Haines Wildlife Experience

Join us on a 3-day exploration of the best wildlife, scenic, and adventurous opportunities that Haines has to offer! Explore glacial terrain, temperate rainforest, and the exotic wildlife that calls Southeast Alaska home. This itinerary is designed for the traveler on a tight timeframe, allowing you to enjoy the best of Alaska in less than a week!

Trip Photos

  • Exploring the shoreline of Chilkoot Lake, watching for wildlife Exploring the shoreline of Chilkoot Lake, watching for wildlife
  • Brown bear outside of Haines Brown bear outside of Haines
  • Pair of Bald Eagles in Haines, Alaska Pair of Bald Eagles in Haines, Alaska
  • Spawning Sockeye salmon on Chilkoot Lake Spawning Sockeye salmon on Chilkoot Lake
  • Rafting through the Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting through the Bald Eagle Preserve
  • Eagle eyeing salmon on the Tsirku river Eagle eyeing salmon on the Tsirku river
  • Brown bear outside of Haines Brown bear outside of Haines
  • Native Tlingit storytelling and dance Native Tlingit storytelling and dance
  • Mama bear and her cubs Mama bear and her cubs
     

Trip Notes

Departure Point: Haines
Duration: 3 days
Destination: Haines, AK
Price: $2280 per person double occupancy (+ tax, in USD)
Activities: Glacier viewing, scenic raft float, native cultural centers, coastal hiking wildlife viewing, and more.
Small Groups: Max of 12 (larger custom groups possible)
Difficulty Level: Easy. Guests must be able to walk over loose gravel and embark/disembark from the bus unassisted.
Meals: 4 Breakfasts & 3 Lunches (Dinners facilitated, but not included)
Lodging: 4 nights accommodation at quality hotels
2024 Dates: July 22, August 5, 19, September 2, 16
2025 Dates: July 21, August 4, 18, September 1, 15
Passport required

Trip Description

Experience the rugged beauty and the pristine natural habitat of Alaskan wildlife. Come explore the best of Southeast Alaska as we travel from the Alaskan capitol of Juneau, spend a day in Icy Strait Point, through to the small villages of Haines and Skagway, and onto Gustavus, the Gateway to Glacier Bay.

3 Day Haines Wildlife Safari itinerary at a glance:

    • Day 0: Arrival in Haines
    • Day 1: Haines – Klukwan Native Village Visit and Float Down the Chilkat River
    • Day 2: Haines – Canoe on Chilkoot Lake, Coastal Hiking, and Chilkat State Park
    • Day 3: Haines – Kroschel Wildlife Center Visit, Alpine Tundra Walk, and Evening Wildlife Safari
    • Day 4: Haines – Airport Transfer

Hosted by an expert Alaska-based tour guide, professional naturalists, seasoned boat captains, and a veteran bush pilot, you will be immersed in the grandeur of the Last Frontier first-hand through numerous specially chosen outdoor, cultural, and wildlife-viewing experiences. Enjoy free time to hike by glaciers, shop for native art, have a craft Alaskan brew, or watch for marine wildlife on a beautiful pebble beach; leave the stress of travel and planning to us!

We will provide guests with upscale lodging at every destination, gourmet meals, and travel by road, sea, and bush plane. We will explore wildlife preserves and native villages, canoe on pristine lakes, discover rivers filled with salmon and bears, and raft among the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world.

Haines:
Downtown Haines: Haines is a picture-perfect fishing town of about 2,500 people. It offers incredible wildlife viewing and outstanding outdoor adventures. Haines hosts a rich cultural history with Fort Seward, one of the first military forts in Alaska, and is only 20 miles from the native Tlingit village of Klukwan. Take a stroll down the main street, or head to the waterfront Fort Seward for smoked salmon, Tlingit art, or a beachside hike.

Kroschel Wildlife Center: We will visit the famed Kroschel Wildlife Center as part of our natural history and wildlife viewing tour. We will be welcomed by Steve Kroschel and his staff, who will take us through a hands-on visit with face-to-face encounters with the wildlife and grant us intimate close-up photo opportunities with these rescued animals. As we walk through the wildlife center, we will discover orphaned wolves, Arctic fox, lynx, porcupine, pine marten, mink, reindeer, wolverines, and more.

Native Village of Klukwan: Klukwan is one of the largest communities of Tlingits (an Alaska native people group) still in existence, located twenty-two miles north of Haines. Located at the confluence of three glacially fed rivers, this historic village has seen a multitude of generations. For hundreds of years, the Tlingits have lived off the bounty of this special place. Still today, you will see them fishing and smoking their catch at the river’s edge. We will have the opportunity to learn and experience the fascinating cultural history of the Tlingit people. Enjoy a native cultural performance and orientation which includes a visit to a Tlingit long house, a visit to the Adze shed to see totem and canoe carving, and to the salmon drying houses. The Heritage Center is situated in a stunningly beautiful location that offers incredible views.

Float Trip Through Bald Eagle Preserve: At the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you’ll experience the largest gathering of bald eagles in the world! Your specially-trained guides await to begin your rafting adventure (a gentle float, no whitewater!). You’ll float peacefully down the Chilkat River aboard an 18-foot inflatable raft – the best way to observe the eagles drawn to feed on the plentiful salmon. Bears and wolves are also occasional guests at the feast. Not only rich in wildlife, the preserve is also a place of incredible beauty, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and lush forests.

Canoe Trip on Chilkoot Lake: The Chilkoot River Valley offers incredible wildlife viewing. Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are commons sights. Our guides are expert naturalists and enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness. At Chilkoot Lake, you’ll be stepping into a Voyageur canoe, which is stable, comfortable and quiet; perfect for observing nature’s splendor and the wildlife that abounds around this peaceful lake. You’ll be out on the water for about 1.5 hours exploring the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams and numerous waterfalls that spill off the mountains into the lake.

Chilkat Inlet Coastal Hike: Enjoy this spectacular hiking adventure that immerses you in the remote beauty of Southeast Alaska, where you will be surrounded with amazing mountain, glacier, and ocean views. Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. Your knowledgeable, naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. The trail is slightly rolling as we make our way towards Moose Meadows, aptly named for the occasional moose seen grazing along the seaside. As we step out onto the beach, we are treated with magnificent glacier views across the fjord. The total hiking distance is about dependent on the group and weather conditions.

Evening Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing: In the evening (one of the best times of day to see wildlife), we will journey north of Haines through the amazing Chilkoot Valley. The Chilkoot River is home to some of the best bear viewing in Alaska! The river’s huge salmon runs bring good numbers of bears every year. Situated among rugged glaciated peaks, it is home to numerous brown bears, mountain goats, salmon, river otters, and innumerable bald eagles. This area is a birdwatcher’s paradise with abundant local and migratory birds. Powerful spotting scopes or binoculars will often allow close-range views of mountain goats grazing in high alpine meadows and nesting eagles on this tour. After capturing images and experiencing the incredible natural beauty and wildlife of the Chilkoot River corridor at golden hour, we will head to the mouth of the Chilkat River, home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Our final stop of the tour is habitat to all five species of wild Pacific salmon, drawing all of Alaska’s predators to its shores. The four ice-capped mountain ranges that surround the Chilkat River provide unparalleled photography opportunities.

Alpine Summit Walk: Explore the off-trail alpine terrain of wild British Columbia. We will drive north of Haines and over the border into Canada, gaining elevation at our trailhead above treeline. Towering peaks loom in every direction, while glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and rolling tundra enchant us. During the peak of summer, enjoy multitudes of wildflowers! Golden eagles, ptarmigan, snowshoe hares, grizzly bears, and other wildlife frequent these areas. Your guide will choose from a variety of trail routes to best fit guest abilities. During early summer months, we may encounter patches of snow. No matter the season, this trek will showcase the very best of beautiful northern British Columbia!

Chilkat State Park: Chilkat State Park is one of the most beautiful places to explore around Haines. The temperate rainforest growth provides absolute tranquility, making it one of the best places to look for moose. As it’s located right along the coastline of the Lynn Canal, there are ample opportunities to stroll the beach trail and search for bears, whales, seals, sea lions, and diving bald eagles. However, the view of the Rainbow Glacier — a hanging glacier with a large waterfall spilling over the glacial face — is what sets this park on a pedestal. A short drive along the coast brings us to the Chilkat River Delta, which spans more than two miles across. Watch for the eagles, gulls, and other seabirds diving for the euchalon run and other fish as this intertidal zone swirls and changes in an instant.

Day 0: Arrival Day
Upon your arrival into Haines, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. nce you are settled, you will have free time to get your bearings of this charming Southeast Alaska Town. Your guide will let you know at what time to meet the next day to start your adventure through Alaska.
Meals on your own.

Day 1: Haines – Klukwan Native Village and Chilkat River Float
Today we will experience the native culture of the Tlingit people on this unique visit to Klukwan, the mother village of the Tlingit Nation, located 22 mile north of Haines. For hundreds of years the Chilkat Tlingit have lived off the bounty of this special place and their close connection to the land will be further revealed throughout our visit.  Their Heritage Center provides access to art treasures that have previously not been available to the public. The Whale House collection, uniquely displayed in its place of origin, allows entrance to the Chilkat’s distinctive ethnic landscape. Before departing Klukwan, we will enjoy a picnic lunch while overlooking the glacially fed waters of the Chilkat River. There will also be time to visit the gift shop, where local native arts and crafts can be purchased. Leaving Klukwan we will float through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. We will enjoy a scenic float trip (no whitewater) through the Chilkat Valley with great photo opportunities for Eagles and other wildlife amidst the grandeur of glaciated snow-capped peaks.  We will spend 2 ½ to 3 hours on the water before returning to Haines. After your float, we will head back to downtown Haines, where you will enjoy free time for the rest of the day. Check out the beaches, hike in Chilkat State Park, wander the local museums, or check out the local brewery, cafes, and restaurants.
Included: B-L.

Day 2: Haines – Canoe on Chilkoot Lake, Coastal Hiking and Wildlife spotting
Our day will start with a drive to the Lutak Inlet and the Chilkoot River Valley. The Chilkoot River corridor offers incredible wildlife viewing: brown bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are all commons sights. Once at the lake, we will board our outboard canoes and explore the serenity of Chilkoot Lake. We will discover the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams, and numerous waterfalls that spill from the mountains into this pristine lake. After our canoe adventure, we will return to the town of Haines and enjoy a picnic-style lunch at a private oceanside beach. Once we’re back in town, join a spectacular hiking adventure that immerses you in the incredible beauty of Southeast Alaska, where you will be surrounded with amazing mountain and ocean views. From the trailhead, spend the next 2 ½ to 3 hours hiking, surrounded by views of towering, snow-capped mountains and Lynn Canal. We will share with you our knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna, and the amazing glacial history of Alaska. You may see eagles, waterfowl, whales, seals, bears, and moose. Each group is outfitted with binoculars to maximize your opportunities to see up-close the wildlife and the spectacular mountain and river scenery. Afterwards, we will head to Chilkat State Park, which offers incredible views of the Chilkat Inlet, Rainbow and Davidson glaciers. The information center also has spotting scopes so you can spot the inlet wildlife, such as seals, porpoises, and whales. You will be able to spy on bears and mountain goats on the other side of the inlet. The evening will be at your leisure.
Included: B-L.

Day 3: Haines – Kroschel Wildlife Center Visit, Alpine Tundra Walk and Evening Wildlife Viewing
We will start our adventure-packed day with a narrated tour of historic Fort Seward. Continuing onto the Kroschel Wildlife Center, we will experience a hands-on visit and face-to-face encounters with rescued wildlife indigenous to Alaska and the Yukon. From this wildlife refuge, we will head up to the alpine tundra of British Columbia and explore the wildlife world above treeline. 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. We will hike in the alpine tundra above Haines Pass; the exact route will depend on weather conditions and group ability, but wherever we go, we will enjoy gorgeous views and wandering trails. After our hike, we will head back down the highway for lunch at the 33 Mile Roadhouse. Arriving back into town, we will journey through the amazing Chilkoot Valley. On our journey to the Chilkoot River corridor, we take in coastal views along the longest fjord in North America, we may spot seals, sea lions, porpoise and whales feeding in these rich waters. The Chilkoot River is home to some of the best bear viewing in Alaska! The river’s huge salmon runs bring good numbers of bears every year. Situated among rugged glaciated peaks, it is home to numerous brown bears, mountain goats, salmon, river otters, and innumerable bald eagles. This area is a birdwatchers paradise with abundant local and migratory birds. Powerful spotting scopes or binoculars will often allow close-range views of mountain goats grazing in high alpine meadows and nesting eagles on this tour. After capturing images and experiencing the incredible natural beauty and wildlife of the Chilkoot River corridor, we’ll enjoy a seaside picnic of sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies. Following lunch, we will head to the mouth of the Chilkat River, home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Our final stop of the tour is habitat to all five species of wild Pacific salmon, drawing all of Alaska’s predators to its shores. The four ice-capped mountain ranges that surround the Chilkat River provide unparalleled photography opportunities.
Included: B-L.

Day 4: Departure from Haines
We will transfer you to the airport or the ferry for your return home.
Included: B

Note: While not included in the cost, our guides can facilitate group dinners at our favorite spots in town.

Weather delays and associated considerations: Alaska Yukon Discovery Tours may change the scheduled itinerary due to weather, conditions, or operational conflicts. If, for any reason, one of the schedule itinerary elements is unable to operate as planned, we will implement alternate tour programming which may involve alternate locations and/or different activities.

For Interactive Map Click Here

 

We work with the best upscale and conveniently located hotels in Haines. To that extent, we have partnered with the following lodging option to ensure the best experience possible for our guests.

Lodging in Haines: Aspen Suites
Located in the heart of downtown Haines, Aspen Suites is a newly built, beautiful hotel with modern kitchenette studio suites. Restaurants, the Haines Brewery, grocery stores, and downtown shops are all within a few blocks of the hotel. Just a short walk down the hill and you’re at the picturesque Haines Boat Harbor!

Trip Documents:

Group Price: (+ tax, in USD)
Single Supplement: $415
 
Private Booking Price:
$3,985 Price per person – 2 people
$3,375 Price per person – 3 people
$3,015 Price per person – 4 people
$2,700 Price per person – 5 people
$2,545 Price per person – 6 people

All prices are per person based on a double occupancy.

What it is included in the standard vacation price?
  • Professionally planned itinerary
  • Expert guides as private escorts throughout your vacation
  • Upscale hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and lunch per the itinerary
  • All activities as listed on the itinerary
  • All equipment necessary for all included activities
  • Transportation to and from all included activities
  • All admission charges for all included activities
  • Transfer between destinations on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers

 

Guests are responsible for the following:
  • Air transportation to the departure city
  • Gratuities for guides, bus drivers, waiters, and special guides
  • Alcoholic beverages during included lunches
  • Dinners (While not included in the cost, our guide can facilitate group dinners at our favorite spots in town)
  • Travel Insurance

 

To book your adventure, follow the steps below:
    1. Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information via this link:
    1. Place a deposit to reserve your spot; this can be placed over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
    2. Once the deposit is confirmed, you will receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information. We kindly ask that you submit all the necessary trip registration information at least 45 days prior to your trip.

    For private booking or custom-made itineraries, please speak to one of our consultants:

    Call 1-907-313-4422
    Monday – Friday
    8am – 4pm – Alaska Standard Time

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