Icy Strait Point, Alaska
The notable port of Icy Strait Point is situated just 35-miles west of Juneau and is a popular cruise destination, only open when there is a ship in port. The Huna Totem Corporation owns the land of Icy Strait and is renowned for its responsible tourism practices. Icy Strait also features various guided tours, a restored salmon cannery and hiking trails.
Getting there
Icy Strait Point is a popular cruise destination located in the Alaska-Native Tlingit village of Hoonah, with most Alaskan voyages featuring a visit or overnight port stay in Icy Strait Point.
Alaska’s Icy Strait Point has become increasingly desirable within both expedition and ocean cruising. The all-inclusive Regent Seven Seas join the likes of Lindblad Expeditions and Holland America, among many others, on an Alaskan adventure, where guests can learn all about the history and heritage of Icy Strait along with participating in some truly unforgettable activities.
Alternatively, if you are staying over in Juneau, Icy Strait Point is accessible via ferry or plane.
History
The Huna Tlingit were the original inhabitants of Glacier Bay back in the 1880s. Due to glacial advances, folk were forced to relocate to the present-day Hoonah, where schools, churches, and shops followed soon after. Icy Strait Point was initially built as a Salmon Cannery in 1912 and became home to new residents before a fire broke out in 1944. Nowadays, Icy Strait Point is privately owned and holds two cruise ship docks and an Adventure Center.
Catch a glimpse of the brown bears hunting on Chichagof Island.
Things to do
With over 20 different shore excursions available on the island, you can thoroughly explore Icy Strait Point and Glacier Bay as part of a guided tour to get the best out of your cruise holiday. Hiking and kayaking are among the most popular group activities and can take anything from a couple of hours up to a full day, depending on how much you would like to cover.
Take your Alaskan adventure to the next level and tick off two ultimate bucket-list experiences by heading to Chichagof Island to see the regal brown bears strolling along the water’s edge, or head out on a boat for the day in search of the mighty humpback whale or allusive orca gliding through the rich waters of Hoonah – remember to pack your camera as it’s certainly an unforgettable moment!
For those who enjoy thrilling activities, Icy Strait also features the world’s largest ZipRider, exceeding 60 miles per hour speeds and soaring 300ft above the beautiful green forest. The ride is designed to have up to six cables side by side so you can glide through the air with your friends and family simultaneously.
The restored salmon cannery at Icy Strait Point.
Cuisine
Alaska is famous for its delicious fresh salmon, with most restaurants offering a combination of fantastic seafood and meat dishes.
The Crab House offers fresh local seafood, including crab and lobster, along with a range of refreshing beers, wines and ales to compliment. The restaurant is located at the end of Icy Strait’s pier, edging over the water and is an ideal place for a spot of lunch in between cruising and excursions – you may even see some whales.
Situated between the foot of the hills and the waters’ edge, The fisherman’s daughter eatery has an abundance of tasty seafood cuisine from salmon fillets to halibut tacos. All seafood at the restaurant is caught daily in the local area and cooked to perfection.
Best time to visit
Peak season at Alaska’s Icy Strait Point is between June and August, with the cruise season running from May to September. Additionally, tours, hotels and cruises sometimes offer a discount during the shoulder seasons of May and September.
Icy Strait Point is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and evergreen forests.
