Enjoy a scenic narrated drive along the Chilkat River on a motor coach bus. You'll have the option to be outfitted with inclement weather gear. Your friendly local naturalist/certified captain will guide you on a jet boat journey through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The powerful, quiet, and uncovered boats offer the best wildlife, scenery, and photo opportunities. Moose, bald eagles, and their massive nests dotting the river banks are tour highlights.
Chilkat River Adventures
11 Activities
Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour
Explore the natural wonders of the Yukon! Duration 5 hours About *Passport required for this tour***, as we cross the border into Canada before returning. Bask in the natural wonders of the Yukon as your guide takes you to explore the crossroads of the Klondike - *The city of Carcross**. Visit amazing photo stops along the way to take in the *sweeping landscapes, towering mountains, alpine lakes and hanging glaciers.*
Available Timing
Historic Gold Rush Scenic Drive Tour
Catch the highlights! Duration 2 hours About See the historic town site of Dyea, visit the trailhead of the famous Chilkoot Trail, and the beauty of the Taiya River on this scenic driving tour of Skagway and its historic highlights. Overview Your journey begins at the pier where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide. Your small, intimate group will board a van and drive through Skagway’s historic district and residential district en route to the backcountry and the gold rush era town of Dyea. While in Skagway, hear tales about Skagway’s time as a gold rush boom town as your guide points out some of its historic buildings. Driving through Skagway’s residential district you’ll learn all kinds of interesting facts about this wonderful town. Once out of town, you’ll head over a mountain road to what was once the gold rush city of Dyea. Along the way you’ll stop at the Naku Bay overlook and peer down the inside passage – North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Next, head to the trailhead of the Chilkoot Trail. This world-famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush over 100 years ago. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals and wildflowers. Here, your guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore. Next, head out to the abandoned gold rush town of Dyea. The spruce and hemlock trees grow along what were once the streets of a bustling town full of stampeders seeking fortune. Before returning to Skagway, you’ll get some more great photo opportunities at the Taiya River overlook and a fantastic look at Skagway from above at the Skagway overlook. This tour is a great way to discover and learn about Skagway – a small town with a lot to see.
Available Timing
Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float, and Summit Drive Tour
Duration 6 hours ***Passport required for this tour***, as we cross the border into Canada before returning. Retrace the footsteps of the **Klondike Gold Rush stampeders** over the historic Chilkoot Trail and float back down on the beautiful Taiya River. Then experience the spectacular views of *alpine lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and pristine forest* on a drive to the summit of the picturesque White Pass. Overview After a safety orientation, board a van and drive through Skagway to the backcountry and the historic town of Dyea. **Hike the first two miles of the scenic Chilkoot Trail**, the centerpiece of gold rush history in Skagway. This world famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals and wildflowers. Enjoy the exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, pristine forests, and history of a bygone era as the trail takes you up and over the 350′ tall Saintly Hill. Along the way, your guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeder’s who forged this route over 100 years ago. Arrive at the banks of the Taiya River, where your 18-foot raft awaits for the **scenic float (no whitewater)** back to Dyea. The forest gives way to fields of beach greens and wild iris, and the granite walls of the fjords rise steeply to the snow-capped peaks and hanging glaciers. Enjoy a riverside snack of homemade cookies and a hot beverage with countless picture-perfect moments before loading up in the van and heading up to the White Pass summit. We’ll drive for about 45 minutes from the take-out to the top of the scenic White Pass. There are many photo opportunities of beautiful alpine lakes, glaciers, towering snow-capped peaks and pristine forests. After enjoying the spectacular scenery, we’ll return through the U.S. Border station and return to the town of Skagway.
