshine'.

We had time to enjoy a few tours during our day in Ketchikan, so first we got tickets to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. This show is set on the site of the former Spruce Mill, and it pays homage to Ketchikan's lumber history. This is an opportunity to see events like axe throwing, boom running, bucksawing, chainsaw carving, crosscut sawing, hot sawing, logrolling, obstacle pole racing, relay racing, speed climbing, tree climbing, tree topping, underhand chopping, and woodchopping.

We also signed up for a crab feast and travelled to George Inlet Lodge for that experience. On the drive over, we got to see killer whales, also known as orcas! We couldn't believe our luck. That tour was another very enjoyable experience where we got to try Dungeness crab. It was an all-you-can-eat lunch in a beautiful setting.

And that's what we managed to do with our one day in Ketchikan, Alaska! This was the first stop of our Alaska cruise, and while our visit may have been brief, it was a fun introduction to the famed Last Frontier.

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🦀 Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska Shore Excursion: Lumberjack Show, Wildlife, Crab Feast & Port Tour | Norwegian Sun Cruise 2024 🚢🌲

🛳️ Disembarking in Ketchikan: First Impressions & Arrival
We start our Ketchikan adventure by disembarking from the Norwegian Sun at Ward Cove. The ship is massive and the morning is shrouded in fog, but as the sun breaks through, anticipation builds. Transportation into town is smooth and hassle-free thanks to Norwegian Cruise Lines, and we’re among the first to hit the ground thanks to our early start.

🐻 Ketchikan Fun Facts & Island Vibes
On the 20-minute bus ride, our driver shares fascinating local trivia:
More bears than people: 10,000 black bears vs. 8,000 residents!
No brown/grizzly bears or moose here—just black bears.
Ketchikan sits on an island, not the mainland, and boasts several titles:
Salmon Capital of the World
Bear Capital
Totem Capital (80 totems carved from red cedar)
First Port of Alaska
The town exudes a frontier/fishing port vibe, reminiscent of New England, and the cloudy weather only adds to the atmosphere.

⚓ The Impact of Cruise Tourism on Ketchikan
We reflect on how crucial tourism is here: up to five cruise ships (15,000 visitors) can double the population of this small town (8,500 residents) in a day. The influx of tourists keeps the economy vibrant and the community afloat—a reminder to support local businesses wherever you travel!

🌦️ Weather & Packing Tips for Alaska Cruises
Don’t be fooled by “heat wave” predictions! Even in summer, it’s damp and chilly (90% humidity on our visit), so always pack layers—a hoodie or light jacket is essential.

🌧️ Ketchikan’s Rainy Reputation & City Snapshot
Ketchikan is famous for rain—170 inches a year on average, with the record at 202 inches! Displays around town illustrate just how wet it can get. The city is Alaska’s fourth largest, tucked at the southern tip of the state.

🪓 The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Must-See Entertainment
We catch the famous Lumberjack Show—a high-energy, family-friendly logging competition pitting USA vs. Canada. No videos allowed, but we snap some photos. The axe skills are jaw-dropping and the show’s energy has the whole crowd (including little Aurelia) cheering and clapping.

🦀 All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge
No visit to Ketchikan is complete without tasting the local Dungeness crab. We feast at George Inlet Lodge:

All-you-can-eat crab legs, sweet and delicate, dunked in butter

The scenery is breathtaking—right on the water, surrounded by wilderness. The staff (shout out to Wyatt and Sydney!) are amazing and make the experience memorable.

🐋 Wildlife Encounters: Whales, Bears & Eagles
En route to the lodge, we spot orcas, deer, bears, and a bald eagle—an impromptu wildlife safari that’s pure Alaska.
These unexpected moments make the day even more special!

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