Ketchikan’s drinking tours offer a no-nonsense look at Alaska’s oldest city through its historic bars and colorful past.
Three standout options pack plenty of value: The straightforward Ketchikan Pub Crawl focuses on prohibition stories while making strategic stops at local watering holes.
Two excellent 90-minute walking tours – Cruisin and Boozin, and Fish Tales & Ales – combine bar visits with rich historical context about the fishing industry and local culture.
We especially love these tours for their knowledgeable local guides and intimate small-group format.
Let’s explore these memorable tours in detail.
Good To Know
- The Ketchikan Pub Crawl offers a guided drinking tour with a 99% traveler recommendation rate, focusing on the city’s prohibition history.
- Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour provides a personalized experience visiting three local bars and learning about Ketchikan’s drinking culture.
- Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour explores Ketchikan’s fishing and drinking heritage, with a focus on the historic Creek Street and local fishermen’s bars.
- All three tours have small group sizes, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for travelers.
- The tours offer flexible booking options, free cancellation policies, and cater to various accessibility needs, making them suitable for a range of travelers.
Ketchikan Pub Crawl
One of the most popular drinking tours in Ketchikan is the Ketchikan Pub Crawl. This unique experience avoids crowds with a nightly changing route, allowing participants to visit local pubs and bars, enjoy drinks, and hear stories about Ketchikan’s drinking history, including prohibition tales.
The tour is guided, ensuring a safe and engaging outing while keeping guests active. The Ketchikan Pub Crawl boasts impressive reviews, with 115 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation.
The tour meets at 131 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA, and ends at the last bar on the crawl. The maximum group size is 15 travelers, and the minimum age is 21 years. The price starts from $79.00 per person, which includes alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea, soda/pop, snacks, and gratuities.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate physical fitness level is required.
Participants have praised the knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, and the fun atmosphere.
Read our full review: Ketchikan Pub Crawl Review
Book now: Check availability
Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars
For those seeking a more immersive experience in Ketchikan’s vibrant drinking culture, the Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars offers a unique blend of history, storytelling, and local libations.
This highly-rated tour, boasting a perfect 5-star review based on 26 traveler recommendations, provides a personalized and engaging journey through Ketchikan’s past and present.
Led by the knowledgeable and entertaining guides Terry and Judy, the tour takes guests on a 90-minute stroll through the city’s historic Old Town and Creek Street, stopping at three local bars along the way.
At each hotel, participants enjoy included alcoholic beverages while learning about Ketchikan’s colorful history and notable figures.
The small group size, capped at a maximum of 12 travelers, fosters a friendly atmosphere and opportunities for memorable interactions.
With flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy, the Cruisin and Boozin tour is an excellent choice for adults 21 and older seeking a unique and immersive way to experience Ketchikan’s lively bar scene and rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Cruisin and Boozin – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Sites and Bars Review
Book now: Check availability
Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars
What better way to take in Ketchikan’s vibrant fishing culture and drink-fueled heritage than the Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour?
Led by Terrys Tour, this immersive experience takes visitors through the historic Creek Street, a former red-light district, and into local fishermen’s bars.
Highlights include the Sourdough Cocktail Bar, known as the Shipwreck Bar, where travelers can watch salmon swimming upstream, and the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest watering hole.
With all drinks, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities included, this small-group tour (limited to 12 travelers) offers an authentic taste of the city’s maritime past and present.
Accessible to wheelchair users and located near public transportation, the tour meets at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau and ends at the Potlatch Bar.
Priced at €90.53 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Fish Tales & Ales tour is a must for anyone seeking to enjoy Ketchikan’s rich fishing and bar-hopping culture.
Read our full review: Fish Tales & Ales – 90 Minute Historical Walking Tour of Fishing Fleet and Bars Review
Book now: Check availability
Questions About Staying Here
What Are the Age Requirements for Participating in the Tours?
The age requirements for participating in these tours typically range from 21 to 65 years old. Participants must provide valid identification to verify their age and meet the legal drinking age in the area.
Are the Tours Suitable for Individuals With Mobility Issues?
The tours may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, as they often involve walking and standing for extended periods. Participants should check with the tour operator to determine if accommodations can be made for those with mobility constraints.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Tours?
Yes, many drinking tour operators in the area can accommodate dietary restrictions. They typically offer alternative options or work with participants to ensure their needs are met throughout the experience.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tours?
The cancellation and refund policy varies by tour operator, but many offer full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. Some may charge a fee for late cancellations or no-shows.
Do the Tours Include Any Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options?
The tours typically offer non-alcoholic beverage options, such as water, soda, or juices, to accommodate guests who don’t wish to consume alcohol. This allows everyone to enjoy the experience regardless of their preferred drink.
Worth The Stay
Ketchikan offers a range of drinking tours that provide a unique blend of history, culture, and local libations. From the Ketchikan Pub Crawl to the Fish Tales & Ales tour, visitors can enjoy the city’s lively bar scene while learning about its rich maritime heritage. These tours offer a fun and informative way to experience Ketchikan’s vibrant nightlife.