Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari Tour (Skagway Departure)
Offered by Alaska Mountain Guides In Haines, Alaska
: $
About us
At Alaska Mountian Guides, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with unforgettable experiences in Alaska. Our company offers a variety of tours that appeal to the adventurous spirit of travelers who want to explore the beauty of Alaska. Whether you want to take a scenic drive along the coast or fly over the glaciers, we have something for everyone. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides are passionate about sharing Alaska's history and culture with our customers. Book your Skagway excursion with us today and let us show you the wonders of Alaska.
Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush Tongass National Forest. This geography puts Skagway in a unique position to be a grand gateway to outdoor adventure! We specialize in guided trips that immerse you in the vast natural beauty of the area. Hiking, rafting, climbing, ziplining, and canoeing are some of the exciting activities that we offer based in Skagway. Many of our tours also utilize the fast ferry and travel to Haines, just 15 miles away. Haines offers visitors to Skagway a chance to get off the beaten path and explore remote, wildlife-rich areas.
Skagway, our home, sits at the top of the Lynn Fjord and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the lush Tongass National Forest. This geography puts Skagway in a unique position to be a grand gateway to outdoor adventure! We specialize in guided trips that immerse you in the vast natural beauty of the area. Hiking, rafting, climbing, ziplining, and canoeing are some of the exciting activities that we offer based in Skagway. Many of our tours also utilize the fast ferry and travel to Haines, just 15 miles away. Haines offers visitors to Skagway a chance to get off the beaten path and explore remote, wildlife-rich areas.
What we'll do
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.
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.
What to expect / what's provided
* Duration: 6.5 Hours
* Activity Level: Moderate
* Min. Age: 8 years
* Min. Weight: None Max. Weight: 300 lbs.
* Food: Picnic style lunch included.
* Provided Equipment: Life vests, rubber boots, ponchos, paddles
* Recommended clothing: Layers for warmth, rain gear
* Wheelchair access: No
* Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity.
* Liability Waiver Required
* FAQs
- Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship docks at. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
- Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonders of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff undergo extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
- Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing, and at the Chilkoot Trail trailhead.
- Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance, the weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
- How much will I paddle?
Everyone in the canoe will be provided with a paddle. Paddling is optional and each boat is equipped with a quiet 4-stroke outboard motor so if the wind picks up or you need a rest you can sit back and let your guide and motor do the work.
- What kind of wildlife will I see?
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.
* Pricing is inclusive of the 5% Skagway Sales Tax
* Activity Level: Moderate
* Min. Age: 8 years
* Min. Weight: None Max. Weight: 300 lbs.
* Food: Picnic style lunch included.
* Provided Equipment: Life vests, rubber boots, ponchos, paddles
* Recommended clothing: Layers for warmth, rain gear
* Wheelchair access: No
* Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity.
* Liability Waiver Required
* FAQs
- Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship docks at. Otherwise, the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says "Skagway and Haines Excursions".
- Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained, and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonders of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff undergo extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certifications. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
- Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing, and at the Chilkoot Trail trailhead.
- Do you cancel due to the weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance, the weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
- How much will I paddle?
Everyone in the canoe will be provided with a paddle. Paddling is optional and each boat is equipped with a quiet 4-stroke outboard motor so if the wind picks up or you need a rest you can sit back and let your guide and motor do the work.
- What kind of wildlife will I see?
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.
* Pricing is inclusive of the 5% Skagway Sales Tax
Cancellation Policy
All sales final, but please contact us if you have any problems with your order.
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