Silversea Luxury Cruises To HAINES (Alaska)

Take a half-day tour of the Chilkoot River Valley, including a historic Fort tour, an hour-and-a-half canoe ride, and a lovely beach picnic lunch. This majestic region is known for its abundant wildlife; on your journey you may see Brown Bears, eagles, mountain goats, and spawning salmon, all typical sights. Enjoy commentary by expert naturalists who are glad to share their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

Fort Seward

Along the 40-minute drive from port, receive a narrated tour of Fort Seward, a National Historic Landmark significant for its robust military presence during disputes with Canada over the international border in 1903. The police presence at the fort was also important during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. The rush brought a large influx of people (an estimated 100,000) and with that, crimes such as theft, illegal gambling, con games and other illegal activities that made a nearby troop presence necessary.

Chilkoot Lake

Take a scenic drive from downtown Haines past Lutak Inlet and into the Chilkoot River Valley. Arrive at Chilkoot Lake and receive an orientation and safety briefing for a canoe (and a flotation device fitting). Your vessel is a Voyageur canoe that is motor-assisted, built with dimensions that are similar to the canoes that trappers and gold miners used at the turn of the 20^th century. You can choose to paddle your canoe or operate the motor, either way moving at a relaxing pace that allows you to take in the serenity of Chilkoot Lake and its photographic splendor.

Spend a total of 90 minutes on Chilkoot Lake as you explore coves, streams with salmon jumping, inlets and a number of beautiful waterfalls that descend from the nearby mountains and cascade right into the lake.

Beach Picnic

After your journey, leave your canoe and be driven 30 minutes to an ocean beach in Haines for a picnic-style lunch. Make the 10-minute drive to return to the ship.

Join this spectacular hiking adventure that immerses you in the remote beauty of Southeast Alaska, whereyou will be surrounded with amazing mountain,glacier, and ocean views. At the start of your tour you will be greeted by your professional hiking guide for a remote coastal hike along the Chilkat Inlet. Drive for about 30 minutes along the Haines Peninsula to Chilkat State Park. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and geography of small-town Haines, Alaska. It is a beautiful drivewith many scenic photo opportunities.

Once at the trailhead, the hike begins over rolling terrain through temperate rainforest. Your knowledgeable, naturalist guide will talk about the flora and fauna of the region. The trail is slightly rolling as we make our way towards Moose Meadows, aptly named for the occasional moose seen grazing along the seaside. Step out onto the beach, we are treated with magnificent glacier views across the fjord. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch with a fantastic view and then after lunch, return back through Moose Meadows and make our way back to thepier in Haines.

Located on the coast of southeast Alaska, just along the Canadian border is Chilkat State Park, a massive expanse of incredible Alaskan scenery that stretches for over 9,300 acres - so large that it offers 35 different campsites. Take a 3.5-mile round-trip hike on today's excursion and see some of the snow-capped, mountainous water views typical to this beautiful region.

Picturesque Chilkat Peninsula and Letnikof Cove Historic Cannery

At the pier meet your professional guide, a naturalist and expert on the region. Take a 20-minute drive across the picturesque Chilkat Peninsula to Letnikof Cove, where the oldest operating cannery in Alaska is located, tucked away along the coastline. Board your Zodiac for a 25-minute scenic journey to the trailhead at Moosehead Meadows within the Chilkat State Park, filled with views of towering peaks looming above the surface of the water. Arrive at the beach to disembark the Zodiac and get ready to begin your hike.

Coastline Hike of Chilkat State Park

Hike for approximately 3.5 miles round trip along rocky beach and the Seduction Point Trail, a remote forest trail that winds along the coastline and weaves in and out of the forest at the southern end of Chilkat State Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the expansive Alaskan coastline and spectacular glacial waterfalls as you hike to Twin Coves. On clear days, views of the Rainbow Glacier and of the Davidson Glacier are possible. At your midpoint take a rest and refuel with a trailside snack, including locally harvested smoked salmon. Depending on time and group ability level, you may hike back to the beach or to a nearer point to be picked up by the zodiac boats.

Make the return journey over the stunning waterscape and drive from Letnikof Cove back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves extensive activity, with 3.5 miles of walking on an uneven, natural trail, including exposed roots and rocks and some slight hills. This tour is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Minimum age to participate is 7 years old, with parental supervision. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Guests are recommended to wear closed toe shoes suitable for hiking and dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather, and bring camera, binoculars, a rain jacket extra warm, dry layers and an extra pair of dry socks. Depending on conditions upon arrival, rubber boots may be provided for guests to wade to shore. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Meet your naturalist guide for a small-group driving tour to scenic and wildlife-rich Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park has it all: a turquoise lake surrounded by snowy mountain peaks, a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea, and important Tlingit cultural sights. Bald eagles, harbor seals, and brown bears are often seen here.

