About Us

Originally located on Creek Street, the Arctic Bar is Ketchikan's oldest waterfront watering hole and home of the Happy Bears. During the 1956 flood, a combination of low tide and record level run-off down Ketchikan Creek sent the original "Arctic" off its pilings and into the drink. Upstairs tenant and Arctic regular Art "Peaches" Fisher survived the journey clinging to his iron bedpost. He claimed it was the ride of his life! He continued, where he left off, as an Arctic regular for over 50 years.

After the flood, the Arctic relocated to 509 Water Street where it continues as a popular local bar. A friendly game of cribbage between steady rivals takes place during noon most days. Loggers and fishermen still check in to collect their mail. Seems the Arctic is home away from home to a lot of folks.

A beautiful mural depicting scenes of Southeast Alaska graces one entire wall in the bar. Painted by local artist Snapper Carson 39 years ago, it was touched up & repainted in 2005. It is amazing that it has survived for so long with only a few minor scrapes and bruises.

Paula and her partners purchased the bar in 1998. They are proud to admit that they haven't messed with the overall "flavor" of the Arctic or Happy Bears under their stewardship. "Why fix something that ain't broke?" is their motto. Downtown Ketchikan has seen many local businesses closed and replaced with tourism related stores. We are committed to keeping the Arctic Bar, a piece of old Ketchikan, intact for years to come.