Icy Strait Point - Hoonah, Alaska

Introduction to Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point stands as a beacon of Alaskan hospitality and cultural immersion, located in the heart of Hoonah, Alaska. This multifaceted destination offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending historical significance, natural beauty, modern attractions, and authentic local cuisine. Its strategic location on the coast makes it an ideal stop for cruise ships and a vibrant community hub for locals. Serving as more than just a transit point, Icy Strait Point is a cornerstone of the Hoonah area, providing essential services and unforgettable adventures.

Location and Accessibility

Nestled at the address 108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, United States, Icy Strait Point is easily accessible from major Alaska transportation routes. Its proximity to Hoonah town allows visitors to seamlessly integrate it into their Alaska itinerary. The surrounding area is characterized by breathtaking coastal scenery, offering stunning views of the Strait of Georgia and the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Reaching the facility is straightforward, with detailed directions available on their official website. Contact information, including the phone number 907-789-8600, is readily available for inquiries or assistance before or after your visit.

Facilities and Services

Icy Strait Point is not merely a visitor center; it is a complex offering a diverse range of attractions and services catering to various interests:

• Tourist Attractions

  boasts numerous points of interest designed to engage visitors. Key attractions include expansive grounds perfect for walking and exploration, a large Gondola ride offering panoramic views, and an impressive zip line course for adventure seekers.

• Boat Tours and Whale Watching

  operates specialized agencies offering exciting boat tours along the coast. These excursions are particularly renowned for whale watching tours, providing opportunities to spot majestic marine mammals such as Humpback whales, Orcas, and Steller Sea Lions in their natural habitat.

• Cultural and Historical Center

  serves as a vital cultural center, celebrating the heritage of the local Tlingit Haida communities. It offers deep insights into the region's indigenous history, traditions, and art forms, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

• Seafood Restaurant

  features an on-site restaurant famous for its delicious Alaska seafood, allowing visitors to taste the freshest catch of the day prepared by skilled chefs.

• Shopping Mall

  provides a variety of locally crafted goods, souvenirs, and Alaska-themed merchandise, making it an excellent place to find unique mementos from your trip.

• Tourist Information and Sightseeing Agreements

  functions as a crucial Tourist Information Center, offering maps, advice, and brochures to help visitors navigate the area and plan their activities effectively.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The overall visitor experience at Icy Strait Point is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high average rating of 4.5/5 based on over 3878 Google My Business reviews. Many visitors highlight its welcoming atmosphere and the sheer amount of activity available for all ages. Key points of interest noted by visitors include:

• Extensive grounds perfect for walking, featuring numerous paths and areas to explore at their own pace.
• The free aerial Gondola ride, which offers a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape and is a popular activity for families and individuals.
• The zip line course, described as a highlight for many, especially younger visitors seeking adventure.
• Numerous play structures and climbing areas located within the trees, designed specifically to entertain children and teenagers.
• Opportunities to observe wildlife, including sightings of eagles soaring overhead and whales migrating or breaching nearby.

Practical information for visitors includes:

• Fully wheelchair accessible facilities, including a Wheelchair-accessible car park and Wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring accessibility for all guests.
• A reputation as being Good for kids, with activities catering to various age groups.
• Generous parking options available, including free street parking and a complimentary Free parking lot, alleviating concerns about parking costs and availability.

  Planning Your Visit

  For those seeking a memorable and enriching Alaskan experience, Icy Strait Point is highly recommended. It serves as an excellent disembarkation point for cruise ships, offering a wide array of activities to keep visitors engaged throughout their stay. The combination of historical learning, cultural connection, adventure sports, wildlife observation, and delicious food makes it a comprehensive destination in itself. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the on-site information to tailor their experience. The user-friendly website at www.icystraitpoint.com provides comprehensive details on tour schedules, ticket purchases, and event listings. Icy Strait Point promises a day filled with exploration, learning, and unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Alaska's stunning natural beauty.

👍 Reviews of Icy Strait Point

Nancy L.

5/5

Loved the place. Lots of walking areas and shopping. We were surprised how much there was to do. We walked to a small town named Hoonah. The walk was awesome. We walked past Hoonah, not realizing we had missed the town!
Free ariel gondola ride was a lot of fun. They also had a it's huge zip line, and play apparatus is everywhere to climb in the trees. I'm sure kids and teenagers would love that. Eagles and jumping whales!

Jack G.

5/5

What a fabulous place to visit. Great food and things to see and do. If you take a cruise here, highly recommend disembarking to see.

Frank L. J.

4/5

Learned about the rich history of the people of Hoonah. Beautiful and scenic. Saw young whales, making full breaches out of the water.

JB L.

5/5

The walking trails through the rain forest at Hoonah, Alaska, are excellent. Off the beaten path, the forest's ferny floor is too dense to attempt without breaking your ankle. The moss grows thick dripping from tree branches in the dark (on a sunny day).
The visitor center is where you buy the tickets for the mini-bus tour through the forest & along a little of the coastline.
Inuit drummers & dancers are in traditional regalia at the head of the pier. Their performances are worth seeing
Walking along the boardwalk pier, a humpback whale was collecting breakfast. As the monster shot through the waters straight at me, it's mouth was obviously significantly bigger than I am. Even on the boardwalk, it's enough of a memory of Jonas to make you seriously nervous.

Keith N.

5/5

My absolute favorite stop along the inner passage. The gondola trip to the top is well worth it. Take the hike!

Sandy R.

5/5

Hoonah was one of my favorite stops. Loved the skyride, the transporter into the small village and the local shops dedicated to Alaskan and American made souvenirs.

Steve E.

4/5

Once you get past that Icy Strait Point is a tourist attraction only accessible from cruise ships, it actually is very well done. You dock at one of two docks, but both provide access to the amenities. The free green gondola connects the two docks. The red gondola costs money and is a great ride to the top of the mountain. From there you can access the zip line. I took the 60-minute open tram tour, which had great narration about the development, but really had very little to see. Near the Ocean Landing dock is a nice welcome center and a restaurant. A short walk leads to the old cannery buildings that contain shops and more restaurants. Those buildings are really beautiful and are also along the water. I walked the 1.5 miles to the town of Hoonah, which was worth visiting. You can also pay a small fee to take a bus to town.

Harry V.

5/5

A magical play land in a truly gorgeous setting! A free tramway whisks you to the base station from which you can ride another steeper tramway to the top of the mountain for $50. Worth every penny! For an additional fee you can zip line to the bottom and then take the tramway back up as many times as you want. The views are spectacular in every direction! There are trails leading to various natural attractions such as an icy lake, a cannery. Be advised that we went in April with the snow season just behind us and the rainy season just ahead. The air was crystal clear, and the 5-10 feet of snow was just starting to melt making for incredible wintry views in every direction. A visit in the summer would be warmer and greener with a high chance of rain.