The day was drizzly, misty and moist, but what would you expect in a rainforest? Yes, a rainforest in Alaska! The panhandle is part of the largest temperate rainforest ecosystem and the weather reflects that.
Ketchikan is the first port on the northward cruise of the Inner Passage. It is the home of one of the largest Tlingit populations and there are a couple Totem parks in the area. Try to see one of them while you are here. If time allows, you can also take part in a sporting activity or watch a lumberjack show (which has most of the seating under cover and heaters blowing warm air when needed).
Ketchikan is a small town with stores centrally clumped around the docks. The climate is fairly even. The temperature extremes are not as varied as those of the more northern towns, but the sun doesn't come out as frequently either.
Most of the town is accessible by walking. It is level and the blocks are small. Tour buses park at the end of the dock and most of the tours are friendly to the mildly handicapped.
Don't pass up Ketchikan when on your cruise. The weather may make you want to stay on the ship, but this is one place where you can actually touch history that is hundreds,if not thousands, of years old. A rainy day should not be enough to stop your explorations.
Quick Tips:
Take a lightweight rain poncho with you. They are available in the dollar stores at home or in the local shops for a bit more.
Carry your camera with you at all times. You never know what you may see in the forests or in the sea.
Be prepared to walk. Many of the tours are also wheelchair and stroller friendly, but sometimes pushing one over the gravel can really be a hard job.
Umbrellas are not really necessary and get in the way of your fellow passengers when you open one in front of them during a tour guide's lecture.
Take insect repellent. The mosquitoes and no-see-ums are around all summer long.
A broad-brimmed hat will help keep the rain and the insects off your face. Be sure that it is water repellent.
Jeans will be more comfortable than shorts on most days. This town is one of the "cooler" ones as far as average temperatures go.
Ask your cruise "shopping specialist" for specific stores if you are looking for certain items. They know the area and the stores they recommend will back their products after you walk out the door. Most will give you an 800 number to call if you have problems.
If you don't make reservations for tours through your cruise company, you can sometimes catch a vacancy when you disembark. Just remember that it is then up to you to get back to the ship on time.
Take note of the "streets" that really aren't. Some are sidewalks and some are stairs. The homes sit into the hillsides and most are not accessible by motor vehicles, therefore the stairs and sidewalks are the "streets" that lead to the homes.
Best Way To Get Around:
Tour buses will take you to see the local sights. There are two main Tlingit areas with totems and chief's house at each. Totem Bight takes you on a walk through the forest before you see the native architecture. Saxman is a more modern look at the lives of the people. The carving shed even has chainsaws for those large rough cuts, something that wouldn't have been available to the locals a hundred years ago.
Walk through the town. It isn't large and the stores are open whenever a ship is in port. Be sure to wear good walking shoes no matter where you go. Some of the town is built over he old harbor and the sidewalks are made of boards. There is even a "red light" district that has been reformed into a shopping/entertainment area. The lumberjack show is close by the marina. Cheer for your favorite team and maybe come home with a hand-sawed token of your visit.