Available Timing
Eagle Preserve Float Tour
An award winning excursion! Duration 6.5 Hours About This award winning excursion tours through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve by raft. Enjoy a scenic float trip through the Chilkat Valley with great photo opportunities for Eagles and other wildlife amidst the grandeur of Glaciated snow-capped peaks. This tour offers an immersive wildlife excursion with abundant eagle sightings and a small group interactive experience with your tour guide. Overview Your tour begins as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along **North America's longest and deepest fjord** to Haines. Along the way, you'll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide points out marine wildlife along the fjord. Upon arrival in Haines, you'll board a motorcoach for a relaxing 40-minute drive up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You'll see historic Haines and Fort William H. Seward on this narrated drive from expert naturalists. Watch for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley on this excursion. At the preserve, experienced raft guides await to begin your rafting adventure (not whitewater). You'll float silently down the river aboard 18' inflatable rafts - the best way to observe eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. **Bears and wolves are also frequent guests at the feast.** Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with *towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.* Your tour will float past the Native village of Klukwan where the Tlingit people have lived for centuries on the bounty of this beautiful wilderness. After your float, you'll enjoy a riverside picnic. Your tour concludes with a return cruise aboard the catamaran back to Skagway. With Haines behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories. ***Note:*** Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, Bald Eagles, moose, all five types of Pacific salmon, brown and black bears frequent the area. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of the year and area within Haines where the excursion takes place. Your guides will choose the best locations to help you maximize your wildlife viewing opportunity.
Haines Wilderness Odyssey By Jet Boat (Skagway Departure)
A truly unique way to explore! Explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat. Expert captains are adept at spotting wildlife along the way, and the jet boats provide a great platform for photography! Your tour begins as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along North America’s longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide points out marine wildlife along the fjord. Upon arrival in Haines, board a bus for a 30-minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. Where the road ends, the real Alaska begins and so does your adventure. Board your boat and part company with civilization. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel at least 20 miles into the wilderness. Your vessel is specially designed for navigation on this silt-laden river which is the only access to a remote, roadless portion of the preserve. Your open-topped boat allows you to view and photograph the majestic scenery and animals seen in an unhindered fashion. Warm outerwear and blankets will be provided. The staff is friendly and welcoming and will entertain you with tales of their backcountry lifestyle and some “real Alaska” stories. View bald eagles and their massive nests in their natural habitat. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley and although there are no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose and bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you’ll enjoy a riverside picnic. Your tour concludes with a return cruise aboard the catamaran back to Skagway. With Haines behind you, you leave with a myriad of unforgettable memories. Note: We can accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Itinerary: 30 min: Sign waivers, learn about tours, and walk down to a small boat harbor to catch the fast ferry. 45 min: Your friendly tour dock representative will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. We will provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion and get you ready to board the ferry to Haines. We’ll help you board the comfortable ferry for the 45-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines. 45min: Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your guide and driver for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to the jet boat launch. 40 min: When you arrive at the boat launch you’ll meet up with the boat captain and swap out your shoes for rubber river boots. Your captain will provide you with a thorough safety briefing and you’ll don a PFD before boarding one of four boats docked at the launch. *90 min: You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat. 30 min: Upon arrival back at the boat launch you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments. 30 min: A short drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you to the ferry for your comfortable and scenic ride back to Skagway. 10 min: Arrive boat dock in Haines to board the boat to Skagway. 45 min: Scenic boat ride back to Skagway at the end of the excursion. 20 min: Depart from the ferry and head to your boat.
Adventure Park & Zipline Tour
Fun for the whole family! Duration 3.5 hours About In this amazing excursion, you will walk on raised balance beams, cross exciting suspension bridges, and fly through the air on the series of zip lines! Join our expert guides for the ride of a lifetime! Overview Your adventure begins with a narrated drive through historic downtown Skagway and up the Klondike Highway. From the highway, a short nature hike brings you to the spectacular Adventure Park where expert guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment. Then you will be off to enjoy the thrill of the ropes course and zip line experience! First you will enter into an incredible series of ropes course crossings including burma loops, suspended bridges and raised balance beams. Next up is a fantastic series of six zip lines through the lush Alaskan canopy. You will zoom from platform to platform while your friends and family cheer you on! Your heart will be pumping as you get ready for the “Walk the Plank” zip that soars high above the ground through the treetops! This incredible adventure is perfect for all abilities and everyone will enjoy the amazing mountain views and excitement of effortlessly soaring through the air!
