10 Things to do in Ketchikan Alaska

[@gloryorz1863]

Thank you so much for stopping by our store: Salmon Market! We truly appreciate your visit. 🙏 Just a quick update: After 16 years, we've recently moved to a new location, just one block further at 500 Mission Street, Downtown Plaza. We'd love to welcome you back to our new spot soon to offer the best Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon! 😊🐟 Please note that we will not be affiliated with the new tenant. #SalmonMarket #NewLocation #DowntownPlaza

[@waynecuffley3451]

This might just be the best Ketchikan video posted on KZbin; definitely going to share it with my group that is traveling to Alaska in August.

[@mags102755]

Glad to see and hear that you are healing. Hang in there and thanks for all the great information.

[@debrakrusch9543]

Leaving on our 2nd Alaskan cruise tomorrow. Most beautiful place I have ever been.

[@nancyoppegard6665]

LOVED all these ideas. I've been to Anchorage 3 times, Fairbanks once. I'm from Seattle and always thought I could do this cruise "anytime", then never did it. Live 2k miles away, now.

[@chicocucea]

I've only been to Ketchikan once (a couple years ago). I wish I had seen this video b4. But I can say that without knowing, I did a couple things you mentioned on this video: Walking down Creek St. and visiting Salmon Market. Salmon Mkt. is an amazing place. The business owner, Jacob, is an excellent host, giving people salmon samples to try and explaining people how to identify alaskan wild catch from farmed salmon. I must say, that is the best salmon you can get. I am relatively new to your channel, and watching your latest videos I am very happy to see how you have overcome the cancer. Thanks for helping us tourists to make the most out of our cruises and for sharing with us a part of your life that you hold dear. I really appreciate that.

[@debslovingstitches]

Praying and believing you are healed in the name of Jesus. Amen. Love you and your videos.

[@mistermurzyn6303]

AMEN. GOD BLESS YOU DON

[@curaeus007]

One of the best tour videos I've ever seen

[@lydiaknight70]

What a difference a year makes! So glad to see you looking better now. I finally hit the subscribe button, but I have been viewing your videos for over a year off and on. I'm going on my first cruise ever in 2019 and it will be to Alaska. I appreciate all your information!

[@pamalachandler3713]

I lived in a house right next to the bear watching spot called Herring Cove. There are always black bears there. However there are no grizzly bears there unless they imported them since I moved in 2010. GREAT VIDEO!!!

[@Lealelan]

invest in a nylon hoodie pull-over jacket. Super easy to pack and great for rain/wind. We did a sled-dog excursion in Juneau and as Don said, these dogs are treasured and they are bred to do one thing: sled! We didnt sled, they pulled us in a buggy. Interestingly however, it was so hot (Aug 2017) they had to stop quite a bit and roll in water to stay cool. Def. take a swimsuit. I've done 3 Alaska cruises and 2 of 3 experienced heat waves. Last one was so hot our misty fjords excursion was anything but misty! We all got sun-burnt! (take sunscreen even if cool). Pools on Grand Princess were enjoyed by all due to heat, but inside one was great on the few cooler days we experienced. Balcony cabin is a must... there's so much beauty and you wont miss any of it with a balcony! (even with ocean view if cant afford balcony). A gorgeous trip. We go out of SFO being closeby and it's a wonderful trip. We will go again soon!

[@rzz9594]

Great video Don Thanks 👍 here’s to you ! Keep on keeping on 👍👍👍

[@lydiaanderson2870]

@Hello Robert Patterson, How are you dong?

[@spoonerpurple]

im so glad i found this site ..i have seen others and lost interest but you have a way of making me want to see every tour you posted ...im going through it little by little each day .thank you !!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

you glad you like the site. if there's ever a place you have questions about please ask in comments and I may just do a video about it :)

[@nancyoppegard6665]

Funny...I watched it twice, so far.

[@erikwebber847]

Hello don do you have to take a plane to go and see the bears at meets point

[@richardjohnson9687]

I enjoyed this. I used to live there. I’m half Tlingit Indian. I was a little surprised you didn’t enjoy the Tlingit and Haida ceremonies, dances or history on totem poles. But happy you enjoyed Ketchikan.

[@cinnie2543]

I'm so glad you talked about the safety of watching the bears feed. I've wanted to go for so long, but I've always worried that we'd be vulnerable while on the way to see them. You made me feel safer so I think we'll try it next time! Love the idea of the seafood fest. I love Ketchikan.

[@dougburright7275]

Hi Don! My sister and her husband live in Ketchikan, and they love it. I have visited them, but not on a cruise ship. We did several of the activities that you have shown. Thanks for your videos about cruising. I would like to go with you on a cruise. That would be fun! I did not know you are a cancer survivor! WOW! Please keep up the great work! Sincerely, Doug.

[@lisaedenshaw-krieger4241]

Enjoyed watching your video. I'm from Ketchikan and give tours. I like how calm and clear you were telling the stories. I take float planes all the time, never a helicopter. I did that in Hilo.

[@jasonb7543]

I love the idea of tip videos for the various port stops

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much

[@Sydneyrella]

Great video! I love how it sounds like you’re talking to a friend

[@outcast566]

Thanks for the great content. Happy healing brother.

[@lisalister8002]

Thanks to you... and this post... we had a blast in Ketchikan!! Thank you!!

[@susansarver3434]

Don, going on my 1st cruise to Alaska, your KZbin’s have been so informative, thank you for putting these out there , they have really been helpful!

[@VikPaints]

You really are an inspiration Don. At the time of recording I hadn't discovered you but tonight I tuned in to a recent video in 2021 and you referred back to this period when you were undergoing treatment. Yes of course you look very different in this video but it gives me such joy to see you in good health in 2021. I salute you sir, for your courage, dedication and determination to carry on throughout your treatment. You help make the world a better place in doing so. God bless you Don 👍♥️

[@ileestewart6776]

We love you and keep you in our prayers always! We enjoyed this video!

[@sky.mak907]

Hello! I am a local from Ketchikan, Alaska (20+ years) and I thought this video was pretty spot on, on what our little town offers to its visitors. One thing that has me puzzled is that you left out visiting the Saxman Native Village in this video. (3 miles from the cruise ships) It has the largest collection of totem poles in the world. Not only do they have these magnificent structures but they have song&dance performance by local Alaska Natives (Tlingit tribe) at the tribal house. A gift shop with REAL Native artwork. I emphasize on the real because there are a lot of DT shops selling fake Indonesian art work that plagiarizes art work. Also another thing I have to comment on is - the person with you on the boat at about the 9:45 mark told you guys that “you could have sold that fish for $700 at the local markets.” that is actually illegal. You would have to have a license/permit to legally sell any type of food fished out of the ocean. Keep it up! Thank you for promoting our small town 🙏🏽

[@heideleskun1163]

Good information to know about the village. He may not have been to Saxman I believe he mentioned the things he has done. Maybe by now he has.

[@ZKAttack]

Definitely gotta go to Saxman and check out the totem poles to get a real feel of what Ketchikan is all about!

[@laurafelty4651]

Wow Don! The quality of your videos have come a long way.

[@spoonerpurple]

i never thought i would be interested in going to Alaska ...........I am now ......wow

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Alaska is still my favorite cruise.

[@debrakrusch9543]

Mine too

[@JTrader904]

Thanks Don! Heading to Alaska next week for the first time and you gave me some great things to do. Wishing you good health!

[@lindabrewer4421]

I’m taking my Granddaughter to Alaska on princess in June. Thanks for suggestions.

[@lyndseyburr6572]

I hope you're feeling better! Thanks for all the tips!

