What To Do With An Extra Day In Ketchikan, Alaska
- Sportsmans Cove Lodge
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Most guests pass through Ketchikan quickly. You land, you transfer, you get on a float plane, and the city disappears behind you as Prince of Wales Island comes into view. But whether you arrive a day early or linger a day after your trip, Ketchikan is worth more than a layover.
The self-described salmon capital of the world sits on a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the Tongass Narrows, and it has more character per square mile than most cities that are ten times its size. Here are a few ways to make the most of a day there before or after your time at Sportsman's Cove Lodge.
Where to Stay
If you are spending a night in Ketchikan, the lodge has two preferred hotel partners worth knowing about.
The Cape Fox Lodge sits perched above downtown with sweeping views of the Tongass National Forest and Tongass Narrows. It is a class-A boutique Alaskan retreat that blends rustic character with elevated comfort. It is he kind of place that sets the tone for a great trip before you even reach the lodge. Mention that you are traveling to or from Sportsman's Cove Lodge and the reservations team will apply a preferred rate.
For something closer to the water and the airport, The Landing Hotel is a convenient and comfortable waterfront option with sweeping views of the Tongass Narrows and easy access to everything in town. Guests can grab a hearty all-day breakfast or lunch at The Diner Restaurant, or wind down with fresh Alaskan seafood, local brews, and cocktails at the Portside Pub and Grill. Which, in our opinion, is a solid way to spend a final evening in Alaska before heading home. The same preferred rate applies if you just mention Sportsman's Cove when you book.
Where to Eat
Ketchikan definitely carries its weight when it comes to food, and a day in town is a great excuse to eat well.
The Alaskan Fish House is a natural first stop , with fresh, local seafood in a casual setting that feels exactly like it should for a town built around fishing. If you want something with a little more atmosphere or pizazz, the Heen Kah idi Dining Room at Cape Fox Lodge offers elevated, locally inspired dining with some of the best views in town.
For something more laid back, the Bush Pilots Lounge is a local favorite and it has the kind of energy you really only find in places where the regulars have been coming for years. And if you are in the mood for something entirely different, Oceanview serves up hearty Mexican and Italian food that hits the spot after a long travel day or a final morning on the water.
What to See and Do
Ketchikan has a history that runs as deep as the water surrounding it, and a day is just enough time to scratch the surface of it all.
Start at Creek Street, the historic boardwalk that winds along Ketchikan Creek. What was once the city's most notorious neighborhood is now one of its most charming, lined with shops, galleries, and views of the creek where salmon run beneath your feet depending on the time of season. It is an easy, unhurried walk that gives you a feel for the town in a way that a drive-through never could.
From there, the Totem Heritage Center is well worth an hour of your time. It houses one of the finest collections of original 19th century totem poles in the world, and the cultural history on display is genuinely fascinating. Particularly for guests who have just spent several days surrounded by the same landscape these traditions were born in.
If you didn't get enough of the outdoors while fishing with us, Kawanti Adventures offers curated local excursions that range from cultural experiences to outdoor activities. It is a great option for the guests who want to explore Southeast Alaska beyond the fishing grounds.
Arriving Early vs. Leaving Late
The experience of a day in Ketchikan feels slightly different depending on which end of the trip it falls on. Arriving early, the city is full of anticipation like you are about to do something extraordinary and the float plane ride is still ahead of you. Leaving late, everything looks a little different. The fish boxes are packed, the stories are already forming, and Ketchikan feels like the last chapter of something you are not quite ready to finish.
Either way, it is a day worth having!
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