Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Icy Strait Point Alaska Cruise Guide: Whales, Bears & Best Excursions This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! There are some cruise ports you visit for a few hours and barely remember later. Then there are places like Icy Strait Point, where the scenery stays with you long after the cruise is over.Tucked along Alaska’s rugged Inside Passage, Icy Strait Point feels very different from many other cruise ports. It’s quieter. More personal. More connected to the place itself. And that’s because this isn’t just a tourist destination built for cruise ships. It’s owned and operated by the local Native Alaskan Hoonah Totem Corporation, with tourism helping support the nearby community of Hoonah, one of the largest Tlingit communities in Alaska.That connection to local culture is part of what makes this port feel so special. A Cruise Port With Real History Long before cruise ships arrived, this area was home to the historic Hoonah Packing Company cannery. Back in the early 1900s, the cannery was one of the economic lifelines of the region, processing salmon pulled from the rich Alaskan waters surrounding Chichagof Island.Today, many of the original buildings still remain, beautifully restored into museums, shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. Walking through the old cannery area genuinely feels like stepping into Alaska’s past. You can still see original equipment, historic displays, and reminders of the generations who worked here.Unlike some cruise destinations that can feel overly commercialized, Icy Strait Point still feels rooted in the community around it. Many of the shops are locally owned, and excursions often include local guides sharing stories about life in Southeast Alaska.The nearby town of Hoonah is only about a five-minute drive away, or around a 30-minute walk if you enjoy stretching your legs. Honestly, even the walk itself is beautiful.The views along the shoreline are incredible, and wildlife sightings are surprisingly common. On one visit, we watched humpback whales bubble-net feeding right from shore while walking toward town. In Alaska, moments like that somehow start to feel normal. Incredible things to do Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point If there’s one excursion people should seriously consider booking here, it’s whale watching.The waters near Point Adolphus are some of the richest feeding grounds for humpback whales in Alaska, and this area has developed a reputation for having some of the most reliable whale sightings anywhere in the state.And when people say reliable, they really mean it. Some local operators proudly note they’ve had whale sightings on every tour since 2004.From the moment the boat leaves the harbor, you’re already in prime wildlife territory. Depending on the day, you may see: Humpback whales breaching or bubble-net feeding Orcas Sea lions Sea otters Bald eagles overhead One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels.Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.If you’re doing a wildlife excursion here, definitely bring binoculars! Alaska wildlife often appears at a distance first, and good binoculars make a huge difference. Even if you’ve been whale watching before, Alaska feels different. The scenery alone is breathtaking, with dense forest, misty mountains, and calm water surrounding you in every direction.One important tip: book whale watching early if it’s something you want to do. These excursions sell out quickly, especially during peak Alaska season. The ZipRider: Not for the Faint of Heart For travelers wanting something more adventurous, the ZipRider has become one of Icy Strait Point’s biggest attractions. And honestly, just looking at it from below is enough to make some people rethink their life choices.Stretching more than 5,300 feet with a vertical drop of over 1,300 feet, it’s one of the largest zip rides in North America. Riders soar high above the forest canopy with sweeping views over the ocean below.Even people who normally avoid thrill rides sometimes end up loving this one because the scenery is just so spectacular. Bear Watching in the Wild One of the most incredible things about this area is just how wild it still feels. And a bear watching excursion is the safest way to see bears in the wild.Chichagof Island is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of coastal brown bears in the world. There are estimated to be over 3,500 bears living on the island. That’s almost two bears per square mile.Bear watching excursions typically travel through rainforest, muskegs, and remote wilderness areas outside Hoonah, where sightings are common during summer months. Along the way, you may also spot bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer.And while sightings are never guaranteed, that unpredictability is part of what makes it feel so real.This isn’t a zoo attraction. It’s actual wilderness. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bear moving through the forest completely undisturbed, just existing naturally in its own environment.And, remember your binoculars! Fishing Excurions Fishing in Icy Strait Point is as authentic as it gets—these waters are rich with salmon, halibut,ContinueContinue reading “Icy Strait Point: Where Alaska’s Wild Meets Living Culture”
