Tlingit Canoe and Culture Experience
Trip Highlights
Intimate small group tour with a knowledgeable guide
Paddle a hand carved, ancestral 40-foot canoe
Cruise Icy Straits like the Tlingit have done for centuries
Learn about the Tlingit and their culture
Description
Hoonah, Alaska was settled by the Xunaa Kaa’wu in 1754 and is a seaside community surrounded by majestic wilderness. You'll have the opportunity to do something that can only be done in Hoonah! The tribe offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the pristine waters of Icy Strait, aboard a traditional, hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe. Get an up-close view of marine wildlife during this cultural experience as well as enjoy songs, drumming and Tlingit language phrases taught by your crew. This is truly an experience you won’t forget!
Tour info
Why take this tour?
Hoonah, Alaska is a special place, rich in culture and tradition. It is located adjacent to Icy Strait and is home to abundant and diverse wildlife. Settled by the Xunaa Kaa’wu in 1754, due to the advancing ice in Glacier Bay, Hoonah is a seaside community surrounded by majestic wilderness. This experience is an opportunity to do something that can only be done in Hoonah! The tribe offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the pristine waters of Icy Strait, aboard a traditional, hand-carved Tlingit dugout canoe. Enjoy songs, drumming, and Tlingit language phrases taught by your crew. You can get an up-close view of marine wildlife while learning about the Tlingit culture. You are given the opportunity to paddle an authentic 40-foot canoe or just sit back and enjoy the ride. Prior to heading out to sea, guests will be fitted with a life vest and given some tips on the proper use of traditional paddles. This is truly an experience you won’t forget!
Included With Your Canoe Adventure:
In addition to your cultural experience in the canoe at sea, also tour the canoe culture shed. Called the “Yaakw Kahidi,” you'll have the opportunity to view the beautiful totems, wall panel, and display of the Xunaa Shuká Hit and have traditional stories interpreted for you. Interpreters share the traumatic story of the forced migration out of Glacier Bay, the recent partnership with the National Park Service, and our return to Xunaa Shuká Hit, the ancestral homeland of the Hoonah Tlingit. Authentic Tlingit arts and crafts are available at the Kἰndei Gift Shop after the tour.
Included
Life jacket
Round Trips Transfer From Icy Strait Point
Return to ship "Anytime Shuttle Pass" on regular shuttles from The Shops to Icy Strait Point
Local Guide
Frequently asked questions
Things to know
COVID - Heath & Safety
Your health is our top priority! All of our boat crews, drivers and guides are fully vaccinated.
Stringent Cleaning – We’ve increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces and high traffic areas during those tours that allow and between all tours. Aside from the increased cleaning abo...
Your health is our top priority! All of our boat crews, drivers and guides are fully vaccinated.
Stringent Cleaning – We’ve increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces and high traffic areas during those tours that allow and between all tours. Aside from the increased cleaning above, our boats and vehicles are now deep cleaned at the end of each day.
Wellness Checks – Employees receive daily wellness checks, to include temperature to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free. If you or anyone in your group is experiencing symptoms, we will work directly with you to cancel or reschedule your tour.
Cancellation Policy
To receive a full refund guests may cancel up to 24hrs before the experience. If for some reason your cruise ship does not make it to port, or we have to cancel due to weather, this would also be a 100% refund. No refund for cancelations less than 24hrs. This policy does not apply to Private Charters, please email for details.
To receive a full refund guests may cancel up to 24hrs before the experience. If for some reason your cruise ship does not make it to port, or we have to cancel due to weather, this would also be a 100% refund. No refund for cancelations less than 24hrs. This policy does not apply to Private Charters, please email for details.
What to Wear
The weather in Hoonah is often wet (we live in a rainforest.) Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a camera and/or video camera, and comfortable shoes. Keep food and flavored drinks packed tightly away. Water is permitted.
The weather in Hoonah is often wet (we live in a rainforest.) Bring layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a camera and/or video camera, and comfortable shoes. Keep food and flavored drinks packed tightly away. Water is permitted.