The name “Icy Strait Point” is about as Alaskan as you can get. It conjures images of icebergs, mountains, and narrow channels filled with wildlife. While it might not quite live up to that image, there is a lot to experience in this stop.
From whale-watching to one of the longest ziplines on the planet to seeing a more authentic side of Alaska, you can do it here.
So what should you know about visiting Icy Strait Point and Hoonah? Having visited, we have a number of things we’ve learned that you’ll want to know.
Icy Strait Point Is Actually Two Different Areas
First things first, it helps to get a lay of the land. When you visit Icy Strait Point, there are actually two spots to check out.
The first is Icy Strait Point itself. This is an area dedicated to the cruise lines, so it’s only for cruise passengers. Here you’ll find things like the gondola to the top of a nearby mountain (and the zipline down), a waterfront area, and a replica “cannery” with a large gift shop.
About a mile away is the town of Hoonah, Alaska. Hoonah has a population of about 1,000 people, features a handful of restaurants, brewery, and harbor. If you want to see what life in Alaska really looks like (versus some of the highly touristy areas), it’s a good spot to go.
It’s a Great Spot to do Whale Watching
If whale watching is on your bucket list for Alaska, then Icy Strait Point is where you want to be. In fact, some of the tours here even guarantee a sighting.
The port area sits right on an inlet where the whales frequent, making sightings the rule rather than the exception. Even when we visited we were able to see whales from a distance from shore (with whale-watching boats near them in the water) and later saw whales from the ship.
If you do decide to go whale watching, prepare to open your wallet. Trips start around $200 per person.
There’s a Free Tramway Across the Port
If you want something fun to do for free, what about a gondola ride? There are two gondolas in Icy Strait Point. The red one goes up the side of a mountain and there is a fee (see below). There is also a green one that takes you back and forth from two sides of the port area. This tram is free to ride.
The ride isn’t long, just a few minutes over a half mile, but it’s fun to go back and forth up above the forest floor.
The Tram Up the Mountain is $50 Per Person
In addition to the free tram, there’s also one that’s pretty expensive to ride. The “Sky Peak” is the red gondola that you’ll see going seemingly straight up the mountain at the north side of the port.
During the ride you’ll get perhaps the best view of the ships in port and also have a great view of the surrounding water and mountains.
That said, at the peak there isn’t much. When we visited it still seemed under construction. There was a trail you could take to see a nearby lake but there was no good place to get an uninterrupted view. And there were a few facilities but they seemed temporary.
To us, the ride was fun but it’s hard to say it’s worth $50 per person.
The Zipline is a Major Thrill for Adventure Seekers
When you visit Icy Strait Point, you’ll no doubt hear mention of the ZipRider. This massive zipline is a huge attraction in the port and you’ll likely hear it before you even see it.
The ride comes down from the mountain from more than 1,000 feet up, going all the way to the shore. Riders sit down in special harnesses and the speeds can be eye-watering. It makes a distinctive buzzing sound as the riders come barreling down. In all, the ride lasts just 90 seconds but the memory of doing this unique thrill will last a lot longer.
Just be ready to open your wallet. At last check the ride cost about $270 per person. That includes your ticket up the gondola to get to the start.
Icy Strait Point Itself Is Fairly Limited
When it comes to things to do in Icy Strait Point, it’s pretty limited unless you opt for an excursion. In the port area there is the gondola and zipline, a forest trail (free) with ropes course (paid), and then the waterfront area. That waterfront area features a historic model of a salmon cannery but it’s mostly a large shopping area for souvenirs. There’s also a spot serving fresh-made donuts benefiting the Salvation Army.
In other words, unless you’re opting for an excursion don’t expect too much despite the port being built for cruise passengers.
It’s $10 for a Shuttle to Hoonah (or You Can Walk)
Unlike most ports in Alaska that dock a distance outside of town and offer a free shuttle, Icy Strait Point and Hoonah operate a little differently. At the edge of the complex is a shuttle bus but the cost is $10 to ride round trip. The distance is a little more than a mile and along the way there is a circle through town with the driver pointing out some of the landmarks and give you details about the area.
You can also walk. There’s a nice sidewalk and given the small population, there isn’t much traffic along the road into town. There are also some nice spots to stop and take in the view and possibly see whales as they cruise around the water.
Hoonah Offers a Brewery, Restaurants, and a Glimpse of Alaskan Life
We’ll be the first to admit that Hoonah is not the most exciting town for tourists to visit. But if you’re interested in seeing Alaska as it really is, then it’s worth a stop. Hoonah’s population is just around 1,000 and like many towns in the region, life revolves around the waterfront.
There you’ll find a large park, harbor, and even the seaplane dock. There isn’t that much to the town, but there are a few local souvenir shops, a brewery (Icy Strait Brewing) and some cultural items such as the local carvers making totem poles.
More on visiting Alaska:
- Cruise Guide: 15 Tips And Things To Do When Visiting Sitka, Alaska
- 44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets
