We first came to Icy Strait on the Celebrity Mercury in 2002. We anchored in the bay and tendered in on the going ashore boats. There wasn't much here but it was unspoiled and beautiful. There was one building and some nice trails and you could walk to town if you wanted. We've been a few more times and watched it grow. The land is owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation. Icy Strait and the hamlet of Hoonah are 35 miles from Juneau.
Now there are four cruise ship docks. Over the years they have developed the land. There is a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, restaurants and even a beach! Eagles soar overhead and whales are regularly seen from the shore.
They put in the world's largest zip line a few years ago. There is a fire pit with nice seats around if you are cold. Last year they built a gondola. It's free and goes up a nice hill from two of the docks to the other two as they are quite a distance for people to walk. This year they opened up another gondola $50 that takes you to the top of the mountain.
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| This picture was taken on the free gondola. See the climbing area below, all free and looks very safe. |
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| This is the brand new gondola that goes to the mountain top! |
You can take a bus into Hoonah for $5.00 return. It's also walkable but it's a couple of miles. We didn't go into Hoonah this trip as we've been there, just enjoyed this unspoiled land and talked to a lot of natives. It is now my favorite port in Alaska!
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| This is the original pier we were brought to years ago. |
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| This is the other two docks, but we were the only ship in Icy Strait |
Everything is owned and operated by indigenous people. Whoever designed this village did an excellent job. The new walkways (former gravel trails) are made of wood, wide and it makes it possible for anyone in a wheel chair to access. There are "no smoking on the land" signs . You won't find Diamonds International, McDonalds or Starbucks. How nice to see the "real" unspoiled Alaska.
Last night another fabulous live performance in the Princess Theatre. David Meyer played a Xylosynth. I had never heard of this instrument and he was incredible. I won't even try to explain it but here it is on You Tube. I found the video but the internet is so slow it won't play so I hope it's good:
Tomorrow the beautiful city of Sitka!
