Raft down the gently flowing Chilkat River through a bald eagle preserve known for its virgin wilderness and abundant wildlife. Depart from the pier by coach and drive along the Haines Highway, a stretch of road so beautiful it has been designated a National Scenic Highway. The Highway follows the equally picturesque Chilkat River, the location of your rafting adventure. Upon arrival at the launch site, you will exchange your shoes for rubber boots and receive a life jacket. Following a safety briefing, you will board an 18-foot raft and begin slowly floating down the river. Surrounded by the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, you will no doubt be awed by the natural beauty and serenity. The waters here are teeming with salmon that come here to spawn and their sheer numbers provide an endless supply of food for the eagles. You will have a front-row seat to observe this annual rite of nature, which ensures a healthy and abundant eagle population. The Chilkat Valley is home to 200 to 400 bald eagles, and more than 80 nests have been spotted in the preserve alone. You may also see bears and wolves along the riverbank, feasting on salmon. Enormous moose, some weighing up to 1,600 pounds, also frequent the preserve to feed on the summer vegetation. After approximately an hour and a half on the river, you will find yourself back at the launch site where you will disembark your raft and transfer back to the pier in Haines.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Float down the meandering Chilkat River in an 18-foot raft.
• Pass through a preserve with the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
• Watch for bald eagles feasting on salmon by the riverside.
• Try to spot other wildlife such as bears and moose.
• Travel a National Scenic Highway on the way to and from the preserve.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Zip over to Skagway on a fast ferry and then drive through the majestic mountains into Canada for a memorable meal. As the ferry speeds through the sheltered waters of Chilkoot Inlet, you will behold Alaska’s natural beauty in all its glory. The views will become even more jaw-dropping as you ascend into the wilderness beyond Skagway on the Klondike Highway, a mountain passage that was a path into the gold fields during the late 1890s. The guide will regale you with colorful tales as you pass landmarks such as Dead Horse Gulch and pause for photos of the Welcome to the Yukon sign. Ahead lies the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which spans the whitewater rapids of the Tutshi River. The lengthy bridge will sway as you walk across it, which adds to the thrill of being 65 feet above the raging river. Your reward will be a lunch of bison chili at a café overlooking the bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a high-speed ferry from Haines to Skagway while admiring the glorious scenery.
• Drive along the Klondike Highway, the mountainous path gold-rush prospectors followed.
• Hear entertaining commentary about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890s.
• Walk across the raging Tutshi River on a suspension bridge that tends to sway in the wind.
• Enjoy a hearty lunch of bison chili at a café overlooking the bridge.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Take in the natural beauty of Haines while visiting sites that include an historical fort, a wildlife center devoted to bald eagles and Alaska’s Chilkoot State Park. During the driving tour of Fort William Seward, you will hear how it was built in 1902 as a display of power during a border dispute with Canada. Many of its original buildings remain and have been converted into private residences and art galleries. Later, at the American Bald Eagle Foundation, a wildlife center dedicated to the majestic raptors, you will have the opportunity to attend a presentation with a live raptor and browse the numerous exhibits. Chilkoot State Park is home to a myriad of wildlife including a large population of brown bears.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a driving tour past a fort that is now a National Historic Landmark.
• Learn the habits of bald eagles and local raptors from live avian residents

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Look for iconic Alaskan wildlife such as bald eagles and brown bears on this driving safari into beautiful Chilkoot Valley and along the coast. After driving through the National Historic Landmark of Fort William Seward, you will pause at Picture Point, an aptly named lookout that offers spectacular views of the countryside. You will find the sights equally inspiring from the Chilkoot River Overlook, especially since you will be provided with spotting scopes or binoculars that enhance the views. The farther you travel, the more dramatic the scenery. Chilkoot Valley is particularly memorable as it sits among rugged glaciated peaks and is home to brown bears, river otters, mountain goats and bald eagles. Chilkoot Lake is another idyllic setting, as dark-green Sitka tree forests and craggy mountains surround it. A different side of Alaska presents itself along the coast, where you may catch sight of seals, sea lions and even whales breaching the water’s surface.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive through one majestic landscape after another, taking in the natural beauty.
