Day trips
Chilkoot Lake Kayak
Break away from the crowds of Skagway for some kayaking in a true naturalist’s paradise – Haines, Alaska. The trip begins with a 45-minute catamaran ride along the steep-walled fjords, which connect Skagway to Haines.
Arrive in Haines and enjoy a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all – important Tlingit cultural sites, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. We’ll keep an eye out for wildlife; bald eagles, brown bears, and migratory birds are often seen here.
Arrive at the lake, take in the scenery, and board your sea kayak. Sea kayaking is easy to learn and your expert guide will show you the basics of paddling. Outfitted with the proper gear, you’ll soon be gliding silently along the shores of the lake. This pristine lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular. Huge waterfalls spill off the cliffs surrounding the lake, lush green forests crowd the shoreline, and wildlife abounds. Pause at the base of one of these waterfalls where your guide will reveal the secret workings of the rainforest. Beginning in July, sockeye salmon spawn in one of the clear streams that feed into the lake. Eagles and bears are often attracted to this spot, and you’ll be able to view all the activity from your kayak.
Paddle to shore and enjoy a snack before driving back to Haines. Once there, enjoy a guided driving tour of downtown Haines and historic Fort William H. Seward if time permits. Board the high-speed catamaran for your journey back to Skagway. Return to your ship filled with memories and photographs from an unforgettable adventure.
Whats Included: Transportation to and from the start of the trip, professional guide service, kayak, paddle, all safety equipment and snacks.
Not included: Guide gratuity
Duration: 4 hours total from Haines. 6.5 hours total from Skagway including ferry ride. Approximately 1.5-2.0 hours on the water kayaking.
Group Size: 4-person minimum
Dates: Contact us for avaialbility
Price: From Haines $164/person– From Skagway $284/person (includes ferry cost). Prices are plus Haines Borough Sales Tax of 5.5%.
Bike and Kayak Tour
Haines Chilkoot Lake Bike & Paddle Tour
We depart Haines on bicycles and ride the winding scenic road along the Lutak Inlet, a glacially carved fjord. Take in the dramatic mountain and ocean views and keep an eye out for whales, seals, and sea lions. As we ride to the end of the inlet, glacial water pours into the seas revealing an abundant estuary where bald eagles regularly scavenge for fish. We continue pedaling along the freshwater Chilkoot River, following the path of the spawning salmon. The Chilkoot River is known as a great place to spot bears fishing for salmon. The endpoint of our bike ride is Chilkoot Lake, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before trading in our bikes for boats.
After lunch, we’ll get fitted for our kayak gear and take to the water. We’ll kayak the emerald waters of the vast lake which is surrounded by breathtaking views. Waterfalls tumble through the mountains from thousands of feet above, and the lush green forest touches the shoreline.
After the kayak trip, we’ll return to Haines on a 20 minute van ride along the same route we biked out in the morning.
Trip Highlights:
- Visit Chilkoot State Park, a popular and scenic wildlife viewing area.
- Enjoy the fresh air and mild exercise, pedaling 10 total miles.
- Escape into nature while kayaking a glacially carved lake.
Restrictions and Notes: Participants must be at least 13 years old and 4’ 10” in height. Participants must be confident riding a bicycle with handbrakes. Helmets are provided and required while cycling and provided. Life vests are provided and required while kayaking. A waiver is also required to be signed. Sport shoes and layered clothing are recommended. Tour takes place on a road shared with vehicles. Tour operates in most weather conditions; rain jacket, pants, and fleece gloves are provided if necessary.
The meeting location for this tour is at the Sockeye Cycle bike shop located at 24 Portage St, Haines, AK. We are about a 5 minute walk from the cruise docks. It is also possible to take the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry to participate in this tour from Skagway. It is a short walk from the ferry dock to our bike shop. It is your responsibility to book the appropriate ferries if coming from Skagway, please let us know if you have any questions. Make your ferry reservation here.
Whats Included: Transportation to and from the start of the tour, professional guide service, Tour Equipment – bike, helmet, kayak, safety gear, water bottle and lunch.
Not included: Haines Skagway Fast Ferry Ticket (If departing from Skagway), Guide gratuity
Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours total
Difficulty: Moderate. The cycling covers approximately 10 miles of paved surface and the kayaking is suitable for beginners & experienced kayakers.
Group Size: 4-person minimum and 12 person maximum.
Dates: Contact us for avaialbility
Price: $259 per person. Prices are plus Haines Borough Sales Tax of 5.5%.
Day on the Fjord
This is a great way to get out on the water and see the Lynn Canal at its best. Towering mountains and hanging glaciers are the backdrop for this visually stunning guided sea kayak adventure. This is a great option for a full-day trip. We will spend 5 to 6 hours exploring the waters of the Chilkat Peninsula and surrounding area. Climb into your tandem kayak and keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, seals, orcas, and humpback whales.
* Note – This trip can be influenced by wind and weather. If conditions exceed the ability of our guests or our safety protocols then the trip will be moved to Chilkoot Lake (see description above). All other details – except location – of our Day on the Fjord trip will not change.
Whats Included: Transportation to and from the start of the trip, professional guide, kayak, paddle, all safety equipment, lunch
Not included: Guide gratuity
Duration: 5 to 6 hours on the water
Group Size: 4-person minimum
Dates: Operated daily
Price: $259/person. Prices are plus Haines Borough Sales Tax of 5.5%.
Klehini River Packrafting
The day begins with a 45-minute van ride along the meandering Chilkat River, past the confluences with the Kicking Horse and Tsirku rivers. We skirt the village of Klukwan, a Tlinjkit settlement located on the same ground for thousands of years, eventually reaching the mouth of Porcupine Creek and the start of our paddle on the Klehini River. We will let the current take us through unbridled wilderness as we follow the path down the Klehini. Along the way we may see some of the plentiful wildlife that lives along the banks such as brown or black bears, wolves, coyotes or moose grazing on alder along the side the river. We are sure to see bald eagles, plentiful throughout the valley.
Whats Included: Transportation to and from the start of the trip, professional guide, packraft, paddle, all safety equipment, drysuit, and lunch
Not included: Guide gratuity
Dates: Operated Daily
Price: $249/person. Prices are plus Haines Borough Sales Tax of 5.5%.
Day Hiking
The area around Haines is teeming with both on- and off-trail hiking opportunities. Whether you are looking for a coastal trail hike over rolling terrain, weaving in and out of the forest and onto the beaches of the Chilkat Peninsula, or a trip that will take you into the backcountry and true Alaskan wilderness, you will find it in Haines. Maybe you are looking to gain some elevation and experience truly unique views of the fjord around Haines. Our day trips up Mt. Ripinsky and Mt. Riley are great options. Their summits will offer unparalleled views of the fjord, the town of Haines, and, on a clear day, may let you get a peek of Mt. Fairweather nearly 80 miles away. If you are looking for a little less strenuous hike, the trails on Battery Point or Seduction Point offer rolling terrain along the coast with great opportunities to see marine mammals and experience our temperate rainforest environment.
Whats Included: Transportation to and from the trip, professional guide, lunch, trekking poles and rain gear by request
Not included: Guide gratuity
Dates: full-day hikes operated daily
Prices: Prices are plus Haines Borough Sales Tax of 5.5%.
Half day on Seduction Point or Battery Point $148/person
Full day on Mt Ripinsky, Mt Riley, or Seduction Point $198/person
