Wilderness Kayak Adventure (from Haines)
What your day looks like
This spectacular kayaking adventure immerses you in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska! You will have the opportunity to see amazing blue glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, and extraordinary wildlife and fauna! Join professional kayak guides for an exciting paddling adventure on the gorgeous Chilkoot Lake. This is a fantastic paddle for all abilities and no experience is necessary. Your tour begins in Haines where you will board a motorcoach that will take you on a beautiful 40-minute drive to Chilkoot Lake. Once you have arrived at the water you will receive a brief safety orientation, be outfitted with flotation vest and rubber boots, and get familiarized with your sea kayak. At least the next 1.5 hours will be spent enjoying the breath-taking scenery that Alaska is famous for! You will be surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, rivers, and fabulous wildlife. There are frequent sightings of whales, otters, eagles, bears, and more. There will be plenty of time to enjoy the incredible scenery, take pictures of the astounding wildlife and enjoy the picnic-style lunch! This is a great family experience and kids are welcome. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
The experience, in brief
- Immerse yourself in the incredible beauty of wild Alaska on a kayaking adventure to Chilkoot Lake
- Opportunities to see breathtaking glaciers, waterfalls, & wildlife with knowledgeable guides
The journey, in full
(~ 45 minutes) – Your friendly guides will meet you near the Port Chilkoot Cruise Ship Dock in Haines. Before departing you’ll be able to ask any questions that you might still have about your upcoming excursion and use the restrooms before you embark on the breathtaking interpretive drive by the historic Fort Seward on our way to Chilkoot Lake. Along the way to the lake we’ll drive along the Lynn Fjord and the Chilkoot River which hosts a salmon run that takes place from mid-summer thru fall. (~ 15 minutes) – When we arrive at Chilkoot Lake you’ll have the opportunity to meet your other guides and take in the stunning views of the pristine lake. Your guides will help you get fit with a PFD (life jacket), spray skirt and paddle. You’ll then receive a thorough safety briefing and become familiar with your kayak and equipment before boarding your stable 3-person fiberglass kayak. (~ 90 minutes) – We will then take off on a paddle exploration of Chilkoot Lake. Chilkoot Lake is surrounded by mountains and numerous waterfalls. Salmon also end their journey from the ocean here to spawn on the sandy bottom in late-summer. The lake is well-sheltered from the wind and makes for excellent kayaking regardless of the weather conditions. (~ 50 minutes) – once we’ve paddled back to our dock you’ll have some free time to use the spotting scopes on our private deck to take in the views from a different perspective. We’ll then board our transportation and head down to the ocean for lunch. (~ 30 minutes) – Our private ocean side picnic area, where you’ll enjoy a picnic-style lunch provides great views of the Lynn Fjord in a private setting. (~ 10 minutes) – Once we wrap up with lunch we’ll head back over to our meeting point at the Port Chilkoot Dock which is a short walk from downtown and nearby shops and restaurants.
Your day, step by step
Haines
Kayaking at Chilkoot Lake.
What to know before booking
Included
Equipment: Stable 3-person kayaks, paddles, life jackets, spray skirts, rain jackets
What to Bring
Clothing: Rain gear and dress in layers for warmth
Restrictions
Medical Restrictions: This is a physical activity and it is the guest's responsibility to determine that they are physically and mentally able to participate in the activity. Any pertinent medical conditions must be disclosed to the guides. Passports Required.
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you 30 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Please stay at your cruise ship dock if you are a cruise ship passenger. Your guide will be holding a sign that says with the name of your tour. FOR NON CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS, the meeting location is Chilkoot Indian Association (CIA) dock. 142 Beach Road Haines, Alaska 99827.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 8 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
What travelers are saying
Guides were knowledgeable and made the trip fun. The lake was gorgeous.