From Cache

Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour

4.9
66 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.

Cruising to Alaska in 2026? Complete our excursions inquiry form.

Click here to sign up to be notified about excursions for 2026. Once your requested tour becomes available, our team will notify you via email. All of our tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing our Excursion Inquiries Form gives you the best chance of booking all of your desired experiences for next year.  

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

66 total

92%
6%
2%
0%
0%

Gerald V

On Jun 2025

John and Marilyn provided a great experience, not only showing the countryside and looking for wildlife, but explaining the cultural significance of many customs and traditions. They were wonderful hosts and guides.

Michael L

On Jun 2025

This was a wonderful excursion - one we will recommend to everyone who goes to Icy Strait and Hoonah! The Alaskan native guides were so knowledgeable, patient, and helpful that it made the time go by so quickly. Plus, we got to see a mother and cub - even before the salmon run began. Highly recommending this to everyone!

Keith M

On Jun 2025

I would highly recommend this tour! John and Marilyn are fabulous guides. It was tricky to find wildlife on the day we were out, but John managed to find us a couple of Coastal brown bears. In the meantime, meandering through the lush forest, listening to their stories, and chatting with them gave us a peek into the life and culture of the island that we wouldn't have had otherwise.

April K

On Jun 2025

Super friendly guide, no bears, we were a little early in the season, but a nice ride through the area

Joseph W

On Jun 2025

Excellent tour. Guides John and Marylin were excellent with local knowledge and tales along the way. we were lucky enough to see 3 bears.

$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

From Cache -BTN