Arctic Bar

If you are looking for the most authentic spot in the USA, then the Arctic Bar is a mandatory stop on your itinerary. Established in 1937, this establishment is the oldest bar in the city of Ketchikan. Its main highlight is the magnificent outdoor deck located right over the water at the pier, making it the only place of its kind in the entire city.

Arctic Bar. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Known among locals as the "Home of the Happy Bears," the bar is steeped in Alaskan spirit. Inside, you'll find a cozy, slightly eclectic interior filled with bear-themed items—from ceramic figurines to hand-carved sculptures. On the bar counter, you can see laminated newspaper clippings detailing the rich history of the place, creating the feeling of a living museum.

Today, it is a favorite spot not only for cruise ship tourists but also for local legends: fishermen, floatplane pilots, and loggers. The Arctic Bar is famous for its hospitality, ice-cold draft beer, and a laid-back atmosphere where every guest feels like part of a large family.

For those planning a visit, current contact information is provided below. You can reach the staff by phone or via their official web resources.

The first thing to do is head out to the famous deck over the water. From here, you get a stunning view of the harbor, where boats are constantly buzzing by and majestic cruise ships pull into port. It’s the perfect place to try one of the 19 varieties of draft beer or order their legendary Bloody Mary, which many consider the best in all of Alaska.

Inside the bar, lively conversation is the norm. Be sure to notice the bell above the counter—but be careful: by tradition, anyone who rings it buys a round of drinks for everyone in the house! For those who are hungry, the menu always features juicy burgers and other classic snacks that perfectly complement the harbor-side pub atmosphere.

Don't forget to check out the souvenir section, where you can buy official merch featuring those same "Happy Bears." Most importantly, don't be shy about striking up a conversation with the staff or the owner, Paula. The stories told here are often more interesting than any guidebook and allow you to truly feel the wild and free spirit of Ketchikan.

Finding the Arctic Bar is easy: it is located at 509 Water Street, practically in the shadow of the massive cruise ships docked at Berth 3. This makes it an ideal first stop for exploring the city immediately after coming ashore. The walk from the main cruise docks takes just a few minutes at a leisurely pace.

If you are arriving from Ketchikan International Airport, a taxi or public transport ride will take about 10 minutes. While parking in this part of town can be limited, the bar's proximity to popular walking routes makes it easily accessible for those exploring the downtown area. Public buses run regularly along Water Street, and local taxi services are well-acquainted with this iconic landmark.

The establishment's history began in 1937, when it opened on the famous Creek Street. Back then, it was a neighborhood frequented by rugged loggers and fishermen. Later, the bar moved to its current location, carefully preserving its old Alaska atmosphere. It has since proudly carried the title "Home of the Happy Bears," with the two smiling bears on the logo becoming a true symbol of the venue.

One of the most incredible stories in the bar's history involves the 1956 flood. A powerful surge of water literally swept the entire building into the river. Along with the bar, one of the patrons and a massive safe weighing over 2,800 kilograms (approx. 6,000 lbs) went for a swim. Later, divers recovered crates of beer from the water, and remarkably, the documents inside the safe remained dry. These and other legendary tales can be read right at the bar counter—they are carefully laminated for future generations.

The current co-owner, Paula Waishel, has been working here for over 35 years. Under her leadership, the bar has evolved from a simple drinking hole into a true hub for the local community. It has hosted numerous charity events, such as raising funds for school uniforms for local children, highlighting the Arctic Bar's special role in the life of the city.

A typical visit to the bar lasts between 1 and 2 hours. This is enough time to enjoy the panoramic harbor views from the deck, grab a signature burger, and admire the many bear figurines throughout the interior. However, if you happen to catch a live music performance or get caught up listening to local tales at the bar, time can fly by unnoticed.

Many tourists prefer to stop by in the morning right after their ship docks or, conversely, spend their final evening here watching the ships sail away. The atmosphere is perfect for both a quick break and a long, relaxed hangout.

The bar usually opens daily around 08:00 or 10:00 AM and stays open until late at night, closing at 02:00 AM. According to state laws, alcohol can be served starting at eight in the morning, and it’s not uncommon to see the first visitors waiting at the door to start their day off right.

Since the schedule can change depending on the season and the cruise ship schedule, we recommend checking the official website for current hours before your visit.

A visit to this legendary bar can easily be combined with exploring other sights, as it is located in the heart of the historic district. A walk around the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this port city and see unique cultural monuments of the indigenous peoples.