Hafen
Haines

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.

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.

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 relatively easy 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 open fields and a rainforest to a secluded beach with panoramic views.
• Sample several 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Take a half-day tour of the Chilkoot River Valley, including a historic Fort tour, an hour-and-a-half canoe ride.  Enjoy commentary by expert naturalists who are glad to share their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

Fort Seward

Along the 40-minute drive from port, receive a narrated tour of Fort Seward, a National Historic Landmark significant for its robust military presence during disputes with Canada over the international border in 1903. The police presence at the fort was also important during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. The rush brought a large influx of people (an estimated 100,000) and with that, crimes such as theft, illegal gambling, con games and other illegal activities that made a nearby troop presence necessary.

Chilkoot Lake

Take a scenic drive from downtown Haines past Lutak Inlet and into the Chilkoot River Valley. Arrive at Chilkoot Lake and receive an orientation and safety briefing for a canoe (and a flotation device fitting). Your vessel is a 10 passenger Voyageur canoe that is motor-assisted, built with dimensions that are similar to the canoes that trappers and gold miners used at the turn of the 20^th century. There will be a mix of paddling your canoe and operating the motor, either way moving at a relaxing pace that allows you to take in the serenity of Chilkoot Lake and its photographic splendor.

Spend a total of 90 minutes on Chilkoot Lake as you explore coves, streams with salmon jumping, inlets and a number of beautiful waterfalls that descend from the nearby mountains and cascade right into the lake.

At the end of your journey, leave your canoe and be driven 30 minutes back to the ship.

Discover one of the most scenic areas of the Inside Passage in an eco-friendly and invigorating new way during this immersive e-bike excursion.

Haines, E-Bike Instruction & Guided Tour

Depart the pier for the short walk up to the Sockeye Cycle Co. bike shoppe. Upon arrival, meet your guide and receive your e-biking safety briefing and instructions on how to use the controller, gears, brakes, etc. Afterward, hop on your pedal-assisted e-bike and begin the cycling portion of your guided tour. Your approximately 90-minute e-bike-ride takes place on mostly paved surfaces, with some gravel sections and inclines, and is suitable for all riders with a moderate level of fitness. Although pedaling is required, e-bikes provide pedal assist for a great way to stretch your legs but not feel like you've spent the entire day on a bicycle.

Fort Seward, Chilkat River, Optional Beach Walk,

Your route begins with a scenic ride to historic Fort Seward. Upon arrival, your guide explains the history of Fort Seward whilst you explore the grounds of this renowned, Gold Rush-era fort. Afterward, your e-bike-ride continues along the picturesque Chilkat River. We will cycle back through Haines townsite and along the waterfront for a photo opportunity and final stop before completing our loop and arriving back at the bike shop. Here, you'll return your gear and you are welcome to browse for branded apparel, drinkware, bike accessories and other souvenirs. Following your visit, commence the short walk back down to the pier.

Join this spectacular hiking adventure that immerses you in the remote beauty of Southeast Alaska, where you will be surrounded with amazing mountain,glacier, and ocean views. At the start of your tour you will be greeted by your professional hiking guide for a remote coastal hike along the Chilkat Inlet. Drive for about 30 minutes along the Haines Peninsula to Chilkat State Park. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and geography of small-town Haines, Alaska. It is a beautiful drive with many scenic photo opportunities.

Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. Your knowledgeable, naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. The trail is slightly rolling as we make our way towards Moose Meadows, aptly named for the occasional moose seen grazing along the seaside. Step out onto the beach, we are treated with magnificent glacier views across the fjord. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch with a fantastic view and then after lunch, return back through Moose Meadows and make our way back to the pier in Haines.

Meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and important Tlingit cultural sights.

In May, June and July, the wildflowers are at their peak and eagles are busy caring for their young in the nest. Beginning in late July, the river fills with migrating salmon, and harbor seals follow them up into the river where they go to spawn. As the number of salmon in the river increases, the likelihood of seeing bears down along the river increases, with a good probability of bear sightings from early August through late September.

As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Your guide is equipped with a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, and your guide will help interpret the behavior of the various wildlife and explain how the animals fit into the Chilkoot’s complex ecosystem.

Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.

This exciting trip takes you on a rafting exploration of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, one of Alaska's most accessible wilderness treasures.

Valley of the Eagles

Just outside the picturesque Southeast Alaska town of Haines, the Chilkat Valley boasts the world's largest concentration of bald eagles. Your trip begins with a beautiful 45-minute narrated drive through the 'Valley of the Eagles' to the heart of the preserve; en route a professional guide proffers insight into the area. Once in the preserve, a briefing is held and safety equipment issued before boarding your 18-foot (5.4-metre) raft.

