20 Fun Things To Do In Icy Strait Point

1. Ride The Transporter Gondola

The Transporter Gondola is a free aerial tram that connects the Wilderness Landing cruise ship dock to the Adventure Center in Icy Strait Point. The ride takes about 4 minutes and offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It is part of the Icy Strait Point complex which also has the Skyglider Gondola, the ZipRider, and other attractions.

The Transporter Gondola is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is reachable to people with disabilities. There is a parking lot available at the Wilderness Landing Station. Visitors can access different exciting experiences like the ZipRider, and hiking trails.

2. Get An Orca Selfie

The Orca Selfie experience at Icy Strait Point is a popular attraction that allows visitors to get up close and personal with big sculptures of orcas that provide fun and memorable photo chances. The Orca Selfie spot is easily accessible and open to all visitors.

To avoid crowds, try visiting the Orca Selfie spot early in the day or later in the afternoon. This will give you more time and space to get the perfect shot. It is a great way to start your visit with a fun and iconic Alaskan photo. The attraction also serves as a reminder of the region's rich marine life and the importance of conservation.

3. Scour The Beaches

Scouring the beaches at Icy Strait Point provides a beautiful and immersive experience that allows you to connect with Alaska's natural beauty on a personal level. Whether you are searching for interesting finds, enjoying the wildlife, or taking in the beautiful view, beachcombing here is a peaceful and satisfying way to spend your time.

You can find crabs, large crab claws, sea cucumbers, and kelp bulbs under the dock. The waterfront is mostly plentiful at low tide. Under the pier, the barnacle-clad pilings are a photographer's heaven and make for beautiful pictures. The best time to visit the beaches is during low tide when more of the lakeside is exposed.

4. Visit Hoonah

Hoonah is a small town on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska near Icy Strait Point. It is famous as a fishing society and is a shelter of the Hoonah Tlingit people. Hoonah is a popular point for fishing lovers and provide chances to catch salmon, halibut, and other groups.

The nearby area is famous for its natural beauty, with mountains, forests, and waterways providing enough chances for hiking, boating, and wild animals viewing. The best time to visit Hoonah is during the summer months when the weather is gentle.

5. Explore The Cannery Museum

The Cannery Museum at Icy Strait Point is an amazing historical place that sheds light on the region's rich past. The explorer can learn about the once-thriving salmon canning industry that was the economic backbone of Icy Strait Point. They can visit shows that showcase the process of salmon canning from start to finish, giving you a direct understanding of the industry.

They can see a collection of historical antiques, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the cannery's workers, their lives, and their contributions to society. It provides different educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages that makes it a great place for families and school groups.

6. Focus On Whale Watching From The Shore

Icy Strait Point is the main point for whale watching in Southeast Alaska. The nearby waters are shelters for whale groups like Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Minke Whales. Many ships that visit Icy Strait Point provide whale-watching trips as part of their lakeside excursions.

Self-sufficient whale-watching tour operators in the area also have boat trips for whale-watching. Even in summer, the weather can be changeable, so it is important to dress fully and bring a water-resistant jacket.

It is essential to maintain a safe distance from the whales and avoid bothering their natural actions. The best duration for whale watching at Icy Strait Point is during the summer months from May to September.

7. Tour The Tree Top Adventure Park

The Tree Top Adventure Park at Icy Strait Point is an amazing open-air experience for people of all ages. The park has many zipline chances with different levels of difficulty. As you zipline through the forest shade, you will view beautiful nearby mountains and ice fields.

The park also has aerial barrier courses that test your balance, agility, and problem-solving skills. The courses include elements like rope ladders, cargo nets, and swinging bridges. The park has a gift shop. The staff at the Tree Top Adventure Park are experienced and knowledgeable and will ensure your safety and provide you with a catchy experience.

8. Ride The World’s Largest Ziprider

Icy Strait Point is a pretty point in Southeast Alaska and is the shelter of the world's largest zipline popular as the ZipRider. This exciting attraction provides an amazing experience for exciting experience seekers. It reaches a maximum height of 1,000 feet above the ground which provides beautiful views of the nearby mountains and ice fields.

Riders can get up to 70 miles per hour which creates a memorable adrenaline run. The ZipRider is prepared with state-of-the-art safety features which ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all riders.

It is reachable to people of all ages which makes it a popular attraction for families and groups. The combination of speed, height, and view makes the ZipRider a memorable experience.

9. Watch A Native Tlingit Show

Icy Strait Point, is a pleasing center point in Southeast Alaska that provides visitors the chance to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Tlingit people. Native Tlingit shows are the best part of the area, showcasing the lively arts, music, and dance of this native group.

You can listen to engaging stories and legends passed down through generations. You can learn about traditional Tlingit crafts and skills like weaving, carving, and basketry. By taking part in these shows, you are supporting local Tlingit artists and helping to preserve their traditions. The shows are a unique and memorable experience that you will not find anywhere else.

10. Ride The Gondola To Hoonah Mountain

Riding the gondola to Hoonah Mountain at Icy Strait Point provides tourists with a lovely and calm journey to one of the most beautiful spots in the area. The journey to Hoonah Mountain starts with a ride on the Transporter Gondola. As you reach there, you will see amazing views of the nearby landscape like the dense Alaskan rainforest, the coastline, and the expansive waters of Icy Strait.

