Tour Details

Private Chilkat Valley Photography Tour from Skagway

Escape the crowds of Skagway and head out on a private photography tour focusing on the town of Haines and the stunning Chilkat Valley. Cradled at the base of the Chilkat Peninsula, flanked by the Lynn Fjord and Chilkat River, Haines is filled with natural wonders. Your expert photographer guide will assist you in capturing the best of the Chilkat Valley's unique attractions.

The trip begins with a 45-minute ride via a 100-passenger shuttle catamaran along the steep-walled fjords, which connect Skagway to Haines. Arrive in Haines and meet your professional photography guide for your private tour.

This is a private tour, so you and your guide will work together to decide which locations and subject matter you want to focus on. You will have ample time to set up the best shots. Depending on the lighting and weather, different locations in the Chilkat Valley boast specific photographic highlights. May, June, and July feature wildflowers and eagles. Beginning in August, pink salmon, the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon varieties, begin their run up the Chilkoot River to spawn. This is the best opportunity to see brown bears as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river. When bears are present, every effort will be made to give you safe bear viewing and photography.

The theme is flexibility, fun, and learning rather than adherence to a rigid schedule. Even a simple point-and-shoot camera or Smartphone will work, but, bring all your photo gear. The tour includes a boxed lunch so that you can eat when you want to and focus on getting the shots that you desire.

This tour requires a moderate amount of walking to reach the best vantage points, some of which are over uneven or unpaved terrain. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. This tour, designed with an emphasis on photography, is led by a local, professional photographer. Participants must provide all photographic equipment; experience in photography is not necessary. Capturing wildlife on film is one of the goals but cannot be guaranteed. Actual locations visited and sequence of locations will be determined based on current conditions and the guide's discretion.

Please Note: Sightings of brown bears are not likely before the salmon start running in August. This tour goes through prime wildlife habitats, however, wildlife sightings, including brown bears, are not guaranteed.