Ketchikan Ghost Walk

Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers a fascinating way to explore Alaska’s First City after dark. For just $34.99, you’ll spend around two hours wandering the misty streets, guided by expert storytellers who share tales of haunted hotels, mysterious figures, and legendary creatures like the Kushtaka and Sasquatch. Starting at the waterfront sculpture called The Rock, your journey includes stops at historic sites such as the Gilmore Hotel and Tongass Trading Company, with each stop revealing stories of spirits and unexplained phenomena rooted in real history.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it blends local legends with actual ghost sightings, making the stories feel credible rather than just spooky folklore. The guide’s storytelling, especially in places like the Gilmore Hotel, brings to life the ghostly residents—like a shadowy man pacing with a cigar or a woman in white staring out windows—adding a ghostly dimension to Ketchikan’s historic charm. Another highlight is the chance to hear about the legend of the Kushtaka, a shape-shifting creature from Tlingit folklore, which adds an intriguing cultural layer.

A potential consideration is that the tour takes place in the evening, which might not appeal to those sensitive to darker stories or looking for a lighthearted walk. Also, since it’s a walking tour through historic streets, comfortable footwear is recommended. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy stories with a mix of history and supernatural tales and don’t mind a bit of atmospheric spookiness.

This experience is perfect for those interested in local stories, Alaskan folklore, or seeking a different perspective on Ketchikan’s history. It appeals especially to curious travelers who want to see the city through a slightly mysterious lens, adding depth to their visit without feeling overly commercialized.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling: Led by knowledgeable guides who blend history and legend.
• Historic sites: Stops include iconic places like the Gilmore Hotel and Tongass Trading Company.
• Cultural insights: Learn about local folklore such as the Kushtaka and Thunderbird.
• Atmospheric experience: Nighttime walk through misty streets enhances the spooky vibe.
• Value for the price: At $34.99 for 2 hours, it offers an engaging, memorable experience.
• Limited group size: Max 20 travelers, ensuring an intimate, personalized tour.

In-Depth Review of the Ketchikan Ghost Walk

Starting at The Rock on Front Street, your journey begins with a visual tribute to Ketchikan’s pioneering spirit—loggers, bush pilots, and frontierswomen—plus a Tlingit drummer rumored to connect with the spirit world. This initial stop sets a thoughtful tone, blending art with storytelling that hints at the supernatural themes to come. It’s a quick 10-minute visit, but the significance of honoring local culture adds depth to the experience.

Next, you’ll make a brief stop at the Ketchikan sign, where legend has it that the once cheerful archway twisted into a frown, foretelling bad luck for fishermen. This story reveals how local superstitions are woven into the city’s fabric, and snapping a photo under the archway becomes a fun, slightly eerie moment. Remember, these quick stops are as much about atmosphere as they are about specific tales.

The highlight comes at the historic Gilmore Hotel, a landmark hotel that has hosted travelers for decades. Here, your guide shares tales of ghostly apparitions like a man pacing with a cigar and a woman in white gazing out windows before vanishing. Guests have reported chairs moving and shadowy figures seen from the windows, making this one of the most haunted spots in town. It’s the kind of place where you might feel a chill or see something out of the corner of your eye. The fact that the tour’s included in the price and the stories are rooted in real reports makes this stop particularly compelling.

Tongass Trading Company, Alaska’s oldest operating store, offers a glimpse into Ketchikan’s commercial past. Staff have witnessed footsteps in empty rooms, objects moving on their own, and even held conversations with unseen visitors. These stories add a layer of authenticity, showing that these tales aren’t just folklore but part of the shop’s ongoing history.

From here, the tour moves to Eagle Park, where the legend of the Thunderbird—said to cause lightning and thunder—takes center stage. The stories shift from ghostly apparitions to mythical creatures, adding a broader cultural perspective. Some visitors believe they’ve seen the Thunderbird, which makes the legend even more tantalizing.

Pioneer Hall, built by the mysterious Six-Shooter Grant, is Ketchikan’s oldest building. After his sudden death, locals wondered if he’d ever truly left his beloved customs house. The building’s history, coupled with ghost stories, makes it a favorite for those interested in haunted architecture. Although the tour doesn’t include entry, standing outside and hearing the tales is enough to spark imagination.

The OutPost, a former department store, adds a playful yet eerie element—footsteps upstairs, children’s laughter echoing through empty corridors, and employees chasing invisible pranksters. It’s easy to get caught up in imagining spirits of children or former mission school students still lingering.

The Chief Kyan and Chief Johnson totem poles deepen the spiritual connection. Running your hand over the bears’ belly at Chief Kyan’s pole is said to bring luck, but the stories of reincarnation and the near-constant presence of spirits remind us of the deep bond between Alaskan indigenous culture and the supernatural. The fog-wreathed story of Fog Woman on the Chief Johnson pole is especially poignant, illustrating how weather and spirits intertwine in local lore.

The Star Gallery, once Ketchikan’s largest brothel, has survived fires, Prohibition, and whispers of voices in the night. Guests have reported hearing a woman calling “Hello?” softly into the darkness, making it a captivating stop. Nearby, Dolly’s House Museum, once run by the town’s most famous madam, still draws sightings of shadows, floral perfumes, and even her long-dead lover trying to re-enter. These stories highlight how the city’s colorful past still seems alive—literally.

Finally, the Ketchikan Creek Bridge is the somber end of the tour. This bridge once linked the red-light district with downtown, but many who crossed here met their doom. Some say the water still remembers, and a few visitors report feeling a strange presence near the water.

Throughout the tour, the small group size (up to 20 travelers) enhances the experience. It feels more like a chat with friends than a formal guided walk, allowing for questions and shared stories. We particularly liked how each stop is brief but packed with local lore, making the two-hour duration feel just right.

The value here is clear—for $34.99, you get a well-guided, atmospheric stroll through Ketchikan’s haunted sites, with stories rooted in both history and local culture. The stories are lively and engaging, and the settings are picturesque, with waterfront views and historic structures adding to the ambiance.

A couple of things to consider: since it’s an evening walk, comfortable shoes are a must, and the spooky stories might not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to darkness. However, if you enjoy tales of ghosts, mythical creatures, or simply want a different way to experience Ketchikan, this tour will add a memorable layer to your trip.

In summary, the Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers a captivating blend of history, legend, and local color. It’s a fun, atmospheric way to explore the city’s darker past, especially if you appreciate storytelling that’s rooted in real reports and cultural folklore. It’s best suited for curious travelers eager to see Ketchikan through a supernatural lens—without the over-the-top theatrics—making it both entertaining and educational.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the spooky stories and atmospheric setting might be better suited for older children and adults. It’s not explicitly designed for kids, so use your judgment about your family’s comfort with ghost stories.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time to explore key haunted sites while keeping the pace lively and engaging.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at The Rock, located at 210 Front St, Ketchikan. It ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to plan your evening.

Is the tour walking or driving?
This is a walking tour through the historic streets of Ketchikan, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some light outdoor activity.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided haunted history walk led by expert storytellers. The tour is priced at $34.99 per person, with no extra charges for stops or stories.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, but children should be comfortable with the darker, atmospheric storytelling.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour depends on good weather, it might be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Less than that, and no refund is available.

All in all, the Ketchikan Ghost Walk is a well-reviewed, intriguing way to experience Alaska’s First City after dark. Whether you’re a believer or just enjoy a good ghost story, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into Ketchikan’s haunted side, wrapped in local folklore and history.