The gondola to Hoonah Mountain is mostly operational during the cruise season, from May to September. Many hiking trails start from the top of the mountain that offer different levels of difficulty. You can spot wildlife like eagles, deer, and bears.

11. Have A Brew At Icy Strait Brewing

Icy Strait Brewing Co. is a local winery in Icy Strait Point, Alaska. It is famous for its craft beers inspired by the rough Alaskan wilderness and provides different flavorful experiences for visitors. The brewery has a different style to suit different tastes from lagers to more experimental brews.

You can enjoy your favorite brews in the warm taproom which has live music and local events. You can also take a winery tour to learn about the brewing process and sample some of their signature beers. They may provide a chance of snacks or light bites to accompany your drinks.

12. Rent A Kayak

Renting a kayak at Icy Strait Point provides a chance to visit the natural waters and beautiful views of this Alaskan place. Kayaking allows you to visit secret coves, beaches, and waterways at your own pace. You can view water life like seals, sea lions, and various bird species.

If you have a fishing license, you can try fishing for salmon, halibut, or other groups in the nearby waters. You can think about joining a guided boating tour with a local guide who can share views about the area's past, wild animals, and ecology.

13. Enjoy Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen

Alaska's Wildest Kitchen is a cooking cuisine experience provided at Icy Strait Point, Alaska. It is a live cooking class organized by a local Alaskan fisherwoman and wild chef. You will get to taste and learn about the freshest Alaskan seafood from the source. You will have the chance to grill your catch-of-the-day over an alder-wood grill.

You can learn about the Tlingit people's traditional fishing and cooking way as well as their connection to the land and sea. After the demonstration, you will get to taste the dishes prepared during the session. This might include sampling different kinds of salmon, tasting freshly grilled halibut, or trying a choice of smoked seafood.

14. Take A Bear Wilderness Tour

Icy Strait Point provides visitors the chance to experience the rough Alaskan wilderness closely and personal with a guided bear wild tour. You will have the chance to see bears in their natural environment, watching them hunt for food, fish in rivers, or connect with each other.

The tour will take you through the beautiful Alaskan wild that provides beautiful views of mountains, ice fields, and countryside. You should maintain a safe distance from the bears and avoid making loud noises. Guides will use specialized techniques and tools to ensure a safe and respectful meeting with the bears.

15. Go Halibut Fishing

Icy Strait Point is a famous fishing point in Southeast Alaska, and halibut fishing is one of the most well-known activities. The nearby waters are filled with the fish that make it a dream come true for fishermen of all expertise. The area provides good fishing conditions with deep waters and food sources for halibut.

While fishing, you will be surrounded by an amazing view of tall mountains, glaciers, and natural wilderness. You can think about hiring a local fishing guide who can provide expert knowledge and tools.

16. Watch A Totem Pole Carving

Totem poles are a sign of Native American culture, and Icy Strait Point is the best point to observe and learn about this art shape. The Tlingit people have a rich heritage of totem pole carving. Totem poles are tall, carved wooden bars that show stories, legends, and family pasts.

Guided tours and workshops can provide a view into the past, symbolism, and approach involved in totem pole carving. It has animals and natural elements that enact the Tlingit people's deep connection to the land and sea.

17. Take The Hoonah Mountain 360 Tram Tour

The Hoonah Mountain 360 Tram Tour at Icy Strait Point provides an amazing aerial experience that provides full views of the nearby countryside. On a clear day, you may be able to spot ice fields in the distance along with the massive LeConte Glacier.

You can enjoy the rough beauty of the Alaskan wild as you soar above the treetops. Many hiking trails start from the summit of Hoonah Mountain which provides different levels of difficulty and view. You can spot wildlife like eagles, deer, and bears.

18. Enjoy The Area In A Tlingit Canoe

A Tlingit canoe tour at Icy Strait Point provides a new experience that allows you to visit the area's natural waters on a traditional Native American vessel. Tlingit canoes have been used as a way of riding for centuries and play an important role in the culture and past of the Tlingit people.

You can find bays, natural beaches, and secret gems that are unreachable by land. You can spot water life like seals, sea lions, and various bird species. You can also learn traditional Tlingit paddling techniques from experienced guides.

19. Take An ATV Expedition

All-terrain vehicle expeditions at Icy Strait Point provide an amazing way to view the rough Alaskan wild. These guided tours take you through the beaten path that provides an exciting and memorable experience. You can enjoy beautiful views of the nearby mountains, ice fields, and countryside.

The experienced guides will guide you on the tour, ensuring your safety and providing necessary information about the area. You can spot wild animals like bears, eagles, and deer. You can travel through difficult land like muddy trails, rocky paths, and dense forests.

20. Take A Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tours at Icy Strait Point provide an amazing way to experience the pleasing beauty of Southeast Alaska. You will see full views that are simply memorable. You can get close to big ice fields and see their calving, a natural phenomenon where large chunks of ice break off and jump into the water.

You can choose from different flight options like short scenic flights or longer tours that explore more of the area. It is reachable to people of all ages that make it suitable for families and groups.