Icy Strait Point is a privately-owned cruise destination operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, making Icy Strait Point Alaska's first Indigenous-owned cruise ship destination, and all profits from Icy Strait Point directly support the local community. It offers a mix of cultural experiences, wildlife viewing, and thrilling excursions, all surrounded by pristine Alaskan wilderness.
The main port area has two docks - Wilderness Dock and Adventure Landing, a Welcome Center with shops, restrooms, and excursion booking and meeting points, plus Free Transportation to the city of Hoonah.
There are a number of Shopping & Dining opportunities:
Shops - selling locally made art, jewellery, souvenirs, smoked salmon and other local delicacies!
Dining - The Cookhouse Restaurant – fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties, and Duck Point Smokehouse – great for salmon and craft beer.
Cannery Museum - A cute museum that offers free entry with exhibits on salmon packing and local history.
Our Top Things to Do
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Whale Watching
Icy Strait Point is one of the best places to spot humpback whales, especially in Point Adolphus, and tours often guarantee sightings during peak season. We were also told that pods of whales love to just hang out around the shorelines!
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Zip Rider Zipline
One of the world’s longest ziplines is found here, at 5,495 ft long with a 1,300 ft drop. It offers thrilling views over both the forest and the coast, whilst travelling at up to 60mph!
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Bear Viewing at Spasski River
One of the most popular excursions from this point are the guided tours into brown bear habitat. These offer the best experience in July–September during salmon runs, and Greg from Paradise Falls Family did this and loved it!
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Cultural Tlingit Experiences
Guided excursions are available offering Alaskan cultural experiences, including talks and tribal dance performances. The Hoonah Heritage Center also has totem carving demonstrations, and there is a museum just along from the port itself.
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Nature Trails and Coastal Walks
There are plenty of easy hikes with opportunities to spot eagles, sea otters, and more. There are recommendations in place to travel in groups, due to the bear activity in the area, which can be a little nerve-wracking! The coastal path from the port to some of the shops and restaurants offers stunning views over the water and mountains, and is super relaxing!
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Sky Peak Gondola
The gondola offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Glacier Bay. There are two gondola lines - the red gondola, also known as SkyGlider, whisks passengers to the top of Hoonah Mountain in about 8 minutes. There is also a free gondola part way up (the Green Gondola). There are nice views at the top and a short hiking route and a little snack hut with s’mores and campfires. This comes are a charge of $50 per person to go the full way on the SkyGlider, but it does feel pretty ‘steep’ for what you get. It’s worth noting though that the gondola is often included in the price of some of the excursions.