Haines Scenic Byway & Summit

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Did you know that Haines Highway first existed as a trail used by the Chilkat Indians, then as a packhorse trail to the Klondike goldfields in the late 1880s, and in 1943, the U.S. Army used the highway as a military access road during World War II? With such a fascinating history no wonder it's recognized as a National Scenic Byway.

Retrace the footsteps of these early pioneers during a half-day excursion along the Haines Highway, which follows the very same route. Once settled into your comfortable seat, with your camera at hand, you'll be ready to set off on a thrilling discovery.

From the pier you'll travel through Fort Seward, one of the first U.S. military bases in Alaska. Then, sit back and relax as your onboard guide shares Alaska history as you make your way along the famed highway, which stretches out 152 miles from Haines, Alaska to Haines Junction, Canada.

One of the sites on the highway route is the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, a 48,000-acre wildlife refuge that's home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles. Keep your eyes open as you travel through the preserve-you may see an eagle or two soaring overhead.

No tour would be complete without a photo stop at a scenic viewpoint. As you travel through the Chilkat Valley to the heart of the preserve you'll make photo stops at 19 Mile Turnout and 31 Mile Overlook. Then, as you pass through the Canadian border, you'll gain elevation and travel above the tree line. As you make your way along the very same route once used by Alaska's earliest settlers, you may feel a sense of awe as you gaze out over the expanses of alpine tundra.

When hunger calls, you can enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch. As you make your way back to Haines, you'll stop along the Chilkat River to take additional photos of the dramatic scenery.

When your venture comes to an end, sit back and relax as you make your way back to the pier.

Special Notes:

Since this tour enters Canada, all guests must carry a passport or other WHTI compliant document. For U.S. citizens these documents include: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License, Trusted Traveler Card and Military ID Card (for U.S. armed forces members on official orders). Citizens of certain countries need a visa to visit Canada – visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to see if this applies. Written consent is required for children traveling into Canada without both parents. Stops for wildlife, landscape viewing and lunch may vary depending on weather, wildlife activity, timing, etc. A jacket, hat and gloves are recommended as temperatures at the summit may be cool. Restrooms available at two scheduled stopping points along the highway.

Meal: Picnic-style lunch of sandwiches, chips, water, coffee, tea, lemonade

Liability waiver is required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.