🇺🇸 Icy Strait Point, United States — Cruise Port Guide
A restored salmon cannery owned by the Huna Tlingit — whale-rich waters, a mountain-length zipline, and the tiny village of Hoonah next door.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Icy Strait Point
Best May through September; expect cool, rainy Southeast Alaska rainforest weather typical of Chichagof Island, with temps in the 50s-60s°F.
Getting back to the ship on time
Whale-watching boats and zipline or ATV wilderness tours run in remote parts of Chichagof Island where weather and logistics can cause delays, so independent travelers should build in at least an hour of buffer since this small port has limited local transport if you're running late.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Icy Strait Point
Whale-watching cruise
Spot humpbacks and orcas in Icy Strait's rich waters.
ZipRider
Drop 1,300 feet on one of the world's longest ziplines.
Hoonah village walk
Follow the shoreline mile into Alaska's largest Tlingit village.
Cannery museum
Original 1912 machinery and salmon-packing exhibits.
Forest & shore trail
Easy rainforest loop with eagle and otter sightings.
Tlingit dance performance
Songs and stories in the Heritage Center theater.
Popular excursions
Spasski River Bear & Wildlife Search
Guided rainforest boardwalks scanning for coastal brown bears and eagles.
What to eat
- Wild Alaskan salmon
- Halibut fish & chips
- Dungeness crab
- Smoked-salmon chowder
- Salmonberry desserts
Weather by month
Best time to visit: May–Aug (cruise season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 35° | 26° | 7" |
| Feb | 38° | 28° | 5.5" |
| Mar | 42° | 31° | 5" |
| Apr | 49° | 36° | 4" |
| May | 56° | 42° | 3.5" |
| Jun | 61° | 47° | 3" |
| Jul | 63° | 51° | 4" |
| Aug | 63° | 50° | 5.5" |
| Sep | 57° | 46° | 9" |
| Oct | 49° | 40° | 10.5" |
| Nov | 41° | 33° | 8.5" |
| Dec | 37° | 29° | 8" |
Local phrases
A little history
Icy Strait Point is wholly owned by the Huna Totem Corporation — profits support the Tlingit community of Hoonah.
The waters of Icy Strait are among Alaska's most reliable for humpback whale sightings.
The 1912 cannery is now a museum of Alaska's salmon-packing era.
Gunalchéesh — thank you — is a word worth learning; dance performances share living Tlingit culture.