ICY STRAIT POINT: Alaska's Newest Cruise Port! 🧊🚠 Things to Do: Sky Peak Gondola, Cannery and Hike 🦅

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Icy Strait Point is one of the newer destinations in Alaska, having first opened to cruise ships in 2004. The idea to make this a cruise port came about because logging and fishing, the community’s main sources of income, were failing. Yet, this destination had so much potential!

A 1912 Alaska salmon cannery was restored and turned into a museum, nature trails were created, a mountain gondola was built, and 100% Alaskan-owned retail shops were installed! The result is a beautiful tourist destination overlooking Glacier Bay.

Icy Strait Point is owned and operated by Huna Totem Corporation, an Alaska Native-owned and operated company with profits directly supporting the local community.

This was the second stop of our Alaska cruise with Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), and it was honestly one of our favourite stops! We spent the day riding the transporter gondola, learning about salmon canning at the Cannery, strolling the beach, going on a nature hike, and riding the Sky Peak Gondola for epic views of Glacier Bay.

Plus, there are lots of activities, like treetop trekking, riding the world’s largest ZipRider, jeep tours, whale watching cruises and more!

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🐟🌲 Alaska’s Icy Strait Point Things to Do: Epic Salmon, Gondolas, Wildlife & Forest Trails | Cruise Vlog 🦅🚢

🛳️ Arrival at Icy Strait Point
Welcome to Icy Strait Point, Alaska—our second port on this epic cruise! Right after disembarking, we’re greeted by stunning forests and two bald eagles perched right in front of us. The energy is calm, the air fresh, and the views already promise an unforgettable day. This is the Alaska we came to see: wild, raw, and breathtaking.

🦅 Wildlife Encounters & First Impressions
Almost immediately, we’re treated to wildlife sightings—bald eagles, deer, and the ever-present chance of bears (signs warn us to stay alert!). The weather’s cool but pleasant, making it perfect for wandering and soaking in the atmosphere. Icy Strait Point is a tranquil, small destination, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and get back to nature.

🚠 Activities & The Gondola Ride
Main attractions include the free Transporter Gondola and one of the world’s largest zip lines. We opt for both: a scenic gondola ride through lush, dense forests (so much rain here!) and a plan to hike back via the forest trail. At the top, the panoramic views of Glacier Bay are nothing short of jaw-dropping—a total “this is Alaska” moment.

Tip: The Sky Peak Gondola (paid, $49) is steep, thrilling, and delivers absolutely epic scenery for the adventurous.

Family Note: The area is super family-friendly, with a welcoming info centre, places to eat, and washrooms right off the dock.

🍴 Exploring Local History: The Salmon Cannery & Museum
Next up is the historic Huna Cannery—now a fascinating museum. Here, we dive deep into the history of salmon canning in Alaska.

Highlights:

See original machinery and learn how salmon were processed and canned.

Discover the role of red cedar in totem pole carving and the durability of local wood.

Reflect on the generations of families who lived, worked, and survived thanks to these industries.
It’s an interactive lesson in local culture, wildlife, and resourcefulness. This is more than just a museum—it’s a window into Alaska’s rugged past.

🐟 The Life Cycle of Wild Salmon
Daniel takes us through the extraordinary life cycle of the wild salmon:

Born in clear, mountain creeks, young salmon journey out to the Pacific, spend years growing strong, and then—guided by an unknown, mysterious instinct—return to the exact spot they were born to spawn and die, providing vital nutrients for the forest and wildlife.

The interconnectedness between salmon, bears, eagles, wolves, and the forest ecosystem is truly awe-inspiring.

The cycle is still not fully understood—a real marvel of nature.

🌳 Forest Walks, Giant Trees, and Jurassic Vibes
We explore Alaska’s unique rainforest.

Strolling along the beach, we marvel at enormous driftwood logs, learning about log transport by water and the importance of cedar trees (naturally resistant to rot and insects).

The vegetation is lush and otherworldly—massive leaves, mossy ground like a sponge, and thick canopies make it feel like Jurassic Park!

Treetop Trekking: Adventure courses wind through the forest canopy for those feeling bold.

🌄 Sky Peak Gondola & Glacier Bay Views
Sam braves the epic Sky Peak Gondola ($49) for even higher vistas of Glacier Bay:

Steepest ride yet, but totally worth it for the panoramic lookouts.

After the thrill, a relaxing walk through the woods completes the experience.

#alaska #cruisenorwegian #alaskacruise

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