What To Buy In Ketchikan, Alaska

1. Baleen baskets

Take a slice of Native Alaskan culture back with you and what better way to do that than purchasing an authentic baleen basket. Baleen is basically a malleable material found inside the plankton-eating bowhead whale’s mouth. It is flexible and used by the Inupiaq and Yupik people to weave attractive baskets that are sturdy. The baleen baskets are exquisitely made and usually have a touch of black. They are quite rare, making them expensive. They sometimes have a fancy ivory carving, such as a polar bear or seal, on the lid and start from 500 USD.

2. Homemade candies

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The perfect present to take back for loved ones are local candies. You can find some delicious homemade candies for those with a sweet tooth in Ketchikan. Your loved ones will definitely delight in some good old Alaskan fudge. Cruise passengers love the truffles, caramels, and the chocolate-dipped Oreos from KetchiCandies, which has some decadent chocolate delights! Moreover, you can try the samples before you pick your favorite.

3. Ulu knives

These sturdy knives are traditionally used by the Inuit people for fishing, hunting, and filleting. It is also used by the Inupiaq, Yupik, and Aleut people. Other purposes of the Ulu knives are slicing food and trimming children’s hair. They can even be used to cut blocks of snow and ice, which are used to build an igloo. The Ulu knife takes a place of pride in the kitchen. Its curvy and sharp blade makes it easy to work with. The handles are made from birch wood, ivory, jade, or even Caribou or Moose antler. Epoxy is used on the handles and is riveted properly. The blade has brass rivets to make them sturdy. Make sure you pick up one when in Alaska!

4. Native art

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If you’re looking for genuine native artwork and wish to steer clear from knockoffs, then make sure you go to the right place. Arctic Spirit Gallery has authentic native artworks and the staff is quite knowledgeable. This gallery shares information about the artist and the work’s origin. You can purchase high-quality and authentic native artworks from here even though the price is steep. You can also purchase traditional native artwork prints and paintings. You can even buy carved figures made from walrus ivory.

5. Salmon

Ketchikan is known as the world’s salmon capital. That comes as no surprise since you can find five species of the fish here: king, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum. You can pick up cans of tinned smoked salmon, fresh cans, smoked fillets, and salmon oil when here. So if you’re a seafood lover, make sure you pick up some canned salmon to take back home. Don’t forget to try some fresh salmon during your visit to Ketchikan.

6. Hand-carved totems

Another novel item you can purchase when exploring Ketchikan is Native American totem poles. These hand-carved miniature totem poles make great souvenirs and gifts to take back home. Ketchikan has 80 Native American totem poles, the largest number in the world. These culturally significant poles commemorate events and were a means of storytelling as well. The totems can range from memorial poles to lineage ones. The hand-carved miniature totem poles of Alaska are made from yellow cedar wood and are painted and signed by the artist.

7. Gold and other minerals

Fancy buying some gold when in Ketchikan? Ketchikan has gold mines. You can find some gold and other minerals such as quartz and silver. You can also buy gold nuggets, natural gold quartz, or gold quartz jewelry in Ketchikan. If buying gold is too expensive for you, then you can settle for jade.

8. Jewelry

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Pick up some quirky jewelry with semi-precious stones, such as obsidian, quartz, and charoite. You can even purchase earrings made from oyster shells, walrus ivory, and mammoth ivory. The price range starts at 48 USD. Necklaces and earrings are usually made with sterling silver. These jewelries make for great keepsakes and gifts and look elegant when worn. Moreover, you are taking something locally made to remind you of your time in Ketchikan.

9. Quilt

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Pick up a colorful handmade quilt to snuggle with and take home when in Ketchikan. Many quilts have Alaskan-themed patterns of wildlife, such as penguins, moose, polar bears, and bald eagle. You can choose from a variety of designs at Whale’s Tail Quilt Shop, which is located inside the Salmon Landing building.

10. Soapstone carvings

Another lovely item to purchase when in Alaska are soapstone carvings. Basically, figurines of animals, Eskimos or natives that are integral to the culture are made from soapstone. These are hand carved, and the craftsmanship is what makes these carvings popular with tourists. They are reasonably priced and quite affordable. The price, however, increases when there are more intricacies in the carvings. So make sure you buy a soapstone carving on your jaunt.

Unwind amid the glaciers and snow-capped mountains in Ketchikan

Take a relaxing holiday in Alaska as you go on a cruise and explore the wonders of the Arctic. The first stop on the Alaskan cruise is usually Ketchikan, and travelers will enjoy exploring the culturally rich city, which is also a shopper’s paradise.