Experience Icy Strait Point: Alaska's Unique Cruise Port

Icy Strait Point provides a variety of activities primarily designed for cruise ship passengers, blending adventure with cultural and natural exploration. A highlight is the world’s largest and highest zip line, stretching 5,330 feet long with a 1,300-foot vertical drop, offering exhilarating views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. For those seeking a more relaxed perspective, a gondola ride ascends into the mountains, perfect for leisurely hiking and sightseeing. The port also offers excursions like Alaska Native dance performances, bear viewing, and whale watching, allowing guests to connect with the region's wildlife and heritage.

Since its opening in 2004, Icy Strait Point has become a significant draw for visitors, particularly cruise ship guests arriving in Hoonah. The port's core is a meticulously restored salmon cannery. This historic structure now houses a museum detailing its past, various local arts and crafts shops, and restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood with waterfront views. A mid-1930s cannery line display offers a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage, providing a walkable and engaging experience directly from the pier.

Icy Strait Point caters to a diverse range of travelers. Adventure seekers will appreciate the thrilling zip line and opportunities for mountaintop exploration via the gondola. Nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Alaskan wilderness through dedicated bear viewing and whale watching excursions. Those interested in local culture and history will find the restored salmon cannery, its museum, and Alaska Native dance performances particularly engaging. The port's focus on cruise ship passengers ensures a curated experience with various options available for different interests and activity levels.

Icy Strait Point is specifically designed as a cruise port, meaning many amenities and activities are conveniently located for arriving passengers. The restored salmon cannery serves as a central hub, offering dining options where visitors can savor fresh seafood. A range of excursions are available directly from the port, simplifying logistics for exploring the area. Several cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity, Viking Ocean Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Ritz-Carlton, and Silversea, regularly include Icy Strait Point on their itineraries.

While Alaska offers many captivating ports, Icy Strait Point distinguishes itself with its unique blend of a historic cannery village and modern adventure attractions. Unlike some larger, more developed cities, Icy Strait Point maintains a focused experience centered around its restored cannery, the world's largest zip line, and direct access to wildlife viewing. Nearby Alaskan locations like Hoonah, Sitka, or Glacier Bay National Park each offer their own distinct charm, but Icy Strait Point's integration of cultural history with high-adrenaline activities and accessible nature excursions provides a memorable and unique stop on an Alaskan itinerary.