Chief Son-I-Hat's Whalehouse, Alaska, United States
5.0 (9 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #1 in Prince of Wales Island Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Best Totem Poles on Prince of Wales Island
In late September, we drove from Craig to Kasaan. Look for the Kasaan Cafe (which was closed for the season). The trail begins at the parking lot. A half-mile stroll on a level rock trail takes you to the Whalehouse and the group of poles. In my opinion, these Haida poles are the best on Prince of Wales Island. Gazing on these poles deep in the shore forest is a spectacular reward for the effort of the hike in. The 20-mile crushed-rock road from the highway to Kasaan is a bit rough.
Address
S. Thorne Bay Rd, Kasaan, Alaska, United States.
Mobile
Current local date and time now
Thursday, May 09, 2024, 19:00
User Ratings
5.0 based on (9 reviews)
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Reviews
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5Super8KetchikanGuest 5:00 PM May 16, 2016
Naay Iiwaans is restored!
The real Haida name for our clan house is Naay Iiwaans, and it was built in the late 1800s, by Yaadas Eagle nobleman Saanixaat ( "Sonihat") and has been restored twice, since then. Our local tribal government, the Organized Village of Kasaan managed and oversaw the 2nd restoration, and it is the realization of Saanixaat's dream of keeping Haida culture alive in New Kasaan. There are historic totems near the clan house, plus several others in the village proper. Kasaan also has a carving shed, where original pieces of Haida art are being created by local carvers, and can be bought. Alaska Dream Cruises brings in visitors regularly in summer, and the tour of the village and of Naay Iiwaans can be enjoyed. Private tours can also be arranged for in advance for others wishing to learn the history of our village, by calling our tribal headquarters at 907-542-2230, M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. We also have a new restaurant open 5 days per week, for those who would enjoy home cooking by our fine staff. The restaurant also has a small gift shop, where Haida art can be bought. The Totem Trail Cafe is on the edge of the bay, and restaurant guests can enjoy whale watching while they dine. Our deluxe Discovery Cabins can be rented, and they have two bedrooms, full baths, full kitchens, laundry, with dining table and sitting area, and decks with a view of the bay and the woods. Sitka Black tail deer make the village their home in summer, and can be seen grazing about.
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5Carol F. 5:00 PM Jun 12, 2017
A Beautiful Piece of History
This is a MUST SEE if you come to Prince of Wales Island. First off the location is paradise on a beautiful day, right on the ocean and the walk to the Whalehouse is spectacular!! To see this historic building will leave you speechless, with totem poles that tell a story and are beautifully carved and the building is like no other you've ever seen!!
