Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Review: Is It Worth It?
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is one of Ketchikan’s most popular cruise-port attractions, but is it actually worth your time and money? We attended the show at its original downtown Ketchikan location, and it was more entertaining than we expected. The performance is clearly designed for visitors and has a playful, scripted side, but the athletic skills are real. The lumberjacks compete in chopping, sawing, climbing, log rolling, and other events, and the fast-paced one-hour format works well during a busy port day. Since our visit, the company has opened a second location at Ward Cove, making the show much easier to attend for passengers docking there. In this Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show review, we share our experience, what to expect, how the two locations differ, ticket and seating tips, and who we think will enjoy the show most.
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Our Experience at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
We attended the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show at the downtown Ketchikan location during one of our visits, and it was much more fun than we expected.
The show is energetic, interactive, and easy to follow. Two teams compete in a series of lumberjack events, while the hosts keep the crowd involved throughout the performance.
Yes, it is touristy and partly scripted. But that did not bother us. The athletes are genuinely skilled, and events such as log rolling, chopping, sawing, and climbing are impressive to watch up close.
What we liked most was the pace. The show lasts about an hour, so it is easy to fit into a day in Ketchikan without giving up too much time for other sightseeing.
We also found it a good option for a mixed-age group. You do not need to know anything about logging sports to enjoy it, and the competitive format keeps the show entertaining from start to finish.
For us, it was not the most authentic or educational experience in Ketchikan, but it was a fun, easy, and memorable addition to our port day.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Quick Facts
Here are the most important details to know before booking:
| Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show | Quick Facts |
|---|---|
| Show length | About 1 hour |
| Number of locations | 2 in Ketchikan |
| Downtown location | 420 Spruce Mill Way (close to Ketchikan Cruise Ship Docks: Berth 1-4) |
| Ward Cove location | 7789 North Tongass Highway (7 miles from downtown) |
| Format | Two teams compete in a series of lumberjack events |
| Number of events | 12 athletic events |
| Seating | General admission; seats are usually covered, heated, and cushioned |
| Weather | Shows operate rain or shine |
| Accessibility | Both venues accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters |
| Tickets | Advance booking is available; same-day tickets may also be available |
| Best for | Families, multigenerational groups, cruise passengers, and travelers looking for an easy one-hour activity |
One important detail when booking is to check which location you are choosing. The original venue is in downtown Ketchikan, while the newer location is next to the Ward Cove cruise terminal.
Is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Worth It? Quick Answer
Yes. We think the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is worth it if you want a fun, easy, one-hour activity in Ketchikan.
The show is energetic, family-friendly, and easy to fit into a cruise day. The athletic skills are real, the competition keeps things moving, and you do not need any background knowledge to enjoy it. The current show lasts about one hour.
However, it is still a staged tourist attraction. If you prefer wildlife, Native culture, hiking, or a more immersive Alaska experience, you may want to spend your limited port time elsewhere.
For us, the show was fun and genuinely entertaining, but we would treat it as one activity among many rather than the main reason to visit Ketchikan.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Locations: Downtown vs. Ward Cove
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show now has two locations in Ketchikan cruise port, so check your ticket carefully before you go.
Our experience and review are based on the original downtown Ketchikan location. The second venue at Ward Cove opened later, so we have not personally attended a show there.
Downtown Ketchikan Location
The original Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is at 420 Spruce Mill Way, just one block from the downtown cruise docks near Berth 1.
This location is very convenient if your ship docks at one of Ketchikan’s downtown berths. You can easily combine the show with exploring Creek Street, shopping, or our self-guided Downtown Ketchikan walking tour.
If you want to explore downtown before or after the show, this is the location we would choose.
Ward Cove Location
The newer venue is at 7789 North Tongass Highway, directly beside the Port of Ward Cove cruise terminal. The operator describes it as just off the pier, to the left of the cruise ship dock.
This location is especially convenient for passengers whose ships dock at Ward Cove. Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas commonly use this terminal, although other ships may occasionally call there as well.
Which Location Should You Choose?
In most cases, choose the venue closest to where your ship docks:
- Downtown cruise berth: choose the downtown Lumberjack Show.
- Ward Cove: the Ward Cove venue is the easiest option.
- Staying in Ketchikan or already exploring downtown: the original downtown venue is more convenient.
Both locations currently offer the one-hour Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, so the main difference for most visitors is convenience and location.
Always confirm the venue listed on your ticket before heading to the show.
What Happens During the Lumberjack Show?
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is built around a friendly competition between two teams of professional lumberjack athletes.
During the one-hour performance, they compete in 12 athletic events inspired by traditional logging skills and modern timbersports. The show includes chopping, sawing, tree climbing, log rolling, and chainsaw events.
