Icy Strait Point, located near the Tlingit village of Hoonah, is a pristine and culturally rich destination offering unparalleled wildlife experiences and breathtaking coastal scenery. Known for its native heritage, abundant marine life, and outdoor adventures, it provides a perfect blend of culture and nature for visitors. With its restored historic cannery and commitment to preserving the natural environment, Icy Strait Point offers an authentic Alaskan experience that combines adventure with education.
Currency and Language:
- Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
- Languages: English is the dominant language, with Tlingit culture and language also celebrated in the area.
Cultural and Culinary Information:
Icy Strait Point celebrates the Tlingit heritage through cultural performances, native art, and storytelling. The area is also known for its world-class salmon, Dungeness crab, and halibut, which feature prominently in the local cuisine. Visitors often enjoy fresh seafood alongside stunning ocean views.
Top 10 Sites and Activities in Icy Strait Point, Alaska:
- Whale Watching Excursions
- Description: Witness humpback whales breaching and bubble-net feeding in one of Alaska’s best whale-watching destinations. Orcas, sea lions, and seals are also commonly seen.
- Cost: $150–$200 per person.
- Distance: Departures are within walking distance of the cruise port.
- More Info: Whale Watching Tours
- Icy Strait Point ZipRider
- Description: Soar down the world’s longest zipline, with breathtaking views of the mountains, ocean, and rainforest. It’s a thrill-seeker’s dream.
- Cost: $139 per person.
- Distance: 0.5 miles (10-minute walk) from the port.
- More Info: Icy Strait ZipRider
- Hoonah Tlingit Cultural Experience
- Description: Immerse yourself in native Tlingit traditions with storytelling, song, and dance performances in a restored tribal house.
- Cost: $40–$60 per person.
- Distance: 0.3 miles (5-minute walk) from the port.
- More Info: Tlingit Culture
- Bear Search Wildlife Tour
- Description: Explore the lush wilderness of Chichagof Island to spot coastal brown bears, bald eagles, and Sitka black-tailed deer in their natural habitat.
- Cost: $120–$150 per person.
- Distance: Departures start from the cruise port.
- More Info: Bear Search Tours
- Icy Strait Point Cannery Museum (Free)
- Description: Tour the restored 1912 cannery to learn about the history of Alaska’s salmon fishing industry, complete with exhibits and artifacts.
- Cost: Free.
- Distance: Located at the port.
- More Info: Cannery Museum Info
- Wildlife and Nature Tram Tour
- Description: Enjoy a guided tram ride through the coastal rainforest, where you can spot wildlife like bears, eagles, and marine life along the shoreline.
- Cost: $90–$120 per person.
- Distance: Tours begin at the cruise port.
- More Info: Wildlife Tram
- Kayaking in Port Frederick
- Description: Paddle the calm waters of Port Frederick, surrounded by stunning scenery, and look out for sea otters, whales, and seabirds.
- Cost: $100–$150 per person.
- Distance: Departures near the port.
- More Info: Kayaking Tours
- Coastal Hike to Cannery Point (Free)
- Description: Take a leisurely 1-mile roundtrip hike to Cannery Point for beautiful ocean views, rocky beaches, and photo opportunities of the surrounding scenery.
- Cost: Free.
- Distance: Trail starts at the cruise port.
- More Info: Coastal Hikes
- Fishing Excursions
- Description: Fish for halibut and salmon in the rich Alaskan waters, an experience that’s perfect for beginners and experts alike.
- Cost: $200–$300 per person.
- Distance: Boats depart from the port area.
- More Info: Fishing Tours
- Bird Watching Tours
- Description: Explore Icy Strait’s ecosystems and spot bald eagles, puffins, and seabirds with knowledgeable guides.
- Cost: $80–$100 per person.
- Distance: Tour departures from the port.
- More Info: Bird Watching
Top 3 Most Popular Restaurants in Icy Strait Point, Alaska:
- The Cookhouse Restaurant
- Known For: Fresh seafood, including locally caught salmon and halibut.
- Top Dish: Halibut Fish Tacos.
- Distance: 0.2 miles (5-minute walk) from the port.
- Website: The Cookhouse
- Duck Point Smokehouse
- Known For: Smoked salmon dishes and craft beers in a scenic waterfront setting.
- Top Dish: Smoked Salmon Chowder.
- Distance: 0.3 miles (8-minute walk) from the port.
- Website: Duck Point Smokehouse
- The Crab Station
- Known For: Dungeness crab served fresh and hot.
- Top Dish: Steamed Dungeness Crab.
- Distance: 0.1 miles (2-minute walk) from the port.
- Website: The Crab Station
Top Most Popular Cafes in Icy Strait Point, Alaska:
- Icy Strait Coffee Stand
- Known For: Quick coffee, iced drinks, and light snacks.
- Top Item: Mocha with a fresh muffin.
- Distance: Located next to the port.
- Website: Icy Strait Coffee
Events in Icy Strait Point, Alaska:
- Hoonah’s Harvest Festival (September): Celebrates local culture, food, and community traditions.
- Tlingit Cultural Performances(Ongoing): Traditional storytelling, songs, and dances available daily at the Tribal House.
UNESCO World Heritage Site:
There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites located directly in Icy Strait Point, but the region’s untouched wilderness and cultural significance make it a valuable heritage destination. Visitors can learn about the unique relationship between the indigenous Tlingit people and the surrounding ecosystems, which reflect a living history shaped by the land and sea.
National Parks:
While not a formal national park, Chichagof Island is renowned for its untouched wilderness, offering bear watching, hiking trails, and stunning coastal scenery. It’s considered part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience rare ecosystems teeming with wildlife. Access is 0 miles—located directly around Icy Strait Point.