From Cache

Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour

5.0
6 reviews

Excursion Overview

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

Chichagof Island, where Icy Strait Point 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 Point. 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

Your 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.

Please note: guests traveling with infants (3 and under) are required to bring along a car seat for them. Car seats are not provided. Booster seats will be provided for children older than 4.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Roundtrip transportation from the Icy Strait Excursions Hub

Requirements:

  • There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

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

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Yes, you will need to bring along your own car seat for any children 3 and under, per Alaska state law. We do not provide car seats for children under 3. Booster seats will be provided for anyone who is 4+.

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

5.0

6 total

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Meggen T

On Oct 2023

We were spoiled and happened to be the only guests who booked a tour on the day we were at port in Icy Strait Point--it also happened to be their last tour day for the season. What a treat for us! We thoroughly LOVED hearing the stories and seeing the sights that the guides shared with us. They are so knowledgeable about the area, the animals, the flora and fauna, and the local history--being longtime locals themselves. We saw a juvenile brown bear, several Sitka deer, many squirrels and birds, and BEAUTIFUL scenery all around! Being with our local guides was so comfortable--like being with relatives you forgot you had! We cannot recommend this tour and these amazing guides enough. Do it! You won't regret it!

Randy W

On Sep 2023

Our tour with John and Marylyn was amazing and the highlight of our trip. Both of them have spent decades living on the island and there knowledge of the area was evident in our tour. Not only did we see three bears, but also harvested local herbs and berries. It was a tour for all the senses.

Frances O

On Sep 2023

Marilyn and John were our guides and they were the best! They had so much knowledge about everything Alaska! They were able to take us to the perfect spots to see bears in the wild. Being locals and full time residents they were able to share so many cultural ways! Ask for John and Marilyn by name!!

Shawn B

On Sep 2023

We were blessed to have John and Marilyn as our driver and guides. As local First Nation and Tlinglit people, they are extremely knowledgeable about their environment and the flora, fauna and animals. I was amazed at the variety of berries that can be foraged for, more than any place I know. I always enjoy learning as much as i can about any location, and medicinal plants and others. We saw several squirrels, and bear, that we were able to get out of the van, (very quietly) and take photos. They were both on the lookout for recent bear signs during the whole drive and conferring with the other drivers to obtain the most viewings possible. The location has a beauty all its own and one that I will not forget, thanks to John and Marilyn.

Olivia S

On Aug 2023

I cannot emphasize how amazing our tour was and how much we enjoyed spending the morning with John the tour company owner. This tour was the highlight of our trip. John is not only a friendly and fun guy but really knows his stuff. We were able to see five total bears, two sets of a mother and cub and one male bear. He also brought us to a beautiful spot where we could try local berries fresh off of the plants. John's van is also incredibly clean for something that takes tourists around the natural beauty of the Alaskan mountains. I would really recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn about the area from someone who lives there and who wants to really enjoy nature. John is so knowledgeable and we felt safe with him even while we were (somewhat) close to the bears. 10/10 recommend.

$135.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$135.00

Duration: 3 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 3 hours



Age: 13+

Adult: $135.00

Child (Ages 4-12): $100.00

Ages 3 and under

Infant: $0.00

From Cache -BTN