Condé Nast TravelerNov 2, 2026
Cruising to Alaska? Check if Your Next Port, Bus, or Lodge is Indigenous-Owned
Alaska’s cruise industry has long relegated Indigenous peoples to the margins of the tourism economy. Now, a shift is occurring.
14 things in this story
- Icy Strait PointSightAlaska’s first private cruise destination, owned by Huna Totem.
- ZipRiderPlaceSix-cable zipline descending Hoonah Mountain at Icy Strait Point.
- Elsewhere
- Condé Nast TravelerPlaceNew York City, United StatesFeatured Huna Totem Corporation on its Bright Ideas in Travel 2026.
- Kantishna RoadhouseHotelDenali National Park, United StatesThe park’s only Indigenous-owned lodge, deep in Denali National Park.
- Huna Totem CorporationPlaceJuneau, United StatesTlingit village corporation focused on tourism economic development.
- Kootéeyaa DeiyíSightJuneau, United StatesCity-wide totem pole trail representing Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.
- Sealaska Heritage InstitutePlaceJuneau, United StatesLed the Kootéeyaa Deiyí totem pole trail project.
- Glacier GatewaySightWhittier, United StatesCruise terminal opened in Whittier in 2024 by Huna Totem.
- Klawock HeenyaPlaceKlawock, United StatesLocal Alaska Native village corporation in Klawock.
- Áak’w LandingSightJuneau, United StatesCruise dock and waterfront development in downtown Juneau.
- Doyon, LimitedPlaceFairbanks, United StatesAlaska Native corporation representing Dene people of the Interior.
- Chatanika Gold CampSightFairbanks, United StatesRestoration scheduled to open in 2027 as a northern lights center.
- Portage Glacier CruisesPlaceWhittier, United States
- Alaska Coach ToursPlaceWhittier, United States