Icy Strait Point Cruise Port Guide & Visitor Tips

Planning to visit Icy Strait Point on your Alaska cruise? You’re in for something special. This remote port, near the Native village of Hoonah, offers rich culture, breathtaking views, and thrilling adventures. But arriving here is different than at bigger towns like Juneau or Skagway. That’s why we’ve created this in-depth Icy Strait Point cruise port guide—based on our own visits and up-to-date research. In this article, you’ll find clear tips on docking locations, getting around, booking excursions, and what to expect on port day. We break it down simply, step by step. So you can make the most of your time—without stress or confusion.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Icy Strait Point Cruise Port Guide – Our Experiences and Resources

Chris and I have visited Icy Strait Point several times, and it quickly became one of our favorite Alaska cruise ports. It’s completely different from towns like Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, or Ketchikan.

There’s no historic downtown, streets, or rows of old buildings. Instead, what you’ll find here is something more raw, more natural—and deeply cultural.

We’ve enjoyed unforgettable whale watching here. It’s one of the best spots to observe whales during an Alaska cruise—sometimes you can even spot them right from the shore!

We’ve taken in the tribal dance performance, and soaked in the views from the Skyglider gondola. This port may be small, but it offers powerful experiences.

If you’re planning your own adventure, don’t miss our related guides:

• One Day in Icy Strait Point – Itinerary for Cruise Passengers
• Free Things to Do in Icy Strait Point
• Best Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions

If you plan to explore other Alaska ports, check out our related series:

• Juneau Cruise Port Guide
• Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide
• Sitka Cruise Port Guide
• Skagway Cruise Port Guide
• Haines Cruise Port Guide

But now, let’s focus on helping you navigate the port itself—where ships dock, how to get around, and what to expect when you step ashore. Is it walkable? What about wheelchairs or scooters? We’ll cover all that and more, so your visit can be smooth and stress-free.

Where Cruise Ships Dock in Icy Strait Point

Owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, the Icy Strait Point has two cruise ship piers: Ocean Landing Pier and Wilderness Landing Pier. Both are modern floating docks. You won’t need a tender boat at either location.

Ocean Landing Pier

This was the first pier built at Icy Strait Point. It’s located right next to the historic cannery complex and the Adventure Center Hub, which serves as the main meeting point for most shore excursions.

If your ship docks here, you’ll be just a few steps from restaurants, shops, museums, trails, and tour check-ins. This area is the heart of Icy Strait Point and is flat, and wheelchair accessible, however the surface in some areas is partly gravel, not paved.

From this dock, you’ll have immediate access to:

• The restored cannery museum and boardwalk
• Local artisan shops and eateries
• ZipRider check-in
• Tribal Dance Theatre
• Coastal walking trail to the native village of Hoonah

Everything is within a short, easy walk.

Wilderness Landing Pier

The second pier, Wilderness Landing, opened in 2021 and is used by larger ships. It’s located about half a mile south of the original dock, tucked into a lush forested area. If your ship docks here, you’ll arrive in a quieter, more natural setting. But don’t worry—it’s still easy to reach all the main port attractions.

You have two main options to get to the central part of the port:

• Transporter Gondola – A free, enclosed gondola ride connects Wilderness Landing to the Adventure Center Hub near the cannery. The ride takes about 4-5 minutes and offers great views of the forest canopy and shoreline. It’s fully accessible and runs frequently throughout the day.

• Nature Trail – A scenic, flat path winds through the rainforest and takes about 15–20 minutes on foot. The trail is well maintained, but it’s gravel—not paved. Since you’re walking through a natural forest, you may encounter small obstacles like uneven spots, branches, or puddles after rain. It’s still manageable for most people, and many use it with strollers or mobility aids, but a bit of caution is helpful.

Another bonus: Wilderness Landing is also the base for one of Icy Strait Point’s most popular attractions—the Skyglider Gondola.

This gondola climbs to the top of Hoonah Mountain and offers incredible views of the coastline, rainforest, and ocean. It’s not the free transporter, but a separate attraction you can book as an excursion or activity.

Getting Around the Port & to Hoonah

Getting around Icy Strait Point cruise port is simple, but it helps to know what to expect.

The Transporter Gondola (green color) connects Wilderness Landing Pier with the main port area near the Adventure Center Hub. It’s free, fast, and fully wheelchair-accessible. The ride takes about 4–5 minutes and saves you from walking between the two piers.

Walking path between gondola and the Adventure Center Hub (Excursion Hub) is flat and well-maintained, but is gravel, not paved. These short gravel stretches—usually just 2–3 minutes on foot—can be a bit tricky after rain, especially for wheelchairs or scooters. However, the surface is packed and manageable for most visitors with mobility concerns.

Once you arrive at the Adventure Center Hub, this is where most shore excursions begin. Look for the main meeting points near the tour counters and info signs.

