Chilkoot Lake wildlife tour: Bears, eagles, fjords

Ride the fjords to a lake where bears fish and eagles nest

This 6.5-hour guided nature tour from Skagway travels by high-speed catamaran to Haines, then by van into Chilkoot Lake State Park to watch wildlife in their habitat. A naturalist guide uses a spotting scope to bring distant animals into view and explains how bears, eagles, seals and salmon fit into the ecosystem. The tour runs year-round, with wildflowers and nesting eagles in spring and early summer, and peak bear activity from August through September when salmon fill the river.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chilkoot Lake Nature and Wildlife Tour

• Board high-speed catamaran in Skagway
• Travel along fjords with waterfall views
• Meet guide in Haines
• Drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park
• Learn about Lynn Canal ecosystem and bear safety
• Explore park with wildlife spotting and photo stops
• Stop at Nukdik Point for lunch
• Return to Haines and board catamaran back to Skagway

The experience

You leave Skagway on a catamaran that cuts through the steep-walled fjords of Lynn Canal for 45 minutes, with over a dozen waterfalls dropping hundreds of feet from both sides. A naturalist on board points out the sights as you cross to Haines, where your guide meets you for the drive into Chilkoot Lake State Park. The park sits at the edge of Southeast Alaska's wildest country: a turquoise lake ringed by snowy peaks, a salmon-filled river, and the cultural landmarks of the Tlingit people.

Your guide knows where to stop for the best chance of seeing brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals. They carry a powerful spotting scope that brings distant wildlife close enough to photograph and explain how each animal hunts, feeds and moves through the park. The timing of your visit shapes what you'll see: wildflowers and eagles tending their young in May through July, then migrating salmon drawing bears to the river's edge from late July onward. August through September offers the highest likelihood of bear sightings as the salmon run peaks. You stop for lunch at Nukdik Point, where the Chilkat Mountains frame the town of Haines across the water. On the return to Skagway, the catamaran gives you a second pass through the fjords.

The tour includes transportation on the ferry, a guide, and a packed lunch with a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, a cookie, and water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with 48 hours notice. Port pickup in Skagway is included. A minimum of two people is required for the tour to run, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• High-speed catamaran transportation to and from Haines with a naturalist on board.
• a guided drive through Chilkoot Lake State Park with a knowledgeable naturalist guide equipped with a spotting scope.
• a packed lunch with turkey sandwich, fruit, cookie and water (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available with 48 hours notice).
• and port pickup in Skagway.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rainbow Glacier Adventures

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a group and a guide, so you're watching wildlife with others rather than exploring on your own. It suits travelers with a free afternoon in Skagway who want expert knowledge of what they're seeing and don't want to arrange their own boat and vehicle transport to the park.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife am I likely to see at Chilkoot Lake?

Brown bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals are often seen in the park. Bear sightings are most likely from early August through late September when salmon fill the river and bears come to feed along the water's edge. In spring and early summer, eagles are busy nesting and caring for their young.

How long is the catamaran ride to Haines?

The catamaran journey takes 45 minutes each way along Lynn Canal's fjords. A naturalist travels on board to point out the waterfalls and other sights during the crossing.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a turkey sandwich on organic whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, a freshly baked cookie, and bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them at least 48 hours before your tour.

When is the best time to see bears at Chilkoot Lake?

Brown bears are most active and visible from early August through late September, when migrating salmon fill the river and bears come down to the water's edge to feed. As the salmon run increases, so does the likelihood of bear sightings.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the tour departure?

Port pickup in Skagway is included in your tour. If you're a cruise ship passenger, provide your ship's name at booking. Hotel guests should provide their accommodation name.