[@gonefishing3644]

I did a lot of shopping the two times I went on Alaskan inside passage cruises. If the weather is good enough, there may be an outdoor food stand selling lobster roll or crab roll sandwiches at one or more of the ports -- try one of these if you have the chance. When shopping, look for a local needle work/quilt shop for Alaska-themed kits and patterns by local artists (these make great gifts for needle workers or quilters in the family). Shops may be selling Alaskan Mist cologne, which makes a fun gift to bring home. Many gift shops will be selling little jars of made-in-Alaska wild berry jams and jellies and little cans of wild salmon pate and assorted other kinds of Alaskan seafood pates -- also good for gift-giving. Of course there will be lots of Alaska-themed t-shirts, ball caps, sweatshirt jackets and tote bags made in China, but you may also find a shop or two that sells items made by local crafts people such as scrimshaw, leather goods, small wood carvings and wildlife paintings. If you have the opportunity for a gold-panning excursion and have never done this, it is a fun thing to do and they will sell you a little pendant that has a small window in it and put your gold flakes inside so you will have a nice reminder of your gold panning to wear. Many shops also sell books about Alaskan wildlife and plant life, about local history, and Alaska-themed fiction by Alaskan writers -- a good book is a nice way to pass the time on a sea day.

[@kathylunn9190]

Really enjoyed your tips, very beneficial. Keep them coming. I'll be praying for your continued good health and recovery.

[@disineyfreakz9183]

that steam feast sounds amazing

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

it is spellbinding

[@annette9150]

Your videos are fantastic and I wish you a speedy recovery you're in my prayers

[@spoonerpurple]

you make every place sound great ..your the perfect tour host

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you Jennie. you make doing these videos much more fun to do because of your support

[@rwallner1]

Great videos I feel like I need to watch your videos with a notepad nearby.

[@avidreader5144]

Thank you Don and God bless.Very informative to we who are having our first trip to Alaska from Australia.

[@78riverman]

Really enjoyed your video. I have a trip planned to Alaska and will certainly review your 10 things.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

you will love Alaska. It's like stepping a little back in time

[@lydiaanderson2870]

@Hello Dick Mann, How are you doing?

[@scoopblue]

Don, I really appreciate your videos since we're taking our first Alaskan cruise shortly. All you videos we have watched have been very interesting and informative. My wife just finished her radiation and chemo treatments a couple of months ago, so this trip will be a nice "celebration" opportunity for us! Hope you are doing well now, and staying away from more treatments and surgeries! Our best to you and yours.

[@christinelan1644]

Love your video! Best one I have seen so far. I will totally use your tips on my trip to Alaska I'm going on this July.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Nice Alaska is great

[@flavoredog2219]

Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@Mleencihols]

Again ...another great video. Will be cruising to Alaska in May and this was wonderful.

[@jdpatt41]

Your videos are very informative! Thanks,& God bless you! Stay strong

[@lucontin]

Thank you very much for the tips.

[@valerieanderson8525]

You make the presentation so enjoyable! Going to Ketchikan in July and appreciate the tips to do in the town.

[@Lisajen-h5u]

I am going on an Alaskan Cruise in May. Thank you for the great advice, I agree your foodie tour sounds a must do. I have been watching your videos for about a month now and they are so good. Wishing you all the best with your health.

[@justamotorcycleenthusiast9800]

Your videos are the best! Subscribed.

[@jyarge]

I'm so glad your health is doing better! I'll keep praying for you to have a speedy and full recovery.🤞🤞 I just love all your informative videos! Nice to have an idea ahead of time what I'd like to do while I'm on a cruise & ports.

[@tiffanydesgroseilliers7339]

I love this place so much!

[@frizzledizzle6338]

Your video's are fantastic. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@voyeurette1]

God loves you. God bless you Don. I hope to see you on a cruise one day. I would like a wheelchair tour of the Alaska ports like you just covered the ten things in Ketchikan. Tell me places I can go without barriers to a power wheelchair.

[@ritz7825]

Very thorough overview, Don! Absolutely on my bucket list! 😊🤙

[@psudoctor3336]

steam fest yummy! i missed it this past summer when i was there for my cruise.

[@veravalo]

Great information. I can't wait for my Seabourn cruise this June. Thank you for sharing Don!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Seabourn is a fantastic cruise line :)

[@annetteroark8646]

Enjoyed this video very much - thanks!

[@henryjsamuels]

Hi! Thanks for the info - am doing an Alaskan cruise soon and didn't know what to do in Ketchikan but have now got a plan! Keep up the excellent videos!

[@RonCGooglePage]

Good information!

[@lyong151]

Thank you so much for the great tips!!! Wish you a fully recovered soon!

