Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

United States

Encounter pristine rainforests teeming with bald eagles, bears, and salmon in one of Alaska's most untamed wilderness destinations.

💱 Currency US Dollar (USD)

🗣 Language English

🕐 Time Zone AKDT (UTC-8)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep

🚢 Typical Duration 10-14 nights

💰 Price Range $5,890-$6,390 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Southeast Alaska's pristine wilderness, offering access to stunning glaciers, wildlife viewing, and the charming town of Ketchikan with its rich Native Alaskan heritage.

Cruises that visit Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

Build Your Day in Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Everyone learned about lumberjack work and activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Ketchikan Duck Tour Lots of information in a very fun and interactive manner!! Tour operator · ★ 5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM Thu

The Alaska Fish House I think this is the best food I have had in Ketchikan so far, this visit. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 8 PM

Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House We ate here twice during the week we were in Ketchikan. Seafood · ★ 4.1 · 1k

Totem Bight State Historical Park The l tile water cove is awesome place to take pictures. Park · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Creek Street in Ketchikan Authentic local arts and crafts are very interesting. Historical landmark · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Open now

Totem Heritage Center Great little museum with interesting exhibits. History museum · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Ketchikan Crab & Go Best clam chowder and fish n chips in Ketchikan. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

The Mill at Ward Cove There were restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment, and lots of shopping. Souvenir store · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

Arctic Bar Strong drinks, friendly people, great music. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k

Ketchikan Pub Crawl So much fun, amazing drinks and history of the town. Tour operator · ★ 5 · 1k

Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks Museum and Salmon Walk very interesting. Cruise terminal · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Timber & Tide Excellent little restaurant near Berth 4 at Ketchikan. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 8 PM

The Portside Pub & Grill Sit at the bar or sit in a cubicle to order food with your drinks. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 1k

Asylum Awesome atmosphere, great drink prices, and fantastic people! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k

New York Cafe My favorite place to eat in Ketchikan! American · ★ 4.4 · 0k

108 Tap House & Burger Bar Best dining experience I've had in Ketchikan thus far. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Tongass Historical Museum Excellent exhibits and beautiful view of the creek! History museum · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Island Brew Cafe Best food in Ketchikan, and hard to beat anywhere down south. Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Fat Stan's Sports Bar & Pizzeria Cold beer, good food and nice staff. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Lots of interesting videos, paintings and interactive exhibits Visitor center · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri

Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store Awesome local spot with friendly servers and classic cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Dolly's House It was a unique experience to see. Museum · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu

Bush Pilots' Lounge Best restaurant in Ketchikan by a healthy margin. American · ★ 4.7 · 0k

49'Er Bar & Liquor Store The bartender was entertaining and the clientele was fun and friendly. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

The Potlatch Bar Huge selections of drinks at very "local" prices. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Ward Cove Cruise Ship Pier Walk through to the free shuttle to Downton. Cruise terminal · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Whale Park Mid-May, all the flowers in bloom, beautiful! Park · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Ketchikan Sign A lot of things to do and learn around. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

The Barn Door Eatery It has been said that perhaps this place has the best food in Ketchikan. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu

Alaska Sourdough Tours My husband and I both enjoyed ourselves. Tourist attraction · ★ 1.9 · 0k

Alava's Fish-n-Chowder An absolute must have while in Ketchikan. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Salmon Ladder Observation Platform You were able to see multiple salmon making the transition. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Ketchikan Cruise Pier You get out of the ship and there are a lot of things to do and walk around. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Hump Island Oyster Company Maya was our oyster tender and bartender for the real treat. Oyster supplier · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Creek Street Sign Touristy, but great selection of native arts and crafts Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Yelatzie Salmon It's a great place to see salmons. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Tunnel of Ketchikan The sidewalk has a safety rail between traffic and pedestrians. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

About Ward Cove, Ketchikan, Alaska

Ward Cove, nestled near Ketchikan in Southeast Alaska, serves as a scenic port of call for cruise travelers exploring the Inside Passage. While this intimate port welcomes just one cruise line—Viking Ocean Cruises—it offers a more exclusive cruising experience compared to busier Alaskan ports. Most voyages departing from or calling at Ward Cove are extended 10-night itineraries that venture to remarkable destinations including Seward, Vancouver, Valdez, and the remote beauty of Icy Strait Point and Sitka. The peak season runs from May through September, with August and July drawing the most visitors seeking Alaska's pristine wilderness.

During your time ashore, you'll discover why this corner of Alaska captivates so many travelers. The region's rich Native Tlingit heritage and abundant natural beauty—from temperate rainforests to glacier-fed waterways—provide authentic Alaskan experiences. Whether you're interested in local culture, outdoor exploration, or simply soaking in the tranquil coastal scenery, Ward Cove offers a quieter, more personalized alternative to Alaska's larger cruise ports.

Explore Ketchikan's Totem Heritage

Discover one of the world's largest collections of authentic Native Alaskan totems at the nearby Totem Bight State Historical Park and Saxman Totem Park. These intricately carved cedar poles tell stories of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures, offering profound insight into Southeast Alaska's indigenous traditions and artistic mastery that spans centuries.

Fresh Salmon & Local Seafood

Savor Ketchikan's legendary wild Alaska salmon at waterfront restaurants and fish markets near the cruise terminal. From grilled halibut to smoked salmon chowder, the local catch reflects the region's rich fishing heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to taste some of the freshest seafood available anywhere in Alaska.

Misty Fjords National Monument

Experience breathtaking coastal scenery with dramatic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine wilderness accessible via scenic boat tours from Ketchikan. This stunning national monument showcases Alaska's raw natural beauty with opportunities to spot bald eagles, bears, and marine wildlife in their native habitat.

Creek Street's Historic Charm

Stroll the iconic wooden boardwalk of Creek Street, Ketchikan's most picturesque neighborhood built over Ketchikan Creek. Browse unique galleries, gift shops, and historic buildings that reflect the town's colorful Gold Rush past while enjoying views of the creek and surrounding rainforest landscape.

Bald Eagle Spotting Adventure

Ketchikan boasts one of the highest concentrations of bald eagles in the world, particularly visible during peak season. Take a guided wildlife tour or simply explore the waterfront areas where these majestic birds hunt and nest, offering unforgettable photography opportunities and authentic Alaskan wilderness encounters.