Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 hrs from Skagway

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $270 per person for approximately 6.5 hours, this tour offers a full day of nature exploration.
• Unique Stops: It features a ferry ride through steep fjords, wildlife sightings at Chilkoot Lake, and a visit to historic Fort William H. Seward.
• Wildlife Viewing: Expect bald eagles, brown bears, seals, and salmon, with expert guides using spotting scopes and binoculars.
• Travel Logistics: Includes hotel or cruise port pickup, round-trip ferry tickets, and a portable lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
• Small Group Experience: Tours are limited to 14 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and less crowding.
• Reviews & Reputation: While generally rated 4.0/5, some reviews highlight exceptional guide knowledge and wildlife encounters, with occasional comments about wildlife unpredictability.

Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing – 6.5 Hours from Skagway

This 6.5-hour tour from Skagway offers a comprehensive glimpse into Southeast Alaska’s wilderness, emphasizing wildlife and stunning scenery. The tour starts with a pickup from your cruise ship or hotel, followed by a ferry ride on a high-speed catamaran that whisks travelers from Skagway to Haines. Along this waterway, travelers admire towering fjord walls and waterfalls, making the journey itself a scenic highlight.

Once in Haines, the tour transitions to a small-group vehicle led by an experienced naturalist guide who takes you through the Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area and other scenic spots. The tour combines wildlife observation, cultural insights, and breathtaking landscapes, making it suitable for nature lovers and those interested in Alaska’s ecosystems.

From the Skagway Ferry to Haines’ Scenic Wilderness

The 45-minute ferry ride on the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry is a major part of the experience. Passengers glide past steep fjord cliffs and witness unnamed waterfalls plunging into the water below. An onboard naturalist provides commentary, highlighting natural features and wildlife along the route. The boat’s speed and scenic views make this ride a memorable start to the day.

In Haines, the naturalist guide meets the group to begin exploring the area’s wilderness. The ferry and boat transfers are included in the tour price, streamlining the journey between Skagway and Haines while offering prime photo opportunities of the Alaskan coast.

Exploring Haines: A Naturalist’s Paradise

Haines is renowned for its pristine wilderness and diverse ecosystems. The guide shares insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and geological features, establishing this town as a true naturalist’s haven. With only 15 minutes at this stop, the focus remains on sightseeing and orientation, setting the stage for wildlife viewing ahead.

This stop also includes a safety briefing about bear country, preparing travelers for encounters along the river and lakes. The guide emphasizes safety and environmental respect, especially around the brown bears, which are most active from late July through September.

Chilkoot River: Salmon Runs and Bear Sightings

The Chilkoot River is a key wildlife hotspot, especially from late July to September when salmon migrate upstream, attracting brown bears to feed. During May to July, the river bursts with wildflowers and eagles, with nesting activity providing excellent birdwatching opportunities.

The one-hour stop here allows travelers to observe salmon swimming, eagles nesting, and potentially bears fishing along the riverbank. The guide uses a spotting scope to bring wildlife into clear view, helping guests interpret animal behavior and ecosystems. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, this location offers some of the best chances, particularly in late summer.

Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area: Wildlife and Photo Opportunities

At Chilkoot Lake, the tour includes a one-hour stop where the guide sets up a high-quality spotting scope and provides binoculars for wildlife viewing. Visitors can look for bald eagles, harbor seals, and other animals that frequent the lake and surrounding mountains.

The guide shares interpretations of animal behavior and ecosystem dynamics, enriching the experience. The diverse scenery makes this stop excellent for photographers, with numerous photo opportunities of snow-capped peaks, lake reflections, and wildlife. This stop underscores the emphasis on nature and wildlife observation rather than just scenery.

Nukdik Point: Scenic Lunch with Mountain Views

Nukdik Point is a scenic stop for lunch, offering sweeping views of Haines across the water and the Chilkat Mountains in the background. The 30-minute break allows travelers to relax, take photos, and enjoy their packed lunch while soaking in the surroundings.

Lunch consists of a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, with fruit, a freshly baked cookie, and water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours’ notice, catering to dietary preferences. The picturesque setting at Nukdik Point provides a peaceful break amid the wilderness.

Fort William H. Seward: A Historic Alaskan Landmark

The tour includes a visit to Fort William H. Seward, built by the US Army in 1904. This historic site offers a glimpse into Alaska’s military past and strategic importance. Now privately owned and maintained, it provides a backdrop for the scenic surroundings and adds a historical dimension to the wilderness experience.

While not a primary wildlife viewing stop, the fort’s vantage point overlooks the Port Chilkoot cruise dock, combining history with scenic views. It’s an optional but interesting addition to the day’s itinerary.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

Transportation is a key feature of this tour, with hotel or cruise port pickup included, making the experience seamless from arrival to departure. The round-trip ferry tickets along with the small-group vehicle ensure an intimate and comfortable exploration, limited to 14 travelers per vehicle, unlike larger bus tours.

Lunch is provided as part of the tour, with options for dietary restrictions. The tour operates with a naturalist guide, who shares knowledge about the ecosystems, animals, and cultural sites like the Tlingit cultural areas along the lake.

Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 114 days in advance, reflecting high popularity. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to partake, and service animals are allowed.

Wildlife Encounters and Viewing Tips

Although wildlife sightings, particularly bears, are not guaranteed, the tour maximizes chances by visiting prime habitat areas during peak seasons. Guides are trained to safely manage wildlife encounters, especially around brown bears that frequent the river and lake areas.

Eagles are a common sight, especially during nesting season, and salmon are visible during their migration. The use of spotting scopes and binoculars enhances wildlife observation, making for memorable photographs and close-up views.

Cost, Value, and Comparison

At $270 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive wildlife and scenery experience with included transportation, ferry rides, and lunch. Its small-group setting and expert naturalist guidance distinguish it from larger, less personalized options, although some reviews mention that wildlife sightings depend on luck.

Compared to other excursions in Skagway and Haines, this tour emphasizes quality, safety, and educational value, making it a premium choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The limited group size ensures a less crowded experience, but the price reflects these personalized touches and logistical arrangements.

Final Thoughts on the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Tour

This 6.5-hour adventure from Skagway balances scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. The ferry journey and stops along Chilkoot Lake and River showcase Alaska’s untouched wilderness, with eagles, salmon, and bears as star attractions.

While wildlife sightings are always subject to animal activity, this tour maximizes opportunities with expert guides and strategic stops. It suits nature lovers and those wanting a more intimate, educational experience beyond just sightseeing. The small group size and inclusion of lunch and transportation add to its appeal, offering good value for a full-day adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately 6.5 hours, including ferry rides, stops, and lunch.

What is included in the price? The price of $270 covers round-trip ferry tickets, transportation, a portable lunch with dietary options, guides, and scenic stops.

Is wildlife guaranteed? No, sightings of bears, moose, or other animals are not guaranteed but are more likely during certain seasons, such as late July through September.

What stops are part of the itinerary? The tour includes the Haines Skagway Fast Ferry, Haines orientation, Tanani Point, Chilkoot River, Chilkoot Lake, Nukdik Point for lunch, and Fort William H. Seward.

What is the group size? Tours are limited to 14 travelers to ensure a personalized experience.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated? Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours’ notice.

What safety measures are in place around wildlife? Guides are trained to assess animal behavior and prioritize safety, instructing guests to return to the vehicle if animals are considered unsafe to approach.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, full refunds are available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring? Bring your camera, binoculars (if you have them), and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.

How busy does the tour get? The maximum group size is 14 travelers, keeping the experience intimate and less crowded.

Is there any cultural significance included? The guide shares insights into Tlingit cultural sites at Chilkoot Lake, adding an educational element to the wilderness experience.