• Pause at the most dramatic lookout points for photos.
• Look for quintessential Alaskan wildlife such as brown bears and bald eagles.
• Gain a different perspective of Alaska when driving along the coast.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Behold some of Alaska’s most extraordinary scenery on this driving tour through a bald eagle preserve and up into the awe-inspiring mountains that surround Haines. After driving through Fort William Seward, which was built in 1902 as a display of power during a border dispute with Canada, you will soon reach the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the largest concentration of these American icons. Bald eagles thrive here because the open flats of the Chilkat River make it easy for the birds to swoop down and pluck salmon from the shallow waters. While pausing for photos, you might spot bald eagles hunting or perched regally in trees along the riverbank. The naturalist will describe their habits in detail. Later, you will cross the Canadian border and ascend above the tree line. At this elevation, the views of the glaciated peaks and alpine tundra will be magnificent. A picnic follows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Watch bald eagles in their natural habitat.
• Enjoy sweeping views of glaciated peaks and alpine tundra from a Canadian mountaintop.
• Discover how bald eagles hunt from a naturalist.
• Drive through Fort William Seward, a National Historic Landmark.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Bring a valid passport, as you will cross the border into Canada.
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the native culture of the Tlingit people at Klukwan, the mother village of the Tlingit Nation and the only remaining village of the Chilkat people. For centuries, the Tlingits have lived off the bounty of this special place and today you can still see them fishing and smoking their catch at the river’s edge. You will learn about the tribal culture and history. You will experience how the fish is processed using ancient traditional methods. Your visit to the knowledge camp culminates with storytelling in the totemic clan house. You may also watch Chilkat artists practice their crafts in a museum-quality heritage center and see the invaluable Whale House Collection, which a Tlingit master artist created hundreds of years ago.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Delve into the complexity of the Tlingit culture at the tribe’s mother village.
• Admire the Tlingit way of life by watching tribal artisans ply their crafts.
• Watch a storytelling in a totemic clan house.
• Drive through Fort William Seward, a National Historic Landmark.
• Enjoy a picnic while overlooking the unspoiled Chilkat River.
• Shop for Chilkat arts and crafts.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Hike an extraordinarily scenic forest trail near Haines that offers wonderful views of the rugged mountains and pristine Lynn Canal. On the way, you will drive through Fort William Seward, a National Historic Landmark. To enhance the experience, a guide will regale you with stories about the history of Haines, its role in the gold rush and the influence of the native Tlingits, who first settled here. You will soon arrive at a trailhead that leads to some of the most spectacular scenery around Haines. The views of Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America, will be breathtaking. The waterway served as the main route to the Yukon, where gold was discovered in 1896. As you make your way down the trail, look for wildlife that abounds in this area, including soaring eagles, playful seals, huge moose and even humpback whales breaching the surface of Lynn Canal.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike a forest trail that offers unspoiled views of the surrounding natural beauty.
• Drive through Fort William Seward, named for the Secretary of State that negotiated the purchase of Alaska.
• Become familiar with the area’s history and the culture of the Tlingit tribe.
• Look for bald eagles, moose and even humpback whales in and around Lynn Canal.
• Pause at a small pebble beach to savor a snack of smoked salmon.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride a bicycle along a coastal road, hike into the wilderness and then reward yourself with a craft beer tasting at a local brewery. After just a few miles of moderate biking, you will reach the trailhead at Battery Point and hike into the wilderness. The trail is fairly flat and mostly open, so you will enjoy sweeping views of the immense natural beauty, especially where the trail ends at a secluded pebble beach. On those occasions when the trail winds through the dense rainforest of spruces, hemlocks and cottonwoods, the soothing sounds of nature will be all the more apparent. Be sure to look for wildlife such as seals, sea lions and bald eagles. You will then bike to the Haines Brewery Company and sample a selection of craft beers. You may be offered a dark stout, a multi-dimensional lager and the flagship Dalton Trail Ale, which is certainly appropriate after a hike.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Bicycle along the beautiful coast of the Chilkoot Inlet to a trailhead.
• Hike through a rainforest to a secluded beach with panoramic views.
• Sample from a large selection of beers made with local ingredients at the Haines Brewery Company.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Spend hours peacefully kayaking around Chilkoot Lake, observing the unspoiled vistas and abundant wildlife. As you approach the lake, views of the pristine Alaskan landscape will be magnificent and include dark-green Sitka tree forests and craggy mountain peaks. The lake’s crystal-clear water is typically calm and ideal for kayaking as the surrounding wilderness shelters it from wind. During the orientation, you will discover how easy it is to maneuver in a kayak. Then, you will paddle off into the glacial waters. The native Tlingit people named the lake Chilkoot for a word that means “basket of bigger fish,” as the waters here are teeming with large sockeye salmon and trout. You may well spot seals frolicking in the lake and bald eagles soaring overhead. Larger animals such as moose and mountain goats are often seen ashore. Brown bears feeding on salmon in their spawning beds are another common sight.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Paddle a kayak through the typically glassy, glacial waters of Chilkoot Lake.
• Behold the glorious natural beauty in every direction.
• Look for wildlife such as bald eagles, seals, moose and brown bears.
• Drive through Fort William Seward, a National Historic Landmark.
• Enjoy a tasty snack along the shore of the lake.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Pedal a bicycle through a pristine glacial landscape that will leave you in awe of Alaska’s natural beauty. You will begin at Lutak Inlet and follow a paved road about five miles into the wilds of the Haines State Forest. The road is relatively flat with little traffic, which makes for a leisurely ride. The views will be breathtaking as majestic mountains loom in the distance and the winding Chilkoot River can often be seen from the road. In time, you will arrive at Chilkoot Lake, which is named for the indigenous Chilkoot tribe that once lived along its shore. Surrounded by ancient glaciers and jagged peaks, the turquoise lake couldn’t be more magnificent. Wildlife flourishes there so keep an eye out for bald eagles and brown bears feeding in the salmon-rich waters. The guide will elaborate on the flora and fauna, so you will come away with a greater understanding of the natural world.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride a bike through the glacial wilderness between Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake.
• Admire the landscape of majestic mountains, dense state forest and pristine waterways.
• Look for bald eagles and brown bears feeding on salmon along the shoreline.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress warmly in weather-appropriate layered clothing, a sun cap and sunglasses.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Tear through the Alaskan wilderness on a side-by-side UTV and stop on occasion to take in the spectacular panoramas. You will get a feel for nature’s majesty as you will drive to the starting point by following a gorgeous National Scenic Byway that passes through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve. You will then hop on either a Kawasaki or Arctic Cat UTV that holds two or four people and race off into some of the most beautiful countryside in Alaska. The UTVs have automatic transmissions and drive much like cars, so most anyone will be comfortable taking the wheel if you decide to switch drivers. You will travel along 12 miles of gravel road, past beaver ponds, over Little Salmon Creek and through remote forests and meadowlands. Be sure to look for swans, eagles and moose along the way. Several of the stops will be at scenic lookouts and you will have lunch at one of them.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow a 12-mile gravel road through the remote wilderness in a side-by-side UTV.
• Take the wheel of the UTV, ride as a passenger and switch positions whenever you please.
• Pass beaver ponds, over a creek where salmon spawn, and through forests and meadows.
• Pause at elevated lookouts to take in the magnificent scenery and to enjoy lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take a meandering riverboat cruise along the Chilkat River to look for iconic Alaskan wildlife. You will venture to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to an abundance of bald eagles and other indigenous wildlife such as moose and brown bears. To maximize your chances of seeing these magnificent creatures, you will cruise in a flat-bottom boat specially designed to negotiate the shallow, silt-laden waters of the river’s remote channels. The boat is equipped with an eco-friendly motor that allows the guide to hold its position against the current for the very best photo opportunities. You will also be afforded an ideal perspective to shoot pictures of the natural environment, as you will be surrounded by towering mountains, thundering waterfalls and hanging glaciers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a riverboat cruise through a bald eagle preserve.
• Watch for eagles, brown bears, moose and other wildlife.
• Take advantage of the abundant photo opportunities.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.