Ketchikan, Alaska– Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I’m sure it is high up there long a lot of people’s lists. After years of dreaming of making the trek up north, my dreams finally came true. We booked a family cruise to Alaska! During our Alaskan cruise, we visited Endicott Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and my favorite stop on our cruise, Ketchikan.
Isn’t it glorious? I could totally see myself living here. As soon as I saw this place, it was love at first sight! The turquoise water, jagged green snow-capped mountains, and massive evergreen trees are like something you’d see on a post-card. The town itself was very charming and there was a ton of things to do near the cruise port. Ketchikan is seriously the ideal Alaskan town.
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Our Day in Ketchikan
We booked the Orca Beach Nature Trail excursion through Carnival. We took a bus out to gorgeous Knudson Cove where we caught a rib boat to a neighboring island for a lovely little hike. The boat ride out was stunning and the air blowing through our hair was so relaxing. In fact, the ride out was probably the highlight of the excursion! The views were absolutely jaw-dropping. We were on high-alert hoping to see a humpback whale but didn’t have any luck. We did spot a ton of bald eagles, however.
The “hike” turned out to be more of a 3/4 mile walk on a rustically constructed boardwalk. Considering how much walking we had done this week, it was actually a welcomed relief! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us information about the island and the plants and animals that inhabit it.
The natives used to strip trees, like the ones pictured above and used the bark for the construction of canoes. When they stripped the trees, they only took the bark from the side of the tree that is facing away from the water. By doing this, they were able to preserve the tree. Pretty responsible, right?
Oh…. and I also kissed a banana slug and walked around the woods singing, “I kissed a slug and I liked it” to the tune of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It)”. It was a dare…I couldn’t pass it up. Apparently, kissing a banana slug is supposed to bring you good fortune.
We enjoyed a light snack of smoked salmon, cheese, and crackers before we headed back for Knudson Cove. Our rib boat was manned by two of the most charming guys I’ve ever met. They were so sweet, fun, and easy-going! We spotted a humpback on the way back to the cove so our captain circled back and sat for a bit so we could watch the giant creature.
He also pointed out an active eagles nest, pictured above. The nest was about 6 feet wide and housed eaglets.
Our Thoughts on Our Tour
This was hands down the best tour we have ever taken through Carnival. Someone owes these guides a beer! After the tour, we headed into town to do a little shopping before we sailed off for Victoria, British Columbia.
Watching the sunset on Ketchikan as we sailed away was the perfect way to end the day.
Ah, I just can’t get enough of this place! Take me back! This must be what heaven looks like! I apologize for all of the teeny-bopper exclamation marks.
While You’re in Ketchikan
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One reply on “Stunning Ketchikan, Alaska”
[…] While we were in Ketchikan we did the Orca Beach Nature Trail which took us to an island where we had a chance to hike and become at one with nature. During our trip, we saw whales, porpoises, countless eagles, and tons of other wildlife (including a slug that I managed to kiss…) […]