13 Best Things To Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, For Free

Exploring Icy Strait Point in Alaska offers adventure and breathtaking beauty. But is it worth visiting if you are on a budget? Our guide unlocks the best free things to do in Icy Strait Point, ensuring every traveler finds something to love. From awe-inspiring wildlife encounters to serene moments in nature, this port is a haven. Our article highlights things to do in Icy Strait Point, for free and budget-friendly, so you can enjoy this majestic place’s essence without spending a fortune. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of whale watching from the shore or the tranquility of hiking through lush forests, this port of call invites you to experience the best of Alaska’s wild beauty.

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What To Do in Icy Strait Point For Free? Our Experiences

Chris and I fell in love with Icy Strait Point on our first 10-day cruise to Alaska. But we’ve actually returned to this magical place—one of Alaska’s best ports of call—several times since, because we love its breathtaking scenery.

Our previous article, Icy Strait Point Itinerary for Cruise Passengers, shared tips on how to make the most of a day there.

During our stays in this beautiful port, we took advantage of fascinating guided tours, but we also visited the port on our own and enjoyed its free attractions.

The array of attractions and activities at this port is vast; some are free or budget-friendly. We know how much an Alaska cruise costs and that you don’t want to spend a fortune on paid tours at every port. Fortunately, you can spend engaging time at Icy Strait Point without spending a lot.

Given our expanded experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of free and affordable activities in Icy Strait Point.

This guide is tailored to help you find the perfect experiences that match your interests and needs and are budget-friendly. We show you Icy Strait Point activities related to culture, wildlife, relaxation, sport, and thrills, so you will find something that suits you best.

This way, you can easily plan your visit and explore Icy Strait Point on your own.

Our Tip: If you plan guided tours, like whale watching or zip-riding, check out our article about the best Icy Strait Point shore excursions. We experienced most of them and shared our tips and reviews.

Things To Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, For Free

When planning an Alaska cruise, you should know, that exploring Icy Strait Point, Alaska doesn’t have to break the bank. Many of the most memorable experiences in this stunning location come free of charge, emphasizing the area’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Here’s a list of things you can do in Icy Strait Point for free:

1. Take an Icy Strait Point Transporter Gondola Ride

Icy Strait Point boasts a unique aerial experience with two gondola rides: the complimentary green Transporter Gondola and the Sky Glider gondola, which requires a ticket. The green Transporter offers a 4-5 minute journey amidst the treetops.

You can admire breathtaking views of the sea and lush forests beneath. This service connects two ports within Icy Strait Point, ensuring that even budget-conscious travelers can enjoy a scenic tour.

Boarding the green gondola allows you to glide over verdant branches, offering a thrilling ride and allowing you to appreciate the beauty without cost. This ride isn’t just transportation. It’s an adventure that adds fun and scenic vistas to your visit at no extra charge.

2. Focus on Whale Watching from the Shore

Icy Strait Point is renowned as one of the best spots in Alaska for whale watching. Chris and I had a great time on a whale-watching tour with Hoonah Travel Adventure.

However, we discovered the best encounters with whales while walking along the shore. This experience was spectacular, as we witnessed whales jumping to the surface, offering an extraordinary spectacle of nature, all for free.

Moreover, while relaxing on a restaurant porch, I enjoyed a glass of wine, and Chris had an Alaskan beer. Suddenly, whales began leaping from the water right before our eyes. We couldn’t grab our cameras on time, but the show was amazing.

3. Explore the Beach at Icy Strait Point

One of the best things to do in Icy Strait Point for free is strolling its beaches. The natural coastline around Icy Strait Point offers a peaceful and scenic way to spend time. It’s perfect for photography, beachcombing, and possibly observing marine life up close, all without spending a penny.

Walking along the beach at low tide was a fun experience for Chris and me. We saw hundreds of starfish in beautiful colors like orange, red, yellow, purple, and many mixed hues. They also clung to the wooden poles of the pier. The old green pier, with its mud-covered pilings adorned with starfish, was a stunning backdrop for our photos.

