Docking
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Walkable to Town
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Distance to Town
1 mi / 1.6 km
Walking Time
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Accessibility
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Typical Time
For a typical 8–10 hour call, allocate half the day to a signature excursion such as whale watching, bear viewing, or ziplining, and the remainder to exploring the cannery complex, riding the gondola, and enjoying a relaxed meal. Build in a buffer for weather and transport, and if guests are curious about local life, include an hour or two to stroll or shuttle into Hoonah.
Getting to Town
1 mi / 1.6 km
Distance to Town
Best Time to Visit
May through early September is ideal for cruising into Icy Strait Point, with the highest chances of clear views, active wildlife, and comfortable temperatures in June–August.
This is a cool coastal rainforest: expect frequent light rain, mist, and overcast skies year-round.
Daytime summer highs are typically in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C), but it can feel colder on the water and in the wind.
Alaska is not in the Atlantic hurricane zone, but fog, rain, and low clouds can occasionally delay flights and small-boat excursions.
Top Shore Experiences
- ✓Short whale-watching or wildlife-spotting boat tours with indoor seating, great for multiple generations.
- ✓Gentle nature trails around Icy Strait Point, including the path between Wilderness Landing and Ocean Landing.
- ✓Ropes courses and kid-friendly adventure park elements (age and height restrictions apply; check with the line or operator).
- ✓Shuttle or walk into Hoonah for ice cream, small-town exploring, and beachcombing along the shoreline.
- ✓Cannery museum walkthroughs and native cultural performances or storytelling when available.
Local Food & Drink
- Fresh local seafood such as halibut, salmon, and crab served at port restaurants and small eateries in Hoonah.
- Halibut tacos and fish-and-chips, an easy crowd-pleaser between excursions.
- Duck Point Smokehouse for surf-and-turf plates, local beer, and water views close to the ship.
- Cookhouse Restaurant near the cannery complex, known for scenic harbor views and Alaska-inspired dishes.
- Locally brewed or regional Alaskan beers available at several bars and restaurants.
- Sweet treats like mini-donuts and baked goods at portside stands, ideal for a quick snack with a view.
Shopping Tips
- Browse the Warehouse and Cannery Complex at Icy Strait Point for Alaska-made gifts, apparel, and nautical souvenirs in a historic setting.
- Look for authentic native Tlingit art, carvings, jewelry, and prints sold by local artists either at the port or in Hoonah.
- Consider food souvenirs like smoked salmon, jams, and locally branded snacks (check customs rules for taking them home).
- Hoonah’s small shops provide a more low-key, local alternative to the larger port stores, often with unique handmade items.
- Prices can be higher than big-city ports due to the remote location; advise clients to buy items that feel truly special or hard to find elsewhere.
Agent insights
Emphasize that this is a nature- and culture-focused port rather than a big shopping stop, and that marquee tours (especially whale watching and ZipRider) often sell out—pre-booking is wise. Prepare clients for cool, damp weather even in mid-summer, and encourage them to carry binoculars and a camera at all times since whales and eagles are often visible right from the shore and pier.