Just 20 miles outside of Ketchikan lies a destination that blends history, culture, and welcoming spirit in a way few places can. When you arrive in Metlakatla, you quickly realize it’s a community shaped by history, culture, pride, and connection.
Metlakatla is located on Annette Island in the Southeast region of Alaska. Metlakatla is Alaska’s only Indian Reserve consisting of 132,000 acres of land and water base. It is a vibrant community of roughly 1,500 people where history, culture, and hospitality are woven into everyday life.
Metlakatla’s History
Metlakatla’s story begins around 129 years ago, when a group of Tsimshian Natives traveled in a canoe north from British Columbia in search of starting a new community. After many miles and a push in the right direction from a tribe that was inhabiting the Ketchikan area, they found Annette Island.
Central to that journey was William Duncan, whose leadership helped shape Metlakatla. Today, his cottage stands on Annette Island’s historic waterfront. It has become a mini-museum where visitors can explore artifacts from the community’s earliest days: bentwood boxes, halibut hooks, carved spoons, and more. Each of these treasures were carried from British Columbia by Metlakatla’s descendants.
In a KRBD interview with Naomi Leask, curator of the Metlakatla museum she stated that William Duncan’s cottage is the oldest building in town. Built by Duncan himself, it served as a clinic, business office, temporary school, and community hub and is now a preserved part of history.
Live Culture and Warm Welcomes
Metlakatla honors its roots with pride, most notably each year on Founders Day, celebrated on August 7th, the date in 1887 when the first settlers rang the bell in their new home. The community comes alive with song, dance, food, and festivities that reflect the heart of Tsimshian tradition. Taquan Air, long a friend of the Metlakatla community, often celebrates alongside locals with special flight deals and shared joy.
Hospitality here is woven into the very language of the Tsimshian people. As community member Boxley explains in an interview with KRBD, the traditional word often translated as “welcome” doesn’t simply mean “hello.” It literally means “a place is set for you, the fire is lit, come on in.” That sense of warmth reflects throughout the town of Metlakatla.
Things to Do in Metlakatla
Whether you’re fascinated by stories of the past, a culture seeker, or simply someone who loves meaningful travel to small towns, there’s something there for you.
- Explore Tsimshian heritage
Visit community art centers that offer hands-on experiences and traditional totem poles that stand proudly against the backdrop of sea and sky. - Try your luck at Southeast Winds Casino
If you are feeling lucky the casino has about one hundred electronic machines and frequently holds bingo events. It’s a lively spot and where, on many days, jackpots are won! - Step inside the Longhouse
Catch incredible song and dance performances by local Tsimshian dancers in full regalia. Hear the Sm’algyax language through tribal interpretation, a rare and moving experience. - Discover artifacts and stories
Wander exhibits that connect the past and present, such as the Duncan Cottage Museum. - Relax and recharge
Metlakatla may be small, but it welcomes guests with genuine warmth. The Metlakatla Inn, Salmon Eagle Lodge, Cottage by the Bay, and Cedar Point Cottage provide comfortable stays if you choose to linger a while, perfect for travelers who want more than a day trip. - Taste local flavors
Enjoy meals at local restaurants and markets, where you can find anything from a morning coffee, to fresh seafood, to burgers and home cooking.
How to Get There
Metlakatla isn’t accessible by road, travel to the community has always been shaped by its coastal location. For generations, residents and visitors have relied on the water and the air to come and go. Today, access remains the same, you can only reach Metlakatla by boat or by air. One option is the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, the M/V Lituya, which operates between Ketchikan and Metlakatla with a 45-minute crossing through the Inside Passage.
The quickest way to get to Metlakatla is by air with a direct 12-15 minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan. For travelers looking for an experienced operator on this route, Taquan Air provides a trusted means of transportation between the communities. Taquan Air, whose name comes from the Tsimshian word meaning “village by the sea,” has been proudly serving Metlakatla for nearly 50 years. The company was established in August of 1977 By Jerry Scudero in Metlakatla Alaska. Since August 18, 1977, they’ve connected the waterfronts of Ketchikan and Metlakatla by floatplane carrying mail, live fish, visitors, geoducks, sea cucumbers, community residents, fishermen, local law enforcement, and the kitchen sink. As long as it will fit through the doors we will get it where it needs to go.
Metlakatla is a place where history is in every direction, where traditions are honored and shared, and where visitors are welcomed as honored guests.
If you take the leap to adventure to this beautiful town, you’ll find that it has a way of leaving a lasting imprint.
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