A Rich History Rooted in Community
Tucked along Alaska’s rugged Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point offers something rare in cruise travel: a place where culture, community, and wilderness are deeply intertwined. Owned and operated by the Native Alaskan Hoonah Totem Corporation, this destination isn’t just a port stop—it’s a living story of the Tlingit people, preserved and shared on their own terms
Unlike many cruise ports, Icy Strait Point is owned by local Alaska Natives, with profits supporting the nearby village of Hoonah—one of the largest Tlingit communities in Alaska
The site itself dates back to the early 1900s as the Hoonah Packing Company, a bustling salmon cannery that once played a vital role in the region’s economy. Today, the beautifully restored cannery serves as a museum, shops, and cultural center, offering a glimpse into Alaska’s fishing heritage and the resilience of the local people.
The town of Hoonah is about a 30 minute walk from the port or a 5 minute drive. A shuttle into town will be available for a small fee.
The views open up the entire way—and if you’re lucky, the water puts on a show. We watched a humpback whale bubble-net feeding right from shore, something that’s not all that rare here. In this part of Alaska, whale sightings are simply part of the experience.
The Cannery Experience
Walking through the old cannery feels like stepping back in time. Inside, you’ll find original equipment, interpretive displays, and demonstrations that highlight the importance of salmon to both the economy and Tlingit culture.
Beyond history, the space now hosts locally owned shops and eateries, ensuring that what you buy and experience directly benefits the community—a rarity in cruise tourism.
Whale Watching: A Front-Row Seat to Nature
If there’s one experience that defines Icy Strait Point, it’s whale watching. Located near Point Adolphus, the waters here are among the richest feeding grounds for humpback whales in Alaska.
Book this early, as whale watching is a very popular excursion and sells out quickly.
From the moment your boat leaves the harbor, you’re in prime wildlife territory. Expect to see:
- Humpback whales breaching and bubble-net feeding
- Orcas, sea lions, and otters
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
It’s not just a tour—it’s one of the most reliable wildlife encounters in Alaska. The whales are so plentiful that there have been sightings on every tour conducted since 2004!
The ZipRider: A Thrill Above the Wilderness
For adrenaline seekers, the ZipRider is the headline attraction. Stretching over 5,300 feet with a vertical drop of more than 1,300 feet, it’s one of the longest and highest zip lines in North America.
You’ll soar above dense forest and open landscapes with sweeping views of the ocean below—equal parts thrill ride and scenic flight.
Dining: Fresh, Local, and Authentic
If you get hungry while onshore and want some fresh seafood….you are in luck! There are several places to get food, both at the port and in Hoonah.
Ever had halibut pizza? Stop in at Duck Point Smokehouse (steps away from the cruise ship dock and Zipline ride) and let me know what you think! You can also try their signature dish, the Icy Strait Point Surf and Turf, which features house-made crab tater-tots.
The Crab House on the pier has fresh king, snow and Dungeness crab. When in season, the Dungeness crab is caught in local waters and kept alive until cooked…you really can’t get any fresher than that! Their Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary should not be missed! It is packed with crab meat and garnished with a snow crab leg and also comes with celery, shrimp, olives, lime and beach asparagus. YUM!
The historic Cookhouse Restaurant has been feeding cannery visitors (and workers) for more than a century! Be sure to try their Alaska halibut fish & chips. The fish is purchased fresh from the local dock. Another great option are the Alaska Salmon BLT Sliders, featuring Alaska sockeye salmon cakes. Not a fan of seafood? Try the Alaska Blue Burgers….made with reindeer meat! Other favorites include salmon chowder, reindeer chili and fries.
Local Brewery
Alaska is known for its standout craft beer scene, and Hoonah holds its own. Icy Strait Brewing, tucked inside Misty Bay Lodge at the corner of Front and Hill Street, is the perfect stop to sample locally brewed beers. They are known for their award winning Cannery Red Ale. Pair a tasting with smoked Alaskan specialties, and if you’re hungry, their full food menu makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. Icy Strait Brewing Company
You can also experience an authentic local crab feast with freshly caught shellfish that you’ll first see in the fishing boat. You will learn about crabbing and choose your crab. Your local hosts will then take you and a small group on a tour of Hoonah and Icy Strait Village with totem carving and foraging forest visits. The grand finale is a hand-cooked crab feast at a coastal home with ocean views.
- Enjoy a local Alaskan crab feast at a scenic Hoonah beach house
- Learn about crab fishing, foraging, and what it’s like to live in a remote area
- See Tlingit locals carve a totem pole from logs
- Experience a more personal tour with a small group and local guide
Book your Alaska crab feast here – Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast
Bears of Icy Strait Point: Alaska’s Quiet Giants
In the wilderness of Chichagof Island, The Spasski River Valley is famous for having one of the highest populations of coastal brown bears in the world! A bear watching excursion is the safest way to see bears in the wild.
Chichagof Island is home to over 3,500 coastal brown (grizzly) bears…..that’s almost two bears/square mile! You can book an excursion through your cruise line that will take you through the Tlingit village of Hoonah and out into coastal rainforest and muskegs.
Along the way, you may see bald eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and Alaska coastal brown bears that could be anywhere along the road. Bear sightings are not guaranteed. While they are commonly spotted throughout the summer. Visitors are reminded: This isn’t a zoo. It’s real wilderness.
There’s something powerful about seeing a bear in the wild—no barriers, no enclosures, just raw nature unfolding in front of you. It’s not just a highlight of Icy Strait Point; for many travelers, it becomes one of the defining memories of Alaska.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars, keep your distance, and stay alert—you never know when the forest might quietly come to life.
Fishing Excurions
Fishing in Icy Strait Point is as authentic as it gets—these waters are rich with salmon, halibut, and rockfish, drawing both locals and visitors into one of Alaska’s most time-honored traditions. Halibut can be caught all season year long. Silver salmon (soho), pink (humpy) and keta (chum) may be caught beginning the first of July through September.
Stream fishing excursions are also available. If you are stream fishing, Icy Strait Point participates in a catch-and-release only program. If you are halibut fishing, you may keep the fish. You will have to pay to have your fish processed and shipped home to you, as you will not be allowed to take the fish back on your cruise ship.
Rainforest Walks & Wilderness Trails
If you prefer a slower pace, Icy Strait Point sits within a lush temperate rainforest of spruce and hemlock.
Walking trails wind through:
- Moss-covered forest floors
- Coastal shorelines
- Quiet wildlife habitats
Keep your eyes open—you might spot deer, eagles, or even whales from shore. These peaceful walks offer a grounding contrast to the more adventurous excursions.
This is an easy adventure to do on your own—just follow the signs marking the trailhead. From there, you’re free to wander the beach and explore the tide pools at your own pace.
Why Icy Strait Point Stands Out
What makes Icy Strait Point unforgettable isn’t just the scenery or excursions—it’s the intention behind it.
Here, tourism supports preservation. Culture isn’t staged—it’s lived. And every experience, from the cannery to the coastline, connects you to something deeper than a typical cruise stop.
Final Thoughts:
Icy Strait Point isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about slowing down long enough to feel Alaska—its people, its wildlife, and its wild, untamed beauty.
Have you visited Icy Strait Point, or is it on your Alaska cruise itinerary? Please share your favorite excursions with us or what you are most excited to do or see!
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