Icy Strait Point — Huna Tlingit Cultural Experience

Unlike many Alaska ports, Icy Strait Point offers a cultural experience that is as authentic as it gets. The entire destination is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation, an entity established for the benefit of roughly 1,350 Alaska Native shareholders with deep ancestral ties to the area. This means every dollar spent here directly supports the Huna Tlingit, whose home this has been for thousands of years. This isn’t a performance for tourists; it’s a genuine invitation to share in a living culture.

What to Expect

Your cultural exploration begins the moment you step off the ship into the beautifully restored 1912 Hoonah Packing Company salmon cannery. This historic building now serves as the heart of Icy Strait Point, housing a fascinating free museum, several restaurants, and shops featuring local artisans.

You have a few ways to experience the Huna Tlingit culture:

• Self-Guided Exploration (Free): Wander through the cannery museum to learn about the region’s history with fishing and logging. Visit the Heritage Center to watch master carvers at work on totem poles and paddles, and browse the shops for authentic crafts like woven baskets, silver jewelry, and button blankets.
• Tribal Dance & Cultural Legends (Ticketed): Inside the Native Heritage Center Theater, you can watch a powerful performance by Huna Tlingit members in full, traditional regalia. Through drumming, song, and dance, they share the stories of their ancestors, their connection to the land, and their history, including the story of being displaced from their Glacier Bay homeland by advancing glaciers. Photography is not permitted during the performance, but performers are available for photos afterward.
• Hoonah Sightseeing & Culture Experience (Ticketed): This guided tour offers the most immersive experience. You will travel with a local guide into the nearby village of Hoonah—the largest Tlingit village in the world. Your guide will share personal stories and oral histories as you see significant sites like the local fish camp and hear how the community thrives today. The tour typically concludes with admission to the Tribal Dance performance back at Icy Strait Point.

Don’t forget to sample local flavors at one of the on-site restaurants, which often feature traditional foods like smoked salmon, fresh crab, and delicious fry bread.

Who This Is For

This excursion is ideal for travelers who seek an authentic connection with the places they visit. If you are interested in history, indigenous cultures, and supporting local communities directly, this experience is a must-do.

• Fitness Level: The difficulty is easy. The entire cannery complex is connected by flat boardwalks and is highly accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The guided tour of Hoonah involves some walking but is generally considered low-intensity.
• Age: All ages are welcome. The combination of storytelling, music, and visual art captivates both children and adults, making it an excellent choice for multi-generational families.

This is for the cruiser who prefers genuine heritage over staged shows and wants to ensure their tourism dollars make a positive impact.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

At Icy Strait Point, both booking methods are straightforward. Because Huna Totem Corporation operates the port and its primary tours, the pricing for cultural experiences is often identical whether you book through your cruise line or directly upon arrival.

The main advantage of booking directly on-site is the knowledge that 100% of your money goes to the native corporation. For popular, time-specific events like the Tribal Dance performance or the guided Hoonah tour, booking in advance through your cruise ship is the safest bet to guarantee a spot, as they can sell out. For self-guided exploration of the cannery and shops, no booking is required.

What to Bring

Packing for Icy Strait Point means preparing for variable Southeast Alaska weather.

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be on your feet exploring the boardwalks and potentially the town of Hoonah.
• Layered Clothing: A t-shirt, a fleece or sweater, and a waterproof outer layer will prepare you for anything from sun to rain.
• Camera: The scenery is stunning, and you’ll want to capture the intricate details of the cannery and the totem poles (photos of the performers are allowed after the show).
• Credit Card/Cash: Consider purchasing a souvenir directly from a local artist. All sales benefit the community, and you’ll go home with a meaningful, handcrafted piece.

How to Book

The cultural tours are operated directly by Icy Strait Point.

• Cruise Ship: The easiest and most secure way to book a spot for the dance performance or the Hoonah sightseeing tour is through your ship’s shore excursion desk or online portal before your cruise. Look for “Hoonah Sightseeing & Tribal Performance” or similar titles.
• Directly at Icy Strait Point: Upon arrival, you can purchase tickets for most tours and performances at the Excursion Hub. Follow the signs from where your ship docks; you may need to take a short, free gondola ride depending on your berth.

Given the popularity of these authentic experiences, it’s recommended to book at least a few weeks in advance, especially if traveling during the peak months of June, July, and August.