White Pass Mountaineering Adventure
A challenging yet rewarding full day! Duration 8-9 Hours About ***Passport required for this tour***, as we cross the border into Canada before returning. A challenging full day adventure to climb to the top of a peak along Skagway's White Pass. Explore the strenuous off-trail alpine terrain of wild Alaska with fantastic views. Overview This tour is a full day adventure into an off-trail, above tree-line alpine area of White Pass. This tour is ***only recommended for hikers and mountain climbers looking for a challenging adventure*** in the wilds of Alaska. Our trip begins with a 40 minute van ride into the mountains and up the White Pass, which borders Alaska and the Yukon Territory in Canada. After we gear up, we’ll leave the road and venture into the alpine wonderland of White Pass. The nature of the tour and route conditions varies depending on the time of the year. In May and June, the conditions on the route are likely covered in snow and will require a combination of snow-shoeing and stream crossing. Later in the season, we’ll still encounter snow up higher on the peaks, but the access route will likely be snow free and involve off-trail hiking through alpine grasses and wildflowers, scrambling on rocks and the occasional stream crossing. Our route will cover **about 6 miles and gain up to 3,000 feet in elevation**. Typically, our objective is to climb to the summit of Feather Peak or Mount Cleveland, both of which stand at about 5,500 feet. Both high points offer *incredible views of the surrounding jagged peaks and wilderness of White Pass*. However, there are a series of high points and routes that your guide may choose from. We may use crampons, ice axes, ropes and other technical equipment to access the summit, however, there are also moderate routes to the summit that can be done without ropes. **Safety is always our top priority.** The exact route will depend on conditions, group ability, and guide choice. Even if the summit isn’t possible for the day, there are incredible waterfalls, and scenic views to enjoy on this alpine hiking adventure. We allow for a full 8 hours for this adventure, however timing in the mountains can be variable. We’ll be sure to get you back to your cruise ship on time. Our mountain guides are skilled at instruction and are excited to help teach snowshoe technique and basic mountaineering skills along the way. Weather can be quite variable at the pass. It is possible to have sunshine, whiteout foggy conditions, 30mph winds, rain, and even snow all in the same day. Temperatures are likely 10-20 degrees cooler than at sea level. It is important to dress in layers, and avoid bringing cotton clothes. We operate this trip rain or shine, so good clothing and preparation is essential to thoroughly enjoy the adventurous experience. Waterproof jacket and pants, extra warm layers, and good hiking boots are essential.
Available Timing
Wilderness Kayak Adventure
Immerse yourself in Alaska's incredible beauty! Duration 4 hours About This spectacular kayaking adventure immerses you in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska! You will have the opportunity to see amazing blue glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and extraordinary wildlife and fauna! Overview Join professional kayak guides for an exciting paddling adventure on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake. This is a fantastic paddle for **all abilities and no experience is necessary.** Your tour begins in Haines where you will board a motorcoach that will take you on a beautiful 40 minute drive to Chilkoot Lake. Once you have arrived at the water you will receive a brief safety orientation, be outfitted with a PFD (flotation vest) and a spray skirt, and get familiarized with your sea kayak. At least the next 1.5 hours will be spent enjoying the breath-taking scenery that Alaska is famous for! You will be surrounded with towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fabulous wildlife. There are ***frequent sightings of seals, otters, eagles, bears, and more.*** There will be plenty of time to enjoy the incredible scenery, take pictures of of the astounding wildlife and enjoy the picnic style lunch! This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Haines Wilderness Odyssey By Jet Boat (Haines Departure)
A Truly Unique Way to Explore! Explore the tributaries of the Chilkat River by Jet Boat. Expert captains are adept at spotting wildlife along the way, and the jet boats provide a great platform for photography! Board a bus for a 30-minute ride on the Haines Scenic Byway into the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to the river dock. On your narrated drive, you will enjoy stories of the history of the valley. Where the road ends, the real Alaska begins and so does your adventure. Board your boat and part company with civilization. During your time on the Chilkat River, traverse many different channels and travel at least 20 miles into the wilderness. Your vessel is specially designed for navigation on this silt-laden river, which is the only access to a remote, roadless portion of the preserve. Your open-topped