Ketchikan Pub Crawl

If you’re heading to Ketchikan and looking to experience a side of the town that goes beyond cruise ship tours and tourist traps, the Ketchikan Pub Crawl might just be your ticket. This guided walk through some of the city’s favorite watering holes promises a lively, informative night filled with stories, drinks, and plenty of local charm. Although this isn’t your average bar-hopping experience, it’s designed to give travelers a taste of Ketchikan’s past while enjoying a relaxed evening with new friends.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances fun and history — it’s not just about drinking, but about understanding a bit of Ketchikan’s colorful past, including tales of prohibition and its red-light district. Plus, the fact that the route varies nightly keeps things fresh and prevents the experience from feeling scripted or touristy. On the downside, with a duration of only an hour and a half, it’s a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration. Still, for those wanting a spirited intro to local nightlife, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate storytelling, local character, and social drinking in a safe, guided setting.

Key Points

• Flexible route: Changes nightly, keeping each experience fresh.
• Local stories: Guides share tales of prohibition and historic Ketchikan.
• Group size: Small groups (max 15) enhance interaction and safety.
• All included drinks: Beverages such as beer, coffee, soda, and tea are covered.
• Accessible and safe: Guided walk ensures you enjoy your night without worries.
• Value for price: At $79, it offers a lively and informative night out.

This tour is not your average bar hop. Instead, it’s a well-curated experience that combines drinking, storytelling, and walking, all led by knowledgeable guides who make sure everyone feels comfortable and entertained. For just $79 per person, you get roughly an hour and a half of fun — which, given the included drinks, makes for quite a social outing.

Booking in advance is recommended, with most participants reserving their spot about 80 days ahead — reflecting its popularity. This isn’t surprising, given the glowing reviews and the high rating of 5.0 stars from 115 travelers. Most guests (98%) recommend it, often citing the lively guides, interesting tales, and the chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers.

Venue and Route: Changing Every Night

The tour begins at 131 Front Street, right in the heart of Ketchikan. The route is flexible, changing every night, which keeps the experience spontaneous and exciting. This flexibility also allows guides to adapt based on weather, crowd, or local events, offering a fresh perspective on Ketchikan’s nightlife.

While the stops aren’t pre-determined, the chosen pubs and bars are typically favorites among locals. Expect to visit a handful of lively spots where you can order drinks included in the tour — from local beers to non-alcoholic options like soda and tea. The walk itself is leisurely, designed not just as a drinking tour but as a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at night.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. From sharing stories about prohibition — when Ketchikan’s bars were some of the few places to relax openly — to tales of the city’s red-light district, guides bring Ketchikan’s quirky history to life.

One traveler raved about Austin, mentioning that he was “super knowledgeable about the history of each place we visited,” which made the experience not just fun but educational. Another praised Trystan for “great stories and a good mix of history and local color.” The guides are also responsible for keeping the group safe and making everyone feel comfortable, especially given the moderate physical fitness needed for the walk.

What You’ll Experience

The tour provides a blend of socializing and storytelling that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Expect to visit 2-3 pubs or bars where the guides share stories about Ketchikan’s past, including tales from the prohibition era and its colorful reputation in the early 20th century. The stops are handpicked for their atmosphere, character, and historical significance.

Guests often comment on how the guides’ stories enhance the experience. For example, one reviewer said, “I loved the sourdough with all the pictures and history,” indicating that some stops include historic decor or themes, giving a sense of continuity and local flavor. Others appreciated the chance to meet fellow travelers and enjoy local drinks in an informal setting.

Duration and Group Size

With a length of approximately 90 minutes, this tour fits comfortably into an evening without feeling rushed. The small group size — capped at 15 travelers — ensures that everyone can participate actively, ask questions, and socialize. The intimacy of the group creates a friendly environment where even shy travelers might feel encouraged to join the conversation.

Price and Value

At $79 per person, this tour combines entertainment, education, and social interaction at a reasonable price. Considering it includes multiple drinks, it saves travelers the hassle of ordering at each stop, and the guided aspect ensures safety and local insights that self-guided pub hopping can’t match.

Compared to other excursions, this is a cost-effective way to enjoy Ketchikan’s nightlife beyond the cruise ship’s usual offerings. Many reviews highlight how much fun they had and how the stories added depth to their visit, making the modest cost well worth it.

This pub crawl is especially suited for those who enjoy storytelling and local history, coupled with a lively social scene. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic glimpse into Ketchikan’s colorful past while sipping drinks in a relaxed, guided environment. It’s also ideal for small groups, couples, or solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people in a fun setting.

Because it’s not a typical bar crawl, the changing route and expert guides make each night unique, adding an element of surprise. The included drinks and the safety of having a guide lead the way mean you can enjoy yourself without worry.

The Ketchikan Pub Crawl offers a fantastic blend of fun, history, and local flavor. Its small-group format and knowledgeable guides create an experience that feels personal and genuine. The scenic walk and curated stops mean you’ll see a side of Ketchikan that many visitors miss, all while enjoying drinks and stories that bring the city’s past to life.

If you love engaging guides, authentic local stories, and a relaxed atmosphere, this tour delivers on all counts. It’s a smart choice for those wanting an active, social evening that balances entertainment with education. The price is reasonable, especially considering the drinks and insider knowledge you gain, making it a memorable addition to your Alaskan adventure.

In essence, this pub crawl is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of history, local culture, and good company. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, this tour offers a lively, authentic way to experience Ketchikan’s nightlife beyond the typical tourist scene.

What is the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable and fun evening activity.

Are drinks included in the price?
Yes, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and soda are included in the tour fee, allowing you to enjoy a variety of drinks without extra cost.

What is the minimum age requirement?
Participants must be at least 21 years old to join the pub crawl.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for people with moderate physical fitness?
Yes, the tour involves walking, but it’s designed to be accessible for those with moderate fitness levels.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 131 Front Street, Ketchikan, and ends in the same area, with the route changing every night.

To sum it up, the Ketchikan Pub Crawl offers a lively, informative, and sociable way to discover the city’s historic drinking spots. With engaging guides, included drinks, and a flexible route that keeps each night fresh, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience Ketchikan beyond the cruise ship excursions. Whether you’re interested in local stories or just looking for a fun night out, this tour provides good value and authentic fun.