This spectacular kayaking tour immerses you in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska! You will have the opportunity to see amazing blue glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and extraordinary wildlife and fauna!
Join professional kayak guides for an exciting paddling adventure on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake. This is a fantastic paddling excursion for all abilities and no experience is necessary.
Your tour begins as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along North America’s longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide points out marine wildlife.
Upon arrival in Haines, you will board a motorcoach that will take you on a beautiful 40 minute drive to Chilkoot Lake. Once you have arrived at the water you will receive a brief safety orientation, be outfitted with flotation vest and rubber boots, and get familiarized with your sea kayak. At least the next 1.5 hours will be spent enjoying the breath-taking scenery that Alaska is famous for!
While on the water, you will be surrounded with towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fabulous wildlife. There are frequent sightings of whales, otters, eagles, bears, and more. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the incredible scenery, take pictures of the astounding wildlife and enjoy a picnic style lunch! This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Note: We are able accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice, including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc.
(~ 75 minutes) – Your friendly tour dock representative will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. We will provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion and get you ready to board the ferry to Haines. We’ll help you board the comfortable ferry for the 50-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines.
(~ 60 minutes) – Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your tour guide and driver for a breathtaking interpretive drive by the historic Fort Seward on our way to Chilkoot Lake. Along the way to the lake we’ll drive along the Lynn Fjord and the Chilkoot River which hosts a salmon run that takes place from mid-summer thru fall.
(~10 minutes) – When we arrive at Chilkoot Lake you’ll have the opportunity to meet your other guides and take in the stunning views of the pristine lake. Your guides will help you get fit with a PFD (life jacket), spray skirt and paddle. You’ll then receive a thorough safety briefing and become familiar with your kayak and equipment before boarding your stable 3-person fiberglass kayak.
(~90 minutes) – We will then take off on a paddle exploration of Chilkoot Lake. Chilkoot Lake is surrounded by mountains and numerous waterfalls. Salmon also end their journey from the ocean here to spawn on the sandy bottom in late-summer. The lake is well-sheltered from the wind and makes for excellent kayaking regardless of the weather conditions.
(~50 minutes) – once we’ve paddled back to our dock you’ll have some free time to use the spotting scopes on our private deck to take in the views from a different perspective. We’ll then board our transportation and head down to the ocean for lunch.
(~30 minutes) – At our private ocean side picnic area, where you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch provides great views of the Lynn Fjord in a private setting.
(~60 minutes) – Once we wrap up with lunch we’ll head over to the ferry dock where you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms and take additional photos of Haines before enjoying the scenic ride back up the fjord to Skagway.
(~15 minutes) – Upon returning to Skagway, a short walk will bring you back to our original meeting point, just a few minutes’ walk or shuttle to downtown Skagway and all three cruise ship docks.
Where will I meet my guide?
Your tour guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Otherwise the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign with the name of your tour.
Who are my guides?
Your guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour, on the ferry during your travel to Haines and non-flushing restrooms at the start/finish of your paddle or float.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
Just let us know when you are making your reservation. We have alternative lunch options to accommodate most dietary restrictions with advanced notice at no additional charge.
Is there a charge for infants (0-18 months)?
No, infants are not allowed. The minimum age to participate in tour is 8 years old.