4. Take a Picture of Orca Dream Sculpture

If you’ve ever been to Juneau on a cruise, you might have admired the stunning Tahku humpback whale fountain. In a similar spirit, Icy Strait Point boasts an impressive bronze Orca sculpture gazing out at the sea and mountains.

Created by the renowned artist and conservationist Wyland, this piece is part of his efforts to raise awareness about whale conservation. Wyland is famous for his Whaling Walls, over 100 large-scale murals depicting life-sized whales and marine life worldwide.

The Orca Dream Sculpture offers a perfect backdrop for a captivating photo or selfie. While we were at Icy Strait Point, we didn’t spot any killer whales in the wild, but there’s always hope for next time.

This striking statue is near the main cruise port, at Keet Plaza. Interestingly, “Keet” means Orca in the Tlingit language, adding a layer of local significance to the sculpture.

5. Visit Hoonah Packing Co. Cannery Museum

Visiting the Hoonah Packing Co. Cannery Museum offers a unique journey back to Alaska’s fishing past. Exploring this place is one of the best free activities in Icy Strait Point. Established in 1912, this historic site is a testament to the bustling salmon industry that shaped the region.

Today, transformed into a museum, it allows you to enter the world of those who lived and worked at the heart of Alaska’s salmon canning operations. Over a century-old building holds stories of hard work, innovation, and community life.

The museum has original machinery and artifacts, providing a hands-on look at the cannery’s operations. Each exhibit tells part of Alaska’s fishing heritage, from the challenges workers face to the evolution of fishing techniques.

The museum celebrates the industry’s economic impact and honors the people who built this community.

The museum offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural treasure. Inside, you’ll discover shops filled with local Alaskan handicrafts, providing a perfect opportunity to support the community. Consider purchasing a unique souvenir to remember your visit. This not only commemorates your experience but also contributes to the local economy.

6. Go on a Hike on Nature Trails

The area around Icy Strait Point offers several trails, such as the Icy Strait Point Nature Trail. These trails provide breathtaking views and free encounters with local wildlife, making hiking a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Alaska’s natural beauty.

7. Enjoy Bird Watching and Viewing Local Wildlife

The region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with many opportunities to observe various local and migratory birds. We had a chance to admire bald eagles. You can enjoy bird watching along the beach or through the forests without any fees.

Icy Strait Point’s surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including brown bears and deer. Spotting these animals in their natural habitats can often be done while hiking or from safer areas around the port, free of charge.

8. Take a Walk to Hoonah

One of the best things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, for free, is take a walk to Hoonah. Exploring Hoonah is like stepping into a vibrant postcard of Alaskan culture and natural beauty. Just 1.5 miles away, this small town is packed with authentic experiences, many free or affordable.

If you don’t want to walk, you can take a shuttle from Icy Strait Point. A ticket, go and back, is affordable, as it’s only $5 per person. Here are top things to do in Hoonah.

In Hoonah, stroll along the piers and observe the day’s catch being prepared by commercial fishermen. This authentic experience offers a glimpse into the local way of life. Keep an eye out for eagles perched in their nests, especially the one directly opposite the school. This is a rare opportunity to watch these magnificent birds up close.

Walking to Icy Strait Point along the scenic 1.5-mile-long pathway is a must for those who love nature. This walk offers stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife such as eagles, sea lions, and maybe even whales in the distance.

9. Admire Totem Poles

In Hoonah, you can immerse yourself in the local Tlingit culture. Admire totem poles around town, crafted by local Tlingit carvers, which tell the stories of their people and land. These totems throughout Hoonah offer a unique and free way to connect with the area’s rich history and traditions.

If you are interested in local tradition and want to see more extremely interesting totem poles, visit Sitka National Historical Park or totem poles in Ketchikan.

10. Enjoy the Scenic Views

Offering some of the most stunning vistas in Alaska, Icy Strait Point offers panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and forests. Several accessible vantage points are available without fees.

