Ketchikan Ghost Walk

If you’re visiting Alaska’s First City and enjoy stories tinged with mystery and the supernatural, the Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers an intriguing way to spend an evening. This two-hour tour, led by expert storytellers from American Ghost Walks, promises a combination of local legends, eerie sightings, and historic sites—all infused with a supernatural twist. We’ve looked into what makes this experience tick, and while it’s not a haunted house with flashing lights, it offers a real history lesson with a spectral side.

What we like about this tour is its mellow pace—you’ll stroll through the misty streets, hearing tales that are as much about the city’s past as they are about spirits lurking in the shadows. The stops at iconic sites like the Gilmore Hotel and Creek Street give a tangible sense of Ketchikan’s colorful and sometimes spooky past. An added bonus is the local storytelling, which keeps the experience engaging and authentic. However, a potential consideration is that this is a walking tour—so if you’re not a fan of outdoor strolls or unpredictable weather, prepare accordingly. This tour suits those with a curiosity for history, a taste for the supernatural, and an appreciation for Ketchikan’s unique character.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling that blends local legends with real ghost sightings
• Historic sites like the Gilmore Hotel and Creek Street offer a tangible connection to Ketchikan’s past
• Accessible and manageable at around 2 hours, perfect for an evening activity
• Cost-effective at $34.99, offering good value for those interested in a spooky, cultural experience
• Small group size (maximum 20 travelers) fosters intimacy and interaction
• Free cancellation provides peace of mind if plans change

The Itinerary: What to Expect on Your Haunted Walk

The tour begins at The Rock, a waterfront sculpture celebrating Ketchikan’s pioneers—loggers, bush pilots, and frontierswomen. It’s a fitting start, setting a tone of rugged adventure mixed with spiritual whispers. Here, a Tlingit drummer is said to channel spirits, which hints at the deep indigenous roots of the area’s supernatural stories.

Next, participants snap photos beneath the Ketchikan sign—but the legend of its frown-shaping event adds an unsettling twist. It’s a quick stop, but one that hints at the local superstitions that still make fishermen wary.

The heart of the tour is the Gilmore Hotel, a historic building where guests report seeing a shadowy man with a cigar, chairs that move on their own, and a ghostly woman in white staring from windows before vanishing. One reviewer noted, “Some guests have experienced chairs moving without explanation,” adding a personal touch to the ghostly tales. The hotel’s historic vibe enhances the feeling that you’re walking through a place where spirits might linger.

At the Tongass Trading Company, Alaska’s oldest operating store, strange phenomena are part of the daily environment. Staff have heard footsteps when no one’s around, objects are believed to move independently, and conversations with unseen coworkers happen as a matter of course. It’s a reminder that even busy commercial spaces can host lingering spirits.

Eagle Park offers a glimpse into Alaska’s legendary Thunderbird—a creature said to cause lightning with its eyes. Some visitors claim to have seen it, while others consider it local folklore. Standing beneath the carved eagle, this stop blends natural beauty with myth, making it a favorite for those intrigued by native legends.

The tour then visits Pioneer Hall, the oldest building in town built by the mysterious Six-Shooter Grant. After his sudden death, many wonder if his spirit still keeps watch. It’s a spot that encourages speculation about whether some stories are rooted in genuine supernatural encounters.

The OutPost, an old department store, adds a playful element with sounds of footsteps upstairs and children’s laughter echoing in the empty building. Employees chase invisible pranksters, possibly spirits of former mission school students. This lively ghostly activity adds a humorous touch to the evening.

Moving on, the Chief Kyan Totem Pole invites you to rub its belly for luck—though some stories suggest it’s also a conduit for reincarnation tales so compelling that a researcher investigated them. It’s a fusion of myth and cultural reverence, emphasizing the importance of native traditions.

The Chief Johnson Totem Pole tells stories of Fog Woman, who brings salmon and fog each spring. Locals see fog as more than weather—it’s a sign that spirits are near, adding a poetic, almost mystical layer to the tour.

