Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies

An Exclusive Full-Day Adventure in Skagway with a Personal Guide

The Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies offers a comprehensive exploration of the scenic surroundings near Skagway, Alaska. Priced at $980 per group (up to 7 people), this 7-hour private experience is perfect for those seeking a personalized journey with an expert guide who has over 30 years of local knowledge. The tour features stunning stops, wildlife spotting success, and the chance to meet real sled dogs, making it a truly immersive encounter with the landscape and culture of the region.

What makes this tour stand out is the guide’s deep familiarity with the South Klondike Highway, which he affectionately calls “my Office.” The guide’s expertise results in a 99% success rate for spotting mountain goats and other wildlife, thanks to high-quality spotting scopes. The tour also includes numerous photo opportunities, short hikes weather permitting, and visits to iconic sites like Emerald Lake and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. This is an ideal choice for travelers who want a tailored, engaging, and fully-informative day with an emphasis on wildlife, scenery, and local stories.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 7-hour tour led by an expert guide with over 30 years of experience
• Wildlife viewing success with a 99% chance of spotting mountain goats and other animals
• Includes stops at Emerald Lake, Yukon Suspension Bridge, Carcross, and Carcross Desert
• Optional husky experience at Wild Adventure Yukon, featuring cuddling puppies and visiting a petting zoo
• Pickup offered from Skagway cruise terminal with mobile ticket for ease of access
• Weather permitting, enjoy short hikes revealing hidden spots not visited by other tours

The Guide’s Deep Local Knowledge Enhances Every Moment

The guide leads this tour with a passion for the landscape and wildlife of the area. Known affectionately as “my Office,” he has explored every inch of the South Klondike Highway for over 30 years, making him well-equipped to find wildlife and share stories that bring the landscape to life. His expertise ensures that wildlife sightings, including mountain goats, are almost guaranteed, thanks to his use of top-notch spotting scopes.

Beyond wildlife, the guide is also a professional photographer, offering pro photo tutoring to help guests capture stunning images of the scenery and animals. This personalized attention makes the tour particularly valuable for those wanting to preserve memories of their trip. The guide’s friendly and humorous personality shines through, making the journey both educational and fun.

Scenic Stops Along the South Klondike Highway

The itinerary begins in Downtown Skagway, a historic area filled with Klondike Gold Rush-era buildings and exhibits. From there, the tour ascends over the White Pass, offering panoramic views and a chance to learn about the region’s history. The subsequent stops include the Yukon Suspension Bridge, a spectacular site situated 25 miles north of Skagway, with amenities like a cafeteria, gift shops, and restrooms.

Next, the tour visits Carcross, a small Native village inhabited by Tlingit and Tagish First Nations people for thousands of years. Here, you can enjoy the scenery of the narrows between lakes and experience the cultural richness of the area. The journey continues to the Carcross Desert, a 50,000-year-old beach formed from the remnants of a post-glacial lake, offering a surprising landscape in the Yukon.

The Highlight: Emerald Lake and Wildlife Opportunities

Emerald Lake marks the turnaround point in the tour, approximately 5 miles north of Carcross. Known for its deep green and blue hues, the lake reflects the sunlight striking the shallow water, creating a vivid, picturesque scene. The stop allows for 10-minute visits to take photos and enjoy the views before heading back.

A key feature of this tour is the visit to Wild Adventure Yukon, formerly Caribou Crossings. Here, guests can meet professional sled dogs and mushers. The experience includes the chance to cuddle puppies, visit a petting zoo, and explore two museum buildings. This stop provides a hands-on experience of the region’s sled dog culture, making it popular among animal lovers.

The Option to Experience Huskies Up Close

Travelers have the choice to include or exclude the Yukon Wild Adventure Husky Camp. If selected, this part of the tour offers opportunities to interact with real sled dogs, learn about their training, and cuddle puppies. It’s a highlight for those interested in Alaskan dog sledding traditions and animal interactions. The admission fee for this stop is not included in the base price, but the experience is highly praised for its authenticity and warmth.

Logistics and Convenience

The tour commences at 7:30 am from the Skagway cruise terminal, making it an easy choice for cruise passengers who want to maximize their time ashore. The tour is a private activity, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience. It includes bottled water, hand sanitizer, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

Pickup is offered, simplifying logistics for cruise travelers, and the mobile ticket system streamlines check-in. The cost of the Yukon Suspension Bridge is CA$11 per person, payable upon visit, and is not included in the tour price.

Physical Demands and Accessibility

While the tour includes short hikes and outdoor stops, the terrain is generally manageable for most travelers. Weather conditions can influence the experience, especially during hikes or wildlife viewing, so dressing appropriately is advised. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, but physical comfort with outdoor activities is recommended.

The Value of a Private, Expert-Led Experience

At $980 for a group of up to 7 people, this tour offers a personalized approach with a guide who has extensive local knowledge and photography skills. The customizable itinerary allows for flexibility based on weather and guest preferences. Many reviews highlight the guide’s personality, storytelling, and wildlife spotting success as major strengths.

While the price may seem high compared to group tours, the private nature and the opportunity for tailored attention justify the cost for those seeking a more intimate and informative day. The ability to choose whether to include the husky experience** adds further flexibility.

Final Thoughts on the Full Day Emerald Lake Tour

This tour combines scenic beauty, wildlife, cultural stops, and animal encounters into a well-rounded experience. The expert guide’s knowledge and friendly demeanor elevate the journey, making it particularly suitable for adventure seekers and animal lovers. The stops at Emerald Lake and the Yukon Suspension Bridge deliver iconic views, while the visit to Wild Adventure Yukon introduces a hands-on sled dog experience.

The private nature of the tour, along with the convenience of pickup and flexible timing, makes it a compelling option for those who value personal attention and customization. The main limitation is the cost, but for many, the quality of the experience and the expert guidance make it worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families. The outdoor activities and wildlife sightings appeal to children, but short hikes and outdoor weather should be considered.

Can I skip the husky experience?
Yes, the tour offers options to participate with or without the Wild Adventure Yukon husky camp. The base price applies if you choose to exclude the husky visit.

What is included in the price?
The price includes private transportation, a professional local guide, pro photo tutoring, bottled water, hand sanitizer, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

How long are the stops at each location?
The tour features approximately 10-minute stops at Emerald Lake and Carcross Desert, 45-minute visits at Yukon Suspension Bridge and Wild Adventure Yukon, and brief time in downtown Skagway.

What should I bring for the outdoor activities?
Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including layers, hiking shoes if desired, and camera gear for photos.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the tour price. Guests should plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
While most outdoor stops involve minimal walking, some terrain may be uneven or outdoor. It is best suited for travelers who can manage short walks and outdoor conditions.

How do I book or cancel this tour?
Booking is confirmed upon availability, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Contact details are provided by the tour operator, Skagway Yukon Custom Van Tours.

This full-day adventure offers a personalized, wildlife-rich exploration with expert guidance, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to see the best of Skagway’s natural beauty and culture.