Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars

Ketchikan, Alaska’s historic fishing hub, offers a unique opportunity to uncover its vibrant past. The ‘Fish Tales & Ales‘ walking tour invites guests to explore the city’s storied Creek Street, once a red-light district, and visit local bars that once served as social hubs for hardworking fishermen. Over 90 minutes, participants can enjoy Ketchikan’s rich history, culture, and local flavors, while also witnessing the breathtaking salmon migration. This intimate tour, limited to 12 travelers, promises an engaging blend of past and present, leaving one eager to discover more about this fascinating Alaskan destination.

Key Points

• This 90-minute walking tour explores Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street, known for its colorful past as a former red-light district, and visits local bars frequented by fishermen.
• Participants can observe the natural spectacle of salmon migration during the tour and learn about the diverse salmon species and their life cycles.
• The tour offers an immersive experience, combining historical tales with the vibrant local atmosphere, and provides insights into Ketchikan’s fishing culture and history.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, ensuring an inclusive experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
• The tour has a flexible cancellation policy and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option, contributing to high satisfaction among participants.

Tour Overview

The Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour offers a 90-minute exploration of Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street and local bars favored by fishermen.

Priced from $95.00, the tour is limited to just 12 travelers to provide an intimate experience. Highlights include observing the salmon migration and visiting iconic watering holes like the Sourdough Cocktail Bar and Potlatch Bar.

The tour departs from the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau and concludes at the Potlatch Bar. Open to adults 21 and over, the tour is wheelchair accessible and located near public transportation.

With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews, this tour provides an engaging look at Ketchikan’s colorful past.

Experience Highlights

Travelers can explore historic Creek Street, a former red-light district, during the tour. They’ll also visit local bars that were once frequented by fishermen, learning about Ketchikan’s colorful past along the way.

The tour includes stops at the Sourdough Cocktail Bar and Potlatch Bar, and participants may have the opportunity to observe salmon migration during the experience. These highlights provide a unique glimpse into the town’s rich history and fishing culture.

From the bustling red-light district to the watering holes beloved by local fishermen, the tour offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors. With the chance to witness the salmon run, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors meet at the Front St/Berth 2/Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, near the Giant Rain Gauge, and should arrive 15 minutes before the tour begins. The tour concludes at The Potlatch Bar, 126 Thomas St, Ketchikan, AK 99901.

Meeting Point	Time	End Point
Front St/Berth 2/Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, near the Giant Rain Gauge	Arrive 15 minutes before the tour	The Potlatch Bar, 126 Thomas St, Ketchikan, AK 99901

The tour is for adults 21 and older only, and a valid ID is required. The experience is wheelchair accessible, near public transportation, and has wheelchair-friendly surfaces. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Accessibility

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing easy navigation for visitors with mobility challenges. It’s also located near public transportation and has wheelchair-friendly surfaces throughout the experience.

Scooters are welcome, too, so everyone can fully enjoy the tour’s highlights. Whether you use a wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device, you can confidently explore historic Creek Street and the local bars favored by fishermen.

The tour’s accessibility features ensure that the colorful history and vibrant atmosphere of Ketchikan are accessible to all. With advance notice, the tour operator can accommodate any special needs, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for every guest.

Cancellation Policy

When travelers need to cancel their participation in the walking tour, they can do so free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation, and the tour operator offers a flexible ‘reserve now, pay later’ option for added convenience.

This cancellation policy provides customers with peace of mind and the ability to adjust their plans as needed without incurring any penalties.

The tour’s organizers understand that unexpected circumstances can arise, and they’ve designed their cancellation policy to be both fair and accommodating to their guests.

This flexibility is just one of the many reasons why the Fish Tales & Ales tour has earned such positive reviews from past participants.

Exploring Historic Creek Street

As part of the Fish Tales & Ales walking tour, guests get to explore Ketchikan’s historic Creek Street, a former red-light district with a colorful past. This lively area was once home to brothels, saloons, and gambling establishments that catered to the town’s thriving fishing industry.

Today, the street has been revitalized, with local bars and shops lining the boardwalk. During the tour, visitors will have the chance to learn about the area’s history and visit some of the popular watering holes where fishermen used to gather after a long day at sea.

From hearing tales of Ketchikan’s past to experiencing its vibrant present, this part of the tour promises an engaging and immersive glimpse into the town’s unique character.

Visiting Local Bars

Visitors on the Fish Tales & Ales walking tour get to experience the vibrant local bar scene that once catered to Ketchikan’s thriving fishing industry. The tour includes stops at two iconic establishments – the Sourdough Cocktail Bar and the Potlatch Bar.

These bars were hubs of activity, where fishermen would gather to unwind, share stories, and indulge in a few drinks after long days at sea. Guests can expect to:

• Learn about the unique history and culture of these local watering holes

• Observe the lively atmosphere and friendly camaraderie among patrons

• Sample regional cocktails and beers that reflect the maritime heritage

• Appreciate the rustic, authentic ambiance preserved from bygone eras

• Gain insights into how these bars shaped the social fabric of Ketchikan

Observing Salmon Migration

During the tour, travelers can witness the captivating spectacle of salmon migrating upstream to their spawning grounds. These vibrant fish, driven by their instinctual imperative to reproduce, can be observed navigating the waters of Ketchikan’s iconic creeks and waterways.

Salmon Species	Peak Spawning Season	Average Size	Key Characteristics
Chinook	June – August	15-50 lbs	Largest Pacific salmon; distinctive green/red hues
Coho	August – October	8-12 lbs	Silver body with large black spots on back/tail
Sockeye	June – August	4-7 lbs	Bright red body and green head during spawning
Chum	July – September	10-15 lbs	Pale bodies with elaborate spawning colors
Pink	July – September	3-6 lbs	Small, humped back and protruding jaws

Observing this natural phenomenon is a highlight of the tour, offering a glimpse into the incredible life cycle of these remarkable fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own alcoholic beverages on the tour. Most walking tours do not allow participants to consume their own alcohol during the experience for safety and liability reasons.

Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Tour?

No, the tour is for adults 21 and over only. The description states the age requirement is "Adults 21+ only; valid ID required." Children are not permitted to participate in this walking tour of local bars and historical sites.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, as it’s a 90-minute historical walking tour. Participants can expect to cover several blocks and experience the sights and sounds of the area during the tour’s duration.

Can I Purchase Alcoholic Drinks During the Tour Stops?

Yes, the tour includes stops at local bars where participants can purchase alcoholic drinks. The tour is for adults 21 and over, and valid ID is required. Visitors can enjoy the local bars and learn about Ketchikan’s history during the experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Accommodations Available?

The tour offers accommodations for various dietary restrictions and special needs. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any specific requirements. The tour give you an inclusive experience for all participants.

Recap

This captivating 90-minute walking tour offers an immersive experience into Ketchikan’s vibrant past.

Visitors will explore the historic Creek Street, once a lively red-light district, and visit iconic local bars that played a crucial role in the lives of fishermen.

Along the way, they’ll witness the breathtaking salmon migration, creating an engaging blend of history, culture, and local flavors that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.