Ketchikan: Totems, Toes in the Water, and the Salmon Capital Charm

Hi friends! Gina here. If you’ve been following along with our big announcement for the “Join Me in Alaska!” 2027 journey, you know I am absolutely bursting with excitement. There is something so special about the Great Land that stays with you long after you’ve come home and unpacked your flannel shirts.

Today, I want to take a little stroll with you through one of my absolute favorite stops on our 15-day adventure: Ketchikan.

Known as Alaska’s "First City" because it’s usually the first major port of call for ships heading north, Ketchikan is like a warm hug from the Pacific Northwest. It’s colorful, it’s a little bit quirky, and it’s overflowing with the kind of history and heart that makes a trip truly unforgettable. Whether you’re looking to kick back with a locally brewed coffee or immerse yourself in the deep, ancestral stories of the Tlingit people, Ketchikan has got you covered!

The Magic of Creek Street: Where History Meets the Water

You can’t say you’ve been to Ketchikan without walking the famous Creek Street. Now, don’t let the name fool you, it’s not a street for cars! It’s a historic boardwalk built on wooden stilts right over the rushing waters of Ketchikan Creek.

Back in the day (we’re talking the 1920s), this was the city’s infamous red-light district. Today, it’s a charming, vibrant row of shops, galleries, and eateries that look like they jumped right off a postcard. Walking along those weathered wooden planks, listening to the water swirl beneath your feet, you can almost hear the echoes of the gold miners and fishermen who walked here a century ago.

One of my favorite spots to pop into is Dolly’s House Museum. Dolly was a famous madam of the era, and her house is preserved exactly as it was. It’s a witty, eye-opening look at the town’s "colorful" past. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can take a hike up the Married Man’s Trail, a scenic wooded path that was once a secret escape route for men who didn't want to be seen on the main boardwalk!

For us, it’s just a beautiful place to soak up the sun (or the mist, Ketchikan is in a rainforest, after all!) and snap some of those cherished photos that will live on your mantle for years to come.

Why We Call it the "Salmon Capital of the World"

If you visit us during the summer months on our group cruise, you are going to witness something truly miraculous. Ketchikan isn't just bragging when they call themselves the Salmon Capital of the World.

As you stand on the bridges over the creek, you’ll see thousands, and I mean thousands, of salmon fighting their way upstream to spawn. It is a breathtaking display of nature’s resilience. I’ve spent hours just watching them leap against the waterfalls, a shimmering dance of silver and red. It’s a reminder of the beautiful, intricate world God created for us to enjoy.

And if you’re a foodie like me? Oh, honey, the seafood here is second to none. You haven’t lived until you’ve had fresh Alaskan salmon or King Crab right off the boat. We’ll make sure you find the best spots to grab a bite between your adventures!

The Silent Stories of Totem Poles

One of the things that makes Ketchikan so deeply personal to me is the connection to the Alaska Native cultures. This city is home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles.

We’ll visit places like the Totem Heritage Center or Saxman Native Village, where these majestic cedar carvings tell stories of lineage, legends, and history. They aren't just art; they are "silent stories" carved into wood. Seeing the vibrant reds, blacks, and teals against the lush green of the Tongass National Forest is a sight that will stay in your heart.

I always encourage our group to take a moment of silence here. To just breathe in the cedar-scented air and appreciate the craftsmanship and the generations of family history represented in each wing and beak. It’s a powerful experience that reminds us how we are all part of a much larger story.

Misty Fjords: Nature’s Masterpiece

If you really want to see the wild heart of Alaska, you have to witness the Misty Fjords National Monument. It’s about 2.2 million acres of pure, untouched wilderness, and let me tell you, it is majestic.

Since there are no roads, the best way to see it is by boat or, for the truly brave at heart, a seaplane! Imagine gliding over 3,000-foot granite cliffs that drop straight into the icy blue sea, with waterfalls tumbling down like silver ribbons. It’s the kind of place where you feel very small in the best way possible, completely surrounded by the grandeur of creation.

On our 15-day journey, we help you coordinate these excursions so you don't have to worry about a thing. Whether you want to "chill" on a wildlife boat or take to the skies, we’ve got your back!

Why Journey With a Group?

You might be wondering, "Gina, why should I join your escorted tour instead of just booking it myself?"

Well, besides the fact that we handle all the tiny details (and I mean all of them, from airline tickets to those cozy wilderness lodges), it’s about the community. Our 2027 Alaska trip is designed to be a shared story.

Here’s the official Short Version itinerary for our adventure:

• Day 1: Transfer to Florida Airport, flight to Fairbanks.

• Days 1-3 (Fairbanks): Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Riverboat Discovery, Fairbanks City Tour with North Pole, Wilderness Express Domed Rail to Denali.

• Days 4-5 (Denali): Denali Park Village, Denali Park Tundra Wildlife Tour, Denali Jeep Adventure, Denali Cabin Nite Dinner and Show, Wilderness Express to Anchorage.

• Day 6 (Anchorage): Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains.

• Days 7-8 (Seward): Harbor 360 Hotel, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Tour.

• Days 8-15 (Cruise - Celebrity Solstice): Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Inside Passage.

• Day 15: Flight to Florida, Transfer back to Highlands County.

And I want to especially highlight Ketchikan’s beautiful role in the cruise portion of Days 8-15. By the time we arrive here aboard the Celebrity Solstice, we’ll already have experienced so much of Alaska’s wild beauty by land and sea. Ketchikan adds that colorful, cultural, waterfront charm that makes the cruise feel even more complete. It’s one of those ports where you can truly slow down, soak it all in, and enjoy the heart of coastal Alaska before we continue through the breathtaking Inside Passage.

When we see a whale breach for the first time or toast to a beautiful day together, we’re doing it side by side. We’re building friendships that last long after the ship returns to port. This journey moves from Fairbanks to Denali, on to Anchorage and Seward, and then into that unforgettable cruise portion where ports like Ketchikan bring even more richness, history, and personality to the adventure.

This entire trip is personally escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers, and we’re so thankful to be partnering with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket for this unforgettable adventure. Travis and I will be right there with you, making sure every moment is remarkable. We’re not just your travel agents; we’re your friends and your partners in this adventure. We focus on a compassionate, caring touch because we know these aren't just "trips": they are the moments that become your most cherished memories.

Join Me in Alaska!

Does the idea of standing on the edge of a fjord or watching a totem pole carver at work pull at your heartstrings? Then I would love to have you join our family!

Our May 21, 2027 departure is going to be the trip of a lifetime. We’ve already started the countdown, and spots are filling up as we share more about these incredible ports.

Ready to start your adventure?

• Check out our full Alaska Itinerary

• See what’s included in our Adventure Package

• Join the conversation in our Alaskan Cruising Group

Let’s soak up the sun, breathe in the mountain air, and create some magic together. I can’t wait to see you on deck!

Blessings and happy travels,

✝️ Gina and Travis Rogers Gina's Adventures

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Stay tuned! Next week we’re diving into the gold-rush history of Skagway( you won't want to miss it!)