Escape the crowds of Skagway and focus on photographing the stunning scenery of the Chilkat Valley. Cradled at the base of the Chilkat Peninsula, flanked by the Lynn Fjord and Chilkat River, Haines is filled with natural wonders. Your expert photography guide will assist you in capturing the best of the Chilkat Valley’s unique attractions.

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.

Arrive in Haines, and meet your professional photography guide. Your guide will select his favorite locations and provide you with ample time to set up the best shots. Depending on the lighting and weather, different locations in the Chilkat Valley boast specific photographic highlights. May, June, and July feature wildflowers and eagles. Beginning in August, pink salmon—the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties—begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bear as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river. When bears are present, every effort will be made to give you safe bear viewing and photography.

The theme is flexibility, fun and learning rather than adherence to a rigid schedule. Even a simple point-and-shoot camera will work. But by all means, bring all your photo gear. The tour includes a boxed lunch so that you can eat when you want to and focus on getting the shots that you desire. You’ll return to Skagway via shuttle catamaran.

* 6.5 hour tour departing from Skagway

* A minimum of 2 person booking is required for this tour

* Small group up to 10 guests

*Your tour includes a deli-style lunch. It consists of a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours of advance notice.

We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience and superior service for each and every one of our guests. Our staff and guides are knowledgeable about the natural and human history of our area and offer great customer service. Our small groups provide experiences and visit locations that big bus tours cannot. Our largest vehicle holds 14 guests yet averages 6. Our tour minimum is just 2 guests so, if you are the only couple signed up, your tour won’t cancel!

We are Haines and Skagway specialists. We compose our team primarily of local hires. Since we live here, we strive to be good community members. Many of our tours involve partnerships with other Haines businesses. We consider the effects of our tours on the local environment that we call home.

We’ve approached tourism in a sustainable manner since the 1980s. We recycle at the office, donate to local environmental projects and make sure our money stays in the local community.

About the owner
Joe arrived in Haines in 1986 working as a naturalist aboard a small, eighty-passenger expedition ship. Haines captured Joe’s heart and imagination, and he moved here in 1987 to manage and guide for a local rafting company. Joe founded Rainbow Glacier Adventures in 1992. The first tours RGA offered featured small group visits to local artists’ homes. Since that time, the company and variety of tours has grown but the concept of local guides and high-quality, educational tours remains. While Joe spends much of his time running the organization, he particularly enjoys guiding private photography tours and special charters. Joe enjoys backcountry skiing, international travel, photography, and, above all, spending time with his wife, Edie, and daughters, Stella Angelina and Sapphire Marie.

Full refund with cancellations up to 24 hours before tour departure. 50% refunds up to 12 hours before tour departure. No-shows will be charged the full price.