A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Bar Harbor vs. Ketchikan for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bar Harbor and Ketchikan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is a local, scenic, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Bar Harbor and Ketchikan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ketchikan. Although Bar Harbor and Ketchikan are both popular with visitors, Ketchikan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ketchikan is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and hiking, while Bar Harbor is known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Ketchikan is popular for its salmon fishing, beautiful natural environment, and strong sense of local culture. It is also home to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.

How is Bar Harbor different from Ketchikan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ketchikan and Bar Harbor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Ketchikan is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums in town such as the Tongass Historical Museum and the Totem Heritage Center.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ketchikan is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Ketchikan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's known as the salmon capital of the world for good reason. You can expect some of the freshest seafood around with many local restaurants serving up fresh Dungeness Crab, Alaska King Crab, and Alaskan King Salmon. It's a huge fishing destination and the cuisine reflects that, but even if you're looking for a landlover's menu, you'll find a number of good dishes.

Bar Harbor has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Nightlife?

Ketchikan is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Ketchikan specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Because most visitors arrive by cruise ship, there's a more local vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll find a few local bars around town where you can enjoy a drink and good conversation.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Resorts?

Bar Harbor is very good for its resorts. However, Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Bar Harbor has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Ketchikan is not a resort destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Beaches?

Bar Harbor is very good for its beaches. However, Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bar Harbor to enjoy the beach. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Ketchikan is not a beach destination.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Hiking?

Ketchikan is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Ketchikan visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many hikes that will take you through the local vegetation or to impressive viewpoints. Some hikes involve challenging climbs while others are more relaxing. Some visitors prefer to hire a guide to the lead them through the Alaskan wilderness, but the most popular and easier trails are usually well marked.

Bar Harbor offers some nice hiking trails. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Is the Shopping Better in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Bar Harbor is notable for shopping. Also, Ketchikan is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Bar Harbor is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ketchikan. As tourism has grown, the shopping in downtown Ketchikan has shifted from locally-oriented venders to jewelry and souvenir stores. Many shops are only open during the summer months, and you'll find the more local shops outside of town.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Families?

Ketchikan is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Ketchikan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of kid-friendly activities and tours, but do note that many tours book up fully with cruise ship passengers. Any tours you wish to do should be arranged well in advance. Popular kid-friendly activities include the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, Misty Fjords, and a visit to Totem Bight State Historical Park. Everyone will enjoy learning about the area's history and nature at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. And anyone who enjoys the show "The Most Dangerous Catch" will appreciate the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly coastal town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Couples?

Both Bar Harbor and Ketchikan are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Bar Harbor is a very popular place to visit for couples. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Ketchikan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy natural beauty, hiking, and wildlife will appreciate their time here. There are many opportunities for fishing and a plethora of seafood restaurants in the area that take advantage of this past time.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ketchikan is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ketchikan is a good town to visit for backpackers. While most visitors arrive by cruise ship, for those travel independently will appreciate the hostel in town.

Bar Harbor is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's a small town with mostly high end accommodation so budget travelers and backpackers will struggle to find a place to stay.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Bar Harbor and Ketchikan offer decent public transit options.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is mostly limited in Ketchikan. There are buses that travel through town.

Is Bar Harbor or Ketchikan a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor and Ketchikan both are superb when exploring on foot.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Ketchikan is a very walkable coastal town. The downtown is relatively compact and walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting? and Is Ketchikan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ketchikan or Bar Harbor?

How long in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bar Harbor and Ketchikan. In our opinion, Ketchikan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ketchikan than Bar Harbor. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bar Harbor, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ketchikan.

Families should spend more time in Ketchikan than Bar Harbor. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ketchikan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ketchikan than Bar Harbor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ketchikan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ketchikan than Bar Harbor if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ketchikan.

One day in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With museums and food around the scenic town of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ketchikan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With food and shopping around the destination of Ketchikan, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ketchikan, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Ketchikan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Bar Harbor and Ketchikan, we can see that Ketchikan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bar Harbor Expensive? and Is Ketchikan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Ketchikan has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Bar Harbor and Ketchikan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan in the Summer?

Both Ketchikan and Bar Harbor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ketchikan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bar Harbor is a little warmer than Ketchikan in the summer. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 69°F (21°C) in July, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ketchikan. In July, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 7.6 inches (193 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan in the Autumn?

Both Ketchikan and Bar Harbor during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ketchikan because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Bar Harbor is a little warmer than Ketchikan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bar Harbor in October average around 48°F (9°C), and Ketchikan averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Ketchikan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in October than Ketchikan. Bar Harbor gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 22.9 inches (581 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bar Harbor and Ketchikan. The winter months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ketchikan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ketchikan in the winter. The weather in Bar Harbor can be very cold. In January, Bar Harbor is generally much colder than Ketchikan. Daily temperatures in Bar Harbor average around 18°F (-8°C), and Ketchikan fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Ketchikan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bar Harbor usually receives less rain than Ketchikan. Bar Harbor gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 14.9 inches (379 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bar Harbor or Ketchikan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bar Harbor as well as Ketchikan. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ketchikan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Bar Harbor is around the same temperature as Ketchikan in the spring. The daily temperature in Bar Harbor averages around 43°F (6°C) in April, and Ketchikan fluctuates around 44°F (6°C).

It's quite rainy in Ketchikan. Bar Harbor usually gets less rain in April than Ketchikan. Bar Harbor gets 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain, while Ketchikan receives 11.3 inches (286 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ketchikan and Bar Harbor