Icy Strait Point is one of Alaska's most extraordinary cruise destinations — a privately owned port development on Chichagof Island, built on the site of a historic Hoonah Tlingit cannery and operated in partnership with the local Hoonah community. Unlike most Alaska ports, Icy Strait Point was designed from the ground up to benefit the indigenous Tlingit people who have lived on this land for thousands of years.
The setting is spectacular — dense Sitka spruce and hemlock rainforest, glacially carved inlets, and the rich waters of Icy Strait where humpback whales feed and brown bears patrol the shoreline. The port sits adjacent to the village of Hoonah — the largest Tlingit village in Alaska and one of the most authentic indigenous communities accessible from any cruise port in the state.
Icy Strait Point is famous for having the world's largest ZipRider (a zip line that drops 1,300 feet to near sea level), excellent brown bear viewing, world-class whale watching in Icy Strait, and the most authentic Alaska Native cultural experience available at any Southeast Alaska cruise port.
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Icy Strait Point, Alaska – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
Ships dock directly at the Icy Strait Point pier on Chichagof Island — no tender required. The port is built on the grounds of a historic salmon cannery dating to 1912. The restored cannery building now houses the main visitor complex including restaurants, the cultural museum, shops, and activity booking.
🏛️ Historic Cannery Complex
The beautifully restored 1912 cannery is the centerpiece of the port — the original machinery and equipment remain on display alongside cultural exhibits on Tlingit heritage and the cannery's history. Everything at Icy Strait Point radiates from this building.
🏘️ Hoonah Village
The village of Hoonah is adjacent to the port — a short walk along the waterfront. The largest Tlingit village in Alaska with a genuine community character. Visiting is free and encouraged — local shops, the totem park, and community buildings are all open to cruise visitors.
Getting Around Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Transportation options once you're ashore.
🚶 Walking
The cannery complex, beach, and Hoonah village are all walkable from the pier. The port's trail network connects the main facilities, the ZipRider landing area, and several coastal viewpoints. Hoonah village is a short walk along the waterfront — the most authentic Alaska Native community accessible on foot from any Southeast Alaska cruise port.
🎯 Organized Excursions
The vast majority of activities at Icy Strait Point are organized excursions — brown bear viewing, whale watching, kayaking, ATV tours, fishing, and flightseeing all depart from the port on a scheduled basis. Book through Icy Strait Point directly (icystraitpoint.com) or your cruise line before departure. Many popular excursions sell out.
🚐 Shuttle Services
Shuttle services operate between the cannery complex and various activity starting points around the port. Included with most organized excursion bookings. The port area is compact enough that most visitors don't need additional transportation beyond the organized excursion system.
✈️ Flightseeing
Small plane and helicopter flightseeing tours are available from Icy Strait Point — offering aerial views of Chichagof Island's glaciers, rainforest, and coastline. One of the most dramatic perspectives available in Southeast Alaska.
Things To Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 Icy Strait Point offers some of the most extraordinary wildlife and adventure experiences available at any Alaska cruise port:
Brown Bear Viewing — Chichagof Island has one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Guided tours take small groups to prime viewing areas where bears feed and patrol the shoreline — often at remarkably close range. Genuinely one of the great wildlife encounters in North America. Book well in advance — these tours sell out consistently.
Whale Watching in Icy Strait — The nutrient-rich waters of Icy Strait are one of Southeast Alaska's premier humpback whale feeding grounds. Whale watching excursions from Icy Strait Point have an extraordinary success rate — humpback whales are frequently visible directly from the port beach as well. Orcas are also spotted regularly.
ZipRider — World's Largest Zip Line — The signature thrill experience at Icy Strait Point — a zip line that descends 1,300 vertical feet at speeds up to 60 mph with panoramic views of Icy Strait and the surrounding wilderness. One of the most dramatic zip line experiences in the world. Book in advance.
Tlingit Cultural Experience — The historic cannery museum houses extensive exhibits on Tlingit heritage, traditional practices, and the cannery's history. Cultural performances, traditional art demonstrations, and guided cultural tours provide the most authentic Alaska Native cultural experience available at any Southeast Alaska cruise port.
Sea Kayaking — Guided kayaking tours through the protected waters around Icy Strait Point — excellent for spotting sea otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and the occasional whale from water level. One of the most peaceful and intimate ways to experience the Alaska wilderness.
Sport Fishing — Charter fishing for halibut and salmon in the productive waters of Icy Strait. Guided fishing excursions depart from the port and offer some of the best sport fishing access of any Southeast Alaska cruise port. Catch-and-release or keep your catch — the captains will clean and pack your fish for travel.
Hoonah Village Walk — The most authentic free experience at Icy Strait Point. A short walk into the village of Hoonah reveals a genuine Alaska Native community — totem poles, the tribal house, local shops, and the everyday life of the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Residents are welcoming and proud to share their community's story.
ATV & Off-Road Tours — Guided ATV tours through the rainforest and along coastal trails — a popular option for those wanting active exploration without the physical demands of hiking. Outstanding scenery and good wildlife spotting opportunities.
Beaches & Outdoors in Icy Strait Point, Alaska
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
Port Beach
The shoreline adjacent to the cannery complex offers dramatic coastal scenery and excellent whale-watching views across Icy Strait — humpback whales are frequently spotted feeding in the strait directly from the beach. The gravel and rock shoreline is great for walking and wildlife spotting.