[@louisyock9285]

Loving these vids. Booked for August 2018, and counting down the days! Thanks, and a speedy recovery for you!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much Louis. that the hardest part of cruising .....waiting to go

[@AK2HI]

Louis Yock ive lived here 30 yrs, if you're coming in aug, you should salmon fish if you like that, its good that time of year, i recommend alaska strike zone at knudson cove marina. you can go see the bears for sure that time of year. its about 8 miles south of town near the whitman lake salmon hatchery and the zip line. check out rainbird trail thats just above town on the 3rd ave bypass. super great view and minutes walk from the ship and almost no one goes there. check out my youtube channel if you want to see some stuff from around here

[@TheMommuh]

We're booked for Aug 2018 too!!

[@themahirgames6950]

Ok

[@RaviTek]

Thanks Don! Found your description of "fu-fu food" hilarious. We're taking a Princess cruise in July and I'm booking the Alaskan Lodge Seafest tour now! Appreciate your insight.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you you will love the feast

[@voiceofreason4259]

the trip to Orca Cove sounds fun

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

it's very calming and great photo ops

[@AK2HI]

Voice of reason rhe chance of see orcas is SUPER slim ive lived here 30 yrs as a commercial fisherman and only see them once and a while. you want to see a cool interaction check out my youtube channel and look how me and buddy rescued an orca

[@brendaroden8624]

Going to be in Ketchikan September 3 on the Bliss! Can’t wait to do the Adventure Lodge & Seafeast! Thanks for all your informative videos ❤️

[@johnmathern]

That looks good eating that sounds really good

[@monyairving1142]

Great and very useful tips ! Your videos are amazing. I really enjoy watching them. I just subscribed to your channel today. Thanks for all the tips and advice. I wish you well with your health.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you Monya :)

[@susieQ-s1q]

Don, your videos have been great as we've been planning our first Alaskan Cruise on the Wonder. I wanted to write to thank you for the difference that you make and to ask you how you're doing. In the video, you mentioned you were undergoing chemotherapy. I hope you're feeling much better ! I wanted to thank you and to wish you well and send you some Reiki (positive healing energy). Wishing you good health !!

[@aliecaruso]

Great Video! Can't wait to go! ;) Hope your doing well!

[@youngedwards3265]

Don! Hope you get well very soon 🙏

[@suelovescruises4219]

nice tours thanks so much

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

no thank you

[@josephmenna3985]

Very thorough 👍🏻👍🏻

[@lavonnekindred3066]

Thanks for making these wonderful videos. I really love your kind and generous spirit! I feel very excited to get to travel to these sights after hearing about them from my youtube friend Don. Best wishes for your continued good health from Arizona.

[@Wandalf666]

Great video, thanks! Possibly going in September this year

[@lydiaveldhuizen3157]

Thank you Don for this fantastic information. I am a foody to. Love Good food and traveling in a relaxed way. Maybe Its possible for me to go in 2020. Have to com from Germany. Long way to go and takes Some organisation because I like to stay longer or take two cruises one to the North and than back again with Some other harbors. I don,t know Whats all possible. Thank you again and take Good care for yourself.

[@lisaedenshaw-krieger4241]

There's no grizzlies in Ketchikan. And yes!! The bears are so fun to watch!

[@samtrujillojr]

This is awesome Don! We are taking an Alaskan cruise (our 1st one ever) for our 30th anniversary in 2022. I hope you are in remission. I've been watching ALL your up loads.

[@thomaskeadle8058]

great video!!!! can"t wait to go there with wife!!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you. you will love Alaska

[@juancarlosfloresvazquez7726]

Great, thak you for your advise!!!!

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

I hope it helps :)

[@geneudwin6207]

can’t wait! thanks

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

love Alaska :)

[@DominusEstOK]

Hope you are doing well and that your treatment is going well. I'm a survivor as well. I will pray for you.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you very much David......so far so good :)

[@DominusEstOK]

Don's Family Vacations we are going on our 1st Alaskan cruise at the end of August on Princess. We are excited.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Princess is also my cruise line of choice when going to Alaska, great choice :)

[@ttinney55431]

The sea good thing is just a low country boil. They are delish.