The athletes use real competition equipment, including heavy axes, large crosscut saws, climbing gear, and high-powered chainsaws. Many of the performers also compete professionally in timbersports outside the show.
The competition is mixed with humor, audience interaction, and a clear storyline between the teams. That is the scripted part of the experience, but the athletic skills themselves are real.
The show also has a historical connection to Ketchikan’s timber industry, with many of its competitions based on traditional logging skills once used across Southeast Alaska.
From our experience, some of the most entertaining events were the log rolling, speed climbing, chopping, and sawing competitions. The variety helps keep the show moving, and you never spend too long watching the same type of event.
After the performance, guests can usually meet the lumberjacks and take photos with them.
How Long Is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show?
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show lasts one hour at both the downtown Ketchikan and Ward Cove locations.
We think that is one of its advantages. The show is long enough to feel worthwhile, but short enough to fit easily into a busy Ketchikan port day.
We recommend allowing a little extra time before and after the performance for check-in, finding seats, and taking photos with the lumberjacks afterward.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Tickets and Booking Tips
You can book Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show tickets in advance through the official operator or through your cruise line. Showtimes vary by day, so check your port schedule before choosing a time.
A standard show-only ticket booked directly costs about $43 per adult. Prices through cruise lines or other tour operators may be slightly higher, so it is worth comparing before booking. Compared with many Alaska shore excursions, the Lumberjack Show is also one of the more affordable paid activities in Ketchikan.
We recommend booking ahead if the show is high on your Ketchikan list. The operator also sells same-day tickets at the Company Store, and it advises checking again on the day of your visit if a show appears sold out online because last-minute tickets may become available.
Before purchasing, double-check that you are booking the correct venue: downtown Ketchikan or Ward Cove.
You may also see the Lumberjack Show offered as part of a combination excursion, such as a show-and-crab-feast package or show and axe throw challenge. These can work well if you want to combine several activities without organizing each one separately.
Another useful detail for cruise passengers is the cancellation policy. Direct bookings canceled at least 24 hours in advance receive a full refund. The operator also states that it will provide a full refund within that 24-hour window if your cruise ship does not arrive in port as scheduled.
Is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Good for Kids?
Yes. We think the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a good choice for families with children, especially if you want an easy activity that works for different ages.
The competition format is simple to follow, and the audience is encouraged to cheer for one of the two teams. The show also includes humor, crowd interaction, chopping, sawing, climbing, and log rolling, which helps keep kids engaged.
Another advantage for families is the one-hour duration. It is short enough that younger kids are less likely to lose interest, but there is still plenty happening throughout the performance.
If your children are older, there is also an optional axe-throwing challenge after selected shows. The current minimum age for axe throwing is 10 years old, and a waiver is required.
For multigenerational families, this can be an especially easy activity because grandparents, parents, and kids can all enjoy the same show together.
Is the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show Good in the Rain?
Yes. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a good rainy-day activity in Ketchikan.
The show operates rain or shine, and the operator says guest seating is generally covered, heated, and cushioned. The lumberjacks perform outdoors even when the weather is wet.
That makes it a practical choice in Ketchikan, where rain is always possible.
We would still bring a waterproof jacket for walking to and from the venue, but once you are seated, the weather should not have a major impact on the experience.
Seating and Accessibility
Seating at both Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show locations is general and unassigned, so you choose your seats after entering the venue.
Seats are generally covered, heated, and cushioned, which makes the show comfortable even on cool or rainy Ketchikan days.
Both the downtown and Ward Cove venues are also accessible for walkers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters.
If anyone in your group has mobility concerns or specific seating needs, we recommend arriving a little early and asking staff for assistance.
How Early Should You Arrive?
We recommend arriving about 20 minutes before the show starts.
Because seating is general and unassigned, arriving a little early gives you more choice, especially if you are traveling with family or a larger group.
It also gives you enough time to check in, use the restroom, and get settled before the performance begins.
Who Will Enjoy the Lumberjack Show Most?
We think the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is a good choice for families, multigenerational groups, and cruise passengers looking for an easy and entertaining activity in Ketchikan.
It is especially worth considering if you enjoy interactive shows, friendly competition, and activities that do not take up your entire port day. The one-hour format also makes it easy to combine with sightseeing downtown.
The show may be less appealing if your limited time in Ketchikan is focused mainly on wildlife, Native Alaska culture, hiking, or a major scenic excursion. It is entertaining, but it is still a staged tourist attraction rather than an immersive Alaska cruise experience.
For us, it worked best as a fun addition to our Ketchikan day, rather than the main reason to visit.visit.
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