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

Ketchikan’s Fishing and Bar Heritage Comes Alive

If you’re curious about how fishing, history, and local culture blend in Alaska’s most colorful town, the Fish Tales & Ales tour offers a lively hour and a half of local storytelling and waterfront charm. This guided walk, limited to just 12 guests, takes you along Creek Street’s historic boardwalk and through the docks of Ketchikan’s fishing fleet—perfect for those craving authentic experiences. The tour includes visits to renowned local watering holes, where you’ll sip drinks included in the price, surrounded by history and character.

One thing to consider: this tour is a walking experience that covers a variety of sites. While most of it is fairly flat and accessible, those with mobility concerns should look over the specifics to ensure comfort. Also, the focus on local bars and stories might not suit travelers seeking a more conventional sightseeing tour or extensive museum visits.

What we love about this experience: the chance to mix history with humor through engaging stories from guides who genuinely know their stuff, and the opportunity to enjoy local favorites — including Ketchikan’s oldest bar—without the hassle of planning routes yourself. On the flip side, if you’re after a longer, more in-depth exploration of the town or prefer private tours, this might feel a bit brisk or informal.

Highlights

• Easy meetup near the Visitor Information Center simplifies your start.
• All drinks included in ticket price; enjoy house specials, brews, and more.
• Sights of Creek Street, a colorful red-light district turned historic landmark.
• Visit to the Potlatch Bar, Ketchikan’s oldest, and a genuine local hangout.
• Stories of local fishermen and history, told with humor and insight.
• Short, manageable itinerary, perfect for a relaxed, fun overview.

A Dive into Ketchikan’s Historic Waterfront

The Fish Tales & Ales tour begins just outdoors the Visitor Information Center, making it easy to find and coordinate with your guide. You’ll soon be walking along Creek Street, famed for its historic red-light past, honky-tonk atmosphere, and its beautiful creek lined with historic buildings. Here, you get a chance to appreciate Ketchikan’s transformation from a rugged fishing village to a lively cruise port, now peppered with stories that bring its colorful reputation alive. As one reviewer noted, this stop offers “great photos and tales of the city’s past,” making it a favorite for many.

Along the way, your guide will recount stories of Ketchikan’s lively and sometimes wild past. This isn’t just dry history but tales that connect you with the watermen, bootleggers, and characters who’ve shaped this port town’s culture over the decades.

Visiting the Sourdough Bar & Liquor Store (AKA The Shipwreck Bar)

Your first stop is a local favorite—the Sourdough Bar, a spot beloved by fishing boat crews and locals alike. Walking inside, you’ll get a warm, no-frills atmosphere with an impressive wall of shipwrecked boats and mounted trophy fish — proof of Ketchikan’s proud fishing trophies. As one visitor share, “we sampled a house specialty and enjoyed looking at giant trophy fish on the walls,” which gives a real feel for local marine life and fishing bragging rights.

The bar serves as a friendly venue where stories flow as freely as the drinks. It’s an ideal start to your tour because the admission ticket includes a drink, so you can relax, enjoy, and kick off your exploration of Ketchikan’s waterside culture.

Exploring Creek Street’s History and Waterfront

Next, strolling along Creek Street offers a photogenic encounter with Ketchikan’s past. Originally a red-light district, it has been transformed into a place where history oozes from its shops and well-preserved wooden buildings. This is also where you’ll witness salmon swimming upstream, an awe-inspiring sight for nature lovers.

During this segment, your guides will share stories about the historic buildings and the red-light reputation that once earned Creek Street a bit of notoriety. Hearing these tales adds layers of authenticity that a self-guided visit wouldn’t provide. Reviewers say it’s “a great place for photos and watching the salmon revive the town’s natural history.”

Visiting Dockside at the Potlatch Bar

The finale of the tour involves walking around the fishing fleet docks—a highlight for those interested in seeing firsthand the boats that supply Alaska’s seafood industry. Here, you get to meet fishermen, see various types of fishing vessels, and learn about the fishing techniques used to catch salmon and halibut.

This culminates in a visit to Potlatch Bar, the oldest bar in Ketchikan, which offers a wonderfully authentic local atmosphere. As one reviewer said, “We enjoyed hearing fishing tales and sampling their house specialty or grabbing a cold brew.” This stop encapsulates the laid-back, straightforward charm of Ketchikan’s fishing community.

Why the Price Matters — Is It Good Value?

At $80, the fee covers all drinks, most of which are local house specials or popular brews, and includes access to notable sites and stories. Considering the small group size (max 12 people), you’ll find this to be an intimate, conversation-rich experience offering a good value for those curious about local culture and history. The time invested allows for pictures, stories, and having a few drinks without feeling rushed.

Most reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who blend humor and facts seamlessly, making this more than just a walk—it’s a storytelling session paired with authentic local ambiance. For anyone eager to connect with the town’s fishing traditions and sample the local scene, this tour hits the mark.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited to history buffs interested in understanding Ketchikan’s colorful past, foodies who enjoy local flavors, and travelers seeking an authentic local vibe. If you’re looking for a casual, lively introduction to Ketchikan’s waterfront culture, this tour offers a friendly, fun, and human perspective.

However, if you prefer a more in-depth, museum-style tour or need special accommodations, you might find the focus on bars and storytelling a bit limited. Those with mobility issues should verify accessibility, but most of the walking is on even surfaces and within easy reach.

The Sum Up

The Fish Tales & Ales tour delivers an engaging, authentic taste of Ketchikan’s waterfront and fishing history—all wrapped in fun storytelling and local tavern atmosphere. It’s a quick, manageable experience that combines comedy, history, and scenic views, validating its high praise and glowing reviews.

For travelers who thrive on discovering the local spirit—whether through tales of fishing adventures or sampling traditional drinks—this tour offers a perfect blend of all those elements. It’s especially ideal for small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed experience with plenty of opportunity for chat, photos, and genuine camaraderie.

If your goal is to get a sense of real Ketchikan, its people, and its drinking history, then this walking tour should definitely be on your list. It’s a lively, heartfelt introduction to a town that values its past as much as its seabound livelihood—served up with a splash of humor and a welcome glass in hand.

FAQ

How long is the Fish Tales & Ales tour?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes, making it a compact and easy-to-fit-go activity. You’ll cover a handful of stops at a comfortable pace.

Where do we meet the guide?
The tour begins near the Front St/ Berth 2 outside the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau. The meeting spot is convenient and well-known to cruise passengers.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, all drinks are covered in your ticket price, including house specialties and local brews, so you can relax without extra charges along the way.

Is the tour appropriate for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s accessible by scooter. However, since some stops also involve a bit of walking and standing, very young children or those with mobility issues might need to consider their comfort.

How many people will be in the tour group?
Group size is limited to 12 guests, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience with your guide.

Does the tour include any admission fees?
Yes, the stops at the Sourdough Bar and the Potlatch Bar are included, along with a small core of interesting sites along the docks and Creek Street.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, making it flexible for travel plans.

The Fish Tales & Ales Tour is a fantastic way to dip into Ketchikan’s maritime culture without diving into stuffy museums. It’s about connecting with locals, hearing great stories, and enjoying memorable waterfront views—all with a drink in hand.