Planning a trip to Ketchikan, Alaska?

Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship or making Southeast Alaska your summer getaway, Ketchikan is a town full of unforgettable adventures. Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” but it’s also surrounded by the stunning Tongass National Forest—America’s largest temperate rainforest. That means one thing: adventure is around every corner.

From soaring through the trees on a zipline tour to spotting Alaskan bears in the wild or taking in the breathtaking scenery from a floatplane, Ketchikan has something for every kind of explorer.

To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve rounded up five of the best tours in Ketchikan—each offering a unique way to experience Alaska’s wild beauty, rich culture, and incredible landscapes.

1. Rainforest Canopy Zipline Adventure

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Alaska adventure, the Ketchikan Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Adventure is the perfect mix of adrenaline and awe. As the first zipline in Alaska, it’s a true classic—and still one of the most exciting things to do in Ketchikan today.

Soar through one of the largest rainforests in the world, the Tongass National Forest on nine exhilarating ziplines, some stretching over 600 feet long, with platforms rising more than 100 feet above the rainforest floor. As you glide between towering spruce and hemlock trees, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, bears, and even salmon streams sparkling below.

It’s not just a thrill ride—it’s an unforgettable way to experience the rainforest from above.

2. Adventure Kart Expedition

If you prefer wheels over wires, this Adventure Kart Expedition is the perfect way to experience Alaska’s wild side. Hop into a powerful Polaris RZR 1000 and tackle rugged rainforest trails as you follow your guide through winding mountain roads. You’ll climb to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Tongass National Rainforest and Alaska’s Inside Passage, where the scenery feels straight out of a postcard.

This isn’t just a thrill ride—it’s an immersive Alaska adventure. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the local wildlife, flora, and fauna during scenic stops. Expect to get a little dirty (and have a lot of fun)—whether it’s rain, mud, or dirt, it all adds to the authentic adventure of the Alaskan off-road experience.

3. Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing

Few experiences capture the breathtaking beauty of Alaska quite like a floatplane tour over the Misty Fjords—and no one does it better than Taquan Air, one of Ketchikan’s most experienced flightseeing operators. Often called the “Yosemite of the North,” this remote wilderness is a masterpiece of nature. Home to sheer granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and glassy emerald lakes carved by ancient glaciers that melted down.

Climb aboard a classic DeHavilland Beaver or Otter and take off from the Ketchikan waterfront for a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing adventure. From your window seat, you’ll glide past towering fjords, snowcapped peaks, and untouched rainforest while your experienced Alaska bush pilot shares stories and insights about the region’s history and geology.

Depending on the weather and flight path, you may soar over landmarks like New Eddystone Rock, Big Goat Lake, or Neets Bay, each offering its own unforgettable view of Southeast Alaska’s wild beauty.

For many travelers and lifelong locals, this Misty Fjords Tour is the highlight of their Alaska experience. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Misty Fjords National Monument, one of the most awe-inspiring corners of the state.

4. Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Walking Tour

For those looking to slow down and connect with the wild side of Alaska, our Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary Walking Tour offers an unforgettable way to experience the beauty and culture of Ketchikan. This guided adventure takes you through a private 40-acre reserve bordering the Tongass National Forest.

You’ll follow scenic trails and elevated boardwalks beneath towering spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees. Along the way, your naturalist guide will share stories about the forest’s rich ecosystem as you look for bald eagles, salmon-filled streams, and—if you’re lucky—black bears feeding nearby.

The experience continues beyond the forest. You’ll visit a historic sawmill and totem park, see master carvers at work, and stop by the blacksmith shop where local artisans create handcrafted pieces. This tour beautifully blends Alaska’s wildlife, culture, and craftsmanship, making it a must-do for families, photographers, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

5. Black Bear Viewing at Herring Cove

If seeing bears is at the top of your Alaska bucket list, this exclusive Black Bear Wildlife Exploration tour is an experience you don’t want to miss. Just a short, scenic drive from downtown Ketchikan, you’ll arrive at our Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, where private, elevated boardwalks provide the perfect vantage point for safely observing black bears in their natural habitat.

After your guided wildlife walk, the adventure continues back at the sanctuary. You’ll have time to explore the historic sawmill, watch a master totem carver at work, stop by the blacksmiths and watch them handcrafting ulu’s and tools, browse our gift shop, or relax in the courtyard, where you can enjoy a local beer, wine, or handcrafted beverage surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

This unforgettable experience is only available from Late July through October, when the salmon return to the streams. During this time, black bears gather to fish, while bald eagles, seals, and other wildlife wait nearby for their chance at a meal. It’s one of the most remarkable opportunities here in Southeast Alaska to witness bears up close without disturbing them.

If you’re looking for a faster-paced bear-watching experience, check out the Black Bear Express. This streamlined tour walks you along private, elevated boardwalks to see black bears in their natural habitat and takes about 2 hours from pick-up to drop-off making it perfect if your port time is tight or you want to squeeze in another activity afterwards.

With small group sizes and knowledgeable naturalist guides leading the way, this tour offers an intimate, educational, and truly wild encounter. If you’re visiting Ketchikan in late summer, make sure to add a bear viewing tour to your must-do list.

Plan Your Ketchikan Adventure!

From ziplines and ATVs to floatplanes and bear viewing, Ketchikan, Alaska is filled with adventures that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Each of these experiences offers something special—whether it’s soaring above the Tongass National Forest, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, or connecting with the culture that defines Southeast Alaska.

No matter what kind of traveler you are—thrill seeker, nature lover, or somewhere in between—these five tours highlight the very best of Ketchikan’s adventure scene. Book your next Alaska tour today and make memories that will stay with you long after you leave the rainforest behind.