15 Exciting Things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Icy Strait Point is a perfect destination for those looking to experience the best of both nature and culture in Alaska.

Located on Chichagof Island in southeast Alaska, Icy Strait Point offers plenty of activities that give visitors an opportunity to explore its rich history and native culture.

From watching humpback whales up close to guided tours with local Tlingit natives, here are 15 things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island, just outside of Alaska’s largest native Tlingit village of Hoonah.

It’s a beautiful spot with towering trees and clear, calm water that gives you a taste of true Alaskan wilderness. And while it may be small, there are plenty of things to do during your time in port.

Icy Strait Point is locally owned by the Huna Totem Corporation and is only open when cruise ships are in port. All of the shops, adventure activities, and restaurants are locally owned and operated, providing an authentic Alaskan experience.

Things to do in Icy Strait Point

Whether you’re looking for adventure or to take in some of Alaska’s wild beauty, there are plenty of activities to do in Icy Strait Point.

The island is known for its large population of brown bears, and it’s also an excellent place for whale watching.

For the adventurous, Icy Strait Point is home to the world’s longest ZipRider and for those who want a calmer experience, there are kayaking tours and paddle trips in traditional Tlingit canoes.

1. Whale Watching Tours

One of the most popular things to do in Alaska is to go whale watching and Icy Strait Point is the perfect place to do this.

From May to September, humpback whales come to feed in the waters around the area, before they migrate south for the winter.

There are multiple tour operators that offer guaranteed whale-watching tours, giving you the chance to get up close with these majestic creatures.

The chances of seeing whales here are so great that the tour operators will offer your money back if you don’t see any.

2. See Alaskan Bears

Chicagof Island is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of Alaskan brown bears, with the densest population of coastal brown bears in the world.

In fact, it was named Bear Island by National Geographic and is featured in their popular film of the same name.

Tours will take you to the best spots where you can observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, while also learning about the importance of conservation. While chances of seeing bears are high, it’s not guaranteed on these tours.

3. Fishing Tours

Fishing is deeply embedded in the traditions and customs of the Tlingit people and the waters around Icy Strait Point provide some excellent fishing opportunities.

Guided tours will take you out on the water where you can learn the basics of fishing, as well as some tips and tricks from your Tlingit guide.

You may even have the chance to catch fish that are native to the area like pink, coho, and chum salmon or steelhead trout.

4. Ride the Ziprider

For those looking for a unique and thrilling experience, the Icy Strait Point Ziprider is a must.

Stretching from the top of Hoonah Mountain to the beach at Icy Strait, this is the longest zipline in North America.

The Ziprider features six zip lines, which are great for families or groups, that take you soaring over the rainforest below at speeds up to 60 mph. Appreciate the scenery of Icy Strait Point from a new perspective on this exciting ride.

5. Visit the Salmon Cannery

One of the top things to do in Icy Strait Point is to visit the Salmon Cannery.

This restored fish processing center from 1912 has now been transformed into a tourist complex, with shops, restaurants and a historical museum.

The historic complex boasts 12 different Alaskan-owned stores that offer local food, jewelry, and souvenirs, including a few made by local schoolchildren.

6. Go Kayaking

With the protected waters of Port Frederick, Icy Strait Point is a great spot for kayaking.

Experienced guides lead tours that take you out on the water to paddle along the Hoonah waterfront, where bald eagles are often seen.

There’s also a good chance of humpback whale sightings and a chance to see the harbor seals playing up close.

Tours are available regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced paddler and you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque view of Icy Strait Point from the water.

7. Hiking

The rugged landscape of Icy Strait Point is great for hiking and exploring.

There are trails right from the pier that leads through the Icy Strait Point area, along the beach, or through the woods.

Guided tours are also available to go hiking through Tongass National Forest, where you’ll have a chance to see brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, and from the viewpoints, even humpback whales.

8. Paddle a Tlingit Canoe

Experience the Tlingit culture for yourself and go for a paddle in a Tlingit canoe!

Guided tours will give you the chance to paddle a traditional dugout canoe while enjoying songs and drumming, and learning about Tlingit culture and customs. It’s a unique experience that you won’t forget!

9. Visit the Carving Hut

Carving is an important part of Tlingit culture and can be seen on totem poles throughout the town.

These carved poles tell a story or message and include important events, as well as images of bears or other animals.

Stop by the carving hut and meet carvers from the local community who are happy to share stories and information while they work.

