Ketchikan: Lumberjack Show & Crab Feast

Thinking about adding a splash of culture, excitement, and hearty cuisine to your Alaska trip? This Ketchikan tour combining a Lumberjack Show and a Crab Feast offers just that—an energetic taste of the Pacific Northwest’s logging prowess paired with a classic seafood feast. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively, family-friendly activity that highlights local industry and flavors.

What we love about this tour is how it seamlessly combines entertainment with authentic regional cuisine, all within a short, well-organized experience. The Lumberjack Show promises spirited competitions featuring chopping and log rolling, while the crab feast provides a satisfying, all-you-can-eat feast of Dungeness crab, accompanied by fresh sides.

A potential consideration? The tour does not include transportation, so you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point in downtown Ketchikan. Beyond that, it’s a well-rounded experience suited for anyone eager to enjoy Alaska’s rugged traditions and delicious seafood in a lively atmosphere.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates both cultural shows and hearty food, this tour hits many marks. Families, seafood lovers, and those interested in logging history will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Combines a world-famous lumberjack show with a genuine seafood feast.
• Short and sweet: 2.5 hours, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing day.
• All-inclusive dining: Enjoy unlimited Dungeness crab, sides, and beverages with your ticket.
• Engaging entertainment: Watch chest-thumping competitions like axe throwing and log rolling.
• Scenic setting: Conducted in historic downtown Ketchikan, with views of working docks and boats.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, offering a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting and Location

Your adventure begins in the heart of downtown Ketchikan, at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Arena and Harbor Haus Pavilion. This area isn’t just convenient—it’s meaningful. It sits near the Thomas Basin historic district, a hub of Alaska’s fishing and logging industries, and offers a lively backdrop of working boats and scenic waterfront views.

Imagine walking just a few steps from cruise ship docks into a place alive with the sights and sounds of Alaska’s maritime economy. Here, you’ll find the historic site of the Spruce Mill, once the largest Sitka spruce mill in the world, now a fitting setting for the lumberjack competitions.

The Lumberjack Show: More Than Just an Entertainment

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is what really makes this tour memorable. As you settle into covered, heated seating, you’ll watch a spirited contest among world champion athletes. The competition involves a range of 12 events that test strength, skill, and agility—think chopping, axe throwing, log rolling, climbing, and sawing.

What’s notable is how interactive and lively it is. The hosts keep things rowdy and fun, making it entertaining for all ages. The show doesn’t just showcase brute force; it offers a glimpse into a hardy profession that’s been a vital part of Alaska’s identity.

The Crab Feast: A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Right after the show, you’ll move to the Harbor Haus Pavilion, overlooking a harbor filled with working fishing boats. This is where the real feast begins. The highlight? An all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab meal, accompanied by a fresh salad, baby red potatoes, and carrot cake for dessert.

Reviews highlight how delicious and plentiful the crab is, with one traveler calling it “awesome” and “delicious,” noting that there’s plenty to go around. The menu also includes a beer or wine, water, coffee, tea, and soda—making it a relaxed, full-service dining experience.

It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the slow service in delivering the meal, which is understandable given the volume and the setting. If timing is crucial for your itinerary, keep that in mind, but most find the quality and quantity well worth the wait.

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Authentic, Local Flavor in Every Bite

Eating Dungeness crab right in the heart of Ketchikan, with views of boats coming and going, offers more than just good food—it’s an immersion into Alaskan maritime culture. The seafood is fresh, and the setting makes it feel like a true local experience rather than a tourist trap.

Additional Highlights and Practical Details

After the show and meal, you’re right in downtown Ketchikan, a lively area dotted with totem poles, shops, and historic sites like Creek Street. If you have time, exploring these nearby attractions adds even more value to your visit.

What’s Included:
– Entrance to the lumberjack show
– All-you-can-eat crab feast with sides and beverages

What’s Not Included:
– Transportation to and from the show area (a key consideration for planning your day)

Tour Duration:
– 2.5 hours, making it easy to slot into a morning or early afternoon schedule

Group Size and Accessibility:
– Small groups (limited to 10) enhance the experience and allow for more personal interaction
– The venue is ADA accessible, and the seating is covered and heated, suitable for all weather conditions

Price and Value:
– Cost is $158 per person—consider this a fair price for a lively show plus a hearty seafood meal, especially given the high praise from travelers for the amount and quality of crab served.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience caters well to families, seafood lovers, and history buffs interested in Alaska’s logging past. If you’re seeking a fun, lively activity that’s also rooted in local traditions, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind walking in downtown Ketchikan and are prepared for a 2.5-hour commitment.

While it’s a great choice for most travelers, keep in mind that transportation isn’t included, so be prepared to get to the meeting point on your own. Also, if you’re a vegetarian or don’t eat crab, vegetarian options are available, but it’s worth confirming ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

For a robust dose of Alaskan culture and cuisine, this Ketchikan Lumberjack Show and Crab Feast offers a spirited, authentic experience. The blend of entertaining competitions and fresh seafood makes it a memorable highlight, especially in a city where industry and tradition run deep.

Most travelers find the experience to be well-organized and fun, with reviews praising the delicious crab and lively show. The small group size adds a personal touch, allowing you to better enjoy the spectacle and meal.

If you’re looking for a fun, hearty, and genuinely local activity during your Alaska cruise or visit, this tour is a solid choice—one that provides a window into the rugged, seafood-rich lifestyle of Ketchikan.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the shows is not included, so plan to arrange your own way to the meeting point in downtown Ketchikan.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a half-day schedule.

Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, but it’s recommended to let the activity provider know at check-in.

Is the seating covered and heated?
Yes, the seating at the Lumberjack Show is covered, heated, and cushioned, ensuring comfort regardless of weather.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to small groups—up to 10 participants—allowing for a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your travel planning.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers entrance to the Lumberjack Show and an all-you-can-eat crab feast with sides and a drink.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is ADA accessible, and accommodations are in place for wheelchair users.

What should I expect from the crab feast?
Prepare for a generous, all-you-can-eat Dungeness crab meal, with sides like salad and potatoes, plus dessert and beverages.

This Ketchikan tour offers a vibrant taste of Alaska’s working heritage and seafood bounty, wrapped in a lively, family-friendly package that’s definitely worth your time.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby