The 5 Best Things to do near Icy Strait

The Icy Strait separates the Alaska mainland to the north and Chichagof Island to the south. It has everything one hopes to find in Alaska: wildlife, adventure, history, and exposure to native cultures. 

On Chichagof Island is Alaska's largest Native Tlingit village of Hoonah. The Icy Strait port of Hoonah is an island community near Glacier Bay National Park, which can only be reached by seaplane or boat. While visiting this charming little town, you'll find plenty to see and do, including whale watching, fishing, hiking, and shopping.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do near Icy Strait and in Hoonah, Alaska:

1. Whale Watching

Highlights: Glacier Bay, Humpback Whales, Alaskan Brown Bears

Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do when visiting Alaska, and there are plenty to see near Hoonah. The Icy Strait is visited every summer, starting in May, by Humpback whales that come to feed in the nutrient-rich waters. They stay around until September when they migrate south for the winter.

The Icy Strait Whale Watching Tour will take you out on a charter boat to see the amazingly active Humpback Whales visiting for the summer. While riding out to see the whales, you may spot local wildlife, including eagles, blue heron, Alaskan brown bears, puffin, and blacktail deer. 

Best of all, Whale sightings are guaranteed. If you do not see a whale, you will be fully refunded.

2. Wildlife Viewing

Highlights: Alaskan Brown Bears, Bald Eagles, Tongass National Forest

Chicagof Island is one of the best places to see bears. It was named "Bear Island" by National Geographic because of the number of bears that live there (1-2 bears per square mile). The Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour provides a convient, narrated van ride through the Tongass National Forest as you search for bears, river otter, mink, bald eagles and other wildlife. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience the Icy Strait River Fishing & Bear Search and Icy Strait Private Bear Search, provide a true Alaskan adventure as your small group hikes along beaches, river shore and muskegs in search of bear. 

3. Fishing

Highlights: Halibut Fishing, Stream Fishing

Hoonah, Alaska is a great place to enjoy either halibut fishing or stream fishing. Halibut Fishing is perfect for those who want to enjoy a day on the water and experience the thrill of reeling in a big halibut. You'll have the option to ship home your catch, for an addational fee. Steam fishing provides the chance to take in the natural beauty as you enjoy catch and release fishing for trout, salmon or dolly varden. Anglers can choose from fly rods and spinner reels.

4. Hoonah

Highlights: Tlingit Culture and Art, Local Seafood, Shopping

Image Source: City of Hoonah

Between your adventures, take some time to explore Hoonah's history, culture, food, and activities. Visitors can get to Hoonah by shuttle bus or walk the scenic 1-mile seaside path from Icy Strait into town. While there you can enjoy a local resturant or the Icy Strait Village Tour and Crab Feast.  

5. The Cannery

Highlights: Gifts, Locally Made, Food

Stroll to the historic Cannery complex for fresh crab at the Crab House or try one of the other restruants for fresh fish, woodfire pizza or a signature cocktail. Visit the shops for handcrafted art, cozy apparel or a fun keepsake. 

This is just a taste of what’s available near Icy Strait. To find more, check out all of our Icy Strait tours.