Icy Strait Point: Authentic Alaska and Wild Wonders
- Gina Voges Rogers
- May 25
- 6 min read
Hey there, travel family!
If you’ve been following along with our big Alaska 2027 announcement, you know my heart is absolutely fluttering with excitement! We’ve been talking about the majestic glaciers and the gold rush history of Skagway, but today I want to take you somewhere truly special. It’s a place that feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself, mixed with a deep, soulful connection to the people who have called this land home for thousands of years.
I’m talking about Icy Strait Point.
When we pull into this port on our 15-day escorted journey next May, personally escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers in partnership with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket, I want you to take a deep breath. Can you smell it? That crisp, salt-tinged air mixed with the scent of ancient cedar and spruce? That is the smell of authentic Alaska. Unlike some of the busier ports where you might find the same diamond shops and souvenir chains you see everywhere else, Icy Strait Point is different. It’s owned and operated by the Huna Tlingit people, and every single inch of it reflects their love for this land.
It’s about culture. It’s about wildlife. It’s about family. And most importantly, it’s about creating those cherished memories that stay tucked in your heart long after the suitcases are unpacked.
A Step Back in Time (With a Great Cup of Coffee)
One of the first things we’ll see as we hop off the ship is the restored 1912 salmon cannery. It’s this beautiful, bright red building that stands as a testament to the history of Hoonah. Walking through it isn’t just a "museum" experience; it’s an invitation to see how life was lived here over a century ago. You can see the old machinery, the vintage labels, and really get a sense of the grit and grace it took to thrive in the wilderness.
But don’t worry, we’re not just looking at old machines! The cannery is now home to some of the most charming local shops you’ll ever find. We’re talking about real, authentic Native Alaskan art, jewelry made from local shells and stones, and the kind of smoked salmon that will make you want to buy an extra suitcase just to bring some home!
I love just "chilling" (as the kids say!) on the waterfront here. There’s something so peaceful about watching the water lap against the shore while you sip on a warm drink and chat with your fellow travelers. In our group, we aren't just tourists; we’re a community. We’re experiencing this wonder together, and that’s what makes Gina’s Adventures so special.
Connecting with the Spirit of the Land: Tlingit Culture
You know, I always say that travel is a gift from God that allows us to see the vibrant tapestry of His creation. At Icy Strait Point, that tapestry is woven with the rich traditions of the Huna Tlingit.
We absolutely must visit the Heritage Center together. Watching the Huna Tlingit dancers in their stunning regalia is an experience that will give you goosebumps, the good kind! They share their history through songs and stories that have been passed down for generations. It’s not a show; it’s a sharing of their soul.
When you look at the totem poles standing tall against the rainforest backdrop, you aren’t just looking at wood carvings. You’re looking at family trees, stories of survival, and symbols of the Raven and Eagle moieties. It reminds us of the importance of legacy, something we value so deeply here at Gina's Adventures. We’re not just taking a trip; we’re honoring the stories of those who came before us while we write our own.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, we can even hop into a traditional hand-carved dugout canoe! Imagine us, paddling together, learning Tlingit phrases, and feeling the rhythm of the tides. It’s a moment of pure, immersive connection that you just can't get anywhere else.
Wild Wonders and Whale Tails
Now, let’s talk about the neighbors, and I don’t mean the people in the next cabin! Icy Strait Point is located on Chichagof Island, which famously has more bears per square mile than anywhere else on Earth. (But don't worry, I've got you covered, we'll stay in the safe zones!)
But the real stars of the show? The whales.
Point Adolphus, just a short boat ride away, is world-renowned for humpback whale viewing. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, quite like the sound of a whale's blowhole echoing across a silent bay, or the sight of a massive tail fluking before a deep dive. Witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a humbling reminder of the vastness and beauty of our world.
Last time I was there, we saw a mother and her calf just playing in the water. It was a "pinch-me" moment! In our May 2027 group, we’ll have our cameras ready, but I’ll also encourage you to just put the phone down for a minute. Soak it in. Let the majesty of the moment fill your spirit. These are the "unforgettable" experiences we promise you.
For the Thrill-Seekers: The ZipRider!
Okay, for my friends who want a little extra "oomph" in their adventure, Icy Strait Point has a little something called the ZipRider. And by "little," I mean the world's longest zip line!
Picture this: You’re standing at the top of a mountain, 1,300 feet above sea level. Below you is a sea of emerald green trees, and beyond that, the sparkling blue waters of the Icy Strait. You sit back, take a breath, and then, whoosh! You are soaring through the air at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
It is absolutely exhilarating! It’s the kind of fun that makes you feel like a kid again. And the best part? You can zip down right next to your friends! We can have six of us going at once, screaming and laughing all the way to the bottom. Whether you’re a total adrenaline junkie or just someone looking to step a little outside your comfort zone, the view from up there is something you will never forget.
Why You Should Join Me in May 2027
Icy Strait Point is just one of the incredible highlights in the official "Short Version" itinerary for our "Join Me in Alaska!" 15-day journey. This isn't just a cruise; it's a fully escorted, heart-centered adventure, personally escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers in partnership with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket, that blends an unforgettable Alaska land tour with a beautiful cruise aboard the Celebrity Solstice.
Here’s the journey at a glance:
Day 1: Transfer to Florida Airport, flight to Fairbanks.
Days 1-3 (Fairbanks): Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Riverboat Discovery, Fairbanks City Tour with North Pole, Wilderness Express Domed Rail to Denali.
Days 4-5 (Denali): Denali Park Village, Denali Park Tundra Wildlife Tour, Denali Jeep Adventure, Denali Cabin Nite Dinner and Show, Wilderness Express to Anchorage.
Day 6 (Anchorage): Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains.
Days 7-8 (Seward): Harbor 360 Hotel, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Tour.
Days 8-15 (Cruise - Celebrity Solstice): Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Inside Passage.
Day 15: Flight to Florida, Transfer back to Highlands County.
What I especially love is how Icy Strait Point holds such a meaningful place in the cruise portion of Days 8-15. After soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Hubbard Glacier and before wrapping up with Ketchikan and the peaceful Inside Passage, we get this very special stop that brings together Native culture, wildlife, and that authentic small-town Alaska feel. It’s not just another port on the map. It’s one of the most personal and memorable parts of the cruise experience.
We handle all the details for you: flights, transfers, hotel stays, the Wilderness Express dome rail, and your cruise booking: so you can simply relax, explore, and enjoy every cherished moment together.
We’ll witness the blue ice of Hubbard Glacier, explore Juneau, walk historic Skagway, and then experience the wild welcome of Icy Strait Point as a standout stop during the cruise. Truly, this is the kind of journey that stays with you for a lifetime.
Let’s Make Memories Together!
Friends, life is short, and the world is wide. I truly believe that we are called to explore, to learn, and to grow through the beauty of travel. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with your family, or coming along solo to find a new community of friends, there is a place for you in our group.
We are filling up fast for our May 21, 2027 departure, and I would love nothing more than to see your name on the list! If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally take that "bucket list" trip, this is it.
Let’s go see the whales, hear the stories of the Tlingit people, and maybe: just maybe: conquer that ZipRider together. I can’t wait to share this remarkable journey with you.
Blessings and happy travels,
✝️ Gina and Travis Rogers Gina's Adventures
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