My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
July 7, 2025
I had in-port manning (IPM), so I stayed onboard, did my laundry, and worked on my presentations. As it turned out, more people than ever before stopped by to tell me how cool and unusual it was ashore—several even called it their favorite port so far. I may have missed the port, but I did catch this sunset from the ship:
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Nestled at the base of White Alice Mountain on Chichagof Island, Hoonah is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. Located about 30 miles west of Juneau along Icy Strait, this historic community has been home to the Huna Tlingit people for thousands of years. In 1912, the Hoonah Packing Company built a large salmon cannery north of town, which operated intermittently until the early 1950s. After sitting idle for decades, the cannery was purchased and revitalized by the local Alaska Native corporation, Huna Totem Corporation, and transformed into the private cruise port now known as Icy Strait Point.
Icy Strait Point is one of Southeast Alaska’s most unique and culturally authentic destinations, where immersive Indigenous experiences meet breathtaking natural beauty. Entirely owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, this port directly benefits the local Tlingit community. Just a short distance from the town of Hoonah, visitors can experience world-class wildlife viewing, traditional art and carving, Indigenous dance, and a variety of outdoor adventures—all while supporting a model of sustainable, community-led tourism.
The permanent population of Icy Strait Point, Alaska, which is located in the town of Hoonah, is approximately 765 year-round residents
Itinerary:
Arrival: Monday, July 7 7:00am
Departure: Monday, July 7 All aboard: 7:00pm Sail away: 8:00pm
Weather
- Average Temps: Highs around 59°F (15°C), lows near 48°F (9°C)
- Climate: Coastal Alaska is unpredictable—rain, wind, and sun are all possible in one day
- What to Wear: Waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and layers you can easily add or remove
Near the Pier:
Cruise Ship Dock: Ocean Landing Dock
- Address: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829
- Distance to Town Center: ~1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Tourist Center: Located just past the cannery buildings near the port entrance.
Souvenir Shops: One at the top of the ramp, others housed in the red cannery buildings (5-minute walk)
Nearby Essentials
- ATM: Tongass Credit Union (the only bank in town)
- Grocery/Snacks: Hoonah Trading Company (small local store)
- Pharmacy: No dedicated pharmacy—check with Hoonah Trading Co. for basic medical supplies
Getting Around:
- Walking: A scenic paved path connects the port to Hoonah; about 30–40 minutes on foot
- Shuttle Bus: $10 round-trip shuttle every ~20 minutes between the port and downtown Hoonah (stops near Icy Strait Brewery)
- Town Shuttle Sales Booth 9:00am – 3:00pm
- Town Shuttle 9:00am – 4:00pm
- Taxis: Not readily available—prearranged transportation only
Witnessing: (It turned out that these attractions are run by the bigger cruise ships, so they weren’t operating while we were in port)
- Skyglider Gondola: Ride to the upper mountaintop for sweeping views, hiking trails, and the start of the world’s largest zipline ($49.95).
- ZipRider (optional): For thrill-seekers—the world’s longest zipline drops over 1,300 vertical feet
- Funicular: A short, scenic tram that connects the upper and lower parts of the cannery area for easy access.
Learning:
Alaska Native Tlingit culture is the backbone of Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in the state. Hoonah totem sites are located in front of the Hoonah City School and at Icy Strait Point, featuring locally-carved canoes and totems. Local tour operators lead cultural tours that showcase Tlingit dance, music, arts, and history, including the unique opportunity to tour Icy Strait in a traditional hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe.
- Cannery Museum: Learn about the fishing industry and Alaska’s cannery history in the restored building
- Hoonah Totem Carvers: Visit working artists near the cannery or in town
- Indigenous Dance Classes: Offered at select times—check the bulletin or ask at the cultural center
🌍 UNESCO Connection
While Icy Strait Point itself is not a UNESCO site, it lies within the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. This ecosystem is critical to global biodiversity and carbon storage, and its Indigenous stewardship reflects deep environmental knowledge.
Discovery:
Icy Strait Point offers a variety of excursions tailored primarily for cruise guests, with a strong focus on cultural enrichment and outdoor adventure, all designed to showcase the unique natural and cultural landscape of the region.
• Hidden Lake Loop Walk
This serene, moderate trail begins behind the gondola area and meanders through coastal forest and muskeg, offering a peaceful nature walk.
• Kayaking
Calm coastal waters around Port Frederick are ideal for spotting sea otters, Steller sea lions, and bald eagles. Adventurous kayakers may attempt the 40-mile wilderness paddle from Hoonah to Tenakee Springs via Port Frederick and Tenakee Inlet. The two are connected by a short portage and the journey concludes in Tenakee Springs’ natural hot springs—an unforgettable backcountry experience.
Exploring:
Downtown Hoonah: Just a short walk or shuttle ride from the pier, the harbor town of Hoonah offers a chance to meet locals, browse shops, and take in scenic views of the fishing boats and mountainous backdrop.
Fishing: Hoonah is a prime departure point for charter fishing trips in Icy Strait. Anglers can target halibut and all five Pacific salmon species—king, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink—as they make their way to area rivers and streams to spawn. Summer is the best time to fish, with local operators offering half- and full-day trips.
Wildlife Viewing: Hoonah’s location offers exceptional opportunities to spot iconic Alaskan wildlife:
- Whale Watching: Half-day boat tours cruise to Point Adolphus to view humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises, and bald eagles. Many operators offer a whale-sighting guarantee.
- Bear Viewing: Land-based tours depart by van or bus to explore the wilderness of Chichagof Island, home to the highest concentration of brown bears in the world.
- Casual Sightings: Keep your eyes open—even from shore, it’s common to spot whales breaching offshore and eagles soaring overhead.
Tasting:
- Duck Point Smokehouse – Near Ocean Landing Dock, serving smoked salmon chowder, crab cakes, and reindeer sausage (11:00am – 7:00pm)
- Crab House – Casual dining by the Cannery Museum with a focus on Alaskan king crab and Dungeness
- The Fisherman’s Daughter – In the town harbor, known for fresh fish baskets and halibut tacos
- Icy Strait Point Brewery – Enjoy craft beers made on-site with views of the water and mountains
Travel Tips:
- Pack a rain layer—weather can shift quickly, and many excursions are outdoors
- Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting, especially from the shoreline or gondola summit
- The port area has Wi-Fi but speeds may vary depending on crowd size
- If walking to town, wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time for photo stops and wildlife viewing
- Support local—many of the shops and eateries are community-owned and help sustain Hoonah’s economy