Haines Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour

5.0

3 reviews

Excursion Overview

Kayak the pristine Chilkoot Lake State Park

Arrive in Haines where you will meet your wilderness guide and set out on a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has many highlights including Tlingit Indian cultural sites, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and a turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Once you arrive at Chilkoot Lake State Park, take in the scenery as you board your two-person sea kayaks. Your expert guide will show you the basics of paddling. Outfitted with the proper gear, you will soon be gliding silently along the shores of the lake. This pristine lake is uncrowded, and the scenery is spectacular. Huge waterfalls spill off of 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 will be able to view all the activity from your kayak. The total time on the lake is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Paddle back to shore and enjoy some snacks before driving back to Haines. Return to your ship filled with memories and photographs from an unforgettable adventure.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:

Snacks (including gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options), bottled water (including sparkling)
Gear: Personal Floatation Device, Paddle, 2 person Easy Rider kayak
Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal

Requirements:

Minimum of 2 passengers required to book
Minimum age: 7 years old
Maximum weight: 250lbs

Duration: 4 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

45 minutes - nature tour to Chilkoot State Park
15 minutes - safety talk and equipment distribution
90 minutes - kayaking on Chilkoot Lake
30 minutes - snacks at the picnic location
60 minutes - scenic tour and return to port

Meeting Instructions:

This tour meets on the cruise ship dock. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 4 steps into and out of the bus and they need to be able to walk up and down gangways that vary depending on the tide. Additionally, guests need to be able to get in and out of double kayak cockpits independently from a dock (good balance required) and paddle for approximately 90 minutes on the lake. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There is no storage available for motorized scooters. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. There is a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 14 guests per departure.

This kayaking tour has a minimum age of 7.

Yes. The weight limit for the kayak trip is 250lbs. The kayaking tour requires that guests can paddle for 1.5 hours and get themselves comfortably in and out of a kayak.

We use 2-person Easy Rider fiberglass kayaks. They are very stable and perfect for kayaking on Chilkoot Lake.

We recommend that you dress in layers. It can be cold enough where you want a wool cap, gloves and a jacket, or it could be so warm you will be in a T-shirt with sunscreen and sunglasses. The weather can change quickly.

Our maximum group size is 14. Our typical tour has around 6-8 guests at one time. We can charter large buses for large groups with advance notice.

Depending on the size of the group and the tour, we utilize everything from an SUV like the Toyota Sequoia or Sienna, to the 14-passenger Ford Econoline Van to the 14- passenger Airporter-style bus.

The provided snacks include gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Definitely, arrangements of tours for groups or large families are possible. Please contact [email protected] with your group requirements.

Yes. All tours pick up from the main cruise ship terminal and include round-trip transportation unless otherwise specified for the specific tour.

Guest Reviews

Janna K

On Aug 2023

The lake is breathtaking. Great way to spend the day! Not much wildlife except salmon spawning but the views were gorgeous. We did see a mama bear and cubs end of trip which was icing in cake! Otherwise kayaking on the lake was very enjoyable

Zachary S

On Aug 2023

The only thing better than the guide was the scenery! We saw a ton of salmon fairly close up (as close as we could without disturbing them). We saw several eagles and the general scenery was amazing. I was a bit nervous as my wife nor I had kayaked in several years, but the guides made everything easy and we felt completely safe the entire trip.

Kelly K

On Jul 2022

Our guide Beth was fantastic! I had never kayaked before and she made it quite easy. The lake is gorgeous and we paddled 3/4 of the lake! Our group was eager. There are salmon spawning areas, and other wildlife we encountered.

$155.00

Best Price Guarantee!

$155.00

Duration: 4 hours

Best Price Guarantee!

Duration: 4 hours

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Adult: $155.00

Child (7-12): $123.75

Haines Chilkoot Lake Wildlife Kayak Tour

Excursion Overview

Kayak the pristine Chilkoot Lake State Park