Ketchikan calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World, and for good reason.  Ketchikan has incredible, consistent salmon runs, where all five species of Pacific salmon—king, sockeye, silver, pink, and chum—spawn in its surrounding waters. It is one of the few places where all five Pacific salmon species can be caught in local waters, providing diverse, year-round fishing opportunities, with peak season running from May through October. 

However, for us, today was about eating King Crab. In addition to salmon, Ketchikan also has king crab fisheries and we set off from the ship to eat at a famous local haunt, the Alaska King Crab Company. We arrived early to make sure we got a table and settled in for the treat. They also offer salmon, halibut, crab cakes, salmon burgers, BLTs and beef burgers. But make no mistake about it, this is a seafood restaurant. Everyone loved their food and we had a great waiter who had lived his whole life in Ketchikan.

Ketchikan has a population of 9K, though it employs another 4K seasonal workers in the summer months, and is considered the southernmost town in Alaska. Due to its steep and forested terrain, Ketchikan is long and narrow with much of the built-up area being located along, or no more than a few city blocks from, the waterfront. A major and first port of entry into Alaska, Ketchikan’s economy has been based on fishing industries, canneries in particular, tourism, government, and forestry. 

After our delicious lunch, we walked around town and visited Creek Street, which runs along the Ketchikan River. We were hoping to see salmon spawning but a local told us we were about one week too early. Ketchikan is also home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, found throughout the city and at the Totem Heritage Center.

Our walk-about was so pleasant, with bluebird skies and temperatures in the low 70s. This was our last port in Alaska and though we were a little sad about it, we know we’ll be back. What a wonderful place is our 49^thstate.

Tomorrow: Sea Day

Recommended: Alaska King Crab Company, 76 Front Street, Ketchikan, AK.