12 Best Things to Do in Hoonah, Alaska

By VI Staff on June 9, 2020 - Updated

Courtesy of cec72 - Fotolia.com

From towering glaciers to cultural attractions which delve into the culture of the native Tlingit people, the city of Hoonah has it all. It’s a destination for many Alaskan cruises who port there so that visitors can see all of the unique and fun things to see and do. Must-do activities include visiting the Huna Tribal House, whale watching on the Icy Strait, and going for a ride on the world’s longest Icy Strait Point ZipRider.

1.Icy Strait Point

Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is a privately-owned tourist destination that has a variety of things to see and do. It continually preserves the culture and character of the local natives and has won many awards over the years by renowned bodies such as Conde Nast Traveler and National Geographic Traveler. Aspects include a museum which is housed in a converted packing company, restaurants, and shops. You can spend your time going on ATV or jeep expeditions, enjoy a wildlife tour, go whale watching, or get out on the waters with a memorable boating experience.

108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600

2.Huna Tribal House

The Huna Tribal House, of Xunaa Shuka Hit, is a 2,500 square foot structure which is the first permanent Tlingit clan house in the area since their villages were destroyed over 250 years ago. It was completed by native youth to commemorate their ancestry and culture, giving tribal members a place to connect with their homeland, and was designed based on photographs and records from the tribe’s past. The tribal house has many events throughout the year and is used for tribal meetings, ceremonies, camps, workshops, and various other programs. Visitors are able to explore it and better understand their traditional styles while walking through the large open gathering area.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Phone: 907-697-2230

3.Icy Strait Brewing

While you’re in Hoonah, stop by Icy Strait Brewing for some of the finest handcrafted beers in Alaska. Focused on “creating tasty memories”, they produce cold, fresh brews that use the best ingredients. Their taproom is one of the most comfortable place for you to have a few drinks and hang out with friends; while you’re there you can enjoy the stunning surroundings of Southeast Alaska’s natural beauty. Some of the more popular items from their selection are the IPA Is Good India pale ale and their oatmeal stout. Be sure to pair your drinks with savory treats straight from the taproom kitchen such as their Alaskan smoked fish board or a grilled cheese sandwich.

286 Front Street, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-723-5482

4.Warehouse Shops at Icy Strait Point

For authentic Alaskan souvenirs and gifts, explore Warehouse Shops at Icy Strait Point. There are twelve shops, all 100% Alaskan owned, in the historic complex that was once a renowned cannery. You’ll have a great experience that will let you take back a piece of this wonderful place back with you. There is something for everyone, including items such as winter fashions, fine gold nugget jewelry, unique home decor, and handcrafted treasures that reflect the area’s history and culture. Another item that people love taking back with them is the delicious canned sockeye salmon which is caught right in Hoonah.

108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600

5.Tok River Outfitters

Tok River Outfitters has been offering locals and visitors a chance to explore the Icy Strait via fishing expeditions, marine nature tours, and whale watching tours for over twenty years. There’s tons of flora and fauna that you’ll come across during your Tok River experience including seeing much of the area’s brown bear population, eagles, otter, deer, moose, wolves, harbor porpoises, sea lions and much more. Their three-hour fishing excursions are some of the best in the area as the waters are renowned for its excellent saltwater fishing opportunities. All of the tours are conducted by their captain Chris Erickson, who has a lifetime of experience chartering through the waters of Icy Strait and has a vintage United States Coast Guard captain’s license.

345 Harbor Way #637, Hoonah, Alaska 99829, Phone: 907-957-2410

6.Icy Strait Point - Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise

Icy Strait Point’s Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise is an amazing and incomparable experience that guarantees that you will see whales and other marine wildlife during your tour. The journey starts from the harbor at Icy Strait Point, where you will depart on a comfortable, covered vessel that has been personalized for the cruise. Alaska has one of the largest populations of humpback whales, and on your way to see them, there’s a chance you’ll also see seals, porpoises, and sea lions as well. The onboard naturalist will describe all of the diverse species and landmarks you come across, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.

