Introduction to the Icy Strait

Rich in coastal marine life and exceptional paddling waters; we cruise the coastline of the panhandle. This area is part of the Tongass National Forest and used under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. It supports a passageway for many varieties of sea and bird life and is also a connector to and from the outside 'Gulf of Alaska' for fishing trawlers and ocean freighters. The specific area we will visit has a high influx of halibut, salmon and plankton on which the whales and sea lions feed.

Humpbacks, Orcas, Stellar Sea Lions, seals and a multitude of other sea and bird life follow us along this spectacular coastline. From Hoonah, Alaska, we paddle our expedition kayaks to Point Adolphus which has the largest congregation of Humpback whales in the Alaskan panhandle. Full breaches and the waving flukes of these intelligent giants are a daily and welcome occurrence. After hanging out with these placid creatures and exploring the inter tidal zone we tour back to the small village of Hoonah. A most memorable journey to the sea!

Remember that we are visitors in this diverse ecosystem. The animals (i.e.. grizzly, moose) that travel these areas have priority. We do not carry firearms on any of our tours but are equipped with capsicum pepper spray to be used only as a deterrent; which we have not had to employ so far. We have included information on wildlife viewing and encounters with these magnificent creatures and how to deal with situations appropriately. Your guides have been trained specifically to deal with any such occurrence.

On our tour of Icy Strait our time is spent exploring the grandeur of this special area. With loaded double kayaks made for the sea we can quickly and easily maneuver ourselves along the coastline. Campsites along this stretch are easily accessed. Grizzly bear, deer and bald eagles are some of the animals that may be sighted while viewing the wide expanse of the surrounding alpine. On the water you may see porpoise, Stellar Sea Lions, harbour seals and the mysterious Humpback and Orca whale. You may just want to simply relax and stare off onto the ocean with its dramatic backdrop.

The Coast of Alaska has a rain forest climate that can be quite wet. That being said, sunny days are not uncommon. Please come prepared with good rain gear and plenty of sunscreen for the sunny days!

The species we are likely to catch is coho salmon. They are caught in fresh and salt water from July to September. They average 3 to 5.5 kilos (8-12 lbs) in weight and are 45 to 75 cms. (24 to 30 inches) long, but individuals weighing 14 kilos (31 lbs.) have been landed. In salt water they are taken by trolling or mooching (drifting) with flies or lures along shore or kelp beds. (Pixie lures seem to work the best for our clients). Coho are spectacular fighters and the most acrobatic of the Pacific salmon, and on light tackle provide a thrilling and memorable fishing experience. Your rods and reels should be appropriate for the catch and fit onto your kayak easily. Licenses must be acquired in Hoonah upon your arrival. Rule #1 is 'We eat what we catch.'

As the Icy Straights is a connector to and from the outside 'Gulf of Alaska' for fishing trawlers and ocean freighters who are also traveling in this vast northern wilderness, the short summer season dictates that we may encounter other visitors. We do our best to avoid this, but often, particularly at points of significant interest, it is likely that we will see other people. Once away from these places it becomes easier to maintain our solitude.

Please refer to our Details package for general pre-trip information. Below are some tips that reflect the specific nature of a sea kayaking trip. Remember, we're here to help you if you run into any complications or have any questions. So please call or e-mail us.

All transportation from the Yukon Inn to destination and return back to the Yukon Inn is included in your package.

Clothing and Equipment

Clothing
When selecting your clothing keep in mind the following principles about staying warm and dry.

Layering
It is very effective to wear layers of clothing to stay warm, as the air is trapped between the layers and acts as an insulator. Layering also allows you to regulate your body heat by adjusting the number of layers, depending on the temperature of the day and the activity level. These are the layers:

TRANSFER the layer next to your skin designed to wick moisture away.
INSULATING the main warmth layer(s).
PROTECTIVE the outer layer to protect you from the wind, rain and other elements.