Float Adventure

As you float silently along on a voyage of discovery through the gentle braided waters, your guide acquaints you with the unique human and natural history of this special place. Your guide helps you spot many animals that call the Preserve home, such as coastal brown bears, wolves, moose and, of course, bald eagles. Above all this, the spectacular peaks of the Chilkat Mountains loom high in the sky. Icy blue glaciers tumble from the lofty heights, carving away the mountains, grinding the rocks into dust.

You will be re-boarding the coach, which will take you through historic Fort Seward before returning you to the port.

Cycle along an ocean inlet and view a glacial lake all from the seat of your bicycle. This ride offers a scenic and memorable outdoor adventure into one of the more picturesque areas of Haines.

Lutak Inlet

A short van ride takes you to the shore of Lutak Inlet to begin your ride. After gearing-up and listening to a safety and trail orientation briefing, mount your bike to begin exploring. The paved road parallels the protected waters of Chilkoot and Lutak Inlet. Pullouts along the road offer views of Haines and overlooks for wildlife viewing. Lutak Inlet is narrower and more sheltered than Lynn Canal, making it easier to spot river otters, Steller sea lions and harbor seals. A few humpback whales swim into the inlets as well, especially in May and June. Harbor porpoises, Alaska's smallest cetaceans, are often seen in Lutak Inlet in the summer. Look and listen for belted kingfishers, common loons, harlequin ducks, surf scoters, pigeon guillemots, boreal owls, and bald eagles.

Cycling Expedition

During your nine-mile (14.5-kilometre), round-trip cycling expedition, take in the gorgeous views across the emerald lake and inlet surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and jagged mountain peaks rising thousands of feet, straight out of the water. If you wish, leave your bike for an short trek, offering a more up-close look at your surroundings. This is a great tour to get some mild exercise and breathe some pure Alaskan air. Your professional bike guide offers details about the local history, culture, and living in Alaska and answers your questions en route.

At the conclusion of your approximately three-hour adventure, re-board the van for a short ride back to the pier.

The Davidson glacier is one of the geological highlights of Haines area. See the face of this sprawling glacier as you journey by wildlife viewing boat and canoe through deep fjords and rain forest, dotted by colourful wildflowers and surrounded by immense mountains.

Boat Cruise

From the pier, board a wildlife viewing boat for the cruise along Alaska's deepest fjord. During your 40-minute ride, keep an eye out for whales and sea lions en route to Glacier Point.

Upon arrival, transfer to a safari bus for a narrated ride to the trailhead, to begin a 20-minute walk over the moraine towards Davidson Lake. As you approach your destination, the forest suddenly opens to a breath taking view of the glacier, across a lake.

Canoe Adventure

At the shore of the lake, board a 31-foot (9.4-metre) canoe for a 1-1.5-hour journey of discovery to the face of the mighty Davidson Glacier. Paddle and motor across the lake and around the ice and shoreline. Throughout the canoe voyage, your guide shares his knowledge of this incredible landscape. The glacier provides a wonderful backdrop for any photographs.

At the conclusion of your paddling adventure, hike back to the awaiting safari bus and enjoy lunch at Glacier Point before starting the journey back. Your outing concludes with the drive back to the ship.

Explore the fascinating Chilkat Valley with some intriguing visits to the area's best attractions. Your knowledgeable guide will meet you at the dock and escort you to the motor coach.

Climb aboard and begin your exploration of the Chilkat Valley's local and native culture, fascinating history and magnificent mountain and ocean views. First, a narrated driving tour takes you through Haines and the historic Fort William H. Seward, a National Historic Landmark and one of the first military outposts in Alaska. Its picturesque parade grounds and historic buildings offer a unique insight to life in Haines during the early 1900's. After a short tour of the town of Haines, a 40-minute scenic drive along the Haines Highway National Scenic Byway, through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, you will arrive in Klukwan, the only remaining village of the Chilkat Tlingit people. Located at the confluence of three rivers, this ancient village has seen a multitude of generations. For thousands of years, the Tlingit's have lived off the bounty of this special place.

Their close relationship to the land is further revealed through the exhibits in the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage & Bald Eagle Preserve Visitor Center. This state-of-the-art facility is located in a stunningly beautiful natural landscape on the northern banks of the Chilkat River. The Heritage Center provides access to ancient art treasures that have previously not been available to the public. The Whale House Collection, uniquely displayed in its place of origin, allows entrance to the Chilkat Tlingit people's distinctive ethnic landscape. As you tour this world-class facility, you will learn about the depth and complexity of Tlingit society. There will be many amazing experiences during your visit to Klukwan and one of the best things, visitors say, is the people.

