Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 Hrs From Skagway

The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour promises an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Departing from Skagway, travelers embark on a high-speed catamaran journey to Chilkoot Lake State Park, where they’ll have the chance to witness diverse wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. Led by an expert naturalist guide, this intimate 6.5-hour excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich ecosystem and uncover its hidden gems. But what we love about this tour, and why should you consider adding it to your Alaskan itinerary?

Key Points

• Explore the remote Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines, Alaska on a 6.5-hour round-trip journey from Skagway via high-speed catamaran ferry.
• Witness abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, brown bears, harbor seals, and spawning salmon, in a stunning natural setting.
• Experience a personalized adventure with a small group size of up to 14 travelers, allowing access to more remote areas.
• Enjoy a portable lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as round-trip transportation and expert naturalist guide services.
• Tour has an average rating of 3.9 from 52 guest reviews, with some disappointment noted over lack of bear sightings.

Location and Duration

The tour departs from Skagway and travels to Chilkoot Lake State Park in Haines, a journey that takes approximately 6.5 hours.

This nature excursion explores the remote wilderness of Chilkoot Lake, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and steep fjord walls.

The tour duration is 6.5 hours, providing ample time to witness the abundant wildlife and stunning scenery of this pristine Alaskan landscape.

Guests can expect to see bald eagles, brown bears, harbor seals, and spawning salmon during their day-long adventure in the Haines region, located just a short ferry ride from Skagway.

Transportation and Capacity

To reach the remote Chilkoot Lake, guests travel via a high-speed catamaran ferry from Skagway to Haines. The 6.5-hour journey takes visitors across the spectacular Lynn Canal, one of Alaska’s longest and deepest fjords.

Upon arrival in Haines, guests are picked up and transported to the trailhead. The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

This small group size allows for greater flexibility and the ability to access more remote areas of the wilderness.

Pricing and Reviews

Priced at $270.00 per person, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour offers an immersive and scenic experience in one of Alaska’s most breathtaking destinations.

With a maximum capacity of 14 travelers, the tour promises a personalized adventure. Reviews from 52 guests average a rating of 3.9, indicating a generally positive experience.

While some visitors expressed disappointment over not seeing bears, the majority enjoyed the stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and knowledgeable guides.

The tour’s inclusion of a portable lunch and round-trip transportation from Skagway further enhances the value for guests.

Wildlife and Natural Scenery

Surrounded by the towering mountains and serene waters of Chilkoot Lake, the tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife that thrives in this stunning Alaskan landscape.

Bald eagles soar overhead, diving into the crystal-clear waters to snatch salmon from the rushing river. Curious harbor seals poke their heads up, while the powerful, majestic forms of brown bears forage along the shoreline.

The tour also provides a glimpse into the region’s rich Tlingit cultural heritage, with opportunities to explore ancient sites and learn about the deep connection between the indigenous people and this land.

Cultural Sites

Along With the natural wonders, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour offers a chance to explore the region’s rich Tlingit cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to Tlingit cultural sites, providing insights into the indigenous people’s history, traditions, and connection to the land. Guests can learn about the Tlingit’s unique art, storytelling, and customs that have been passed down for generations.

Tlingit Cultural Sites	Significance
Totem Poles	Represent family history and stories
Longhouses	Traditional dwellings built with cedar
Salmon Smokehouse	Showcases traditional food preservation
Tribal Artwork	Intricate carvings, weavings, and paintings

Tour Inclusions

The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the overall guest experience.

The tour provides:

1. A portable lunch featuring a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat, fruit, cookie, and water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours notice.

2. An expert naturalist guide with knowledge in ecology and wildlife to provide valuable insights throughout the adventure.

3. Round-trip transport via the Haines/Skagway Fast Ferry, with port pickup and driver/guide services included.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Many guests thoroughly enjoyed the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour, citing the stunning scenery and valuable insights from the knowledgeable guides as highlights. Specific stand-out experiences included sighting bald eagles and watching salmon swim in the river.

Positive Experiences	Negative Feedback
Scenic beauty	Lack of bear sightings
Knowledgeable guides	Misleading tour descriptions
Wildlife viewing	Insufficient wildlife emphasis

Despite these issues, the majority of guests had a memorable and worthwhile adventure exploring the natural wonders of Chilkoot Lake State Park.

Important Information

Booking confirmation is received at the time of booking unless the tour is within 2 days of the travel date. A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to run.

1. Children must be accompanied by adults, and infant seats are available.

2. Cruise ship and hotel details are required at the time of booking.

3. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour’s important information ensures guests are well-prepared for their Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing adventure.

With clear policies and requirements, travelers can confidently plan their 6.5-hour journey from Skagway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. However, children must be accompanied by adults, and infant seats are available upon request. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a portable lunch and water are already included in the tour price. Any additional personal items can be brought along as well.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. The standard price is $270 per person, and the tour operator doesn’t indicate any promotional pricing at this time.

How Long Is the Ferry Ride From Skagway to Haines?

The ferry ride from Skagway to Haines takes approximately 1 hour. This high-speed catamaran service is included in the tour package, providing round-trip transportation for the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing experience.

Can Visitors Extend Their Stay in Haines After the Tour?

After the tour, visitors can extend their stay in Haines to explore the town and its attractions. However, the tour package itself only includes round-trip transportation between Skagway and Haines, without additional time in Haines.

Sum Up

The Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour from Skagway offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Alaska’s natural splendor. With a high-speed catamaran transport, expert naturalist guidance, and the chance to witness diverse wildlife, this 6.5-hour adventure provides an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking fjords and snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable Alaskan adventure, this tour promises an intimate and enriching exploration of the Chilkoot Lake State Park.