United States (Alaska) Alaska Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)
A private port run by the Tlingit-owned Huna Totem Corporation: two docks beside a 1912 salmon cannery, 2.5 km from the village of Hoonah.
From the first dock you walk to the cannery, museum and shops in under 10 minutes. From the second dock, a gondola or a shore path takes you there.
Icy Strait Point is a cruise port on Chichagof Island, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. It is owned and run by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native corporation whose shareholders are mainly local Tlingit people. The site is built around a salmon cannery from 1912, restored with a small museum, shops and restaurants. Ships berth at two floating docks about 800 m (half a mile) apart: the first is a short walk from the cannery, and the second, Wilderness Landing, is linked to it by a gondola and a shore path.
The best-known attraction is the ZipRider, one of the longest ziplines in the world, which runs for about 1,675 m (5,495 feet) from the top of a mountain down to the shore. The waters of Icy Strait are among the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales, and whale-watching boats leave from the piers; orcas and sea lions can also be seen. Other excursions include bear-watching tours on Chichagof Island, which has a large population of brown bears, Tlingit cultural performances and a visit to Hoonah, on a guided tour or on foot along Cannery Road.
From the ship to the centre
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Dock to the canneryFrom the first dock along the shore boardwalk to the cannery, its free museum, shops and restaurants.5-10 minFree
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Transporter gondolaLinks Wilderness Landing with the cannery area, about 800 m. There is also a path along the shore, about 1.4 km.A few minutesAsk at the port
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On foot to HoonahAlong Cannery Road to the harbour and Front Street in Hoonah, about 3 km. There is no public bus.35-45 minFree
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Hoonah sightseeing tourGuided tour of Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village, with a cultural show at the Heritage Center. Sold by the cruise line or at the port.1.5 hSet by cruise line
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Mountain Top GondolaGondola up 450 m to the top of Hoonah Mountain, then an open-air tram through old-growth forest, 10 km round trip. Wheelchair accessible.1.5 hSet by cruise line
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ZipRiderZipline of 1,675 m from the mountain top down to Icy Strait Point, six side-by-side cables, reached by the gondola. Riders 34 to 125 kg.1.5 hSet by cruise line
Map of Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)
Climate
Average daily temperatureCool summers: average temperatures of about 14 °C in July and August and -1 °C in January. May to July are the driest months (about 65-85 mm); from September it rains much more. May to August are the best months.
Cruises from Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)
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Tips for your call
- Which dockShips use the first dock (Ocean Landing) or Wilderness Landing. When a third ship calls, it anchors and tenders passengers to Wilderness Landing. Check the daily programme.
- Book earlyMost tours are sold through the cruise line and fill up fast. Icy Strait Point says prices are often the same as on board.
- WhalesPoint Adolphus, nearby, is one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales. Icy Strait Point guarantees sightings on its 2.5-hour whale-watching tour.
- BearsChichagof Island has one of the densest brown bear populations in Alaska. Do not walk the forest trails alone; bear viewing is done on guided tours.
- HoonahThe village has a harbour, shops and a Tlingit heritage centre. It is a working community, not a theme park: respect private homes and ask before taking photos of people.
- WeatherIt is cool and often wet, about 14 °C in July. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket, especially for boat trips and the mountain top.
Accessibility
Icy Strait Point says its boardwalks and paths are designed for accessibility and it has small vehicles to help guests. The Mountain Top Gondola tour accepts mobility devices. Check accessibility of other tours when booking.
In pictures
