Welcome to one of the easiest, most walkable cruise ports in Alaska. Unlike large municipal ports like Juneau or Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point is a private enclave owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, the layout is highly concentrated, intuitive, and pedestrian-friendly. Best of all? It’s a private port—ships dock directly at the Icy Strait Point pier, meaning you will not waste any time waiting for tender boats.
Here is exactly how to navigate the port, from utilizing the free gondola to finding the best smoked salmon without wasting a minute of your port day.
Understanding the Icy Strait Point Layout
Because Icy Strait Point is a private port, the footprint is mostly limited to the restored 1912 salmon cannery and the immediate surrounding forest. The port has two main piers: Ocean Landing and Wilderness Landing.
- Ocean Landing: This is the original dock. When you step off the ship, you are immediately deposited at the Adventure Center. This puts you directly adjacent to the Cannery shops, the Duck Point Smokehouse, and the rocky beach.
- Wilderness Landing: This newer dock is situated slightly further down the coastline. It serves as the main excursion hub for forested ATV tours, hiking, and the gondolas.
No matter which dock your ship is assigned to, all port amenities are within 0.3 to 0.5 miles of the pier on the cannery complex. You can comfortably walk the entire primary footprint in about 15 minutes.
Getting Around the Port (Walking & Gondolas)
You do not need to book an expensive excursion just to enjoy the views. Moving between the two docks and the upper mountain is largely handled by two gondola systems.
The Free Green Transporter Gondola
If your ship docks at Wilderness Landing, but you want to grab lunch at The Crab Station near Ocean Landing, you do not have to walk. The Green Transporter Gondola connects the two docking areas. It is completely free, runs continuously all day, and takes about five minutes each way. It is a fantastic, low-effort way to get a bird’s-eye view of the towering evergreens without spending a dime.
The Red SkyGlider Gondola
To access the top of Sky Peak mountain for panoramic views of Glacier Bay and Port Frederick, you need the Red SkyGlider Gondola. This boards near Wilderness Landing. Unlike the green transporter, the red gondola requires a paid ticket (roughly $50 for an unlimited all-day pass) unless you have already purchased a zipline excursion.
Distances to Key Attractions
Whether you are strapping into a harness or looking for wildlife, knowing exactly how far you have to walk is critical. Here is what to expect for the top activities:
- The Cannery Museum and Shops: 0.1 to 0.3 miles from either dock. The entire retail and historic complex is flat and paved. Be sure to check out The Cookhouse Restaurant located right in this central hub for incredible halibut and chips.
- ZipRider Zipline: Reaching the world’s largest ZipRider takes a bit of transit. The ZipRider boarding area requires a 0.5-mile walk from Ocean Landing. From there, you will take a shuttle to the mountain (which is included in your ZipRider ticket) to reach the actual 1,330-foot vertical drop launch pad.
- Bear Viewing: Nature lovers will be thrilled to know that you don’t always need a massive bus tour to see Alaska’s coastal brown bears. There are designated bear viewing platforms located just 0.5 miles from the pier via a scenic shoreline path. Walk quietly, especially in the early morning, for your best chance at spotting wildlife.
- Whale Watching: Because Icy Strait Point sits near the mouth of Port Frederick and Glacier Bay, the transit time to wildlife is minimal. Most whale watching excursions require just a 10-minute boat ride from the dock area to reach primary feeding grounds where humpbacks bubble-net feed.
How to Get to Downtown Hoonah
Icy Strait Point is the purpose-built cruise port, but Hoonah is the actual Tlingit village where the locals live. If you want to escape the cruise crowds, grab a local beer, or buy authentic native carvings, you need to head into town.
Hoonah town is exactly 1 mile from the port. You can easily walk this via the paved, flat pedestrian path that traces the shoreline—it takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace. If you have mobility concerns or simply want to save your energy for other adventures, a free shuttle runs continuously between the port and the center of Hoonah. Look for the shuttle pickup area near the main ticket booths at the edge of the port complex; it makes grabbing local seafood effortless and will not burn through your valuable excursion time.
Transportation Logistics: No Taxis or Rideshares
Do not pull out your smartphone expecting to call an Uber or Lyft. Because this is an exclusive, privately-owned destination, there are absolutely no taxis and no rideshare services available. It is a closed ecosystem, meaning it is a private port with only shuttle transportation provided directly by the port operators.
If you book an independent excursion (like a local fishing charter based out of the Hoonah harbor), you will need to walk or take the free shuttle into town to meet your captain. Otherwise, all official cruise line excursions depart directly from the Excursion Hub at Wilderness Landing or the Adventure Center at Ocean Landing. Everything is centralized, making Icy Strait Point one of the most stress-free ports on your entire Alaska itinerary.