Nestled in the wilds of Southeast Alaska, Icy Strait Point is a destination that captures the essence of Alaska. Its rugged coastline, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks make it a scenic wonderland. The rich Tlingit culture and history, as well as abundant wildlife, further add to its charm. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, Icy Strait Point is a must-visit destination that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
A Salmon Empire
Located on Chichagof Island, one of the largest islands in the Alexander Archipelago of Alaska, the area of Icy Strait Point was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, who have lived in Southeast Alaska for thousands of years. Drawn by the rich salmon population around Chichagof Island, the Tlingits thrived off of a subsistence lifestyle of hunting and fishing, establishing a vibrant culture with rich traditions and ceremonies that is still in existence today.
In the late 1800s, the first European settlers arrived in the area, also drawn by the abundant salmon stocks. The local town of Hoonah was established as a cannery town, and soon became the largest town in the area. The cannery industry thrived in Hoonah, and by the early 1900s, the town was home to several canneries that employed hundreds of workers.
In the mid-1900s, the cannery industry declined, and many of Hoonah’s canneries closed. This resulted in a sharp population decline as families moved away in search of other opportunities, and Hoonah quickly became a shadow of its former self.
In 1996, the Huna Totem Corporation, a Native Alaskan organization, purchased the land of Icy Strait Point and the abandoned cannery, with plans to revitalize the forgotten area.
The Icy Strait Point project was designed to create a sustainable tourism industry while also preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The project transformed the old fish processing plant into a state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal and tourism destination.
Today, Icy Strait Point is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Alaska. The project has created new jobs and brought economic prosperity to the region, while also preserving the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
What to See and Do at Icy Strait Point, Hoonah, Alaska
With lush forests and rich oceans, Icy Strait Point offers a variety of fun-filled experiences for every traveler. Check out these top things to do around Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska:
Go Whale Watching: The Icy Strait offers fantastic opportunities to witness the diverse wildlife of Alaska. In the summer, this strait plays host to a large population of feeding humpback whales. Experience these majestic animals up close on one of the many whale watching tours operating out of the harbor. During your voyage, keep your eyes peeled along the coastline for brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters, and sea lions.
Visit the Native Tlingit Village: Visit the Hoonah Tlingit Heritage Center and learn about the Tlingit people's history, culture, and traditions. You can witness their traditional dances and music performances, learn about their traditional tools and artifacts, and try local cuisine.
Get Aerial: Experience the beauty of Alaska from the air during an exhilarating zip line ride. The ZipRider is one of the world's largest zip lines, providing an exhilarating experience with a breathtaking view of the ocean and forest below. The ZipRider offers six different lines that drop over 1330 feet.
Go Sea Kayaking: In the summer, Kayak rentals and guided tours are available daily from the Icy Strait harbor. Enjoy a day out on the water as you kayak along the Icy Strait and explore the rugged coastline, wildlife, and glaciers.
Saltwater Fishing: Icy Strait is known for its salmon fishery. Try your hand at being an Alaskan fisherman and opt for a guided fishing tour out on the water to catch salmon, halibut, and other fish species. Keep your catch and bring it to one of the local restaurants to have it cooked, and finish your day with a delicious fresh-caught meal.
Hit the Trails: The Tongass National Forest surrounds Icy Strait Point, and there are many hiking trails that wind through the lush rainforest. Explore the area on foot to see waterfalls, wildlife, and stunning views.
Visit a Historic Cannery: Pay a visit to the Cannery Museum to learn about the area's history as a hub for the fishing industry. Learn about the canning process and see historic artifacts and photos.
Search for Sea Glass: The coastline around Icy Strait Point is home to several beautiful beaches that offer a serene environment for beachcombing and relaxing. Enjoy a day walking along the water and collecting sea glass.
How to Get to Icy Strait Point:
Icy Strait Point gets its name from the beautiful Icy Strait that stretches between towering mountains and islands in Southeast Alaska. However, the name “Icy Strait Point” denotes the large port located in Hoonah, Alaska.
Hoonah is located on Chichagof Island, so travelers can’t drive to this destination, but you can access this beautiful area by sea and air.
The nearest airport is the Hoonah Airport, located about 1.5 miles from the port of Icy Strait Point. However, this airport has limited flight options, serving mainly charter flights and small hopper airlines. Most visitors fly into Juneau International Airport, and hop on a hopper flight.
Additionally, you can also reach Icy Strait by ferry. The Alaska Marine Highway connects the port to other southeastern communities, including Juneau and Haines. During the summer, there is a 3-hour ferry that operates between Juneau and Icy Strait twice a day.
The bulk of Icy Strait’s visitors come via cruise ship. The port is one of the busiest cruise ship ports in Alaska, and is a top destination for most Alaskan cruise itineraries. Cruise ships dock directly at the pier, allowing passengers to easily disembark and explore the area.
Regardless of how you get there, the journey to Icy Strait Point is part of the experience, as it provides breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness. Whether by sea or air, your journey is sure to be filled with endless scenery and true Alaskan wilderness.
Visit the Wilds of Alaska
Icy Strait Point is a destination that should not be missed by any adventurous traveler. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich cultural heritage, this remote corner of the world offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
Visitors can explore the rugged wilderness, observe majestic wildlife, learn about the history of the Tlingit people, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, Icy Strait has something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on earth.