If you’d like to explore the nearby native village of Hoonah, you have two options:

• Walk: It’s about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way, and 30-40 minutes. The trail is paved, scenic, and follows the shoreline. It’s wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, though there are a few gentle inclines. You’ll pass forest views and oceanfront lookouts—great for photos and spotting wildlife.

• Shuttle: The shuttle to Hoonah leaves from a stop located just outside the historic cannery and tribal theater, near the popular donut shop. You’ll reach it via a well-maintained gravel path—only a brief 2–3 minute walk from the Cannery Hub. Tickets cost $3 one-way or $5 round-trip, paid at the kiosk nearby. The shuttle runs every 20–30 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to reach Hoonah. There are no stops along the route, making it a direct, convenient option for those not walking.

Accessibility at Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is thoughtfully designed to welcome guests with mobility needs. The park emphasizes accessibility across its key attractions and pathways.

Pathways and walkways

The area around Ocean Landing Pier, the cannery, shops, and eateries features smooth, paved surfaces, with ramps instead of stairs. Even wooden boardwalks have level, ramped access.

Transporter Gondola

The free gondola linking Wilderness Landing and the Adventure Center is fully wheelchair and scooter accessible. Cabins have fold-up seats and minimal gaps, and staff assist with boarding.

Sky Peak (Skyglider) Gondola

The Skyglider to Hoonah Mountain summit is also ADA compliant. Guests can ride a wheelchair or scooter up, with space for mobility devices at both bottom and top station. But at the top the surface is gravel.

Mobility carts & utility vehicles

ISP offers small utility carts that shuttle guests between docks, camps, and the cannery hub. They’re handy for those who prefer not to walk long distances.

Few Drawbacks

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. After getting off your cruise ship at the Wilderness Landing Pier, you’ll cross a short section of gravel before reaching the free gondola or the paid Skyglider. The route between the two docks also includes some mild hills.

While most of the terrain is friendly, it can be a bit tiring for those with mobility concerns. The historic cannery is wheelchair-accessible, but once you leave the building, you may face small sections of uneven ground.

To reach the tribal dance theater, the shuttle to Hoonah, or even the paved trail into Hoonah, you’ll likely need to cross unpaved areas.

The Tribal Dance Theater building is wheelchair-accessible and comfortable inside, but reaching it requires crossing a short unpaved path. After heavy rain, puddles and muddy patches can appear, which may be tricky for wheelchairs or scooters.

If that could be an issue for you or someone in your cruise party, ask about the free mobility carts and utility vehicles available at the port. They’re a great help and easy to arrange.

Icy Strait Point Port Amenities & Visitor Services

When planning an Alaska cruise, is good to know, that Icy Strait Point is one of the most organized cruise ports in Alaska. It was built specifically for visitors, so you’ll find plenty of useful services the moment you step off the ship.

Restrooms & Visitor Desk

Clean restrooms are located inside the historic Cannery building, near the Adventure Center Hub. The Visitor Information Desk is easy to spot—it’s near the main entrance of the Cannery, where staff can answer questions, provide maps, and help with directions.

Wi‑Fi Access

Free Wi‑Fi is available near the Cannery and some shops. However, it can be slow or spotty when multiple cruise ships are in port. If you need reliable internet, consider using your own data plan or international roaming if available.

Indoor & Outdoor Seating

There’s covered outdoor seating around the Cannery for relaxing between excursions or enjoying the view. You’ll also find indoor benches in the Cannery’s common areas and shops.

Shops & Local Eats

The Cannery is home to several local shops with Alaskan-made gifts, jewelry, and souvenirs. Popular eateries include:

• Cookhouse Restaurant – Serving Alaska seafood, burgers, and chowder in a rustic setting with harbor views.
• Duck Point Smokehouse – Great for smoked salmon, fish tacos, and local brews. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating.
• Lil Gen’s Donuts – A visitor favorite! This little stand near the Tribal Theater sells fresh, warm mini donuts in fun flavors.

All amenities are within a few minutes’ walk from both cruise docks and are wheelchair and scooter friendly—though you may need to cross short gravel patches.

Final Thoughts

Icy Strait Point can feel different than other Alaska ports — quieter, more nature-focused, and more spread out. But that’s part of its charm. Once you understand how the port is laid out and how to move between areas, it becomes easy to enjoy your time.

Plan ahead if you have mobility concerns. While most areas are accessible, short gravel sections and mild slopes might require extra time or assistance. Free gondolas and paid shuttles help you get around smoothly, and the scenic walk to Hoonah is a great option for those who enjoy gentle strolls.

It’s absolutely worth adding Icy Strait Point to your Alaska cruise itinerary—this unique port offers unforgettable nature, culture, and wildlife.

Do You Like It? Pin It For Later!