The Ketchikan Lumberjack Show
Fun for the whole family!


The Ketchikan Lumberjack show is among my top 5 Ketchikan excursions. It is a fantastic show with lots of activity to keep you entertained, amazing feats by the lumberjacks, hilarious antics, & a truly professional crew that will leave you walking away with a smile. Perfect for young and old alike, it is one of the best Ketchikan Alaska attractions!




I'll admit to you that when we first came to Ketchikan I had never heard of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show, had never seen the Ironjack competitions on TV, and didn't even know there was such a thing as Timbersports.  But my parents recommended it, enthusiastically telling us how much they enjoyed it during their cruise a few years prior.

I went on a cool day in May and the first thing I was rewarded with was padded seats and heaters above, keeping my whole body nice & toasty warm.  The stands also keep you shielded from any inclement weather.


The stands from the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowA view of the stands at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show


The show began and it was a hysterical, hand clapping, foot pounding, belly laughing good time!  The emcee, for lack of a better term, came out in period clothes and introduced the two 'teams' - the Spruce Mill American team and the Dawson Creek Canadian team

The lumberjacks were introduced and the hijinks began! There was name calling, fun being poked at each other, and jokes about each other within seconds.  We couldn't help laughing and joining in on the often yelled 'Yo-Ho's' to cheer on our team.

When the competition began and all I can say is....WOW! These guys are professionals!  And darn good looking too...  :-)


The Ketchikan Lumberjack Show Competitions

Speed Climbing (my favorite) where the Lumberjacks not only race up the pole, but back down as well!  I can hear my ankles & knees groaning!


Pole Climbing at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowThe Lumberjacks pole climbing


Powersaw races...


The powersaw race at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowThe powersaw race during the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show


Speed chopping...


Speed Chopping at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowSpeed Chopping at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show


Axe throwing...


Axe Throwing at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowAxe throwing at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show - incredible!!


Speed Sawing - single or teams - power and hand saws!


Speed Sawing at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowSpeed Sawing at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show


Boom Running & logrolling - several logs are floating on top of a pool of water and the lumberjacks run across them.  Sounds easy?  No way!  


Logrolling at the Ketchikan Lumberjack ShowLeave it to the professionals to do the Logrolling at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show!


The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is absolutely incredible!  The camaraderie between the competitors is evident, there are plenty of goofy comments, flubs, & plain old fun. I left the show with sore hands from clapping so much, sore feet from stomping, no voice from hooting & hollering, and a smile plastered across my face.

After each competition, the lumberjacks give a member of the audience a piece of wood that was cut during the competition to keep track of the points each team has earned and you get to keep the piece of wood after the show as a free souvenir.  In fact, at the end of the show the lumberjacks line up for photos and will sign the pieces of wood.  Cool, huh?

Tour Reviews

Check out other reviews of the Ketchikan Lumberjack Show!


As I said before, the Ketchikan Lumberjack show is a must-see during your visit to Ketchikan.  It's wholesome, family fun and a great show.  The show lasts about an hour and is a great price at only around $37 for adults and $18.50 for kids. 

There is a special "Disney" show which includes character appearances and activities for the kids before the show and the price is $42 for adults and $22 for kids.

Tickets are available on the Cruise Ship Shore Excursions or are also available when you arrive in town at the Ketchikan Visitor's Bureau. The show takes place rain or shine!  Enjoy!

P.S. Cruise Ships often have 'combination tours' - Ketchikan Excursions that combine the Ketchikan Lumberjack Show with a bus tour to a Totem Park.  Check for them on your cruise ship at the Cruise Shore Excursions desk!


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