Kayaking in Skagway: Glaciers and Wildlife

Paddle past blue glaciers and spot salmon in the Chilkoot River

Kayak Chilkoot Lake near Skagway with a professional guide, paddling a stable 3-person fiberglass kayak and spotting glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife. The day includes hotel pickup from Haines, all equipment, lunch and a safety briefing before you launch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak adventure at Chilkoot Lake

• Arrive in Haines and meet guide
• Drive past Fort Seward to Chilkoot Lake
• Drive along Lynn Fjord and Chilkoot River
• Meet additional guides at Chilkoot Lake
• Fit PFD, spray skirt, and paddle
• Receive safety briefing and kayak orientation
• Board stable 3-person fiberglass kayak

The experience

Chilkoot Lake sits in the Alaskan wilderness between mountains and glacier-fed water. The day starts with a drive from Haines along the Lynn Fjord and past the Chilkoot River, where salmon run from mid-summer through fall. Your guide will point out what moves through the water and explain the landscape as you go. When you reach the lake, you'll meet the rest of your guide team, get fitted with a life jacket and spray skirt, and learn how to handle the kayak and paddle before you push off.

Once on the water, you paddle a stable 3-person fiberglass kayak and move at your own pace through the lake. The guides are naturalists who know the Alaskan wilderness and will share what they see: blue glaciers, waterfalls dropping off the rock face, and the animals that live here. No paddling experience is necessary. The tour is built for all abilities, and the guides handle the technical parts so you can focus on what's in front of you.

The full day runs 6.5 hours from Haines, including the drive, the safety briefing, paddling time and lunch. You'll need moderate fitness for the paddling itself, and the guides recommend rain gear, layers and an extra pair of socks: weather changes fast in Alaska. Guests over 6 feet 6 inches or 275 pounds may find the kayak too tight.

What’s included

• Professional guide who is a naturalist.
• kayak, paddles, life jacket and spray skirt.
• lunch and bottled water.
• hotel pickup from Haines.
• safety briefing and equipment training before you launch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 13 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures, inc. Chilkat Guides Ltd

Is this one for you?Small groups paddle together, so you'll be in the company of other travelers and the guide team. The moderate paddling fitness required and the full-day commitment make this a trip for people who want to spend hours on the water and are comfortable with an active day in Alaska's weather.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What do I paddle past on Chilkoot Lake?

Blue glaciers and waterfalls drop off the mountains around the lake, and the guides point out what the landscape tells you about how it formed. The Chilkoot River, which feeds the lake, hosts a salmon run from mid-summer through fall, so you may see fish moving upstream depending on the season.

Do I need kayaking experience to go?

No experience is necessary. The guides teach you how to handle the kayak and paddle during a safety briefing before you launch, and the 3-person fiberglass kayak is stable and built for all abilities.

What's included in the price?

The kayak, paddles, life jacket and spray skirt are provided; a professional guide leads the day; lunch and bottled water are included; and hotel pickup from Haines is part of the booking.

How long is the full day?

The day runs 6.5 hours total from Haines, including the scenic drive along the Lynn Fjord, the safety briefing and equipment setup, paddling time on the lake, and lunch.

What should I wear?

Bring rain gear, layers for warmth and an extra pair of socks. The weather changes quickly in Alaska, and you'll be on the water for several hours, so dressing in layers you can adjust is important.