As you drive through the park, your guide knows the best places to stop for scenery and the possibility of wildlife spotting. Supplied with extra binoculars and a powerful spotting scope to bring the wildlife in close, your guide explains how the animals fit into the Chilkoot's complex ecosystem.

May, June, and July feature an explosion of wildflowers with bald eagles nesting along the lush river. 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 bear as they are often witnessed feeding along the banks of the river.

Make sure to bring your camera to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities.

Carving its impressive way towards the Lynn Canal, the Davidson Glacier is a majestic valley glacier, studded with pockets of blue amidst the white, frozen to appear as if still in motion. The glacial flow reaches back through the Chilkat mountains, merging with the Glacier Bay flow on the other side of the mountains. Enjoy a 3.75-mile hike up to the Glacier Overlook to Davison and enjoy a scenic lunch at the top before making the return trip.

Picturesque Chilkat Peninsula and Letnikof Cove Historic Cannery

At the pier meet your professional guide, a naturalist and expert on the region. Take a 20-minute drive across the picturesque Chilkat Peninsula to Letnikof Cove, where the oldest operating cannery in Alaska is located, tucked away along the coastline. Board your Zodiac for a 25-minute trip to the Glacier Point trailhead, a scenic journey filled with views of towering peaks looming above the surface of the water. Arrive at the shore (possibly changing into rubber boots to wade to shore, depending on conditions) to disembark the Zodiac and get ready to begin your hike.

Davison Glacier Scenic Hike

Take a 1.75-mile hike from the trailhead to the spectacular Davison Glacier, dramatically spilling out of Glacier Bay National Park as if frozen in motion. As you climb, notice the quiet of this place that your group mostly has to itself, as there are very few tours that have access to the Glacier Point wilderness trail. Your naturalist guide is full of information on the flora and fauna seen along this trail and can share their knowledge as you proceed.

The historic Davidson Glacier was spotted by famed naturalist John Muir in 1867. Muir wrote about the glacier in his autobiography, Travels in Alaska, as he was moved by his first sighting of this enormous wonder of nature.

After a mile of hiking pause at the Glacier Overlook, and then continue to arrive at Davidson Glacier for an awe-inspiring view. As your group gets closer to the glacier the terrain gets rockier and steeper and can be strenuous. The hike culminates with a glacier side perch on the moraine overlooking the rugged glacier.

As you enjoy a picnic lunch, see why John Muir was so impressed by this feat of nature that is the Davidson Glacier. There is free time to spend soaking up the sublime beauty of this rugged geological wonder.

Make the return hike, with another moment to rest and have a snack at Glacier Overlook before completing the hiking portion of the journey. At the beach trailhead re-board the Zodiac and head back to Letnikof Cove, driving 20 minutes to return to the ship for a well-earned rest after your exertions.

Please note: This tour involves extensive, strenuous activity, with 3.75 miles of walking on a steady moderate incline along an uneven, natural trail, that is unstable in places as the trek approaches the glacier. This tour should only be attempted by those who are prepared for hours of walking on primitive game trials and unstable talus slopes on glacial moraine in a variety of weather conditions and is not suitable for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Minimum age to participate is 7 years old, with parental supervision. Guests must sign a waiver to participate on this tour. Guests are recommended to wear closed toe shoes suitable for hiking and dress warmly in layers, prepared for Alaska's changeable weather, and bring camera, binoculars, a rain jacket extra warm, dry layers and an extra pair of dry socks. Depending on conditions upon arrival, rubber boots may be provided for guests to wade to shore. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Cycle along an ocean inlet, salmon-filled river, and view a glacial lake all from the seat of your bicycle. This ride offers a scenic and memorable outdoor adventure into one of the more picturesque areas of Haines.

Lutak Inlet

A short van ride takes you to the shore of Lutak Inlet to begin your ride. After gearing-up and listening to a safety and trail orientation briefing, mount your bike to begin exploring. The paved road parallels the protected waters of Chilkoot and Lutak Inlet. Pullouts along the road offer views of Haines and overlooks for wildlife viewing. Lutak Inlet is narrower and more sheltered than Lynn Canal, making it easier to spot river otters, Steller sea lions and harbor seals. A few humpback whales swim into the inlets as well, especially in May and June. Harbor porpoises, Alaska's smallest cetaceans, are often seen in Lutak Inlet in the summer. Look and listen for belted kingfishers, common loons, harlequin ducks, surf scoters, pigeon guillemots, boreal owls, and bald eagles.

Cycling Expedition

During your nine-mile (14.5-kilometre), round-trip cycling expedition, take in the gorgeous views across the emerald lake and inlet surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and jagged mountain peaks rising thousands of feet, straight out of the water. If you wish, leave your bike for an short trek, offering a more up-close look at your surroundings. This is a great tour to get some mild exercise and breathe some pure Alaskan air. Your professional bike guide offers details about the local history, culture, and living in Alaska and answers your questions en route.

