Excursion Alaska wildlife canoe safari tour at Haines

Take a half-day tour of the Chilkoot River Valley, including a historic Fort tour, an hour-and-a-half canoe ride.  Enjoy commentary by expert naturalists who are glad to share their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

Fort Seward

Along the 40-minute drive from port, receive a narrated tour of Fort Seward, a National Historic Landmark significant for its robust military presence during disputes with Canada over the international border in 1903. The police presence at the fort was also important during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. The rush brought a large influx of people (an estimated 100,000) and with that, crimes such as theft, illegal gambling, con games and other illegal activities that made a nearby troop presence necessary.

Chilkoot Lake

Take a scenic drive from downtown Haines past Lutak Inlet and into the Chilkoot River Valley. Arrive at Chilkoot Lake and receive an orientation and safety briefing for a canoe (and a flotation device fitting). Your vessel is a 10 passenger Voyageur canoe that is motor-assisted, built with dimensions that are similar to the canoes that trappers and gold miners used at the turn of the 20^th century. There will be a mix of paddling your canoe and operating the motor, either way moving at a relaxing pace that allows you to take in the serenity of Chilkoot Lake and its photographic splendor.

Spend a total of 90 minutes on Chilkoot Lake as you explore coves, streams with salmon jumping, inlets and a number of beautiful waterfalls that descend from the nearby mountains and cascade right into the lake.

At the end of your journey, leave your canoe and be driven 30 minutes back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Chilkoot State Park, Fort William Henry Seward, Chilkoot River canoe ride, wildlife sightings may include Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (100 meters or more) over uneven surfaces and natural terrain, as well as five steps to enter the tour vehicles. This tour also requires the balance and fitness to step over exposed roots and into the canoe, making this tour less recommended for guests with limited mobility. Due to the steps and uneven ground in many places, this tour is not suitable for guests who utilize walkers or a wheelchair. Minimum age to participate is 6, and there is a weight restriction of 300 lbs. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Guests with a fear of water should not participate on this tour. Guests are recommended to wear rain ponchos and dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather, and bring camera, binoculars and an extra layer. Wildlife sightings are likely but not guaranteed.