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Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour

4.9
53 reviews

Excursion Overview

Join the fun on a guided driving tour across the beautiful Chichagof Island

Chichagof Island, where Icy Strait is situated, is near the entrance of Port Frederick Bay. This body of water is known to the Indigenous Tlingit people as the Bay of Bears due to its abundance of salmon.

The Bay of Bears contains six major salmon streams. Once the yearly salmon spawn begins, the streams are teeming with wildlife looking for fish. You'll have a chance to see bears as they attempt to fatten up for the winter, and other wildlife like river otters, mink, bald eagles, and martens.

The tour begins from Icy Strait. You'll drive around the island in a passenger van, searching for bears, while your tour guide narrates the scenery around you. They'll talk about their lives in rural Alaska and their experiences with local wildlife. Imagine living in a town with more bears than people!

One of our guests' favorite things to do on tour is to pick their own berries and herbs. Your expert guide will describe the medicinal purposes of the local plant life, explaining the healing properties and nutritional benefits. Some of the wild berries growing here contain more nutrients than any cultivated berries per pound.

This tour is very special, providing an experience that you won't find anywhere else. You will not regret getting off the beaten path and joining this experience!

Depart from the Excursions Hub with your lifelong Hoonah residential guides

our guides are excited to share local history and stories from living in Hoonah and all that Chichagof Island has to offer. This tour is a three-hour driving tour with a few very short walks. Wildlife is not guaranteed but your guides will do their best to point out any sightings.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the Icy Strait Excursions Hub

Requirements:

  • Minimum age to participate is 5 years old

Duration: 3 hours (Roundtrip from the Excursions Hub.)

  • 3 hour narrated scenic drive around the island

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets at the Excursions Hub. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb into and out of the van. There is minimal storage for collapsible wheelchairs or walkers. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age to participate is 5 years old.

Booster seats will be provided for anyone who is 5+.

Our success rate for seeing bears is very high, however, wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Our area has more bears per square mile than any other place in Alaska with 1.7 bears per square mile.

Backpacks, small bags, and purses are allowed on this tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.​

Food and drinks are not included.​

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

53 total

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Larry M

On May 2025

John and Marilyn, our guides, were terrific. As true locals, they drove us all around the backcountry in their small van and showed us so much of the island we would have otherwise missed. Although we did not see any bears, as it was not salmon spawning season, it was not for lack of trying. They did however teach us so much about the island history and the Tlingit culture. Would recommend this tour. Thanks John and Marilyn for a fun day. Good luck to you both!!

Sung Youn Edward H

On May 2025

It was really great hepl to change the excursions schedule due to the cruise ship changed their sudden schedule. Because we can't do nothing to adjust our excursions schedule change for ourselves.

PAUL H

On Oct 2024

Way Awesome!!! The couple that drove us and narrated were just amazing!! Thats the one place I wanna go back to>

DAVID P

On Oct 2024

Excellent, great way to see the Alaskan wild. Our tour guides were the best.

Joy M

On Oct 2024

John and Marilyn are kind, knowledgeable, funny and all-around amazing tour guides and the only tour operators in the area that are actually lifelong residents of Hoonah. Highly recommend this tour.

$145.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$145.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Adult (13+): $145.00

Child (5-12): $100.00

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