Haines Scenic Byway and Summit

Passports required for all guests on this tour.

As we depart the dock in Haines on a tour bus, your expert cultural and naturalist guide will welcome you to the town of Haines and its fascinating geography, culture and natural wonders.

First, you will be treated to a narrated driving tour through historic Fort Seward, one of the first US military bases in Alaska. As we drive up the Haines Highway towards Canada, we pass through the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve which boasts the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world. We drive along the National Scenic Byway through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the heart of the preserve and make a few stops to watch for bald eagles, moose, and other wildlife commonly sighted in the area.

Passing through the Canadian border we gain elevation and travel above tree-line. Towering peaks loom above the highway. There are fantastic views of glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and wide-expanses of alpine tundra. Along the way, we’ll stop for a delicious picnic style lunch with a dramatic mountain backdrop. As we make our way back to Haines, we’ll make several stops to look for wildlife and take photos of the dramatic scenery.

Passports required for all guests on this tour.

(~10 minutes) - Your friendly guides will meet you near the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock in Haines. Before departing you’ll be able to ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming excursion and use the restrooms before you embark on your sightseeing adventure up the Haines Scenic Byway.
(~120 minutes) - Your expert guide and driver will lead you on a narrated drive up the Haines Highway (a National Scenic Byway) and through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Along the way there will be stops for photo opportunities and access to restrooms. We will make a brief stop through customs to check your passport and any necessary VISA’s before heading up into the alpine environment of the Haines Pass. Here you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and dramatic glacier views.
(~45 minutes) - We will also enjoy a picnic-style lunch at the summit or one of many of the picturesque pull-outs along the way depending on the weather conditions.
(~90 minutes) - From the Haines summit we’ll descend the highway and pass through US Customs on our way back into the Chilkat Valley and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. In the preserve we will make another stop for photos and restrooms will be available here.
(~35 minutes) - Once you’ve had time to take in the views we will re-board the coach and head back to the small town of Haines. Our adventure will wrap up back at our meeting point near the dock which is a short walk from downtown and nearby shops and restaurants.

Where will I meet my guide?
Our guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. You will meet your guide on the Southeast corner of the main cruise ship dock in Portage Cove. CLICK HERE to see a map pointing to this location.
Who are my guides?
One of our professional naturalist guides will host the tour and narrate the drive from the port in Haines to the village of Klukwan. Once in Klukwan, local villagers with expert personal knowledge of their native culture will share their history and traditions with you.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour and non-flushing restrooms are available at various overlooks along the drive.
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 a food allergy?
Just let us know when you are making your reservation. We have alternative snack options available to accommodate most dietary restrictions with advanced notice at no additional charge.