OUR HISTORY
It All Begins in Hoonah ~ Long before ships arrived at our shores, this land, Haa Aaní, was home to the Xunaa Káawu, an enduring Tlingit community shaped by the sea, the forest, and one another. The story of Icy Strait Point is their story: the story of Hoonah, of a people whose roots stretch deep into this land and remain unbroken. In the early 20th century, a thriving salmon cannery rose along these shores, becoming not just a workplace, but a cornerstone of daily life and cultural strength.
Today, a cultural legacy of resilience and perseverance endures in Hoonah, Alaska’s largest Native Tlingit village. Every tour you take and every meal you enjoy directly supports the people who have called this land home for thousands of years. Whether born here or drawn here, we share a deep pride in welcoming you to Icy Strait Point. Our cultural heritage lives in the stories we tell, the meals we share, and the traditions we pass down.
Icy Strait Point began with a vision: to create opportunity in Hoonah without sacrificing the cultural values that have sustained the Huna Tlingit people for generations. Built on the site of a historic salmon cannery, what was once a symbol of survival has been reborn as a celebration of culture, resilience, and self-determination. Today, Icy Strait Point welcomes the world while keeping community at its heart—sharing Native-owned tours, local cuisine, and the kind of wild Alaska experience that can only come from the people who call this place home.
ANCESTRAL BEGINNINGS
Before the 1800s: The Huna Tlingit, original stewards of Glacier Bay, lived for thousands of years in harmony with the land and sea. When advancing glaciers displaced their homeland during the Little Ice Age, they resettled in what is now Hoonah, meaning “where the north wind doesn’t blow.”
EXPERIENCE OUR CULTURE
Our culture is woven into everything we do. Join Tlingit elders as they share ancestral knowledge, traditional songs, and the flavors of the sea in experiences that invite you not just to watch, but to understand. From cedar-smoked salmon to stories passed down through generations, every moment is a thread in a much larger story.
In Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen
Seafood Feast & Culture Experience
Hoonah Sightseeing & Culture Experience
EXCURSIONS
Whether you're flying through the treetops on the world’s largest ZipRider or navigating rugged trails by ATV, adventure at Icy Strait Point is rooted in place. It’s not about chasing extremes; it’s about discovering Alaska in ways that move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after you’ve left.
Back Country Jeep Adventure
UTV Expedition
Ocean Raft Adventure
SCENIC EXPLORATIONS
Sometimes the best way to experience Alaska is to slow down and take it all in. Glide through towering spruce forests by gondola, wind along coastal ridges in comfort, or stroll to vistas where sea and sky stretch farther than the eye can follow. Every turn reveals a view worth remembering.
Mountain Top Forest Excursions
Back Country Jeep Adventure
WILDLIFE ADVENTURES
The wild still wanders free in this place where the sea meets the forest. Join local guides to witness humpbacks breach in icy waters, brown bears roam ancient trails, and eagles soar through vast Alaska skies. These are not staged moments; they're glimpses into a world still governed by nature.
Kayak Adventure
Wilderness Hike
Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear Search
Whale, Wildlife & Bear Search
Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise
DINING OPTIONS
Dining at Icy Strait Point is more than just great food. It’s a chance to slow down and savor the flavors that define this place. From fresh-caught Dungeness crab and house-smoked salmon to reindeer sliders and local brews, every meal tells a story.
The Crab House
The Cookhouse Restaurant
Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant
SHOPPING
Whether you’re drawn to handcrafted art, cozy apparel, or a fun keepsake to remember the day, our shops offer something for every kind of explorer. Some treasures are made right here in Hoonah—carved, beaded, or painted by local artists. Others come from across Alaska or beyond. But no matter what you choose, it’s a way to take the spirit of Icy Strait Point home with you.