The Star Gallery, once Ketchikan’s largest brothel, has survived fires and Prohibition. Guests often report hearing a woman’s voice or catching glimpses of her ghostly figure, adding a touch of scandal and intrigue to the haunted landscape.

At Dolly’s House, the town’s famous madam, visitors have reported shadows, floral perfumes, and even sightings of her long-dead lover, still trying to find his way back inside. It’s a lively, slightly eerie close to the evening’s storytelling.

Finally, the Ketchikan Creek Bridge is a somber reminder of the darker side of the city’s past—where some never crossed and stories of falling or being pushed still circulate. It’s a place that leaves a lingering sense of history’s darker stories.

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do and Feel

This tour, priced at $34.99, offers solid value for a two-hour guided walk through history and ghost stories. The small group size (up to 20 people) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the mobile ticket makes check-in simple, especially after a day of exploring.

The timing at 7:00 pm helps set the mood, as dusk turns to night—ideal for ghost stories and atmospheric strolls. The tour is mostly walkable, starting at The Rock on Front Street and ending back at the same point, so you won’t need to worry about transportation once it’s over.

While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, note that it takes place outdoors—so dress accordingly, especially if rain is in the forecast. The experience is more about storytelling and atmosphere than physical activity, making it accessible for most ages and fitness levels.

Past participants mention fascinating stories and a fabulous guide who answered questions and kept the atmosphere lively. One reviewer appreciated how the tour “added so much to our trip experience,” confirming that the stories stick with you long after the walk ends.

Is It Worth It? Analyzing the Value

At just under $35, this ghost walk strikes a good balance between cost and entertainment. You’re paying for a guided experience that blends history and local folklore, which is often more engaging than purely self-guided tours. The stories, especially at sites like the Gilmore Hotel and Creek Street, are rooted in real places, giving your visit a layer of depth and intrigue.

The inclusion of native legends like the Thunderbird and the stories behind totem poles adds authenticity, making this more than just spooky tales. For history buffs, it’s a chance to learn about Ketchikan’s past through a supernatural lens—an approach that’s both fun and educational.

The free cancellation policy adds flexibility, allowing you to reserve with confidence. Consider pairing this tour with daytime explorations of Ketchikan’s outdoor beauty or cultural sites for a well-rounded visit.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This ghost walk is best suited for travelers with an interest in local legends, history, and the supernatural. It’s perfect if you enjoy storytelling in atmospheric settings, and it’s suitable for most ages due to its manageable length and outdoor walking. If you prefer dark, intense haunted house experiences, this might not be the right fit. But if you’re curious about Ketchikan’s stories and want a fun, engaging way to spend an evening, this tour fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that allows you to enjoy the city after dark.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at The Rock, located at 210 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901, and finishes back at the same location.

Is it suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s outdoors and involves walking, so consider your children’s comfort with walking and listening to ghost stories.

What should I wear?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Alaska evenings can be cool and damp, so layering is advisable.

Are food or drinks included?
No, snacks and drinks are not included. You might want to bring water or a light snack if you like.

Is it accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Final Thoughts

The Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers a compelling mix of history, local culture, and ghostly tales, all wrapped in a two-hour walk through the city’s atmospheric streets. It’s a well-priced activity that provides genuine insights into Ketchikan’s past while satisfying a curiosity for the supernatural. The small group size and engaging storytelling make it an intimate experience, perfect for those who enjoy history with a spooky twist.

This tour shines when you want an evening activity that’s both fun and enriching. If you’re a fan of legends, folklore, or just love stories that bring places to life, this ghost walk is a memorable way to see Ketchikan in a different light—one that whispers of spirits and stories long gone but not forgotten.

In summary, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a folklore lover, or simply looking for something different to do after sunset, the Ketchikan Ghost Walk offers an authentic, atmospheric glimpse into the city’s spectral side. It’s a tour that respects the past while giving it a ghostly, entertaining twist—well worth the modest price for an evening of storytelling and atmosphere in Alaska’s First City.