Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Viewing - 6.5 hrs from Skagway

3.9
(76 reviews)

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6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Leave the crowds of Skagway behind and visit Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines.

Your tour begins with a high-speed catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords which connect Skagway to Haines. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. Upon arrival in Haines, you will meet your knowledgeable guide for a drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park.

This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.

What's Included

Transportation and Fare on Haines/Skagway Fast Ferry
Lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fruit, freshly baked cookie and water.  Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours advance notice.
Driver/guide
Port pickup
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-Up Instructions – Please Read Carefully To join your tour in Haines, you must make it to the ferry on time. - The ferry begins loading 15 minutes before departure. - The ferry leaves on time and does not wait. - To be considerate of other guests and the prompt ferry departure, we cannot always wait for late arrivals. - Your guide will be holding a Rainbow Glacier Adventures sign with a large rainbow logo. ---Cruise Ship Guests--- *Railroad Dock* (next to the rock cliff/landslide area): - If you are tendered (small boat), walk up the ramp and wait by the “Small Boat Harbor” sign to meet your guide. - If you are shuttled by bus, stay at the Ship Shuttle drop-off area to meet your guide. *Broadway Dock* (center of town): - Walk to the end of the pier, in front of your ship, near the start of the train tracks. - Your guide will meet you at the greeting area there. *Ore Dock* (by the helicopters): - Walk up the ramp and just past security to the greeting area. - Your guide will be waiting for you. **Important: If you do not immediately see your Rainbow Glacier Adventures guide, stay and wait at the greeting area. DO NOT WALK TOWARDS TOWN.** If you do not see the guide by 15 minutes prior to the tour, please call the tour operator. ---Hotel & B&B Guests--- - Pick-up is directly in front of your lodging. - Watch for the van with the Rainbow Glacier Adventures logo. - If you do not see the guide by 15 minutes prior to the tour, please call the tour operator.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Travel to and from Haines on a high-speed catamaran along steep-walled fjords at the northern end of the Lynn Canal. Over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from both sides of the boat. This is a 45 minute journey each way with a naturalist on board to highlight the sights. Our representative will assist you with boarding and your tour guide will meet you in Haines for the tour to the Chilkoot Lake.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Haines

    Visit a true naturalist’s paradise - Haines, Alaska. Haines boasts some of the most pristine wild country in Southeast Alaska. Your expert naturalist guide will share their knowledge of this area’s unique wildlife, plants, and ecosystems.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    Pause on your way to the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Site to learn about the Lynn Canal ecosystem and get a safety briefing about being in bear country.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Chilkoot River

    In May, June and July, the wildflowers are at their peak and eagles are busy caring for their young on the nest. Beginning in late July, the river fills with migrating salmon, while brown bears come down to the river’s edge to feed. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases, with a good probability of bear sightings from early August through late September.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area

    As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Your guide is equipped with a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, and your guide will help interpret the behavior of the various wildlife and explain how the animals fit into the Chilkoot’s complex ecosystem. Make sure you bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Nukdik Point

    Nukdik Point is one of the many scenic places to stop for lunch. Across the water the seaside town of Haines will be spread before you with the stunning backdrop of the Chilkat Mountains.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark (Pass by)

    Fort William H Seward overlooks the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock. Built by the US Army in 1904, the fort has a storied past and is now privately owned and maintained.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Supplied by Rainbow Glacier Adventures

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Bird Watching
Wildlife Watching
Shore Excursions
Small Group
Worry-Free Shore Excursion
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.9 Based on 76 76 reviews
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