10. Walk Through the Tree Tops

A great adventure for the whole family, these self-guided courses at the Tree Top Adventure Park range in difficulty level from easy to challenging and include obstacles such as log bridges, climbing planks, and uneven circles.

It’s a fun way to explore the forest canopy and get some exercise while you enjoy the views of Icy Strait Point.

11. Enjoy the Beach

While Icy Strait Point isn’t exactly a beach destination, there is a beach to enjoy.

Walk along the shore and look for stones, keep an eye out for whales or just relax and enjoy the view. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even want to take a dip!

12. Explore the Town of Hoonah

Icy Strait Point is just 1.5 miles from the town of Hoonah, and it’s worth a visit. Shuttles run from the pier to the town frequently throughout the day and cost around $3 one way, or $5 return. If you’d rather walk, it’s an easy 1.5-mile walk to town.

Wander around the town, and explore Hoonah’s history and culture. Admire the totem poles, see locals cleaning their catch at the docks, or visit one of the local shops and restaurants.

13. Do Some Shopping

Icy Strait Point and the town of Hoonah may be small, but there are several small, locally-owned shops to purchase souvenirs and gifts.

Here you’ll find unique, hand-made items such as jewelry, clothing, artwork, and traditional Tlingit crafts.

The shops in the cannery complex are great places to shop, and everything here is made by local artisans.

14. Enjoy a Meal

There are several excellent restaurants in Icy Strait Point and the nearby town of Hoonah to enjoy a meal at.

As you’d expect from a town with a strong fishing tradition, there’s plenty of seafood on offer.

Fresh seafood from the local docks is served up daily in many restaurants, or you can sample some delicious smoked salmon.

For those that are looking for something other than seafood, there’s also traditional Alaskan fare on many menus, including reindeer burgers and reindeer chili.

15. Sample Local Beer

For some of the best-handcrafted beers in Alaska, stop by Icy Strait Brewing in Hoonah.

Sample some of the local brews in the comfortable tap room, while enjoying southeast Alaska’s natural beauty.

There are several brews on tap, and they also offer grab-and-go snacks, reindeer chili, or fish chowder to pair with your beer.

Free Things to do in Icy Strait Point

For those not interested in taking a guided excursion, there are plenty of free things to do in Icy Strait Point.

Explore the town of Hoonah, visit the Cannery Museum and the Carving Hut, or watch locals clean their catch at the docks.

Or go for a hike, walk along the beach, and keep an eye out for whales from the shore.

Where do Cruise Ships dock in Icy Strait Point?

There are two landing docks at Icy Strait Point: Adventure Landing Dock and Wilderness Landing Dock.

Most ships will dock at Adventure Landing, while Wilderness Landing was built for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

For those landing at Adventure Landing, there is a floating pier that is connected to a long walkway, taking passengers to shore.

There are usually only two ships in port, but on some occasions, there may be a third which is docked in the harbor and will require a tender boat service to take passengers ashore.

Which Cruiselines Sail to Icy Strait Point?

Many major cruise lines sail to Icy Strait Point. These include Oceania Cruises, Norweigan Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Cunard Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

Best Places to Eat in Icy Strait Point

There are some excellent restaurants in Icy Strait Point.

The Crab Station features many crab options on its menu, including snow crab, king crab, and crab bisque. They also offer a unique Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary that’s packed with crab meat and is a meal in itself!

The Cookhouse Restaurant is located right on the waterfront and offers fresh local seafood. Try the halibut and chips, which comes right from the local dock, or for something other than seafood, try the reindeer meat burger or reindeer chili. Alaskan beers are also on tap.

The Duck Point Smokehouse is also right on the water and features a more upscale and extensive seafood menu. It lives up to its name and the salmon is smoked in-house. Their menu features other options as well, including reindeer chili, seafood chowder, halibut fish and chips, as well as brick-oven salmon pizza.

How to get around Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point can be easily navigated by foot and the town of Hoonah is 1.5 miles away. Shuttle buses are available to get between Icy Strait Point and Hoonah, or you can walk along the waterfront path for a scenic route.

Icy Strait Point Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Icy Strait Point Alaska is a beautiful and unique destination, perfect for anyone looking to experience the true Alaskan culture.

From whale-watching tours to experiencing the ZipRider or exploring the town of Hoonah and learning about Tlingit culture, there are plenty of things to do in Icy Strait Point.

Alaska Cruise Port Information
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