Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway in Skagway
Skagway, United States

Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway

Outty Ranking 47 4.3 · 4 traveler reviews6.5 hoursFrom $283

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway worth booking?

Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway is a 6.5-hour experience in Skagway, United States, from $283 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (4)
Duration
6.5 hours
From
$283 per person

Explore the beautiful waters of southeast Alaska on a canoeing trip of a lifetime. Experience the astonishing scenery of the Inside Passage as you help paddle the voyageur canoe. Board a high-speed catamaran for a 45-min

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore the beautiful waters of southeast Alaska on a canoeing trip of a lifetime. Experience the astonishing scenery of the Inside Passage as you help paddle the voyageur canoe. Board a high-speed catamaran for a 45-minute trip to Haines down the Lynn Fjord. Once in Haines, your expert guides will drive you along the coastline and up the salmon-rich Chilkoot River to scenic Chilkoot Lake. Once at the lake, you'll receive all of the necessary equipment and instruction before heading out onto the water to explore the far reaches of the lake with your guide in a motor-assisted voyageur canoe. Your adventure will wrap up with a beach-side lunch with spectacular mountain and ocean backdrops before heading back to Skagway by catamaran.

    What's included

    Included

    • Rubber boots
    • Professional guide
    • Driver/guide
    • Lunch
    • Beverages
    • Rain ponchos if necessary
    • PFD (personal flotation device)

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Fort William H. Seward National Historic Landmark

      This excursion begins with a short tour of the historic Fort Seward before embarking on a scenic drive from downtown Haines past Lutak Inlet and into the Chilkoot River Valley. Fort Seward was the first Army base in Alaska and still holds a commanding prsence along the beachway.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Haines

      Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of small-town Haines on your way to Chilkoot Lake. Along the way, your guides will regale you with local natural history, geology, and Gold Rush tales as they point out snow-capped peaks, thick timber forests, and the abundant wildlife.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Chilkoot River

      The Chilkoot River Valley offers incredible wildlife viewing. Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are commons sights. Our guides are expert naturalists and enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Chilkoot Lake State Recreation Area

      At Chilkoot Lake, you’ll be stepping into a Voyageur canoe, which is stable, comfortable and quiet; perfect for observing nature’s splendor and the wildlife that abounds around this peaceful lake. You’ll be out on the water for about 1.5 hours exploring the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams and numerous waterfalls that spill off the mountains into the lake. After a short tour of Fort Seward, a 30-minute drive from downtown Haines, leads us up the Lutak Inlet to the Chilkoot River Valley. The Chilkoot corridor offers incredible wildlife viewing. Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon are commons sights. Our guides are expert naturalists and enjoy sharing their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness. Once at Chilkoot Lake, we’ll head out in stable, motor-assisted Voyageur Canoes. Our Canoes are built using similar dimensions as the canoes used by trappers and gold miners at the turn of the century. Powered by either paddle or motor, this tour offers guests the opportunity to paddle in the serenity of Chilkoot Lake, while also having the advantage of relaxing and taking photographs when it’s time to take a break from paddling. We’ll be out on the water for about 2 hours and explore the inlets, coves, salmon spawning streams and numerous waterfalls that spill off of the mountains into the lake. After enjoying the beautiful views on the lake, we’ll return to Haines and serve a picnic-style lunch at a private ocean beach location. After lunch you will be transported back to the fast ferry and on to Skagway. We are able accommodate dietary restrictions with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice, including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, allergies, etc. Timing: 00:00 - Meet on pier, complete waivers and answer any questions 00:00 - 00:10 - Depart pier by van for a short transfer to the small boat harbor 00:10 - 00:15 - Short walk to fast ferry, board ferry for trip to Haines (100 m) 00:15 - 01:15 - Catamaran ferry ride to Haines includes live presentation about local cultural and natural history. 01:15 - 01:55 - Board van/bus and have a guided driving town tour of Fort Seward, downtown Haines on the way out to Chilkoot Lake.  The road parallels the ocean coast and the scenic Chilkoot River. 01:55 - 02:10 - Canoe orientation, safety briefing and equipment fitting 02:10 - 04:10 - Experience pristine Chilkoot Lake from your canoe while paddling and utilizing the motor as a backup when you're ready to relax or if the wind picks up. 04:10 - 04:40 - drive back along the coast to our private beachside lunch site 04:40 - 05:10 - Beachside picnic lunch 05:10 - 05:15 - Short ride from beach back to the fast ferry dock 05:15 - 06:15 - Fast ferry ride back to Skagway and van transfer back to your ship

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Skagway

    If you are not arriving on a cruise ship, please meet your guide at the Small Boat Harbor 15 minutes prior to departure time to fill out required paperwork.

    Meeting point

    Skagway

    Your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship is in port. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time to fill out required paperwork

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    If you are not arriving on a cruise ship, please meet your guide at the Small Boat Harbor 15 minutes prior to departure time to fill out required paperwork.

    Ends at

    Your guide will meet you at the end of the pier where your ship is in port. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time to fill out required paperwork

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Alaska Mountain Guides Adventures, inc. Chilkat Guides Ltd

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • 100% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days prior to tour departure date
    • 50% Refund will be provided if cancelled 14 days to 4 days prior to tour departure date
    • No Refund will be provided if cancelled within 96 hours of tour departure date

    Photos

    Canoeing on Chilkoot LakeScenic Chilkoot LakePaddlingYour professionally-trained guide will instruct youPlenty of photo ops!Paddle, or use the outboard motor

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    1 mention

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    1 mention

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
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    3 star
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    mattfO915RD · July 2025

    Underwhelming

    We booked "Chilkoot Canoe Wildlife Safari," but I don't see that listed; however, this one matches the price we paid (and description) so should be a match. Pick-up and drop-off was fine as was the use of the Haines-Skagway ferry. We hoped to have time in Haines to walk around, though the tour guides said they had to get us back on the ferry - can't fault them there, though wish we had done some more research before we booked as having time in the town was important for us. This shouldn't be called a "wildlife" tour as we only saw a few bald eagles and a duck, and bald eagles are fairly common in Alaska so it wasn't really all that unique to see them on this tour. I understand the animals don't have a booking system, but I'd still say the tour name is misleading. Both guides said they hadn't seen any bears yet (we went in late July). The tour was more of an education in the flora of the region. The guides were fine, and we chuckled sympathetically the first time they said, "Raise your hand if you're not here," though by the fourth time it was uncomfortable. Also, I told them when I registered that my wife was gluten-free and at the picnic they never put out anything for her even though they ended up having a sandwich in the cooler. We chose the canoe thinking it would be peaceful and definitely would have chosen a different excursion if I knew we'd be smelling the exhaust from the motor the whole time we were on the lake. The waterfalls on the lake were cool though like bald eagles they are fairly commonplace in Alaska at that time of year. The tour of the town was fine, and there was some good educational content. Lastly, there is rock climbing and glaciers mentioned in two of the other reviews, but I don't think those go with this tour as they were not offered to us and I don't see them in the tour description here. In the end definitely not worth the $1,500 we invested for our family to attend (two adults + kids of age 20/18/16).

    via Tripadvisor

    David M · June 2025

    Amazing trip.

    Incredible experience. Get to know a glacier from up close, see all the wildlife around the area and have someone to explain most of the things we were watching and experiencing was a mind blowing experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    amybD929OJ · June 2023

    Definitely do the rock climbing!

    We actually went on a rock-climbing adventure. Hannah was our guide and she was amazing! She took her time and was super encouraging to my 10 & 13 year old kids. Thanks for making the experience wonderful!

    via Tripadvisor

    Scott M · September 2019

    Major highlight of our vacation

    The canoe holds ten people, but only our group of four youngish seniors was on board with outstanding guide Becca. The outing takes place rain or shine, but the weather was better than expected, and our experience was safe and peaceful. We did some rowing, which was not difficult, but the small outboard motor was in use for most of our time on a gorgeous lake. In addition to the magnificent scenery, we saw numerous salmon and lots of bald eagles. On our way back to a park, where a very good lunch, including blessedly hot cider, was served, we saw a bear amble down to the stream, swipe up a fish and go back into the woods. Other than perhaps our great fortune a few days later to see Denali in bright sunshine, this was absolutely one of the best excursion choices we made in Alaska.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)73
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)59
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Skagway.

    How much does Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway cost?

    +

    Prices start at $283 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Skagway usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway take?

    +

    Plan for about 6.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Skagway is not rushed.

    Is Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in Skagway, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Skagway can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Skagway and add a light layer if any part of the 6.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Skagway within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Skagway?

    +

    Skagway is a Klondike Gold Rush town built for excursions: White Pass and Yukon Route rail trips, Yukon border drives, glacier flights, dog sledding on ice fields and gold panning. On Outty we rank every Skagway experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Skagway Shore Excursion: Full-Day Tour of the Yukon, Skagway City and Summit Tour, Skagway Shore Excursion: Half-Day Tour to the Yukon Border and Suspension Bridge. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Skagway?

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    May to September, the cruise season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Skagway?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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