Haines Summit Tundra Trek

As we depart the dock in Haines on a tour van, 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.

Passing through the Canadian border we gain elevation and travel above tree-line before arriving at our trailhead. Passports are required for all guests. After covering a safety talk with guests, we’ll head out amidst the tundra landscape. Towering peaks loom above in all directions. There are fantastic views of glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and wide-expanses of alpine tundra.

During the peak of the summer, there are a multitude of wildflowers. Golden eagles, ptarmigan, snowshoe hares, grizzly bears, and other wildlife frequent the area. Your guide will choose from a variety of trails and routes to best fit guest abilities. Typically, the hike will range from 2 to 6 miles in duration and ascend/descend about 500’ of vertical throughout the hike. Along the way, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch with a view. Snacks are provided to keep the energy going for the extended hike. During the early part of the season, we may encounter patches of snow.

After an invigorating hike in the alpine tundra of British Columbia, we’ll return to our vehicle and head back across the U.S. border for the drive back to the dock in Haines.

*Passports required for this tour Equipment/Clothing: Guests should wear layered clothes to dress for a variety of weather including wind, rain and sun. Sturdy/comfortable hiking shoes or boots are essential. We recommend a small backpack for toting water, camera, and extra layers for the day.

(~ 15 minutes) – Your friendly tour 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 hike and you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms before departing.
(~105 minutes) – Enjoy a 50-mile scenice drive that will leads you through the US/Canada border, and up above tree line to the Haines Pass.
(~240 minutes) – Set out on a 4-hour hike. Exploring the tundra region, scenic views, stream crossings and more. You will stop for a picnic lunch along the way.
(~105 minutes) – Here you will head back to Haines, clearing customs back into the US.

Where will I meet my tour 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 tour guides?
You tour 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?
Restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing for your tour. There are pit toilets at the start and end of the hike. While out on the hike, we'll be in the great outdoors.
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 is the trail like?
You’ll be hiking over uneven, natural terrain. There are exposed roots, rocks and sometimes muddy sections. The trail has relatively little elevation change but has sections taking place on loose rock.