After your visit to Klukwan, we will re-board the motor coach and enjoy a relaxing return to town where you will stop at the American Bald Eagle Foundation's Raptor Center, an interpretive wildlife education center. This interpretive wildlife education center offers a wealth of Alaskan natural history displays and information. Expert handlers and naturalists have been training with these beautiful birds for many years and are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. You will have the opportunity to experience presentation with one of the foundation's resident ambassador raptors. Knowledgeable naturalists and bird handlers on site to educate you about these raptors and the numerous interpretive displays throughout the facility.

From here a short motor coach transfer will return you to your ship.

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty of Haines along its scenic byway and highway during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Haines, Scenic Drive, Fort Stewart, Haines Highway

Depart the pier with your expert naturalist and cultural guide for a scenic sightseeing drive that explores the captivating geographical, cultural, and natural highlights of Haines and its surrounds. Your approximately 1.75-hour drive begins with a drive through historic Fort Seward, one of the first US military bases in Alaska, then heads up the Haines Highway towards Canada.

National Scenic Byway, Chilkat Valley & Bald Eagle Preserve, Glaciers, Waterfalls, Alpine Tundra

Next, drive through the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which boasts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles, then continue along the National Scenic Byway and through the awe-inspiring Chilkat Valley to the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Upon arrival, look for bald eagles, moose, and other wildlife endemic to this area. Afterward, re-board your coach and pass through the Canadian border. Your route ascends above the tree line, where towering peaks loom above the highway. Along the way, enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and the vast alpine tundra.

Snacks, Dramatic Mountain Backdrop, Photo Stops, Wildlife-Spotting, Exquisite Scenery

A stop is made for a snack accompanied by a dramatic mountain backdrop. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to Haines. Along the way, several stops are made for wildlife-spotting and taking photographs of the exquisite scenery. Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the magnificent alpine tundra of British Columbia in an active new way during this exhilarating, half-day hiking excursion.

Haines, Scenic Drive, Fort Stewart, Haines Highway

Depart the pier with your expert naturalist and cultural guide for a scenic, approximately 1.75-hour sightseeing drive that explores the captivating geographical, cultural, and natural highlights of Haines and its surrounds. Begin with a drive through historic Fort Seward, one of the first US military bases in Alaska, then heads up the Haines Highway towards Canada.

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Glaciers, Waterfalls, Alpine Tundra, Wildflowers, Eagles, Hares, Bears

Next, pass through the world-famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which boasts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles, then over the Canadian border. Your route ascends above the treeline, where towering peaks loom above the highway. Along the way, enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and wide expanses of alpine tundra. During the peak of the summer, there are a multitude of wildflowers found here. Golden eagles, ptarmigans, snowshoe hares, grizzly bears, and other endemic wildlife frequent the area.  

Guided Hiking Trek, Alpine Tundra, Snacks, Exquisite Views

Typically, the hike ranges from approximately two miles-six miles (about 3.2 kilometres-9.6 kilometres) in duration, with a vertical ascent/descent of approximately 500 feet (about 152 metres) during the hike. Along the way, a stop is made for a picnic lunch with an exquisite view of your surrounds, and snacks are provided to keep your energy going for the extended hike. During the early part of the season, you may encounter patches of snow. After an invigorating hike in the alpine tundra of British Columbia, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back across the U.S. border before returning to the pier in Haines.

See Alaska through the eyes of a professional photographer and through the lens of your camera on this photography tour.

Haines is known for its wildlife and stunning natural surroundings. This small-group tour (14 guests maximum) is for every type of photographer -- from those who have a professional-level camera to those who primarily use their smartphone. Either way, you'll learn how to take better photos. Your professional photographer guide selects the best locations to find the most dramatic light and wildlife activity. Composition tips, camera settings and how to take advantage of available light are discussed, along with how to predict wildlife behavior.

Bald eagles are commonly seen and, depending on the time of year, brown bears can sometimes be found feeding on salmon along the Chilkoot River. The small-group nature of the tour allows the guide to spend time with each participant, ensuring you come away with ideas and goals for your future photography.

Go on an exciting adventure through the wilds of Alaska on this ATV excursion that overlooks the Chilkat River Valley. Travel on old logging roads through the remotest reaches of this region.

Drive 45 minutes via coach through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, a beautiful drive with dramatic views of the Chilkat River Valley wilderness.

Arriving at the ATV staging area, receive an orientation to your vehicle, a safety briefing and be fitted for a helmet to safely begin your ATV adventure. Guests can choose from 2-person or 4-person vehicles to accommodate party size and must be 21 years or older to drive, with a valid driver's license in-hand. Then it's time to set off in your high-performance machine, which may be a Kawasaki or Arctic Cat side-by-side ATV. For parties with multiple people able to drive, there are places throughout the tour where drivers can switch to give everyone a chance to operate these fun-to-drive vehicles.

