Ketchikan is famous for its colorful history, rugged coastline, and lively waterfront. This small Alaskan town teems with stories of fisheries, colorful characters, and lively bars that have been part of its character for decades. Its Old Town waterfront and Creek Street are packed with historic buildings and stories, making it a perfect spot for exploring on foot. Whether you’re interested in sampling local brews, learning about salmon runs, or connecting with Native culture, Ketchikan offers a range of historical tours that provide authentic insights mixed with fun. These tours go beyond simple sightseeing—you’re walking through history, meeting locals, and experiencing the spirit of Alaska in a way that big cruise excursions rarely deliver.
Each of these options offers something different: some combine tales of fishing and local lore with visits to historic watering holes, while others focus on Indigenous culture or scenic hikes. If you want a lively, social experience, the Cruisin’ and Boozin’ tour is perfect. For a deeper dive into Ketchikan’s fishing heritage, the Fish Tales & Ales offers a taste of local fishing stories along with visits to historic bars. And if you’re craving an immersive cultural experience, the Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion takes you to the Native reserve in Metlakatla for a taste of traditional dance and art. Below are all three options, carefully compared to help you pick the best for your interests and schedule.
1. Cruisin’ and Boozin’ – 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars
This lively tour combines history, storytelling, and local drinks, making it ideal for travelers who want a fun, social way to learn about Ketchikan. For around $95 per person, you join a small group—limited to 12—led by a guide who shares stories about the town’s colorful past while walking through the Old Town waterfront, Creek Street, and some of Ketchikan’s most historic bars. The tour hits three popular watering holes: the Arctic Bar, Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store (also known as The Shipwreck Bar), and Creek Street’s historic red-light district.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of education and entertainment. The Arctic Bar’s deck-dockside setting offers views along with tales of destruction and survival. At Sourdough Bar, you get to see a wall of shipwrecked boats and enjoy a local brew or specialty drink. Creek Street allows for photos of salmon swimming upstream while hearing stories of its red-light past. The tour is very well-reviewed, with a consistent 5-star rating from 28 reviews. Visitors often mention guides like Terry and Judy who are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to personalize the experience—plus, the included drinks add a social element that’s hard to beat.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed, fun introduction to Ketchikan’s history with plenty of local flavor and lively stories. It’s a great way to combine drinking with sightseeing, especially if you enjoy small-group intimacy and personalized attention.
2. Fish Tales & Ales – 90 minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars
If your interest in Ketchikan leans toward fishing, local labor stories, and historic waterfront pubs, this Fish Tales & Ales is an excellent choice. For $80, you get an immersive 90-minute walk that covers the fishing fleet’s history, the creek-side red-light district, and favorite watering holes of local fishermen. The tour begins near the Visitor Info Center, making it convenient to join, and caps at just 12 travelers, ensuring a friendly, engaging experience.
This tour’s highlight is the visit to the Sourdough Bar, where you can sample a house specialty or brew while perusing the wall of shipwrecks and mounted trophy fish—an iconic scene in Ketchikan. The walk also includes a stroll through Creek Street, with its historic buildings and salmon viewing spots, plus a visit to the Potlatch Bar, where you can learn about the different fishing boats and meet local fishermen. Visitors appreciate the candid stories and the opportunity to see real working docks and boats up close. One reviewer noted, “We got to see the whole town plus a couple of extra stops,” emphasizing the tour’s thoroughness.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you love fishing stories, want an authentic look at Ketchikan’s working waterfront, and like visiting historic pubs with a sense of local camaraderie. It’s especially suited for travelers interested in Alaska’s fishing economy and maritime character.
3. Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion
For those seeking a deeper cultural connection, this Alaska Historical Tour with Cruise Hike and Cultural Immersion offers a full four-hour experience at $259.95 per person. It begins with a cruise to Metlakatla, Alaska’s only Native reserve, known for its Tsimshian culture. Here, you’ll hike the Yellow Hill Trail, famous for ancient petroglyphs and panoramic views, making it a perfect choice for active travelers who want a scenic outdoor adventure combined with cultural learning.
The tour also includes a performance of a Tsimshian dance at the community longhouse and a visit to the Artists Village—a hub for native crafts and art. On the way back, you’ll sample locally caught sockeye salmon and watch for wildlife, all while enjoying complimentary hot beverages. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in native history, outdoor activity, and cultural exchange. Although it’s pricier and longer than the other options, it offers an authentic experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.
While it currently has no reviews, its unique combination of hiking, cultural storytelling, and scenic views makes it a compelling choice for those wanting a meaningful connection with Alaska’s indigenous roots. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to combine outdoor exploration with cultural education.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in Native culture, outdoor hikes, and a longer, more immersive experience, this tour delivers a memorable day that combines all three.
How to Choose Your Best Ketchikan Historical Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your interests, budget, and activity level. If you want a lively social experience with drinks and stories, the Cruisin’ and Boozin’ is perfect. If your focus is fishing heritage and maritime life, the Fish Tales & Ales offers authentic local encounters. For those craving cultural depth and outdoor activity, the Alaska Cultural Tour provides a meaningful immersion into Native traditions.
Budget-wise, the first two tours are quite comparable in price, with the [Fish Tales & Ales] being slightly more affordable. The third is a larger investment but offers a full-day experience combining hiking, cultural dance, and native art—ideal if you want more than just a quick walk.
Timing is also key: the [Cruisin’ and Boozin’] runs about 1.5 hours, fitting easily into a busy port day. The [Fish Tales & Ales] offers a similar length but with a focus on fishing stories. The longer [Alaska Cultural Tour] is best if you can spare four hours and want a deeper connection.
Final Thoughts
Ketchikan’s history is lively and diverse, from salmon runs and fishing boats to Native traditions and rough-and-tumble waterfront bars. For a fun, social introduction, the [Cruisin’ and Boozin’] offers a memorable mix of stories and drinks. If you’re passionate about fishing culture and want an authentic waterfront experience, the [Fish Tales & Ales] is a great choice. For a deeper cultural connection, the Alaska Cultural Tour provides an immersive day of outdoor activity and indigenous tradition.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak cruise season, to secure your spot. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, these tours ensure you’ll leave Ketchikan with a richer understanding of Alaska’s first city.