Private Chilkat Valley Photography Tour from Skagway

Escape the crowds of Skagway and focus on photographing the stunning scenery of the Chilkat Valley in Haines, Alaska. 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.

This private tour begins after you meet your representative at the pier area in Skagway. You will be escorted to the ferry landing area and then take a scenic 45-minute ride on a 100-passenger shuttle catamaran along the steep-walled fjords that connect Skagway to Haines. Arrive in Haines, and meet your local, professional photographer/guide.

Your guide will select their favorite locations and provide you with ample time to set up the best shots. Depending on the lighting and weather, different locations in the Chilkat Valley boast specific photographic highlights. Your professional photographer/guide will have previously scouted out the best areas for the day's photo-shoot. Wildflowers bloom profusely in May, June, and July, while bald eagles nest along the verdant river. The pink salmon flow up the Chilkoot River to spawn starts in August. Pink salmon are the smallest and most common variety of Pacific salmon. This is the best opportunity to see brown bears as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river. Bring your camera so you can take advantage of all the photo opportunities.

The theme is flexibility, fun, and learning rather than adherence to a rigid schedule. Even a simple point-and-shoot camera will work, but by all means, bring all your photo gear. Your private 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.

Once you have captured the incredible memories of the day on film, you will return to Skagway via the shuttle catamaran and to the pier area and your waiting ship.

Please Note: Brown bear sightings are unlikely to occur until the salmon begin running in August. Although this tour passes through excellent wildlife habitats sightings of wildlife, including brown bears cannot be guaranteed. This tour requires a minimum number of 2 guests to book and can accommodate 14 guests in total.