[@angelmelko]

all the best my friend, hope all goes well.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you so much :)

[@carolynruiz5753]

We are going as a family of 10 in Sept 2022 so any advice would be appreciated love your videos and have jotted down your places you have suggested thank you, in my prayers for your Health we did book the train tour 💕💞💖

[@debrajenkins1655]

Amazing video. I want to do everything LOL.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

me too so many things so little time :)

[@lisaedenshaw-krieger4241]

Being a local, I have lots of ideas for you that visit after the covid. Don, You definitely sound like you enjoyed your time here?! I have my own tour company. I hope ships come in next year!! Listening to you talk about food, is making me hungry!!

[@JohnSeyler]

Nice video. I worked there for 5 months and made some videos about my experience.

[@sandymerrill2827]

My family loves your videos! We are getting ready for a cruise to Ketchikan with Norwegian and we want to see the bears. Unfortunately the ship is not offering an excursion to Neets Point and we were wondering if you can give us any information on how we can book it on our own. Thanks!

[@leslieslovelies6268]

I visited Alaska on Celebrity in May 2008. In Ketchikan, I arranged a shore excursion (through the cruise ship). I went on the Deadliest Catch (real reality tv show) boat that was hit by a rogue wave, that was turned into a tourist attraction. I was met on the dock by Kiwi, one of the fishing crew (his real name is Alan, but got the nickname because he’s Australian). We ventured out on their usual route, towards the Bering Sea. I got to cut bait and fed it to the American bald eagles, swooping overhead. A few times it had an altercation with a seagull that was trying to cut in on the action. We also caught king crab, octopus, rockfish, and other marine life, in huge nets. I got to go below deck, see where the men lived: bunks, galley, plus watched a short clip of the wave that crashed into the boat, while Kiwi pointed out where the greatest damage occurred, as he recounted the aftermath. Everything else pales in comparison: snorkeling in the Bahamas, a trip to Paris, Juneau. Nothing since has topped that experience. I’m still having fun trying!

[@AK2HI]

Leslies Lovelies so i live here in ketchikan the boat is called the Aleutian balled and you weren't going toward the Bering sea haha thats over 700 miles from ketchikan haha and for throwing bait to the eagles good thing you didn't get caught it is SUPER illegal

[@aimercab8630]

Oh, the Orcas would make me so nervous...but, I think I would do it anyway.

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

you should?

[@susanburns6830]

Very Informative.👍

[@joneniemi]

Great job!

[@anthonylawlor9130]

God Bless.....great job.

[@michaelbraxton2964]

Get better don. Best wishes

[@judyanderson4989]

Love your videos. Thank you so much and hope you are making great progress on your health. my husband and I are going on our first Alaskan cruise on Princess in May, 2018. Can't decide between the Steam feast at the lodge or the Wilderness Crab Feast excursions. Have you done the other crab feast and would you recommend one over the other? Thanks for any help.

[@movieboys1551]

I love to go see the bear's fish

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

me too

[@therrienmichael08]

I have 3 months to bone up on the cruise. I'll be well informed.

[@ihavecancer2657]

so much more to do than people think

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

there always is

[@mimicole844]

Don you are wonderful and adorable! Share please if a helicopter and dog sled trip is possible from here...it’s my first port stop! I want to take your suggestions to make help ride trip first in cancellation event...if happens, I have other ports to try again. What do u think??

[@fatimarehman112]

hope you feel better

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

thank you very much Fatima. I'm getting better every day👍

[@cherylyoung979]

I hope you are well 🙏🙏💗

[@Donsfamilyvacations]

Thank you Cheryl. getting better every day

[@lydiaanderson2870]

@Hello Chery Young, How are you doing?

[@sherrywhitehead8071]

Very informative video. Can you tell me if most of the towns are within walking distance from ship? Thinking about just touring the towns and enjoying local food and shops for souvenirs.

[@cruisingmimi9319]

Hi Don! I am still looking at trying to do group cruise 2019 but I thought I would add a vote for a possible group cruise 2020 leaving from Canada to ALASKA! So much to do that would be great for those who have gone and those who never have yet!!!! Think of the fun with the puppies!!!