Icy Strait Point is not the average port stop. Most port calls mean docking in a city, disembarking, and enjoying the many shops, restaurants, and activities that there are to do in town. Icy Strait is unique as it was a port that was built specifically for cruise ship passengers, and cruise ship passengers only. Think of it as the private island experience of Alaskan cruises; full of adventure, chowder, and whale sightings.
Surrounded by mountains and rainforest, the historic red buildings stand out along the shoreline, and are the perfect spot to watch for whales and orcas...a regular occurrence which you are pretty much guaranteed to witness. Rain or shine you can enjoy the zipline or ropes course for a bit of a thrill, and then sit down and savor a bowl of chowder or a crab lunch overlooking the bay. After lunch, stroll the museum and historic 1912 cannery, grab beautiful souvenirs in the gift shop, and end your afternoon with a walk along the surrounding nature trails. There is a little bit of something for everyone at Icy Strait, guaranteeing that this port stop will be one of the most memorable of your cruise!
Icy Strait was built up by the cruise lines not only with the cruise passengers in mind, but the locals as well. Located in Alaska's largest Tlingit village, Hoonah, this port is Alaskan native owned-and-operated, with all the profits going directly to support the local community. The 100% Alaskan-owned retail spaces are the perfect place to grab gifts for family and souvenirs to remember your trip...and the fact that the profits stay within the local community is just the icing on the Baked Alaska!
Things to Do
This small port of Icy Strait Point is a gem, offering a ropes course, zip-line (the largest ziprider in the world, we might add), freshly made donuts, warm food, a museum, gift shop, and so much more. Excursions include jeep tours, wildlife searches, and a 100% guaranteed whale watching cruise. Here are some of the activities that are available on Icy Strait.
ATV & JEEP EXPEDITIONS | You and a group will drive the backroads and explore the surrounding wilderness. This is the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife and take photos of the incredible Alaska landscape.
WHALE WATCH CRUISE | Jump on a boat with a guide and search for whales and orcas. You will be 100% refunded if no whales are spotted during the tour...but since opening in 2004, there have been whales spotted on every cruise thus far!
WORLD'S LARGEST ZIPRIDER | Race from the top of the mountain all the way to the base at 60mph on this thrilling zipline adventure!
WILDLIFE SEARCH | From Icy Strait you and your group will head over with a guide to Chichagof Island to explore the wilds of the Spasski River Valley in search of brown bears.
OCEAN RAFT ADVENTURE | Jump into an open air high speed boat and charge along the rugged coastline. This adventure is the perfect opportunity to spot bears along the shoreline, or whales in the bay!
Food
THE CRAB HOUSE | Given the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence, the crab house is the spot to go for king, snow, and dungeness crab. Seating can be found inside or on the dock, ensuring those incredible views where you can enjoy your crab and watch for passing whales.
THE COOKHOUSE RESTAURANT | Serving up food for cannery workers and then cruise guests for over a century, the Cookhouse is the place for a delicious bite. Here you can enjoy their famous halibut and chips, salmon chowder, salmon BLT sliders, or the blue burger made from Alaskan reindeer meat.
DUCK POINT SMOKEHOUSE | Sitting right alongside the cruise dock, looking out over the water, Duck Point Smokehouse is a recommended stop for a good meal! Just steps away from the zipline, you can go on an incredible adventure and then stop by the Smokehouse and take a seat by the warm fire and enjoy the famous Icy Strait Point Surf and Turf, or a delicious cocktail!
LIL GEN'S DONUTS | This donut shack is a must stop while at Icy Strait! Here you can enjoy fresh made mini donuts that come in a multitude of flavors from chocolate orange, to coconut, tropical punch, pumpkin pie, butterscotch, spiced apple cider, and more! The wait in line is worth is for these warm, pillowy clouds of deliciousness!
Booking Your Alaska Cruise
Now that you are ready to book your Alaska Cruise and enjoy a day at Icy Strait Point, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the cruise ships and ports inside and out, and have an amazing relationship with the cruise lines. Not every Alaska cruise itinerary includes Icy Strait, so be sure to talk to your Harr Travel advisor and they can help find the right cruise with the perfect itinerary for you, your family, or group, and give you the Harr Travel signature experience every step of the way!
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