Native Culture Experience to Haines

**THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2024 SEASON**

A beautiful 45-minute high-speed catamaran ride will take us to Haines where you will meet your guide and board the bus to begin your cultural adventure. Before we head up the scenic Haines byway on the drive up the Chilkat Valley to the village of Klukwan, we'll explore one of the first US military bases in Alaska, historic Fort Seward by bus.

After the drive through the Chilkat Valley and Bald Eagle Preserve, we'll reach Klukwan, "Eternal Village" of the Chilkat people. The Chilkat Tlingit have lived off the bounty of this special place and their close connection to the land will be further revealed throughout our visit. You will have an intimate look at the traditional lifestyle of the Chilkat people as your guide walks you through the Traditional Knowledge Camp. After visiting the Adze Shed where their 37-foot dug-out "Heen Yakgaheiyagoo Yaakw" (Water Spirit Canoe) is stored, we will end our visit in the Tlingit plank style, clan house, "Kaaya Haayi Hit" with storytelling and interpretation of its totemic artworks. You will then get to experience traditional songs and drumming that highlight cultural heritage.

The next stop is the Heritage Center, this museum quality center provides access to art treasures that have previously not been available to the public. The Heritage Center is situated in a stunningly beautiful location that offers incredible views. From this private setting, your guide will set up spotting scopes to watch for mountain goats on the peaks behind Klukwan, or for eagles feeding on salmon along the river's edge. We will enjoy a picnic lunch while overlooking the glacially fed waters of the Chilkat River.

Once our visit to Klukwan is wrapped up we'll board our bus for another beautiful drive through the Chilkat Valley and Bald Eagle Preserve back to Haines. Upon our arrival in Haines, we will board the ferry for our return trip to Skagway.