Budget-Friendly Activities in Icy Strait Point

You can experience the above 10 activities in Icy Strait Point utterly free of charge. But there are also some cheap options to consider when you have one day in Icy Strait Point. Of course, each of us has a different budget, so an affordable or budget-friendly option has a different value for each of us.

So, we assumed an inexpensive attraction would cost no more than $50 per person. In a separate article, we described other attractions and the best Icy Strait Point excursions.

11. Experience the Vibrance of Tlingit Culture Through Dance

Adjacent to the Cannery Museum, a tribal hall opens doors for an enriching cultural experience: a Tlingit dance performance. This event is a captivating gateway into the Tlingit community’s vibrant culture and Alaska’s rich history. It costs only $25 per person.

It is performed by high school students adorned in ceremonial attire. The tribal dance at Icy Strait Point brings to life the traditions and stories of the Tlingit people, narrated by an elder. The narrative woven through their performance bridges past and present, inviting you to engage deeply with the culture.

The inclusion of a Q&A session enriches this cultural journey, offering insights into the region’s diverse tribes, their history, and their enduring legacies. The performance is bilingual, seamlessly blending English and the Tlingit language, providing a comprehensive understanding of the narrative and significance of the dance.

12. Try Local Alaskan Beer and Salmon

While my go-to drink is usually wine, Icy Strait Point’s prices surprised me. It’s a humorous reminder that Alaska isn’t exactly known for vineyards. However, diving into the local drink scene, we discovered the beers from a nearby Hoonah brewery, priced between $6-8, were a delightful surprise, particularly for Chris, who thoroughly enjoyed their unique taste.

Equally compelling is the local salmon. It’s a must-try, showcasing the freshness and quality of Alaskan waters. This culinary adventure, embracing the local beer and salmon, satisfies the palate and offers a genuine taste of Alaska’s rich culinary landscape. Fresh grilled Alaskan salmon at Duck Point Smokehouse Restaurant was approx $25.

13. Take The Sky Glider Gondola Ride

On our personal list of the best things to do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, without breaking the bank, we recommend the red Sky Glider gondola ride to Hoonah Mountain. Launched in 2022, this ride gives you a new perspective on Alaska’s stunning landscapes.

If you’ve missed the chance to experience Juneau’s Goldbelt Trams, this gondola offers a similar thrill. With round-trip tickets priced at USD 49.95, it’s an accessible adventure for most.

No need to buy tickets in advance—just get them on-site if the weather and visibility are good. If it’s cloudy or rainy, skip it and save your money for other attractions.

At the summit, several hiking trails greet you, each offering unique views and challenges. However, be aware that these trails may occasionally be closed due to bear activity in the area. It’s wise to check the trails and gondola service status before making your purchase to ensure you get the full mountain experience.

Things To Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, For Free: Final Thoughts

The Icy Strait Point fact is that this port was built for tourists to develop the economy in the area. Many attractions are paid for. However, there is much to do for free, so you can add this port to your itinerary even if you are cruising on a budget.

Visiting Icy Strait Point doesn’t mean you have to spend much money. There are many free things to do in Icy Strait Point, showing you the best of what Alaska offers. You can watch whales jump out of the water, learn about local traditions from the totem poles around town, and catch sight of eagles soaring in the sky.

Walking through Hoonah brings you closer to the heart of Alaska’s community. It’s a place where the mountains meet the sea, and the locals live in harmony with nature. Seeing bears on a trail or joining a cultural dance adds to the adventure, all without costing a thing.

Remember, enjoying Icy Strait Point is about the experiences you collect, not the cash you spend. It’s about feeling the crisp air, seeing the wildlife up close, and understanding the stories of the people. This place proves the best adventures are often free, filled with moments that stick with you long after you return home.

However, read our article about Icy Strait Point top excursions, as some of them are worth a penny.

If you are a budget-conscious traveler, check out our related articles:

• Top Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Skagway
• Best Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Juneau
• Best Affordable and Free Activities in Ketchikan
• Top Things To Do in Haines, Including Free Activities
• Free and budget-friendly attractions in Sitka

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