Disney Cruises Alaska 2026 - Itineraries, prices and tips for families

Explore Ketchikan, the gateway to Alaska

Ketchikan, often dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World”, is a must-see stop on any Alaskan cruise. This charming port town is renowned for its rich Native American traditions, visible in the many impressive totem poles and local cultural centers. Stroll along Creek Street, a historic pier lined with quaint stores and restaurants offering local specialties.

Things to do in Ketchikan

Learn about the history of the gold rush at Dolly’s House Museum, or embark on a kayaking adventure around the remote islands for a more personal encounter with local wildlife, such as sea otters and seals. For art and history buffs, local art galleries and cultural centers offer a fascinating insight into the art and traditions of the region’s aboriginal peoples. Ketchikan is also the ideal starting point for excursions into the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, where hiking trails wind through breathtaking landscapes of forests, rivers and mountains.

Totem Art in Ketchikan

Totem poles are one of Ketchikan’s most emblematic features, and a vibrant testament to the history and culture of Alaska Native peoples. These mystical and captivating wood carvings tell stories and legends, or represent important events and ancestral figures.

Totem discovery

In Ketchikan, you can explore several parks and museums dedicated to these fascinating works of art. Saxman Native Village, for example, is home to one of the world’s largest collections of totem poles. Here, visitors can learn about the process of creating totem poles, from wood selection to detailed carving and painting. Each totem has a story to tell, offering a profound insight into the beliefs, values and history of the people who created it.

When visiting Ketchikan, take the time to immerse yourself in this traditional art form for an authentic and memorable cultural experience.

Skagway, the historic heart of the Gold Rush

Skagway is famous for its central role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century. Today, this picturesque little town retains the atmosphere and architecture of that effervescent era, offering visitors a plunge into the past.

An Immersion in History

Strolling through the streets of Skagway, you’ll feel transported to another era. Carefully restored historic buildings house museums, stores and saloons that look as if they’ve stepped straight out of the 1890s. Don’t miss the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where you can follow in the footsteps of the thousands of gold seekers who traversed this region in the hope of finding their fortune.

Skagway is also the starting point for the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. This train ride offers spectacular views of mountains, gorges, waterfalls and trestle bridges, as it winds through breathtaking scenery. It’s an unmissable experience that combines adventure and history, allowing visitors to grasp the scale and daring of the gold rush epic.

To visit Skagway is to travel back in time and discover the fascinating story of one of North America’s greatest human adventures.