Keeping dry
Wetness increases the loss of body heat and is uncomfortable, so it is important to stay as dry as possible. Materials that are able to wick the moisture away from your skin but stay dry themselves make great clothing (i.e. synthetics such as polar fleece, polypropylene, pile/fleece and natural fibres such as wool and silk). The synthetics are lighter weight than wool and dry more quickly once they are wet. Be careful of other materials (i.e. cotton and down) because they are absorbent and stay wet. Also avoid overdressing as it can cause excessive perspiration and therefore wetness.

When choosing rain gear, remember that the coastal climate can deliver extended foul weather. Rain gear made from coated nylon or rubberized material is 100% waterproof in rainstorms and are ideal for sitting in a kayak in foul weather.

Sea Kayak Equipment List

This is a gear list comprised of items that you will need to have on your tour. If you need more information about this gear list please do not hesitate to call us.

Clothing

1 pair sneakers for camp
3 pair of wool socks minimum
long johns
1 pair quick dry pants
2 t'shirts (one long sleeved)
high quality rain jacket and pants
Sou' Wester rain hat
1 pair rubber boots
pile/polarfleece jacket
wind jacket
bug net/jacket
swimsuit
sun hat
paddling gloves
sport sandals
wool or pile hat and mitts
bandanna
neoprene booties

Camping gear

5 C/40 F rated, compressible synthetic fill sleeping bag & Therma Rest (can be rented from us for $75 per person)
1 litre Nalgene® water bottle
small unbreakable Thermos (optional)

Miscellaneous

6 heavy duty garbage/trash bags
sunglasses w/ safety strap
extra prescription glasses or contacts
sunscreen
insect repellent! Good chance you will not even need it
toiletries: toothbrush, razor, biodegradable, soap, contact lens kit, small towel, etc.
personal medications (two sets in waterproof containers)
small camera with waterproof case, lots of film
binoculars and/or spotting scope for birding and wildlife.
pocket knife (swiss army style)
a good novel
writing materials
small personal first aid kit
fishing rod with case and tackle, if you wish (see above fishing info)
B.C./ Yukon fishing licence, Alaskan Fishing Licence - can be purchased in Skagway

Equipment supplied

Camping

2 - Person tent (if you bring your own, please let us know)
all kitchen and cooking supplies
expedition emergency first aid kit and rescue gear
waterproof bookcase filled with informative field guides, historical journals and light reading material
VHF radios for emergency use
1 large waterproof dry sack (30L maximum) and assorted smaller volume dry sacks for "stuffing" your gear into the kayak

Paddling

Double and single expedition sea kayaks equipped with rudders
all paddling equipment including: A spraydeck, 2 paddles per boat, bilge pump, rescue aids, P.F.D., whistle, paddling jacket.

Nahanni River Adventures, Nahanni offers exceptional expeditions by raft and canoe on the great rivers from Alaska to Nunavut including: South Nahanni River, Tatshenshini River, Alsek River, Firth River, Snake River, Wind River, Stikine River, Burnside River, Coppermine River, Horton River, Mountain River, Yukon River, Taku River, Gataga River and Sea Kayaking and whale watching at Point Adolphus, Alaska, over-looking Glacier Bay National Park.

Our expeditions encompass Nahanni National Park (South Nahanni River), Kluane National Park (Alsek River), Ivvavik National Park (Firth River), Glacier Bay National Park (Alsek River), Herschel Island Territorial Park (Firth River).

Nahanni River Adventures operates in Alaska (United States of America), Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and British Columbia (Canada).

Nahanni.com is the online presence of the company, Nahanni River Adventures Ltd.

Nahanni River Adventures works with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society to ensure the environmental integrity of our wild places.

Neil Hartling, founder of Nahanni River Adventures, is also the author of: Nahanni, River of Gold...River of Dreams. Alaska to Nunavut - The Great Rivers. Nahanni River Guide. These books may all be purchased through Nahanni.com.

Common misspellings of the name are Nahani, Nahannie, Nahanie, Nahoni, Nahonni.
Nahanni River Adventures.