The 3 Best Drinking Tours in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, often called Alaska’s First City, has a lively history of fishing, Native culture, and colorful characters. It’s also a surprising place for drinking tours that combine history, local flavors, and wildlife encounters. Unlike typical bar crawls, these tours offer a glimpse into Ketchikan’s past while enjoying some of its best drinking spots—hidden behind historical facades and waterfront views. Whether you’re interested in learning about Alaska’s native heritage, spotting bears while sipping a local brew, or hearing stories from fishermen, Ketchikan’s drinking tours bring the town’s stories to life with a splash of alcohol.
The city’s compact size means most tours are walkable and tailored to small groups, making for a more personal experience. Plus, with some tours including adults beverages at historic taverns and others combining wildlife sightings with local brews, there’s an option for every type of traveler seeking an authentic Alaskan toast.
Quick Overview
Our top picks for drinking tours in Ketchikan include a 90-minute historical walking tour of local bars and sites [], a fishermen-themed tour exploring Creek Street and the docks [], and an exciting Alaskan wildlife and Native culture combo that includes bear sightings, totem poles, and local brews []. Each offers a unique look at Ketchikan’s character, history, and flavors.
1. Cruisin’ and Boozin’ – 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars
Starting with a 5.0/5 rating from 28 reviews, this tour blends a walk through Ketchikan’s historic waterfront and Creek Street with visits to three of the town’s oldest bars. At just $95 per person for around 90 minutes, it’s a solid value—especially considering the included adult beverages and personalized experience limited to 12 people.
The tour kicks off at the Arctic Bar, where you can sample a beer or specialty drink while hearing stories of the bar’s past and local destruction tales. Next, you’ll visit Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store, also known as the Shipwreck Bar, famous for its wall of shame featuring shipwrecked boats, large trophy fish, and crab mounts. Finally, along Creek Street, you’ll explore the historic red-light district, watch the salmon swim upstream, and listen to stories that bring Ketchikan’s colorful past to life.
Guide Terry and Judy receive praise for their local knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make history fun. Reviewers appreciate the small-group setting and the chance to mingle with locals over drinks—a rare, relaxed way to experience Ketchikan.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an intimate, story-rich tour that combines history and local bars, this is your pick. It’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, fun introduction to Ketchikan’s past with a lively twist.
2. Fish Tales & Ales – 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars
At number two, the Fish Tales & Ales tour offers a 5.0/5 rating from 7 reviews for around $80. This tour focuses on Ketchikan’s fishing history, taking you along Creek Street, the docks, and visiting favorite watering holes of local fishermen. It’s slightly cheaper than the first tour and emphasizes fishermen’s stories, a treasure for anyone interested in Alaska’s fishing culture.
The tour begins near the Visitor Info Center and includes a visit to the Sourdough Bar, where you can enjoy a local brew and see the impressive wall of shipwrecked boats. You’ll also walk through the historic red-light district and watch salmon swimming upstream—a must-see spectacle. The Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest, is the final stop, where you can soak in the history of the fishing fleet and meet local fishermen sharing tales of the sea.
Guests describe this tour as “down-to-earth,” with clear insights into how locals fish for salmon and halibut. The small-group size ensures a friendly, personal experience. The inclusion of free time for photos and watching salmon make it both fun and educational.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in the fishing industry and local stories, especially those wanting to see the town’s docks and fish processing scenes firsthand. It’s a relaxed, affordable way to connect with Ketchikan’s working waterfront.
3. Bears, Totem Poles and Local Beer Alaskan Combo Tour
This comprehensive 2.5-hour tour, rated 5.0/5 from 1 review, is best for those wanting more than just a bar crawl. For $169, you get a blend of wildlife viewing, Native culture, and local brews, making it perfect for active travelers seeking a multi-faceted experience.
It starts with a visit to Herring Cove, where you may see bears fishing for salmon—an unforgettable wildlife viewing. Next, you’ll visit Saxman Native Village to explore the stunning totem poles and learn about Alaska’s Native heritage. The final stop is a historic local brewery where you can enjoy a craft beer while soaking in the atmosphere of the Last Frontier.
The highlight is definitely the bear sighting, which offers a rare glimpse of Alaska’s wildlife in their natural habitat, combined with cultural insights from the totem poles. The tour’s length and variety make it a good choice for those wanting a full-day feel in a shorter time frame.
Guests mention the “incredible wildlife experience” and “beautiful totem poles,” noting it’s suited for active travelers willing to walk and enjoy outdoor sights. The price includes multiple stops and activities, offering good value for an all-in-one adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for travelers interested in wildlife, Native culture, and local brews, willing to handle some walking, and looking for a diverse, immersive day.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When choosing between these options, consider your interests and how much time you want to spend. For a history and local bar experience, the Cruisin’ and Boozin’ tour offers the best storytelling and intimate setting. If your focus is on fishing culture and waterfront scenes, the Fish Tales & Ales tour gives a relaxed, fishing-specific perspective. For a wildlife adventure with Native culture and craft beers, the Bears, Totem Poles and Local Beer tour covers multiple interests in one trip.
Budget, time, and interest in wildlife or Native heritage all play roles in your choice. Be sure to book early, especially in peak summer months, as these tours tend to fill up fast.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan’s drinking tours go beyond simple pub crawling by intertwining stories, wildlife, and culture. The Cruisin’ and Boozin’ tour shines for its personal touch and historical tales, perfect for those who love a good story with their drink. The Fish Tales & Ales offers a laid-back, fishing-focused experience for lovers of local maritime lore. Meanwhile, the Bears, Totem Poles, and Local Beer combo provides a varied day packed with wildlife sightings and Native culture, ideal for active explorers.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking is wise—these experiences are popular, and securing your spot ensures you won’t miss out on some of Ketchikan’s best stories and flavors. Cheers to a memorable Alaskan adventure!