Though Juneau has a vibrant and active Native community, a visit to one of the surrounding villages can be a great way to increase your understanding of Southeast’s indigenous cultures. Life is slower here than in Juneau, people are generally friendlier, and there’s less competition for visitors’ attention. From Juneau, you can fly or take one of the Alaska Marine Highway's ferries (907/465–3941, 800/642–0066) to Kake, Angoon, Klukwan, or Hoonah. All four are predominantly Tlingit. (For information on visiting a Haida or Tsimshian village in Southeast, see Side Trips from Ketchikan.) Kake's attractions include one of the world's tallest totem poles (132 feet), a historic salmon cannery, and the beautiful beaches of Kupreanof Island (www.visitkake.com). Angoon, on Admiralty Island, is a popular departure point for kayaking and sportfishing trips. Klukwan (chilkatindianvillage.org), located 22 miles outside of Haines, is home to the recently opened Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage and Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center. (See the entry in Haines for more information.) Hoonah's cannery building has been beautifully restored, and serves as part of Huna Totem Corporation's Icy Strait Point (www.icystraitpoint.com) cruise port. Highlights at Icy Strait Point include one of the world’s longest zip lines, Native dance performances, and whale-watching trips to nearby Point Adolphus. Icy Strait Point is only open when cruise ships are in port, so book well in advance whether you're coming via cruise or not.
Independent travelers won't find much organized touring in Kake or Angoon, but you will find hotels (reservations strongly suggested), and guided fishing and natural-history trips can be arranged by asking around.
