If your ship docks at Ward Cove, don't just wait for the official shuttle. It can have massive lines. Some travelers recommend taking the local bus (The Silver Line) if you can find the stop—it's cheaper and faster than waiting 45 minutes for a cruise-contracted coach.
Skip the over-priced seafood platters on the main road. Head to Alava's Fish House or The Burger Queen. They are local favorites for a reason: the quality is better, and you're not paying the "cruise tax."
The first three blocks of downtown are filled with high-pressure jewelry stores that exist in every cruise port. Walk past them. Real Ketchikan starts at **Creek Street** and the **Rainbird Trail**.
"Is the Lumberjack Show actually good?"
Community Consensus: **Yes**, but it's "touristy fun." It's not a deep cultural experience, but for $40, it's great entertainment, especially if you have kids or it's pouring rain.
"Should I book Misty Fjords by Boat or Plane?"
Community Consensus: If you have the budget, **Fly**. The scale of the fjords is better understood from the air. If you get motion sickness, the **Boat** is a much more stable and serene experience.
Don't buy a $5 plastic poncho in town. They break in 10 minutes. Bring a real rain jacket. Ketchikan is a rainforest; you WILL get wet, and your attitude toward the trip will change based on how dry you stay.