Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies

If you’re heading to Skagway and looking for a memorable way to explore beyond the cruise ship crowds, this Full Day Emerald Lake Tour offers a compelling mix of scenery, wildlife, and authentic Yukon experiences. It’s a private, customizable journey run by Skagway Yukon Custom Van Tours, led by a guide with over 30 years of local expertise—the kind of person who calls the South Klondike Highway “my Office.”

From the moment we came across this tour, what caught our eye was the guide’s deep knowledge and personal connection to the land—a real insider who’s been exploring every inch of this route for decades. The other highlight is the guaranteed wildlife sightings, especially of mountain goats, thanks to the guide’s eagle-eye spotting skills and excellent equipment. However, it’s not a tour for someone who expects a lot of walking or wants a more leisurely pace; it’s focused on scenic drives, short hikes, and wildlife viewing.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, photography, and authentic stories. If you’re after a flexible, private experience led by a seasoned local who can adapt the day to weather and your interests, this might be your perfect fit. But if you prefer a larger group or strictly scheduled stops, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Expert Local Guide: Over 30 years of experience with an extraordinary knowledge of the landscape and wildlife.
• Wildlife Success Rate: Nearly 100% chance of spotting mountain goats, thanks to the guide’s skill and equipment.
• Customizable & Private: The tour is private and tailored to your interests, making it more personal.
• Scenic Stops & Hidden Gems: Includes Emerald Lake, Yukon Suspension Bridge, and Carcross Desert—plus short hikes if weather permits.
• Wildlife & Photography: Excellent opportunities for photos and wildlife encounters, including eagles, bears, and mountain goats.
• Value & Comfort: With a fixed price for up to 7 people, it’s a good value considering the personalized experience offered.

This tour begins in downtown Skagway, a historic town filled with buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era. The tour kicks off at the cruise terminal around 7:30 am, perfect for travelers arriving on a cruise or those staying overnight. The first stop is at White Pass, where spectacular mountain vistas and historic sites set the tone for the day.

The Yukon Suspension Bridge: A Must-See Viewpoint

Driving north about 25 miles, you’ll reach the Yukon Suspension Bridge, a striking structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. It’s a well-managed spot with a cafeteria, gift shops, and surprisingly, the only running water restrooms along this highway. A brief stop here (about 45 minutes) gives you a chance to walk the bridge, soak in the scenery, and snap photos. Keep in mind that the bridge’s admission fee is not included ($11 CAD per person), so budget accordingly.

Carcross: The Charming First Nations Village

Next, the tour takes you to Carcross, a small village that’s been home to the Tlingit and Tagish First Nations for thousands of years. Set amidst breathtaking scenery on the narrows between lakes, it’s a spot where history and nature coexist beautifully. The 45-minute stop here is enough to stroll through the village, take photos, and appreciate its peaceful atmosphere.

The Surprising Carcross Desert

Just a short drive from Carcross is the Carcross Desert—a patch of sand dunes that looks more like a miniature Sahara than a desert. It’s actually a 50,000-year-old beach formed from post-glacial lake remnants. The stop lasts about 10 minutes but is enough to walk among the dunes and marvel at this unusual feature of the Yukon landscape.

Emerald Lake: The Tour’s Highlight

About five miles north of Carcross lies Emerald Lake, the tour’s turnaround point, where you’ll spend around 10 minutes. The lake’s color is captivating—a vivid blend of green and blue, thanks to sunlight reflecting off the shallow, mineral-rich waters. While it’s a small lake, its scenery is dramatic enough to warrant a quick stop for photos and a breath of fresh air.

Wild Adventure Yukon and Huskies

The final stop is at Wild Adventure Yukon, formerly known as Caribou Crossings. This is where you get a true taste of Yukon life—meeting professional sled dogs and mushers. Guests can cuddle puppies, visit the petting zoo, and explore the museum—about 45 minutes in total. The experience is especially appealing if you’re interested in dogsledding or want to learn about this iconic Arctic sport.

The tour offers the option to include or skip the husky experience, providing flexibility based on your interests and weather conditions.

What makes this tour stand apart is the professionalism of the guide. Reviews consistently praise how knowledgeable, helpful, and fun Tom (the guide) is. His storytelling, combined with his knack for wildlife spotting, creates an engaging and educational atmosphere. Guests highlight how his photography tips help them capture the stunning scenery, and how his stories bring the landscape to life.

The cost is $980 for up to 7 people, which might seem high at first glance. But considering the private nature of the tour, the personalized itinerary, and the inclusion of a guide with 30+ years of experience, many find it to be a good value. It’s a full-day adventure—around 7 hours—that covers multiple highlights and offers flexibility that large group tours often lack.

The tour’s inclusion of bottled water, binoculars, and hand sanitizer adds comfort, while the private transportation makes it easy to travel between stops without the hassle of waiting or crowded buses.

Based on glowing reviews, travelers love the expert guidance that turns a scenic drive into an educational adventure. The high success rate of wildlife sightings—especially mountain goats—means you’re almost guaranteed some memorable moments. The short hikes and off-the-beaten-path stops give a sense of discovery, rather than just riding along a bus route.

If you’re a photographer, Tom’s tips and the scenic stops will help you capture impressive shots. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the chances to see eagles, bears, and goats are a big plus. And if you simply want to learn about the land and its people from a passionate local, this tour delivers.

This experience is ideal for small groups or families seeking a customized, private day trip. It’s perfect if you value flexibility, insider knowledge, and wildlife sightings. It’s also well-suited for travelers who want to avoid large tour buses and crowded stops, preferring a more intimate, guided experience.

However, it’s less suitable if you’re looking for a leisurely, slow-paced day with lots of walking or specific stops not listed here. Also, if you’re on a very tight schedule, note that the tour lasts approximately 7 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

This Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with its private, expert-guided approach offers a rich taste of the Yukon’s natural beauty, wildlife, and history. The combination of scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and authentic local stories makes it a standout choice for travelers who want a personalized, insightful experience. The guide’s extensive knowledge and passion shine through, turning a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure.

If you’re eager to see mountains, lakes, and animals with a knowledgeable host who can tailor the day to weather and interests, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate photography, wildlife, and stories that bring the landscape to life.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, a professional local guide with over 30 years of experience, bottled water, hand sanitizer, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. You also get a visit to Wild Adventure Yukon Husky Camp.

Is the tour private or in a group?
It is a private tour for your group only, making it flexible and personalized.

Can I choose to skip the husky experience?
Yes, the tour can be taken with or without the husky visit at Wild Adventure Yukon, depending on your preference.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Skagway downtown, Yukon Suspension Bridge, Carcross village, Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, and Wild Adventure Yukon.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 7:30 am.

What is the cost and group size?
It costs $980 for a group of up to 7 people, offering good value for a private, guided experience.

Is admission to the suspension bridge included?
No, the $11 CAD per person fee for the Yukon Suspension Bridge is not included.

Are there opportunities for short hikes?
Weather permitting, yes. The guide offers short hikes at certain stops to reveal hidden areas nearby.

What kind of wildlife might we see?
You might see mountain goats, eagles, bears, and other local wildlife. The guide has a 99% success rate spotting mountain goats.

Do reviews suggest this is a good experience?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and the chance to see wildlife and stunning scenery. Many say it’s a memorable, full-day adventure.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into the Yukon’s wild beauty, guided by someone who truly knows the land. Perfect for those who want a flexible, intimate experience with a local expert leading the way.