Ketchikan: Ghost Walk Guided Tour

If you’re visiting Ketchikan and looking for a unique way to experience the town beyond its scenic vistas and outdoor adventures, a ghost walk might just be what you need. This 2-hour guided tour takes you through some of Ketchikan’s most storied, spine-tingling locations, sharing tales of spirits, legends, and mysterious happenings that have become part of local lore.

What makes this tour worth considering? First, the professional storytellers from American Ghost Walks offer engaging and vividly told stories that breathe life into the town’s haunted past. Second, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to explore Ketchikan’s darker side, especially given the depth of stories and history packed into a relatively short tour. Third, with its wheelchair accessibility and flexible booking options, it’s accessible for many travelers, especially those with an interest in history or paranormal tales.

One possible drawback? It’s a walking tour through rain-soaked streets, so keeping dry is essential, and it isn’t suited for those uncomfortable with spooky stories or who prefer daytime activities. This experience is perfect for ghost hunters, history buffs, or curious travelers looking to add a mysterious twist to their Alaskan adventure.

Good To Know

• Authentic storytelling from professional guides brings Ketchikan’s legends to life
• Includes iconic haunted sites like Creek Street, the Gilmore Hotel, and the Tongass Trading Company
• Unique local legends such as Bigfoot, UFO sightings, and the Thunderbird are featured
• Offers an authentic, atmospheric experience without cheap scares or actors
• Affordable at $35, providing immersive entertainment for a short evening
• Accessible and flexible, with options to cancel 24 hours in advance

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Ketchikan Ghost Walk

This tour is a curated journey into the supernatural side of Alaska’s First City. It isn’t a haunted house or costume event; instead, it’s a storytelling experience designed to make you see familiar streets through a ghostly lens. The guides, well-versed in local folklore, weave together legends, real encounters, and historical tidbits that linger in Ketchikan’s streets and buildings.

The tour is led by professional storytellers from American Ghost Walks, known for their engaging style and deep knowledge. With a rating of 4.4, the guides seem to strike a good balance between spooky storytelling and historical context, ensuring the experience is both fun and educational.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

The meeting point is at the “Looks for The Rock statue”, a recognizable landmark that sets the tone for a walk through the town’s past. Expect to roam through rain-soaked streets—comfortable shoes are a necessity—while your guide shares tales of spectral encounters, legendary creatures, and unexplained phenomena.

Haunted Locations and Stories

• The Gilmore Hotel: Known for its eerie atmosphere, guests have reported spectral cigar-smokers and mysterious voices in Room 208. Reviewers mention that the stories at the hotel feel authentic, and the guide’s detailed descriptions make it easy to imagine the ghosts lingering there.
• Tongass Trading Company: As Alaska’s oldest store, it’s steeped in history—and ghost stories. Visitors have shared experiences of unexplained footsteps and strange noises, adding to the building’s haunted reputation.
• Creek Street: Once a bustling hub of madams and working women, it’s now a charming boardwalk with a dark side. Tales of Black Mary, Big Dolly, and Beatrice Greene—ghosts of former madams—are woven into stories of the district’s colorful past. Visitors report a strong sense of history and a haunting charm that lingers in the air.
• Dolly’s House: A stop that many describe as especially atmospheric, with visitors claiming to smell gardenias and see long-lost lovers still waiting at the door.

Additional Haunted Sites and Legends

• The Bayview Cemetery captivates with tales of a vampire grave and spirits that are said to haunt the grounds.
• The High School Auditorium is another spooky locale, rumored to be haunted by a ghostly presence that can sometimes be seen on stage.
• Lesser-known stories include strange deaths at Yates Hospital and ghostly laughter at the old Bon Marché building, once an Indian boarding school.

Local Legends and Mythical Creatures

Beyond ghosts, the tour introduces you to Tlingit legends like the shape-shifting creature that mimics voices to lure people into the water, a compelling story that adds an indigenous perspective to the supernatural tales. Sightings of Bigfoot are also shared by local loggers, offering a fun outsider’s take on elusive creatures in the wilderness.

UFO Sightings and Unexplained Phenomena

Along With spirits, the tour touches on UFO reports received by the police department and tales of haunted apartments once serving as hospitals. The stories are intriguing and give a broader sense of the unexplained in Ketchikan’s history.

The End of the Tour

The walk concludes at the waterfront, where tales of phantom ships and disappearing lighthouse murders keep the eerie atmosphere alive. A 1973 sighting of a full-rigged ghost ship vanishing without a trace is a fitting finale that leaves guests pondering the town’s supernatural mysteries.

The Experience Itself

The $35 price point offers good value, considering the depth of storytelling and the number of haunted sites covered. The tour typically runs in the evening, adding to the spooky ambiance, and lasts around two hours, making it a manageable addition to any day in Ketchikan.

Group size tends to be small enough for intimate storytelling, and the English-speaking guides are known for their engaging style and ability to keep the group entertained. Reviewers have noted that the guides like Amanda and Steve are particularly skilled in blending humor with chills, making the stories accessible and memorable.

While no costumes or actors are involved, the richness of the tales and the atmospheric locations do the heavy lifting, creating a mood that’s spooky without being overly theatrical or cheesy.

Practical Information and Tips

• Dress for the weather: The tour involves walking through rain-soaked streets, so waterproof shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
• Bring a camera: Several stories involve strange sightings that you might want to capture or review later.
• Comfortable shoes are essential, as the tour covers multiple historic sites and streets.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of visitors.
• No alcohol or drugs are permitted, respecting the serious tone of stories and the setting.
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who is This Tour Best For?

This ghost walk is ideal for travelers who love a good story—whether that’s folklore, local history, or paranormal lore. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy atmospheric walks and historical tales, but prefer to skip the haunted house scares. History buffs, curious explorers, and those keen to see a different side of Ketchikan will find this tour a worthwhile experience.

The Sum Up

The Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s spectral tales and hidden legends in a way that’s both entertaining and insightful. With engaging guides, well-chosen locations, and a focus on authentic stories, it provides more than just spooky stories—it’s a thoughtful exploration of Ketchikan’s complex past and its lingering spirits.

At just $35, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some mystery and local flavor to your trip. Whether you’re after ghost stories, indigenous legends, or the chance to see Ketchikan’s streets from a different perspective, this tour is a compelling choice. It’s best suited for those who enjoy history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural, with an appreciation for storytelling that’s both respectful and captivating.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? While the stories are generally not overly frightening, the tour’s spooky themes and walking in rain-soaked streets are better suited for older children or teens.

Does the tour run in the rain? Yes, it involves walking through streets that can be rain-soaked, so waterproof clothing and shoes are advised.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is focused on stories for adults and older children; no specific age restrictions are noted, but parents should gauge suitability based on their children’s comfort with spooky stories.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it wheelchair accessible? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most travelers with mobility needs.

How long does the tour last? The tour is approximately 2 hours long.

What is the meeting point? Look for The Rock statue as the meeting point.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera.

Are food and drinks included? No, snacks and drinks are not included.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women? It is not recommended for pregnant women due to the walking and spooky themes.

You can check if your dates are available here: