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Skagway · Alaska · United States
Wilderness Kayak Adventure (from Skagway)
Starting From
From $283.21 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
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 as you board a high-speed catamaran for a scenic 45-minute cruise along North America’s longest and deepest fjord to Haines. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of waterfalls and ice-sculpted peaks as your guide points out marine wildlife. Upon arrival in Haines, 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.
At a Glance
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
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
(~ 75 minutes) – Your friendly tour dock representative will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. We will provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion and get you ready to board the ferry to Haines. We’ll help you board the comfortable ferry for the 50-minute narrated, scenic journey to Haines. (~ 60 minutes) – Upon arrival in Haines, restrooms will be available and you’ll meet your tour guide and driver for a 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. (~10 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) – At 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. (~60 minutes) – Once we wrap up with lunch we’ll head over to the ferry dock where you’ll have the opportunity to use the restrooms and take additional photos of Haines before enjoying the scenic ride back up the fjord to Skagway. (~15 minutes) – Upon returning to Skagway, a short walk will bring you back to our original meeting point, just a few minutes’ walk or shuttle to downtown Skagway and all three cruise ship docks.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Skagway
Kayaking at Chilkoot Lake.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Equipment: Stable 3-person kayaks, paddles, life jackets, spray skirts, rain jacket Fast Ferry Tickets
Not Included
Gratuities
What to Bring
Camera 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.
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 the Small Boat Harbor sign. 205 Congress Way, Skagway, AK 99840.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 8 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2026-07-09
5.00 / 5
Amazing time! Would highly recommend this trip
2026-05-30
5.00 / 5
Aurora and Henry were great - they made our tandem kayaking fun and not intimidating for novices! The logistics to get to Chilkoot Lake take a minute - short bus to a 40 min ferry to another short bus ride - but the lake was gorgeous set in the mountains with eagles flying all around. Our family would recommend!
2024-08-05
5.00 / 5
My daughter and I did this excursion, and it was a great experience! You will take the ferry to Haines, and from there, you will get on a shuttle. They will drive you around town and share a little history before you head to the lake. I am not an avid kayaker, but I was still able to stay up with the group. Being on the lake is so much easier than other kayaking trips I have done on rivers. We got to see sockeye salmon which was an added bonus. After we finished kayaking, they took us to a spot for lunch. Lunch was wraps, chips, and cookies. After lunch, we walked back to the ferry which took us back to Skagway. It was a great time, and I highly recommend it to anyone.
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