🌧️ Ketchikan in the Rain: A Day of Grit, Grace, and Wild Wonder

First Impressions: A City That Charms Through the Mist

Ketchikan welcomed us with a quintessential Alaskan embrace—cold, steady rain and a sky wrapped in silver. It was May, and the weather was unapologetically authentic. But beneath the drizzle, the city sparkled with personality. We wandered through its walkable streets, where every shop window seemed to beckon with stories, treasures, and warmth. It was a place that didn’t just invite exploration—it insisted on it.

Fun Facts That Add Flavor

• 🐟 Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, hosting five species of Pacific salmon.

• 🪶 It holds the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles, each one a towering tale of heritage.

• 🦅 Its name comes from the Tlingit word Kichx̱áan, meaning “thundering wings of an eagle”—a poetic foreshadowing of what was to come.

  
  

No Excursion Needed: A Town That Delivers on Its Own

You don’t need a booked excursion to enjoy Ketchikan. This town is a destination in itself. From salmon tastings that celebrate the region’s culinary pride to the famous crab shack that draws foodies from every ship, there’s flavor and flair around every corner. We browsed for Alaskan-made souvenirs, picked up a few early Christmas gifts, and admired the way nature weaves through the town—misty hills, rushing creeks, and towering evergreens all within view.

History lives here too, in the totems, the boardwalks, and the stories etched into every storefront. It’s a place that rewards curiosity and invites you to wander. Whether you’re chasing flavors, treasures, or quiet moments, Ketchikan offers a full day of discovery—no itinerary required.

A Pause at the Salmon Ladder

We stopped at the famed salmon ladder, a marvel of nature-meets-engineering designed to help salmon ascend upstream. Though it was too early in the season to witness their journey, the quiet anticipation added a layer of reverence. It felt like standing at the edge of a story waiting to unfold.

Whale Watching: Braving the Elements for Awe

While Ketchikan offers plenty to explore without a formal excursion, sometimes stepping beyond the dock leads to something extraordinary. Our whale watching tour was just that—a bold adventure into the misty unknown. We suited up in full rain gear provided by our tour operator, and thank goodness we did. The rain was relentless, the cold unyielding, and yet we pressed on, driven by the hope of a close encounter with giants of the sea.

We saw spouts—many of them—and the whales were active, surfacing again and again in the distance. Each plume of mist was a promise, each breach a fleeting glimpse of something ancient and immense. Though they never came close to our boat, their presence was constant, like a heartbeat beneath the waves. We had hoped for proximity, but what we received instead was perspective: a reminder that some wonders are meant to be observed with reverence, not reached.

Eagles in Flight: An Unexpected Spectacle

Just when we thought the show was over, our guide tossed fish toward the shoreline—and the sky erupted. Bald eagles soared and swooped in a breathtaking aerial ballet. Their wings sliced through the rain as they snatched fish midair, each movement a masterclass in grace and precision. It was raw, wild, and utterly unforgettable.

The Return: A Soaked Soul Finds Sanctuary

By the end of the tour, we were soaked, chilled, and ready to retreat. Back on board, I made a beeline for our suite’s oversized bathtub—an indulgent sanctuary that felt like it had been waiting just for this moment. As I sank into the warmth, the cold melted from my feet, and the day’s wild beauty settled into memory. That simple act of restoration reminded me: luxury isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how you feel when the adventure ends.

Final Reflections: Rain-Drenched, Soul-Filled

Ketchikan didn’t offer sunshine or postcard perfection. It offered something deeper: a day of resilience, discovery, and unexpected beauty. From misty streets to soaring eagles, it reminded us that true luxury lies in the experience—and that sometimes, the rain is part of the reward.