elaine5 Posted April 19, 2016 #1 Share Posted April 19, 2016 (edited) I read that some had just DIY walked on the trail by the sea and actually saw whales, sea otters, etc. The excursions are so $$ at Icy for a family of 5. We usually DIY and was wondering if there is enough to fill up 2 hours or so of walking trails and has anyone done this? Also, I read about a show for cruise visitors? Is it free/nomimal fee? We plan to take a whale watching boat the week prior from Vancouver island. Edited April 19, 2016 by elaine5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSecondSister Posted April 20, 2016 #2 Share Posted April 20, 2016 (edited) I was in Icy Strait in August 2012. My sister and I first did a whale watching tour, but then walked around Hoonah. There is a paved road from the dock into Hoonah that follows the rocky beach. It's about a mile, maybe a bit longer. There is a shuttle that runs between the dock and the town. ($5 is what sticks in my mind, though don't quote me on it.) Hoonah is small (population about 750), and there isn't a lot to do. It's a nice little town to walk through - the houses and yards often have quirky or crafty things in them, there's an old cemetery with some lovely and interesting markers -- but unless you're into photography, not much exciting to do. Considering switching your whale watch in Vancouver Island to one in Hoonah as there's a LOT to do besides whale watches in and around Vancouver Island. As to seeing wild life - we saw eagles, otters, seals and whales -- no bears. Good chance of seeing at least eagles and whales even if you're not on a tour. For instance, while the whale watch was great, the best picture I got of a whale was in the harbor, before we even got on the boat. Edited to add - there are some shops at the dock (a converted cannery) with locals in native dress which is fun to wander around. And if you're eating lunch in Hoonah, stop at the Chipper Fish. You won't be sorry! (https://www.facebook.com/AKChipperFish) Edited April 20, 2016 by TheSecondSister Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine5 Posted April 20, 2016 Author #3 Share Posted April 20, 2016 thanks. Whale watching at Icy is $225PP X 5--ouch! We would rather travel more and spend less. Others have posted that they saw whales just walking around near the shore. We are from the East Coast, so all the Pacific NW topography is interesting to us. Hoping for some non-excursion things to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted April 20, 2016 #4 Share Posted April 20, 2016 there is a loop trail at the Icy Strait "compound". The "show" you are talking about- is it the dancers? There is a charge for that. As mentioned there is a free Cannery Museum. You can just take a walk along the marina, up and back. A few food options that are "different". :) I agree, that there is a whole lot you can do in Victoria, and the whale watch tours, aren't 100%, Hoonah is pretty close to 100% for humpbacks. :) It's also an excellent opportunity for brown bears, without a flight. You do need to verify the salmon runs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maureencruiser Posted April 20, 2016 #5 Share Posted April 20, 2016 I googled Icy Strait Walking and found this photo from a blog, I plan on taking it with me when i go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted April 20, 2016 #6 Share Posted April 20, 2016 I googled Icy Strait Walking and found this photo from a blog, I plan on taking it with me when i go. this is the "compound" I mention above. The Cookhouse is also excellent for halibut. :) It's a small, easy strolling area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne123 Posted April 20, 2016 #7 Share Posted April 20, 2016 thanks. Whale watching at Icy is $225PP X 5--ouch! We would rather travel more and spend less. Others have posted that they saw whales just walking around near the shore. We are from the East Coast, so all the Pacific NW topography is interesting to us. Hoping for some non-excursion things to do. Whale Watch is $160 here: https://hoonahtraveladventures.com/activities/premier-whale-watch-tour/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weebles64 Posted April 20, 2016 #8 Share Posted April 20, 2016 I booked my Whale excursion for $160 pp. Try looking through trip advisor for a list of Hoonah whale outing, they all seem to be about the same price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arctickitty Posted April 21, 2016 #9 Share Posted April 21, 2016 As mentioned, there are some walking trails right near the dock in ISP. I enjoyed the walk to town: nice paved walkway with locally carved benches. I picked up a town walking map. There is a scattering of interpetaive signs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elaine5 Posted April 21, 2016 Author #10 Share Posted April 21, 2016 thanks for the link to whale watching. I was under the (mistaken) view that for Icy excursions had to be booked via the ship. $160 X5 is within our range. Plus, looks like we could do the walking trail stuff before/after. Lastly, our ship would be in port 3:30-10pm. Seems like w weird time. Anyone have an idea about whale watching @4pm? Maybe we are better to just walk around? Don't know what we could do up til 10pm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoxiRoo Posted April 22, 2016 #11 Share Posted April 22, 2016 We are whale watching at around 3:30. I don't have any concerns. Keeping my fingers crossed. One note on the maps, I do believe ISP is putting in a new dock for Cruise ships so they don't have to tender. That may affect where you get off the ship. I am not sure of the location. Maybe someone else has more details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K.T.B. Posted April 22, 2016 #12 Share Posted April 22, 2016 (edited) Where do the ships dock in ISP? Or is it a tender? Edited April 22, 2016 by K.T.B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted April 22, 2016 #13 Share Posted April 22, 2016 My information- is the dock is down by the "Icy Strait Point ", compound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
232271 Posted April 29, 2016 #14 Share Posted April 29, 2016 this show a rendering of where they put the dock http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/slideshows/120314/1229854282/slide1.shtml Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKStafford Posted April 29, 2016 #15 Share Posted April 29, 2016 thanks for the link to whale watching. I was under the (mistaken) view that for Icy excursions had to be booked via the ship. For future reference, here's the local companies: http://visithoonah.com/tours_charters.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoonahman Posted April 30, 2016 #16 Share Posted April 30, 2016 Here is an updated map of Icy Strait Point http://icystraitpoint.com Click About Us / Map The Nature trail is located directly ashore from where the ship is docked. Check the website for a new small boat Whale Watching, ZipRider excursion that includes unlimited additional tours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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