Skagway Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour to Haines

4.9
16 reviews

Excursion Overview

A naturalist's paradise for scenic Alaskan kayaking!

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 where you will meet your wilderness guide and set out on a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has many highlights including Tlingit Indian cultural sites, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Once you arrive at Chilkoot Lake State Park, take in the scenery as you board your two-person sea kayaks. Your expert guide will show you the basics of paddling. Outfitted with the proper gear, you will soon be gliding silently along the shores of the lake. This pristine lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular. Huge waterfalls spill off of the cliffs surrounding the lake, lush green forests crowd the shoreline, and wildlife abounds. Pause at the base of one of these waterfalls, where your guide will reveal the secret workings of the rainforest.

Beginning in July, sockeye salmon spawn in one of the clear streams that feed into the lake. Eagles and bears are often attracted to this spot, and you will be able to view all the activity from your kayak. The total time on the lake is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Paddle back to shore and enjoy some snacks before driving back to Haines. Once back in Haines, board the high-speed catamaran for your journey back to Skagway. Return to your ship filled with memories and photographs from an unforgettable adventure.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

  • Fast Ferry fare to and from Haines on public service Catamaran Ferry
  • Snacks (including gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options), bottled water (including sparkling)
  • Gear included: Personal Floatation Device, Paddle, 2 person Easy Rider kayak

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 2 passengers is required to book
  • Minimum age of 7 years old
  • Maximum weight of 250 lbs

Duration: 6.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

  • 45 minutes - fast ferry to Haines
  • 45 minutes - nature tour to Chilkoot State Park
  • 15 minutes - safety talk and equipment distribution
  • 90 minutes - kayaking on Chilkoot Lake
  • 30 minutes - snack time at the picnic location
  • 60 minutes - scenic tour and transfer to fast ferry
  • 45 minutes - fast ferry to Skagway

Meeting Instructions:

  • This tour meets on the cruise ship dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

  • This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.

Refund Policy:

  • You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
  • Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The kayaking and rafting tours have a minimum age of 7. If a child requires a car seat, please provide advance notice.

Yes. The weight limit for the rafting and kayak trip is 250 lbs. The kayaking tour requires that guests can paddle for 1.5 hours and get themselves comfortably in and out of a kayak.

No. We do not have a wheelchair lift in any of our vehicles.

The provided snacks include gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

We recommend that you dress in layers. It can be cold enough that you want a wool cap, gloves, and a jacket, or it could be so warm you will be in a T-shirt with sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather can change quickly.

Yes. There is a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 14 guests per departure.

We use 2-person Easy Rider fiberglass kayaks. They are very stable and perfect for kayaking on Chilkoot Lake.

Yes, a representative will meet the guests just past security.

Our maximum group size is 14. Our typical tour has around 6-8 guests at one time. We can charter large buses for large groups with advance notice.

Depending on the size of the group and the tour, we utilize everything from an SUV like the Toyota Sequoia or Sienna to the 14-passenger Ford Econoline Van to the 14- passenger Airporter-style bus.

 

Guest Reviews

4.9

16 total

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Meghan M

On Aug 2024

My fiance and I did this on our Alaskan cruise and it was honestly the highlight of our trip. The weather was gorgeous, our guide was knowledgeable and experienced, and it was so beautiful that words can t do it justice. We had a small group so it was peaceful and we got to enjoy good company with the most amazing view the entire time we were out. If we ever end up in Alaska again, we will absolutely be booking excursions through this company again because the price was right and the service is more than you pay for. I can t say enough good things about this experience but I will say that if we could go back and do it again, I would again and again. Highly recommend!

Kirk S

On Jul 2024

What a great excursion. Starting with a ferry to Haines you get to see a number of beautiful waterfalls. We arrived in Haines greeted by our Tour owner/operator Joe who took us to Chilkoot Lake. Our family of 4 made up half the people on the entire lake. The color of the water is absolutely incredible. We finished our excursion with a charcuterie provided by Joe. If you want to get away from the cruise hustle and bustle of your cruise, I would highly recommend!

Cynthia G

On Jul 2024

This kayaking excursion on Chilkoot Lake provided a truly beautiful experience with thoughtful attention to new kayakers. Scenery was very peaceful and boats were always close to shore. A delicious lunch was provided in the park and the driving tour was very interesting. Joe was an exceptional guide. Highly recommend.

Griffith H

On Jun 2024

Great excursion. The guide was fantastic. Highly recommend.

Sydney C

On Sep 2023

A fun small group kayak trip! We were the only only ones the lake. Beautiful scenery. Excellent guide. Couldn't have asked for a better trip.

$276.25

Best Price Guarantee!

$276.25

Duration: 6.5 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 6.5 hours



Minimum of 2 Required to Book

Adult (13+): $276.25

Child (7-12): $245.00