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Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Nestled between towering mountains and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau is one of the most breathtaking destinations on an Alaska cruise itinerary. From spotting humpback whales and exploring glaciers to riding scenic tramways and sampling local breweries and distilleries, Juneau offers the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and small-town charm. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours on a cruise stop or spending several days exploring Alaska’s capital city, there are countless unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner. Here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Fun fact: Juneau – the capital of Alaska — is the only U.S. state capital you can’t drive to. The only way to reach it is by air or by water, whether that’s by ferry, private boat, or cruise ship. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Some of my favorite things to do in Juneau include browsing the shops near the cruise docks, zip lining through the rainforest, taking a whale watching excursion, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and visiting the local breweries and distilleries. Located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area within the Tongass National Forest. There are several excellent ways to experience the glacier, including Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour, a Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour or even Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. Prefer to explore Juneau at your own pace? A self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover the city’s history and culture. Stroll through downtown while visiting popular spots like Red Dog Saloon, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and Amalga Distillery. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the gold rush era, Alaska Native heritage, and the unique architecture that gives Juneau its charm. Best of all, you can start, pause, and continue the tour whenever it fits your schedule. Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for some of the best views in Juneau! This scenic tramway lifts you 1,800 feet above the city in just five minutes from the cruise ship pier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the towering peaks of Admiralty Island. At the top, you can explore hiking trails, cultural exhibits, local artisan crafts, and nature displays while soaking in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Alaska. One of our all-time favorite excursions in Juneau was zip lining. It’s the perfect adventure if you’re looking to do something a little different while visiting Alaska. One of the most popular options is Alaska Canopy Adventures, a locally owned company offering an unforgettable experience on Douglas Island. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest as you make your way toward Eaglecrest Ski Area. From there, you’ll soar through the rainforest canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines, stopping at elevated platforms along the way to take in the incredible scenery and capture photos. The experience also includes crossing a suspension bridge over a rushing stream and ends with the chance to try axe throwing. The entire excursion lasts about three and a half hours and is an exciting way to experience Alaska’s wilderness from above Whale watching is easily one of my favorite excursions in Alaska. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and often becomes the highlight of an Alaska cruise. In Juneau, there are several tour options available, ranging from larger group cruises to more intimate private excursions. Many tours also offer combination experiences that include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, allowing you to experience two of Juneau’s top attractions in one memorable outing. Looking for even more adventure in Juneau? A kayaking excursion with humpback whales is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife and scenery up close. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride through the Inside Passage, where you’ll travel toward the whales’ feeding grounds while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll hop into kayaks and paddle through the calm waters in search of humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other native wildlife. It’s an incredible combination of adventure, nature, and unforgettable Alaskan scenery. Is fishing in Alaska on your bucket list? A small-group salmon fishing excursion in Juneau is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s famous fishing culture without heading out on the open ocean. This half-day shore fishing adventure lets you skip the possibility of seasickness while still enjoying a hands-on experience focused on catching salmon. Guides provide all the necessary equipment and helpful instruction, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Even better, any salmon you catch can be sent to a local fish processor and shipped directly to your home, so you can enjoy your Alaska catch long after your trip ends Did you know that Juneau has a thriving brewery and distillery scene? It’s a great destination for craft beer lovers looking to experience a local side of Alaska. One of the most popular stops is Alaskan Brewing Company — often called “ABC” by locals. Their downtown gear shop is a fun place to pick up souvenirs, clothing, and branded merchandise, and it also features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local brews. If you want the full brewery experience, head to the main brewery located about five miles from downtown Juneau and just a few miles from the airport. A complimentary shuttle makes getting there easy, and guests ages 21 and older can sample a rotating selection of more than 20 Alaskan beers on tap for a small tasting fee. Did you know Alaskan Brewing Company also produces a creative lineup of ready-to-drink canned beverages beyond beer? One standout from their innovative craft lineup is the Rainforest Gin & Tonic canned cocktail—a crisp, refreshing drink made with house-distilled gin and spruce-tip tonic inspired by Alaska’s coastal rainforest. In addition to their canned cocktails, Alaskan Brewing also offers hard seltzers with a distinctly Alaskan twist, often infused with local flavors like Sitka spruce tips. My favorite is distillery is AmalgaContinueContinue reading “Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska”