Breakaway from the crowds of Skagway and visit a true naturalist’s paradise – Haines, Alaska. Haines boasts some of the most pristine wild country in Southeast Alaska. After ferrying over from Skagway, meet your private naturalist guide and set out on a beautiful seaside drive into Chilkoot Lake State Park along the Chilkat River.
Your tour begins with a 45-minute catamaran ferry ride along the steep-walled fjord connecting Skagway to Haines. Your guide will acquaint you with the natural history of Lynn Canal as you search for humpback whales, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
Upon arrival in Haines, begin with a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all–a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, important Tlingit cultural sites, and a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife as migratory birds, brown bear, and harbor seals are often seen here.
There is something unique and interesting happening here every month during the summer. In May, June and July, the wildflowers are at their peak and eagles are busy caring for their young on the nest. Your guide will set up a powerful spotting scope to bring you eye-to-eye with a majestic bald eagle. In August and September, the brown bears come down to the river’s edge to feed. Your guide will do their best to give you the bear-viewing opportunity of a lifetime, while keeping you (and the bears) safe.
Continue out of town for a scenic ten-mile drive along the Chilkat River with a photo stop at the historic Letnikof Cove Cannery with Rainbow Glacier as its backdrop.
End your tour with a delicious stop at the Pilot Light Restaurant. Owner Cambria Goodwin, featured on “Cupcake Wars”, serves a tasty meal featuring her signature salmon bisque soup, Caesar salad, home-baked bread, and of course, dessert. After this delicious meal return to Skagway via high-speed catamaran ferry.
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The scenery and wildlife photo opportunities were beyond awesome. Alaska Private Touring surpassed the concept of customer satisfaction, with each location notified of our arrival, and the hotels were well chosen and of high caliber. We recommend APT to our friends before even discussing our trip.
Jody