Getting to Town

7 mi / 11.3 km

Distance to Town

Best Time to Visit

The most comfortable and popular months to cruise into Ward Cove for Ketchikan are late May through early September, when temperatures are mild and most excursions operate at full capacity. June–August offer the warmest weather and longest daylight, with May and September typically a bit quieter.

Ketchikan is one of the rainiest cities in North America; expect frequent showers or steady rain year-round, even in summer, and pack waterproof layers.

Early and late season (May and September) can be cool and breezy on the water, with temperatures often in the 40s–50s°F (single digits °C).

Strong winds, fog, or rough seas can occasionally affect flightseeing and small-boat excursions; operators may cancel or adjust times for safety.

Top Shore Experiences

✓Visit the Ward Cove Welcome Center for museum-style displays about the pulp mill and local history, plus casual dining and shopping in a compact, easy-to-navigate space.
✓Take the cruise-line shuttle into downtown Ketchikan to see Creek Street, watch salmon runs in season (typically late summer), and browse candy shops and simple souvenir stores.
✓Join a guided rainforest walk or nature tour in the Tongass National Forest suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
✓Opt for a scenic motorcoach tour from Ward Cove that covers Ketchikan highlights with minimal walking and plenty of photo stops.

Local Food & Drink

Sample Alaskan seafood dishes such as salmon, halibut, and chowders at the Ward Cove restaurant or on excursions that include a meal.
Look for locally roasted coffee and hot drinks at the Welcome Center—especially welcome on cool, rainy days.
Try locally produced chocolate or sweet treats sold at artisan kiosks in the Mill at Ward Cove.
Use shuttle time in downtown Ketchikan (if your schedule permits) to seek out crab, fish and chips, and other regional specialties at waterfront eateries.

Shopping Tips

The Ward Cove Welcome Center features artisan kiosks selling locally made art, jewelry, carvings, and crafts—good for authentic, small-batch souvenirs.
You’ll also find practical items at Ward Cove such as jackets, hats, and rain gear, useful if you underestimated Ketchikan’s wet climate.
Locally made chocolate and packaged food gifts at Ward Cove are easy to bring back to the ship.
For a broader range of shops and price points, clients must budget time and transit to get into downtown Ketchikan’s main shopping streets.

Agent insights

Clarify to clients that Ward Cove is a separate cruise terminal outside Ketchikan proper—independent downtown time requires planning around shuttles and transit. Encourage them to book at least one organized excursion from Ward Cove and treat any downtown visit as a bonus rather than the core of their day.