boat allows you to view and photograph the majestic scenery and animals seen in an unhindered fashion. Warm outerwear and blankets will be provided. The staff is friendly and welcoming and will entertain you with tales of their backcountry lifestyle and some "real Alaska" stories. View bald eagles and their massive nests in their natural habitat. The preserve has the best moose habitat in the valley and although there are no guarantees, the chances of spotting moose and bears are very good. Have your cameras ready in case the wildlife provides a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. After returning to the dock, you'll enjoy a riverside picnic. Note: We can accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours of advanced notice, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Itinerary 1. 15min: Your friendly guide will meet you near the Haines Cruise Ship Dock. Before hitting the road you will have the opportunity to get to know your guide and ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming excursion. 2. 45 min: From here, we will depart for a breathtaking drive up the Haines Scenic Byway to the jet boat launch. 3. 15 min: When you arrive at the boat launch, you’ll meet up with the boat captain and swap out your shoes for rubber river boots. Your captain will provide you with a thorough safety briefing, and you’ll don a PFD before boarding one of four boats docked at the launch. 4. 90 min: You’ll spend the next 90 minutes exploring different channels along the Chilkat River via jet boat. 5. 30 min L Upon arrival back at the boat launch, you’ll enjoy a sack lunch and refreshments. 6. 45 min: A scenic drive back down the Haines Scenic Byway will bring you the Haines Cruise Ship Dock.
Inside Passage Kayaking Tour
Paddle with knowledgeable tour guides! Duration 4 hours About Paddle with knowledgeable guides just outside of Haines, Alaska along the **longest and deepest Fjord in North America**. Experience beautiful views and enjoy opportunities to see marine wildlife from your tandem kayak. Overview Upon arrival to Haines you will be greeted by your professional kayak guide for the ocean kayak trip of a lifetime. Your 2 person kayaks will be set up on the beach & will be a short 5-minute walk from the ferry pier. We’ll choose from a variety of beautiful ocean paddles depending on sea conditions and weather. Your tour guides will outfit you with a PFD (personal flotation device), spray skirt & paddles. After a safety briefing and equipment introduction/fitting, you are off and paddling. You will be on the water for about 2 hours. **We have seen eagles, sea lions, seals, Dall's porpoise, humpback whales or other marine wildlife along our way.** Your guide is an expert naturalist and will share their extensive knowledge about the fjord, marine wildlife and local geography. We will likely stop off at a remote beach to stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Southeast Alaska while enjoying a picnic style lunch. In an instance where ocean conditions aren’t suitable, we’ll head to our backup location on Chilkoot Lake which is a 30-minute van ride along the Chilkoot River. This backup location is surrounded by mountains with alpine waterfalls and salmon spawning beds.
Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari Tour
Be amazed at Alaska’s striking beauty! Duration 4 hours About Paddle and motor on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake and be amazed at Alaska’s striking beauty. Relax, take photos, and search for wildlife in the inlets and coves on this magnificent canoe adventure. Overview After a short tour of Fort Seward, a 30 minute drive from downtown Haines, leads us up the Lutak Inlet to the Chilkoot River Valley. The Chilkoot corridor offers incredible wildlife viewing. Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are commons sights. Our guides are expert naturalists and enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness. Once at the Lake, we’ll head out onto Chilkoot Lake in stable motor assisted Voyageur Canoes. Our Canoes are built using similar dimensions as the canoes used by trappers and gold miners at the turn of the century. Powered by either paddle or motor, this tour offers guests the opportunity to paddle in the serenity of Chilkoot Lake, while also having the advantage of relaxing and taking photographs when it’s time to take a break from paddling. We’ll be out on the water for about 2 hours and explore the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams and numerous waterfalls that spill off of the mountains into the lake. After enjoying the beautiful views on the lake, we’ll return to Haines and serve a picnic-style lunch at a private ocean beach location at the end of the trip. ***Note:*** Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, bald eagles, moose, all five types of Pacific salmon, brown and black bears frequent the area. Wildlife sightings depend on the time of the year and area within Haines where the excursion takes place. Your guides will choose the best locations to help you maximize your wildlife viewing opportunity.
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