North Pacific Passage to Japan

Ocean Cruise from Vancouver to Tokyo via Alaska

Ketchikan

On Tuesday the 16th, Ketchikan was our first port of call. It is known as Alaska’s “first city” because of its location at the south-eastern tip of the state — it’s the first city you reach cruising north from the Inside Passage. Ketchikan is said to have more native American totem poles than anywhere else, so upon arrival in the morning we went by bus to Potlatch Park. This privately-owned park features an authentic tribal house, many cedar totem poles, and a carving center. There is also a car museum.

Following the totem pole tour, we went on a hovercraft ride in the bays around Ketchikan for wildlife viewing. After that, to complete the day we walked around the downtown area to Creek Street and grabbed a beer at the dock.