Hi there!
So if you’re a paper map type of person (I am!) and you want to walk around downtown Ketchikan, the first thing you’ll want to do once you walk off the cruise ship is go to the Ketchikan Visitor’s Bureau!
This is quite literally right in front of the cruise ship… well, it’s in front of the cruise ship that’s at berth 2!
So if your cruise ship is docked in downtown Ketchikan (which is all major cruise lines not named NCL), then you’ll be just a short walk away from getting your Ketchikan map at the visitor center!
Otherwise, for planning purposes, I’ve created an interactive google map below that includes some of the top attractions, which is based on my 5 cruise ship visits to Ketchikan. You can decide if you want to do any of these things!
These are things you can do on your own, whether it’s walking around downtown or getting there by bus or shuttle.

See below for how to figure out exactly which berth your cruise ship will be docked at.
There are partner websites that are included below.
Where do cruise ships dock in Ketchikan?
Most major cruise lines dock in downtown Ketchikan. This includes Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, and Disney.
There are 4 berths downtown, and depending on which one you’re at, it will be closer (1 minute walk!) or further (15 minute walk) to the heart of downtown Ketchikan.
If you’re on a Norwegian cruise ship (NCL), then you will dock at Ward Cove which is outside of town. You will require a shuttle to get to downtown Ketchikan. This shuttle bus will drop you at berth 4. It’s important to plan for this shuttle time. See more about the Ward Cove shuttle.
You can see exactly where your cruise ship will dock (berth 1, 2, 3, or 4) by looking at the Alaska cruise port schedule for 2026.
There will be numbers for downtown Ketchikan berths, and Ward Cove is indicated as WW or WE. (For Ward Cove, it’s the same pier so it really does not make a difference which you are at. You will be on one side or the other of the same pier.)
If you see something else listed next to your cruise ship, you can check the berth codes pdf.
Although as always, schedules can change.

π Where do cruise ships dock in Ketchikan? Most cruise ships will dock in downtown Ketchikan, where you will be a 1 to 15 minute walk to the heart of downtown. Cruise ships also dock at Ward Cove, where you will be a 20 minute drive away from the heart of downtown. You can find the map above of the cruise ships in relation to downtown on the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau website.
Side note!Ketchikan tours I think you should know about!
Ketchikan is known for the rainforest and totem poles, and the easiest way to experience both is through the rainforest walk and totem park tour. It’s also known for the Deadliest Catch boat tour, as seen on TV! If you want a truly unique experience, go snorkeling in Alaska!! I was very worried about the cold water, but it really turned out to not be an issue!
π See more so-very-Alaska experiences I think you should know about in other ports!
Ketchikan Alaska map
Now, here is the interactive google map of Ketchikan that I created!
π How to use this map: Click on the top left icon for a list of what’s on the map! Or, just start clicking the icons on the map! Each icon has more details, so click to expand! If the map isn’t loading well for you, you can also open it directly in google maps. See below for the quick list of what’s on the map.
What’s on the Ketchikan map?
- Read: Things to do in Ketchikan from a cruise ship
- Read: Easy walking in Ketchikan
- Locations of where cruise ships dock (check the Alaska cruise port schedule 2026Β for which berth your cruise ship will be at)
- Ketchikan Visitors Bureau (stop here to get a paper map!)
- Things you need to take a picture of
- Welcome to Ketchikan sign (see more welcome signs in Alaska)
- The Rock (see more iconic Alaska statues)
- Iconic salmon statue
- Creek Street (see more about walking in Ketchikan)
- Liquid Sunshine Gauge (this, or nearby, is a common meeting point if you book a tour independently on your own)
- Where to see salmon swimming (during salmon season)
- Salmon ladder
- Harris Street Bridge (details of a walking route in Ketchikan)
- Where to see totem poles
- Eagle totem pole
- Chief Johnson totem pole
- Saxman totem park
- Totem Bight State Historical Park
- bus stop to catch the direct bus to Totem Bight
- See my post for more details about totem poles in Ketchikan
- Popular excursions
- Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s tour
- Misty Fjords seaplane tour
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show (look for the add-on axe throwing excursion after the show!)
- How to see marine life (maybe!), like starfish (orange and purple!), jellyfish, and more marine critters!
- Mountain Point snorkeling tour
- Low-tide beach bonfire tour
- Refuge Cove
- Rotary Beach / Buggy Beach
- Food
- The Alaska Fish House (menu)
More maps and where cruise ships dock:
Walking in cruise ports:
- Ketchikan walking
- Juneau walking
- Skagway walking
- Icy Strait Point walking
- Sitka walking
- Victoria walking
- Walking the Seattle waterfront (near NCL Seattle cruise port + downtown)
- Things to do in Seattle without a car
- Things to do in Vancouver without a car
HAPPY PLANNING YOUR TIME IN KETCHIKAN!
π My top picks: Alaska cruise excursions you need to know about!
I've picked out a theme for each port so you can experience different aspects of Alaska!
Explore Alaska cruise ports:
Juneau | Ketchikan | Skagway | Icy Strait Point | Sitka | Victoria
Seattle | Vancouver
Whittier | Seward
Things to know: Mendenhall Glacier on your own vs shuttle
π PACKING LIST: waterproof shoes | rain jacket or poncho | puffer jacket
π Before you book: First-timer's guide to Alaska cruises
There are partner websites that are included on this blog. I may earn a commission.