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ULTIMATE ALASKA CRUISE PORT CHECKLISTS

 

Alaska cruise ports are packed with incredible food, quirky bars, and unforgettable activities. But with only a few hours in each port, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. That’s why I’ve rounded up the must-eat bites and can’t-miss activities in Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point/Hoonah, Sitka, Whittier, Anchorage, and Victoria, BC.

These ready-to-use checklists will help you taste the best of Alaska and experience the highlights—without spending your precious port time Googling.

✨ Thinking about your own Alaska adventure? Schedule a free consultation or text me at (253) 300-5458 — let’s plan the cruise that’s perfect for you.

 

SKAGWAY: WHERE GOLD RUSH MEETS CRAFT BEER

Historic downtown Skagway Alaska with Gold Rush era buildings and shops

Skagway serves up Gold Rush history, spruce-tip beer, and easy walks with big views—perfect for a quick port day.

Things to Eat

  • Skagway Brewing Company – Spruce Tip Blonde Beer + fish and chips
  • Pepper’s Street Fusion – Great tacos
  • Klondike Doughboy – “Elephant Ears” fried dough
  • Northern Lights Pizza – Pizza & halibut sandwiches
  • Café on 5th – Chocolate chip coconut cookies
  • Skagway Fish Co. (Red Building) – Local seafood
  • Blueberry treats – Local café favorites

Local Tip: Don’t skip the Red Onion Saloon—part museum, part bar, and totally unique.

Things to Do

Hidden Gem: Walk the Yakutania Point Trail — postcard views near the dock.


KETCHIKAN: SALMON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Historic boardwalks, totem poles, and salmon everything—this is classic Southeast Alaska.

Colorful Creek Street boardwalk in Ketchikan Alaska built on stilts

Things to Eat

  • Burger Queen – Local burger favorite
  • Ketchikan Crab and Go – Fresh crab on the go
  • Alaskan Fish House – Fish & chips, chowder, halibut & rice
  • Bush Pilots Lounge – Seafood with a view
  • Arctic Bar – $3.50 drafts + free WiFi
  • Alaskan Cider & Wine – Blueberry-pear cider
  • Alaskan Crêpe Company – Monte Cristo crêpe
  • Pioneer Café – Shrimp po’ boy
  • 55 North Bakery – Coffee & pastries
  • Jellyfish Donuts – Fun sweet spot

Local Tip: Sea salt caramels at Ketchicandies are souvenir gold.

Things to Do

  • Free shuttle buses around downtown
  • Creek Street – Shops, history, salmon ladder views
  • Dolly’s House Museum – Step into the red-light past
  • Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show – Family-friendly
  • Totem Heritage Center  – Native heritage
  • Married Man’s Trail – Short scenic walk
  • Fishing Tour – Channel your inner Deadliest Catch

Hidden Gem: Crazy Wolf Studio for authentic Native art.


JUNEAU: ADVENTURE MEETS FLAVOR

Aerial view of Juneau Alaska with mountains, water, and cruise ships docked

Glaciers, whales, and a downtown packed with comfort food and craft drinks.

Things to Eat

  • Deckhand Dave’s – Fish tacos & dirty fries
  • Red Dog Saloon – Try the “Duck Farts” shot
  • Tracy’s Crab Shack – Red King Crab legs
  • Amalga Distillery – Craft cocktails
  • Alaskan Brewing Company – Summer Ale
  • Pel’meni – Russian dumplings
  • Gold Creek Salmon Bake – Excursion classic
  • Twisted Fish Company – Seafood with a view

Local Tip: If you only eat one thing—make it Tracy’s.

Things to Do

Hidden Gem: Glacier smoothie at Glacier Silt Soap’s cabin shop.

✨ Thinking about your own Alaska adventure? Schedule a free consultation or text me at (253) 300-5458 — let’s plan the cruise that’s perfect for you.


ICY STRAIT POINT / HOONAH: ALASKA UNTAMED

Wildlife, Tlingit culture, and some of Alaska’s best whale-watching waters.

Whale watching boat tour near Icy Strait Point with humpback whale tail

Things to Eat

  • Lil’ Gen’s Mini Donuts – Sweet stop (supports Salvation Army)
  • Fresh Oysters – Near Killer Whale Statue
  • The Cookhouse – Local classics
  • Duck Point Smokehouse – BBQ & salmon
  • The Crab House – Seafood feast
  • Icy Strait Brewing – Salmon cakes + brews
  • El Bajón Mexican Fusion – Halibut tacos

Local Tip: Watch for local food trucks—salmon bites are gold.

Things to Do

  • Whale Watching & Kayaking – Top-tier sightings
  • Nature Trail Loop – 1-mile near port
  • Tribal Dance Theater – Cultural show
  • Hoonah Museum & Cannery – Local history
  • Shops of Icy Strait – Local crafts
  • Old Bear Clan Cemetery – Off-beat stop
  • ZipRider – One of the longest ziplines

Hidden Gem: Scan the shoreline—bald eagles everywhere.


SITKA: CULTURE & COASTLINES

Russian heritage buildings and coastal scenery in Sitka Alaska

Russian history, rainforest trails, and wildlife centers with heart.

Things to Eat

  • Pel’meni – Dumpling favorite
  • Ludvig’s Bistro – Fresh seafood
  • Mangiare – Italian/seafood fusion
  • Bayview Pub – Wild-game burgers
  • WildFlour Café & Bakery – Pastries
  • Ernie’s Old Time Saloon – Duck farts shot
  • Mean Queen – Pizza
  • Backdoor Café – Cinnamon rolls

Local Tip: Harry’s Soda Shop for a nostalgic float.

Things to Do

  • Free Cruise Shuttle – Every ~15 minutes
  • Sitka Historical Museum – Russian Alaska
  • Sea Walk Trail – Coastal stroll
  • Fortress of the Bear – Rescue center
  • Sitka National Historical Park – Totem poles (free)
  • Sitka Sound Science Center – Hatchery & touch tanks
  • Alaska Raptor Center – Rehabilitated eagles & birds of prey
  • Baranof Castle Hill – Historic viewpoint

Hidden Gem: Look for Archangel Dancers—traditional performances.


WHITTIER: GATEWAY TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

Small but mighty—your launchpad to glassy fjords, glaciers, and otters.

Whittier Alaska harbor with mountains and tunnels leading into town

Things to Eat

Local Tip: Most services cluster near Begich Towers; seafood is ultra-fresh.

Things to Do

Hidden Gem: Stroll the small boat harbor for otter sightings.


ANCHORAGE: BIG CITY ALASKA

Anchorage Alaska city skyline with mountains in the background

Museums, markets, and miles of coastal trail—Anchorage blends culture with outdoors.

Things to Eat

  • Glacier Brewhouse – Seafood, steaks, craft beer
  • Snow City Café – Beloved brunch
  • Simon & Seafort’s – Dinner with views
  • Moose’s Tooth – Legendary pizza & brews
  • Wild Scoops – Local-flavor ice cream
  • Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse – Casual, live music
  • Crush Wine Bistro – Wine-forward dining

Local Tip: Try spruce tip, fireweed honey, or blueberry flavors at Wild Scoops.

Things to Do

Hidden Gem: Resolution Park & the Captain Cook Monument—quiet downtown viewpoint.


VICTORIA, BC: A TASTE OF CANADA

Gardens, castles, harbor lights, and street eats—Victoria shines day or night.

Butchart Gardens in Victoria British Columbia with vibrant flowers and paths

Things to Eat

  • Red Fish Blue Fish – Iconic waterfront fish & chips
  • Afternoon Tea at The Empress – Classic
  • Fisherman’s Wharf – Floating eateries
  • Parliament Grounds Food Trucks – Quick bites
  • Rogers’ Chocolates – Historic sweets

Local Tip: Short on time? Harbor street-food beats a long sit-down.

Things to Do

  • Butchart Gardens – World-famous blooms
  • Royal BC Museum – Indigenous & natural history
  • Inner Harbour Walk – Parliament lights at night
  • Craigdarroch Castle – Victorian mansion
  • Government Street – Shops & pubs

Hidden Gem: Fan Tan Alley—Canada’s narrowest street (quirky shops!).

 

Don’t Forget to Pack Smart
Exploring Alaska’s ports means everything from rain showers to sunshine, boat rides to walking tours. Before you zip up your suitcase, grab my Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist to make sure you’re prepared for every adventure (and every kind of weather).

If it’s your first time cruising Alaska, don’t miss my First-Time Alaska Cruise Guide for everything you need to know.

 

 

Prefer to chat? Call or text (253) 300-5458 • Email Kim.Shires@CruisePlanners.com

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