Canoeing, Kayaking & Rafting in Skagway
9 Activities
Ocean Raft Wildlife Adventure
Join us on our adventure boat ride through the Lynn Canal where we hug the shoreline while exploring hidden coves, waterfalls, rocky beaches, wildlife, and MORE! On this fun-filled, two-hour adventure your captain will make multiple stops for photo opportunities and wildlife sightings. Occasionally, they will turn the engines off to give you the ability to take in the sights and sounds that make up our home here in the wilderness of Southeast Alaska. This intimate thrill ride is designed to get you edging between mountain and ocean in our custom-built ribs. Climb aboard a raft styled identically to the boats that the US Coast Guard and Navy Seals use for search and rescue. With its deep hull, surrounded by inflatable tubes, our boats are designed to deliver a comfortable ride in any ocean condition. You will straddle our custom-made, shock-absorbing seats as we race by the steep granite walls of the only Fjord in North America.
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
This wilderness expedition to the spectacular Davidson Glacier immerses you in the abundant natural beauty of Alaska, leading you through fjords, rain forests, vibrant wildflowers, and towering mountains. Kick off the tour with a sublime cruise down the Lynn Canal, followed by a mellow hike to your canoe that will bring you face-to-face with the stunning Davidson Glacier. Wrap up the adventure with a picnic lunch on the beach before the return cruise back to town. On this spellbinding wilderness expedition, you will travel through fjords and rainforests viewing some of the most spectacular Alaskan scenery in Southeast. You’ll see everything from wildflowers to towering mountains and top off the experience with up-close views of the Davidson Glacier. Your adventure begins aboard one of our boats custom-designed to provide an intimate viewing experience. During your 75-minute journey through North America’s deepest fjord, keep a lookout for whales, seals, and cascading waterfalls while your Naturalist guide tells you more about the area you are traveling through. Upon arrival at the remote Glacier Point beach, you will take a short, adventurous drive in a school bus across the forested glacial moraines to our base camp where you will gear up in rubber boots and a life jacket. After a ¼ mile walk, the forest opens to reveal a breathtaking view of the Davidson Glacier and the pristine lake below. Here you will board a 31-foot voyager canoe for a trip around the lake to view the glacier and enjoy the incredible Alaskan wilderness while your guide shares their extensive knowledge of the area. Conditions permitting, you’ll make a stop on the delta to get up close and personal with the glacier. This is an optional 1/2 to 1-mile hike over a sand and pebble beach. After the walk on the delta, hop back in the canoe to begin your return trip. After arriving back at the base camp, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach before your cruise back to town on the custom-designed wildlife-viewing boat. Tour Itinerary 1 hour 20 minutes Scenic cruise aboard our wildlife viewing boat 20 minutes Safari bus ride to the gear pavilion 10 minutes Restroom break and gear up (life vest, rubber boots, and rain gear if needed) 10 minutes Hike to canoe put-in 1 hour 25 minutes Canoe around glacier lake (depending on weather and water depth, an optional 1/2 mile hike on the glacier delta may be possible) 30 minutes Take gear off and return bus ride to the beach 40 minutes Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach 1 hour 20 minutes Return scenic cruise back to town
Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari Tour (Skagway Departure)
After meeting your tour representative in Skagway, you'll board a high speed catamaran for a 45 minute boat ride to the town of Haines. Upon arrival into Haines, we'll take a short tour of Fort Seward, a 30 minute drive from downtown Haines and then head 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. Following lunch, we'll load up back onto the fast ferry for the return trip to Skagway. * Timings: (~75 minutes) Your friendly 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 50-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines. (~60 minutes) Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your guide and driver. From here we’ll depart for an interpretive drive through historic Fort Seward and continue to Chilkoot Lake. Along the way, we’ll drive along the shoreline of the Lynn Fjord and the wildlife-rich Chilkoot River. (~15 minutes) When we arrive at Chilkoot Lake you’ll have the opportunity to meet your other guides and take in the stunning views of the pristine lake. Your guides will help you get fit with a PFD (life jacket), rubber boots and canoe paddle. You’ll then receive a thorough safety briefing and orientation before boarding the 31’ long voyageur canoe for your adventure. (~90 minutes) – We’ll spend the next hour and a half experiencing Chilkoot Lake while our stable voyageur canoes. It is an excellent way to take in the fantastic views by water and if the wind picks up or you’re ready to relax, we will use the quiet 4-stroke motor to move around. (~15 minutes) – Once back at the put-in we’ll trade your rubber boots and PFD’s back in for your shoes and you’ll have time to enjoy our private deck and spotting scopes to take in the views of the lake and surrounding mountains and waterfalls one more time. (~40 minutes) We’ll then board our transportation and head down to the ocean for lunch. (~30 minutes) At our private ocean side picnic area, you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch provides great views of the Lynn Fjord in a private setting. (~50 minutes) Once we wrap up with lunch we’ll head over to the ferry dock where you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms and take additional photos of Haines before enjoying the scenic ride back up the fjord to Skagway. (~15 minutes) Upon returning to Skagway, a short walk will bring you back to our original meeting point, just a few minutes walk or shuttle to downtown Skagway and all three cruise ship docks.