Your guide leads you through 12 miles of gravel road and remote areas, straight through the Alaskan wilderness. This journey takes you over Little Salmon creek and climbs to a series of scenic viewing points overlooking the Klehini, Tsirku and Chilkat River Valleys.  

Reaching the highest point of the journey, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view and take some scenic pictures and enjoy a picnic style lunch at our private staging area before loading back into our transportation vehicle to return to the pier.

This excursion is a rare opportunity to go rock-climbing in the wilds of Chilkat Valley in Haines, Alaska, assisted by professional Alaskan guide. It's a short hike uphill to the climbing site (for physical fit guests only) and then your climbing adventure begins. No experience is necessary to climb, as climbs for all abilities are offered. This adventure is perfect for those looking for their first climbing experience, or for experienced climbers looking for a challenge.

Take the 20-minute scenic drive (van transport) up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, with guide commentary about the Chilkat River Valley.  It is a 15-minute hike (approximately 250 meters uphill) to the climbing site, where you can enjoy the view of the Chilkat Valley and surrounding peaks at the base of the incredible cliffs.

Gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses and receive a safety briefing and climbing introduction from the guides. Then it is time to rope up and start climbing, with several climbing routes offered for various skill and experience levels.

Each climb ends with an impressive view looking down onto the Chilkat River and the wilds that surround it. Your professional mountain guides will share their knowledge and skill in all aspects of climbing, as your safety is their primary concern. Many of them have served as guides on major peak ascents around the world and are more than happy to share their stories of adventures in the mountains with you.

No climbing is required on this excursion; each guest still gets to enjoy the cliffside snack, hot cocoa, and stunning views.

After two hours of climbing (each guest has time for three to four climbs), remove your gear and make your return trek to the parking area. Enjoy a snack and take the short drive back to the dock.

Haines, Alaska is where two important rivers, the Chilkat and Chilkoot, meet the sea. This scenic ride through Chilkat Valley will capture the essence of "all things Alaskan".

Start enjoying the views with a short drive through Historic Ft. Seward and make our way to the Pyramid Island Lookout. This wide delta is where the braided Chilkat River drops tons of glacial silt every day into the ocean. We'll continue along the edge of the salt water to the Letnikof Cove Cannery Lookout. Here, the Rainbow Glacier and Chilkat Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the red buildings of this historic salmon cannery.

Then, we will retrace our steps back towards downtown Haines and travel in the opposite direction to the mouth of the Chilkoot River. The road winds along the salt water. We'll keep our eyes open for birds like surf scoters and marine mammals like harbor seals. Our next stop is where the Chilkoot River flows into the sea. This is a peaceful location where "all things Alaskan" come together- the river, the ocean, the mountains and the forest. Bald eagles are often spotted here soaring and calling to each other above the spruce trees.

Before returning to the ship, we will return to Haines with a final stop at Picture Point, where you can photograph your Silversea cruise ship with the iconic white buildings of Historic Ft. Seward and the Chilkat Mountains behind.

Mild weather and a variety of wildlife make Haines an ideal location for kayaking during this adventure.

Greeted on the pier by your skilled guide, a short transfer takes you to the kayak site. Before driving to the Chilkoot Lake area, your guide provides a narrated tour of Fort Seward and the town.

Your guide tailors your paddling trip to the destination where weather and wildlife trends are most favorable. Following a safety briefing and the issuance of equipment, you 'put-in' and begin your voyage.

Kayak Adventure

You will quickly become at ease in your fast and stable fiber glass kayak. The two hours you spend on the lake offers the best opportunity to get the chance to see wildlife from this unique perspective.

Board your vehicle to return to the town of Haines. You will stop at a private, beach-side picnic location to enjoy a picnic-style lunch before returning to your ship.

This excursion is a half-day tour of the Chilkat River Valley, including a narrated drive along the Haines Highway (a National Scenic Byway) and a wildlife tour as you take an hour-and-a-half ride in a Flat Bottom River Boat. This rugged and beautiful region is known for its abundant wildlife, which you have the chance to see up close on the river tour portion of the journey.

Along the 40-minute drive from port, receive a narrated tour of Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway full of beautiful, sweeping vistas of the Chilkat River Valley and historical sites such as Fort Seward, a National Historic Landmark.

Arrive at the jet boat facility to meet your river captains. Receive a briefing and launch your way out along the Chilkat River. As you glide along this roadless portion of the Bald Eagle Preserve, keep your eyes open for Alaskan wildlife viewing opportunities to send you home with a camera full of fantastic captures.

Explore the many channels of the glacier-fed Chilkat River, looking for wildlife such as moose, bears, eagles, swans and many other species of animals that live here in the river valley. Along the way, enjoy commentary by expert naturalists who are glad to share their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

After your inspiring tour, return to the jet boat landing and enjoy a snack before re-boarding the coach. Make the 45-minute scenic drive to return to the ship.