Coastal Trail Network
Several trails wind through the rainforest and along the coastline from the port — accessible on foot and excellent for spotting coastal wildlife including eagles, sea otters, Steller sea lions, and the occasional brown bear on the shoreline.
Shopping in Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Shopping at Icy Strait Point is genuinely local — Tlingit arts and crafts, Alaska-made goods, and authentic Native artwork rather than mass-produced imports:
Cannery Museum Gift Shop
Located in the historic cannery building — Alaska Native artwork, jewelry, carvings, and cultural items made by Tlingit and other Southeast Alaska Native artisans. One of the best collections of genuine Alaska Native art accessible from any cruise port in the state. Purchases directly support local artists and the Hoonah community.
Hoonah Village Shops
A short walk into the village reveals small locally owned shops selling handmade goods, beaded jewelry, smoked salmon, and authentic Tlingit crafts. A more intimate and genuine shopping experience than the cannery complex — prices are often lower and the connection to local makers more direct.
What to Look For
Tlingit artwork — carved totems, bentwood boxes, and woven baskets representing one of the Pacific Northwest's great artistic traditions. Smoked and canned salmon — locally caught and processed, one of the most authentic food souvenirs from Alaska. Beaded jewelry — traditional designs in contemporary forms made by local Tlingit artisans.
Dining in Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ Dining at Icy Strait Point focuses on fresh Alaska seafood and local Tlingit-inspired cuisine — a genuinely distinctive food experience compared to most Alaska ports:
Cannery Restaurant
Historic Cannery Building · Main Port Area
The primary dining option at Icy Strait Point — located in the beautifully restored cannery. Fresh Alaska king crab, Dungeness crab, halibut, and salmon are the stars. The setting inside the historic building with original cannery equipment is extraordinary. A genuinely memorable Alaska seafood experience.
Crab Station
Waterfront · Seasonal
Fresh Alaska king crab and Dungeness crab served simply at a waterfront stand — boiled and served with butter. One of the most authentic and indulgent Alaska seafood experiences available at any cruise port.
Local Food Vendors
Port Area & Hoonah Village
Various vendors and small food stands throughout the port area serve smoked salmon, chowder, fish tacos, and local snacks. The food at Icy Strait Point consistently receives high marks from cruise passengers for its quality and authenticity.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Exclusive Wildlife & Bear Search
⏱ 4 Hours · Moderate activity
On this small group tour, you’ll visit Chichagof Island, nicknamed “Bear Island” by National Geographic because it has t...
Book This Tour →Stream Fishing
⏱ 4 hours · Moderate activity
This Alaskan stream fishing tour will be the highlight of your trip. With all equipment provided, you could catch variou...
Book This Tour →Icy Strait Point, Alaska – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
Do ships dock or tender at Icy Strait Point?
Ships dock directly at the Icy Strait Point pier on Chichagof Island — no tender is required. The gangway puts you steps from the historic cannery complex and the start of all port activities.
Who owns and operates Icy Strait Point?
Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by the Hoonah Indian Association — the governing body of the local Tlingit community. This makes it one of the few cruise ports in Alaska directly owned and controlled by the indigenous people of the region. Spending money here directly benefits the Hoonah Tlingit community.
Can I see brown bears at Icy Strait Point?
Yes — and Icy Strait Point offers some of the best brown bear viewing access of any Alaska cruise port. Chichagof Island has one of the highest brown bear densities in the world. Guided bear viewing excursions must be booked in advance as they fill up quickly. Sighting rates on these tours are very high.
Is the ZipRider safe and suitable for most people?
The ZipRider is a tandem zip line that descends 1,300 vertical feet at up to 60 mph — a significant thrill experience. Weight and age restrictions apply; check the Icy Strait Point website for current requirements. It is not recommended for those with heart conditions, back problems, or fear of heights. For everyone else, it's extraordinary.
What wildlife can I see at Icy Strait Point?
Icy Strait Point is one of the finest wildlife destinations in Southeast Alaska. Humpback whales feed regularly in Icy Strait (often visible from the port beach), brown bears are abundant on Chichagof Island, bald eagles are everywhere, sea otters float in the protected coves, Steller sea lions haul out nearby, and orcas visit the strait regularly. Bring binoculars.
What is Hoonah and can I visit the village?
Hoonah is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska — a genuine indigenous community with a proud and ancient heritage. It sits adjacent to the Icy Strait Point port and is a short walk from the pier. The village is welcoming to cruise visitors — totem poles, the tribal house, local shops, and community buildings are open. It's the most authentic Alaska Native community experience accessible on foot from any Southeast Alaska cruise port.
What should I wear to Icy Strait Point?
Southeast Alaska weather is notoriously changeable — pack waterproof layers regardless of the forecast. A waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer, and waterproof footwear are essential. Even on a sunny day the forest trails are wet and the breeze off Icy Strait can be cold. Bring insect repellent for forest excursions.
Do I need to book excursions in advance?
Yes — strongly recommended for the most popular experiences including brown bear viewing, whale watching, the ZipRider, and sport fishing. These excursions have limited capacity and sell out well in advance. Book directly through icystraitpoint.com or your cruise line as soon as your itinerary is confirmed.
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