7.Hoonah Travel Adventures

One of the premier tour companies in the area, Hoonah Travel Adventures is one of the best ways to see the whales and wilderness surrounding the lovely land. Some of their most popular tours include the whale watch group, the wilderness tour and brown bear search, and their Chichagof Island Arctic cat tour. The small business is veteran-owned and is managed by professional who have years of experience in providing thrilling nature tours in the area. You can also try their Taste of Hoonah tour to sample some of the local cuisine, go on a city tour to explore the area, or rent out a jeep to do some sightseeing on your own.

570 Marine Way, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-321-3393

8.Icy Strait Whale Adventures

Guaranteeing that you’ll see some of the many whales that call the area home, the Icy Strait Whale Adventures company is renowned for providing memorable tours that you will love during your stay in Hoonah. The company is managed by Tlingit natives, whose people have navigated these magnificent waterways for over 10,000 years. The guides you’ll meet were born and raised in Hoonah and have learned the intricacies of the area through years of experience. Their custom-made whale-watching vessels are safe, comfortable, and are filled with local snacks and refreshing beverages to make your experience an amazing one.

274 Marine Way, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-321-7585

9.The Crab Station at Icy Strait Point

Located within the historic Icy Strait Point, the Crab Station excels at introducing foods and drinks focused on Alaska’s renowned King, Snow, and Dungeness Crabs. The crabs served are caught in local waters and kept alive until cooked, ensuring freshness with every bite. There are tons of delicious items on the menu that shouldn’t be missed such as their special Alaska Crabby Bloody Mary which comes packed with crab meat, celery, shrimp, olives, lime, and more. Their dockside seating is one of the best places to enjoy your meal from as you can take in the gorgeous views of the surroundings while you dine.

Icy Strait Point: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600

10.The Cookhouse - at Icy Strait Point

The Cookhouse Restaurant is waterfront dining at its finest while in Hoonah, Alaska. You will be able to enjoy fresh local seafood, that is prepared in a variety of styles such as their famous Alaska halibut and chips or the Alaska salmon BLT sliders. The restaurant has been around for over a century, feeding hungry locals and visitors with delicious meals that please the stomach and the soul. All of the seafood is locally sourced, but if you’re not in the mood for crab and shrimp, their menu also includes Alaska Blue Burgers which is made with reindeer meal and topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions.

Icy Strait Point: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600

11.Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant - at Icy Strait Point

Duck Point Smokehouse is Icy Strait Point’s signature restaurant, serving incomparable foods which you can feast on as you overlook the beaches and stunning views that surround you. It’s the perfect place to relax while on or between tours as it’s just a few steps away from the ISP Adventure Center as well as the world’s largest ZipRider attractions. You can dine on their specialty brick-oven pizzas or their signature Icy Strait Point surf and turf, which includes their famed Alaskan blue sliders as well as their house-made crab tater tots. Be sure to pair your meal with a house cocktail or try one of the many local beers and brews which are on tap.

Icy Strait Point: 108 Cannery Road, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600

12.Glacier Wind Charters

No trip to Hoonah, Alaska is complete without going whale watching in Icy Strait, which is home to one of the largest populations of humpback whales in Alaska. Glacier Wind Charters is a family owned and operated tour business that has been providing exceptional Alaskan experiences since 1995. Tours are conducted on catamarans that can hold up to six people and is specially designed to maximize your whale watching experience via an enclosed heated cabin with large windows. Their popular ‘Whale and Wildlife Excursion’ tour last around three-and-a-half hours and is sure to provide an experience unlike any other. All of the boats include safety equipment, restrooms, and other modern conveniences as well.

Hoonah, Alaska 99829, Phone: 907-978-9651

13.Icy Strait Point ZipRider

The Icy Strait Point ZipRider is the world’s longest zip line ride that provides an experience unlike anything you’ve ever done before. The amazing experience starts long before you sit on the zipline, when you’re taken on a six-mile trip up the mountain to the top station. During the ride, you’ll be able to enjoy gorgeous views of the scenery and may even come across local wildlife. Once you get to the top, the view is spectacular, and you’ll be able to see the port, the communities of Hoonah, and so much more. The ride takes a minute or so from the top to the both, taking you through dense forest canopy as you prepare to slide into the beach at Icy Strait.

108 Cannery Rd, Hoonah, AK 99829, Phone: 907-789-8600