Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars

Ketchikan, a quaint fishing town, beckons visitors to enjoy its rich maritime heritage. The "Fish Tales & Ales" walking tour promises an engaging exploration of the local fishing fleet and its vibrant bars. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, sharing captivating stories that transport participants back in time. From the picturesque Creek Street to the iconic Potlatch Bar, this 90-minute adventure offers a unique glimpse into Ketchikan‘s storied past. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable experience, this tour promises to…

This experience made our article of 3 Best Drinking Tours In Ketchikan (With Prices).

Key Points

• 90-minute walking tour exploring Ketchikan’s Creek Street, a former red-light district frequented by local fishermen, and culminating at the city’s oldest bar, Potlatch.
• Guided visits to historic bars and museums, providing insights into Ketchikan’s fishing heritage and the stories of the fishing community.
• Opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere and local craft beverages at the Potlatch Bar, a cherished community institution.
• Wheelchair-accessible tour with nearby public transportation options, catering to a range of travelers.
• Small-group experience limited to 12 participants, priced at $95 per person, offering a personalized historical exploration of Ketchikan.

Tour Overview

The Fish Tales & Ales tour offers a 90-minute historical walking experience in Ketchikan, USA.

Guests will explore Creek Street, a former red-light district, and visit local bars frequented by fishermen. They’ll hear captivating stories of Ketchikan’s past while sipping drinks.

The tour concludes at the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest watering hole. With a 5.0 rating from 7 reviews, this small-group tour (limited to 12 travelers) provides an immersive look into the city’s fishing culture and history.

Drinks are included in the $95 per person price, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Exploring Creek Street

What once was Ketchikan’s notorious red-light district, Creek Street now stands as a historic boardwalk lined with charming shops, eateries, and museums.

Visitors can:

• Explore the quaint buildings and boardwalk, reminiscent of the town’s colorful past.

• Visit the Tongass Historical Museum to learn about Ketchikan’s fishing heritage.

• Stop by the Dolly’s House Museum, a preserved brothel offering a glimpse into the area’s seedy history.

The tour guides bring the past to life, sharing captivating stories that transport guests back in time and provide a deeper understanding of Ketchikan’s evolution.

Visiting Local Bars

After exploring Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street, the tour shifts its focus to the local bars that were once frequented by the town’s fishing community.

Guests visit these establishments, hearing tales of the fishermen who once gathered here to unwind after long days at sea.

The tour concludes at the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest bar, where participants can enjoy a final drink and soak in the authentic atmosphere.

Through these bar experiences, the tour provides a glimpse into the rich history and culture that shaped Ketchikan’s past as a thriving fishing town.

Concluding at Potlatch Bar

As the tour winds down, guests conclude their historical journey at the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest watering hole.

This iconic hotel has served fishermen and locals for over a century, providing a glimpse into the town’s vibrant past.

Visitors can:

• Sip on locally-crafted ales and cocktails while surrounded by nautical decor and vintage memorabilia.

• Converse with bartenders who share captivating tales of Ketchikan’s fishing industry and colorful characters.

• Savor the lively atmosphere and sense of community that has made the Potlatch Bar a beloved institution for generations.

Highly Rated Tour

The Fish Tales & Ales tour has earned a stellar reputation, with 7 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating across Viator and Tripadvisor. Capped at 12 travelers, the small-group experience offers an intimate exploration of Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street and local bars frequented by fishermen. All drinks are included in the $95 per person price, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior. The tour’s accessibility features, such as wheelchair-friendly surfaces, make it enjoyable for most travelers. Guest experiences highlight the knowledgeable guides and the tour’s blend of culture, history, and local flavors.

| Tour Details | |

| — | — |

| Reviews | 7 reviews, 5.0 rating |

| Group Size | Limited to 12 travelers |

| Price | $95 per person |

| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours |

| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly |

Small-Group Experience

With a limited group size of 12 travelers, the Fish Tales & Ales tour offers an intimate exploration of Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street and local bars.

This small-group experience allows for more personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, facilitating engaging discussions and a deeper connection to the town’s storied past.

The tour’s exclusivity also enhances the overall experience, enabling guests to:

• Interact more closely with local fishermen and hear their first-hand stories

• Receive more tailored recommendations for the best spots to visit and drinks to try

• Enjoy a more relaxed, unhurried pace as they enjoy Ketchikan’s rich fishing culture.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Guests meet the tour at the Front St/Berth 2 location of the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, conveniently situated near the Giant Rain Gauge.

It’s recommended they arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

This tour is limited to adults aged 21 and older, so guests must present a valid state-issued ID or passport.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, with surfaces accommodating scooters, and public transportation is available nearby.

Most travelers can participate, though guests should check the accessibility details if they’ve any concerns.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Although the walking tour is wheelchair accessible with surfaces accommodating scooters, it’s important to note that the historic boardwalk of Creek Street may present some challenges for those with mobility issues.

The tour, however, aims to be inclusive:

• Near public transportation options for easier access

• Most travelers can participate, including those with a valid state-issued ID or passport

• The tour concludes at Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest bar, providing an opportunity for all adult guests to enjoy the local flavors.

The Sum Up

The "Fish Tales & Ales" walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Ketchikan’s vibrant fishing history and vibrant bar culture. Guests will stroll along the picturesque Creek Street, visit iconic sites, and conclude their adventure at the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest watering hole, where they can savor locally-crafted ales while seeing the town’s rich cultural heritage.