Wilderness Kayak Adventure Tour (Skagway Departure)
This spectacular kayaking tour 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! Join professional kayak guides for an exciting paddling adventure on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake. This is a fantastic paddling excursion for all abilities and no experience is necessary. 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. Upon arrival in Haines, 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 flotation vest and rubber boots, 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! While on the water, you will be surrounded with towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fabulous wildlife. There are frequent sightings of whales, otters, eagles, bears, and more. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the incredible scenery, take pictures of the astounding wildlife and enjoy a picnic style lunch! This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Note: We are able accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice, including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Timings: (~ 75 minutes) – 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 50-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines. (~ 60 minutes) – Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your tour guide and driver for a breathtaking interpretive drive by the historic Fort Seward on our way to Chilkoot Lake. Along the way to the lake we’ll drive along the Lynn Fjord and the Chilkoot River which hosts a salmon run that takes place from mid-summer thru fall. (~10 minutes) – When we arrive at Chilkoot Lake you’ll have the opportunity to meet your other guides and take in the stunning views of the pristine lake. Your guides will help you get fit with a PFD (life jacket), spray skirt and paddle. You’ll then receive a thorough safety briefing and become familiar with your kayak and equipment before boarding your stable 3-person fiberglass kayak. (~90 minutes) – We will then take off on a paddle exploration of Chilkoot Lake. Chilkoot Lake is surrounded by mountains and numerous waterfalls. Salmon also end their journey from the ocean here to spawn on the sandy bottom in late-summer. The lake is well-sheltered from the wind and makes for excellent kayaking regardless of the weather conditions. (~50 minutes) – once we’ve paddled back to our dock you’ll have some free time to use the spotting scopes on our private deck to take in the views from a different perspective. We’ll then board our transportation and head down to the ocean for lunch. (~30 minutes) – At our private ocean side picnic area, where you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch provides great views of the Lynn Fjord in a private setting. (~60 minutes) – Once we wrap up with lunch we’ll head over to the ferry dock where you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms and take additional photos of Haines before enjoying the scenic ride back up the fjord to Skagway. (~15 minutes) – Upon returning to Skagway, a short walk will bring you back to our original meeting point, just a few minutes’ walk or shuttle to downtown Skagway and all three cruise ship docks.
Scenic River Float
Combine sightseeing and rafting on this relaxing excursion. Enjoy a beautiful 10-mile drive along the coast to the Dyea valley, an old Gold Rush settlement now returned to nature and part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. On the drive, you may spot Harbor Seals and Bald Eagles. See the start of the famous Chilkoot Trail where thousands journeyed in pursuit of gold. As you float down the gentle Taiya River, your guide will point out any wildlife (Bald Eagles are common, bears occasionally seen) and tell stories of the area’s fascinating history while you enjoy the gorgeous river and mountain views. Enjoy a riverside snack after the float. We also stop at the Skagway scenic overlook for a panoramic view of the town (time permitting). The Scenic River Float is suitable for most ages/ skill levels. Lifejackets, rubber boots and long rain poncho are provided for the Float. We do have small lifejackets and boots for smaller children. A light snack is served riverside after the Float. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 15 minutes with about 40 minutes on the river.Maximum 11 per group. Larger groups will be divided into 2 groups with possible additional customers in the smaller second grouping.
Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting - Departs from Skagway
Treat yourself to a small group rafting and scenic driving tour through the famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. From Skagway, the trip begins with a 45-minute ferry ride along the steep-walled fjords connecting Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Marvel at the scenery and look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles. Once in Haines, meet your expert guide and enjoy a riverside drive along the Haines Highway. The drive is incredibly scenic: glacier-clad mountains thrust to the sky, colorful wildflowers line the road, green riverside channels provide habitat for moose, bear and trumpeter swans. The highway was declared a National Scenic Byway in 2009. Arrive at the river in the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, approximately 45 minutes away. Don your life jackets, listen to your guide’s safety talk, board the raft and leave the road and civilization behind. You are immersed in the Alaskan wilderness, floating the silent river channels. This is a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the home of the largest bald eagle congregation in the world. Thousands of bald eagles travel here to feed on salmon in the fall and winter. In the summer months, a healthy resident population of bald eagles lives along the river. Your expert guide will push the raft along, explaining the intricate balance of nature that makes this a unique and special place. You do not have to paddle; your hands are free for your camera and binoculars. Keep an eye out for other wildlife besides bald eagles. ……moose, otters, brown and black bear, and even wolves, call this Preserve their home. You will spend approximately one and one half hours floating the river. After rafting, your guide will select a scenic spot to enjoy a picnic lunch on your way back to Haines and/or back to your ship in Skagway.
Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float, and Summit Drive Tour
This excursion retraces the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rush stampeeders over the historic Chilkoot Trail and float back down on the beautiful Taiya River. Tour the spectacular views of alpine lakes, towering snow-capped peaks, and pristine forest on a drive to the summit of the picturesque White Pass. Your excursion begins at the dock. 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 tour guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore. Photo opportunities abound as you retrace the footsteps of the gold-hungry stampeders 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 continuing the tour 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 snowcapped 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. *Timings: (~10 minutes) - Your friendly guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion. (~35 minutes) - From the small boat harbor we’ll board a van and head toward Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a driving town tour of Skagway and the scenic coastal gravel road to Dyea. (~120 minutes) - Once we arrive in Dyea, your guide will get you outfitted with trekking poles and you’ll have the opportunity to use the restroom before we begin tracing the Gold Rush stampeders’ steps along the first two miles of the Historic Chilkoot Trail. (~10 minutes) - At the end of the hike your guide will get you outfitted with a PFD and rubber boots and provide a safety briefing as we prepare for the scenic float down the Taiya River. (~35 minutes) - Sit back and enjoy as your experienced river guide rows you down the scenic Taiya River. The stable 18’ raft provides a great platform for photography and taking in the sweeping mountain, ocean, and rainforest views. (~15 minutes) - Once we reach the riverside raft take-out, you’ll be treated to a homemade cookie and hot cocoa, hot tea, and some free time to take in the dramatic landscape with the supplied spotting scope. (~85 minutes) - From the river take-out we’ll begin our drive north up the Klondike Highway to the dramatic summit of the White Pass. There will be many photo opportunities and we’ll stop at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign so that you can get pictures with the sign. (~60 minutes) - When we depart the summit the leisurely drive back to your ship will take about 45-60 minutes as we make a photo stop at Bridal Veil Falls and stop through US Customs.
Available Timing
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.
Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Tour
Begin in Skagway as we drive 10 scenic coastal miles to the head of the famous Chilkoot Trail in Dyea, an abandoned Gold Rush town, now part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. On the 2-mile moderate hike, retrace the steps of the Gold Rush stampeders through a green moss-covered northern temperate rainforest. You will learn lots of gold rush and natural history and have time for taking photos. At the end of the one-way hike we meet with the raft and suit up for a relaxing river float on the tranquil Taiya River. As you float down the gentle Taiya River, your guide will point out wildlife (Bald Eagles are common, bears occasionally) and tell stories of the area’s fascinating history while you enjoy the gorgeous river and mountain views. Enjoy a riverside snack after the float. This is an ACTIVE tour and the hike is moderately strenuous over uneven, hilly terrain (elevation gain is 300 feet up then 300 feet down) for the first mile, then on mostly flat ground for the remainder. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction. Please note that the hike portion of this trip is moderate to strenuous. Please be in good physical condition. Those with back, knee, hip, or balance issues should consider their participation in this activity. There is an alternate easier guided walk in place of the Chilkoot trail hike available and you will meet up with the group for the float portion. Please advise us when booking if you may need this service. Due to safety reasons and keeping our tour schedule, our guides will strongly advise you to do this alternate route at the start of the hike if they feel your participation in the Chilkoot Trail hike to be too strenuous for your ability level. Hiking poles are available for the hiking portion. For the Float portion we have lifejackets, rubber boots to wear instead of your shoes, and long rain ponchos. Tour goes rain or shine so please come prepared to hike in the rain with rainjackets and/or pants if needed.
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