The trip begins with a 35-minute catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords, which connect Skagway to Haines. The scenery is spectacular, over a dozen unnamed waterfalls drop hundreds of feet from the cliff sides on both sides of the boat. Learn about Tlingit culture and marvel at the scenery as we look for humpback whales, harbor seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Upon arrival in Haines, we 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. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife; bald eagles, harbor seals, and migrating shorebirds are often seen here.

Next, we head out of town for a scenic ten-mile drive along the Chilkat River. We make a photo stop at the historic Letnikof Cove Cannery. We continue down to the water’s edge and marvel at the Rainbow and Davidson Glaciers and the scenic wonder of Chilkat State Park. Here your guide will identify the wildflowers and teach you to recognize the signs of moose and bear, frequent visitors to this area.

We’ll head back to town and tour Ft. William H. Seward, the first Army base in Alaska, on our way to the Haines airport. We’ll board one of Alaska’s famous bush planes for a 45-minute glacier tour. We’ll pass by the face of the Rainbow Glacier, a spectacular hanging glacier with an immense waterfall pouring from its face and look down upon the Davidson Icefall, crisscrossed with crevasses and ice towers. Keep an eye out for mountain goats as we work our way back along the waterfall-strewn rock cliffs of the Lynn Fjord to Skagway.

Included on tour:

45 minutes flightseeing, catamaran ride between Haines and Skagway, three and one half hour guided nature tour to Chilkat and Chilkoot State Parks in Haines.  Transfers in Skagway. Note: Order of activities may vary.