Haines is home breathtaking views and magnificent wildlife. Spend the day with an experienced naturalist as your guide exploring the area and learning about the plants, and animals that make up the wilds of Alaska.
This excursion begins in with a 45-minute high-speed catamaran ferry to the small town Haines. Upon arrival, we'll start with a narrated driving through the historic Fort Seward, the first military base in Alaska. As you leave town, you'll embark on a journey through the amazing Chilkoot Valley on your way to the Chilkoot River corridor filled with coastal views along the longest fjord in North America.
The Chilkoot River is home to some of the best bear viewing in Alaska. Salmons run in high demand through the river which brings in good numbers of bears every year. It's located between rugged glacial peaks that are home to numerous brown bears, mountain goats, salmon, river otters, and bald eagles. This area is a bird paradise as well with an abundance of local and migratory birds.
After visiting the Chilkoot River, you'll enjoy a seaside picnic including sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies. After lunch, you'll head to the mouth of the Chilkat River, home of the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. The final stop on your excursion is habitat to all five species of wild pacific salmon, drawing all of Alaska's predators to its shores.
Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the unparalleled beauty of the Chilkat River before the drive back to the ferry.
Notes:
This tour only operates July - September to maximizes our potential to view bears and eagles feeding on the spawning salmon. Bear and other wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The tour stops can vary slightly according to maximum wildlife viewing potential.
Duration: 6.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal)
Inclusions:
- Round trip transportation from the ship
- Picnic style lunch included
- Provided equipment: shared spotting scopes and binoculars
Requirements:
- Guests need to be able to get in and out of the van and walk on uneven surfaces
Duration: 6.25 hours. Tour times below are approximate:
- 15 minutes - meet your guide and make your way to the ferry to Haines
- 50 minutes - narrated, scenic catamaran to Haines
- 30 minutes - driving of Fort Seward and Haines
- 30 minutes - continue to Picture Point for a photo opportunity
- 3 hours - at the Chilkoot River and the Chilkoot Lake for wildlife sightings and a beach picnic
- 1 hour - scenic ferry back to Skagway
- 15 minutes - transport back to the cruise ship terminal
Meeting Instructions:
- This tour meets at the end of the pier. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.
ADA Accessibility of Tour:
- This tour is not wheelchair or limited mobility accessible.
How many passengers does the tour van/bus hold?
Depending on the group size of the day, the tour can be transported in a 15 passenger van, or in a bus with capacity for 24 people.
How much walking is required on this tour?
There isn't much walking on this tour. If the guest doesn't wish to walk far, it can be less than a mile. Guests need to be able to get in and out of the van/ferry and walk on uneven surfaces. There will be some gravel or paved paths around the Chilkoot Lake.
Is there a chance that my tour will be cancelled due to the minimum capacity not being met?
We will run the tour as long as we have at least 2 guests on the tour!
What is the recommended clothing for this tour?
We recommend dressing in layers. Also, this tour operates rain or shine, so don't forget your rain jacket!
Are there any age restrictions for children?
No, there are no age restirictions for this tour.
Can I bring a backpack?
Backpacks and small bags are allowed on this tour.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Non-alcoholic beverages in a closeable containters and snacks are allowed on tour.
Are food and drink included?
Beverages and lunch are included.
What if I had food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Just let us know when you're booking your reservation. There are alternative lunch options to accommodate most dietary restrictions with advanced notice at no additional charge.
Are there restrooms throughout this tour?
Yes. Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, on the ferry during your travel to Haines, and on the dock once you arrive in Haines.
Customer Reviews
Sep 2022 - Thomas S.
Four of us took this excursion with Sydney who was fantastic and very knowledgeable. We of course wanted to see salmon, bears and eagles. Who would have known we would watch a momma bear catch a salmon for her and her two cubs and then eat it under a tree with a beautiful bald eagle in it. We say many more animals and views that photos do not do justice (even though they try), Would do this again in a minute!!