At the conclusion of your approximately two-hour adventure, re-board the van and return to pier.

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The Davidson glacier is one of the geological highlights of Haines area. See the face of this sprawling glacier as you journey by wildlife viewing boat and canoe through deep fjords and rain forest, dotted by colourful wildflowers and surrounded by immense mountains.

Boat Cruise

From the pier, board a wildlife viewing boat for the cruise along Alaska's deepest fjord. During your 40-minute ride, keep an eye out for whales and sea lions en route to Glacier Point.

Upon arrival, transfer to a safari bus for a narrated ride to the trailhead, to begin a 20-minute walk over the moraine towards Davidson Lake. As you approach your destination, the forest suddenly opens to a breath taking view of the glacier, across a lake.

Canoe Adventure

At the shore of the lake, board a 31-foot (9.4-metre) canoe for a 1-1.5-hour journey of discovery to the face of the mighty Davidson Glacier. Paddle and motor across the lake and around the ice and shoreline. Throughout the canoe voyage, your guide shares his knowledge of this incredible landscape. The glacier provides a wonderful backdrop for any photographs.

At the conclusion of your paddling adventure, hike back to the awaiting safari bus and enjoy lunch at Glacier Point before starting the journey back. Your outing concludes with the drive back to the ship.

Discover the highlights of Haines and the surrounding Chilkat Valley, with quintessential examples of Alaskan nature, culture and industry.

Scenic Haines Highway and Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

Board your coach for a one-hour, scenic drive along the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway. Drive past Fort William H. Seward, a National Historic Site and one of the first U.S. Army outposts in Alaska. As your journey progresses, keep your eyes open for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley and into the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. This preserve is home to 200 to 400 eagles and shelters approximately 80 eagle nests, making it an essential resource for the preservation of this species as the resident eagles raise their young here.

Klukwan Village and Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center

Deep within the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve lies the native Tlingit village of Klukwan. Klukwan is in fact the Chilkat Tlingit people's only remaining village Upon arriving in the village visit the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, which houses an array of cultural treasures of the Chilkat Tlingits, one of the native tribes of Alaska. With your own eyes see a set of rarely-viewed masterworks called the Whale House Collection. This collection of Northwest Coast Indian carvings from over 200 years ago is believed to be made by Kaajísdu.áxch, a Tlingit master artist, and is only now available for public viewing. Stroll to the gift shop or enjoy a snack with a bit of free time before re-boarding the coach.

The American Bald Eagle Foundation Raptor Center & Natural History Museum

Drive 45 minutes from Klukwan to the American Bald Eagle Foundation, which is home to the Raptor Education Center that provides interpretive wildlife education. Expert handlers and naturalists have been training with these beautiful birds for many years and are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you. Watch a demonstration and presentation where you can meet one of the foundation's resident ambassador raptors. Knowledgeable naturalists and bird handlers are available on site to explain the displays and tell you all about these majestic creatures.

Tour Alaska's Oldest Cannery: Haines Packing Company

Drive south for 20 minutes along the Chilkat Peninsula to Letnikof Cove, where the oldest operating cannery in Alaska is located, tucked away along the coastline. Haines Packing Company is the oldest working cannery in Alaska and the longest continuously operating business in Haines. Take a tour of the smokehouse and processing facility, and observe how efficiently the salmon, crab, shrimp and halibut are brought in for processing by a fleet of local fishermen.

Take the 15-minute return drive to the ship with camera full of photos capturing the fascinating, beautiful things you have seen on your tour of the highlights of Haines.

Your adventure begins with an equipment and safety orientation by your guides on board. You'll then depart from the ship by zodiac, and embark your kayak in a sheltered location. You will set out to harbor, the bays, islands and coves of this truly spectacular coastline.

Your friendly, experienced guide will help to point out any wildlife that is spotted, and teach you about the ecology of the region including why it is incredibly rich in resources.

Please note: This tour is recommended only for guests in good physical condition and requires up to 90-minutes of paddling. Although no walking is required, guests must be able to climb into the transfer zodiac and to lift their own weight to transfer from the zodiac into the kayak. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair, and for guests who suffer from bodily injuries which prevents the movement of all joints. Tour is conducted in 2-person kayaks, in groups of up to 6 kayaks. Lifejacket, dry suit, Neoprene booties, gloves, spray skirt and dry bags are provided. Maximum available dry suit size is XXL. We suggest you wear warm, comfortable, flexible clothing to wear under the dry suit. Wear long-sleeved thermal layers, a warm hat with a brim, sunglasses, propylene, wool, silk or synthetic clothing (not cotton as it has poor heat retention when it is damp or wet). The minimum age to participate is 16 years. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Total combined weight of a two person kayak cannot exceed 650lbs (300kg). Guests must be able to speak conversational English in order to understand safety instructions. Some prior kayaking experience is required to participate in this activity. Binoculars, cameras and UV protection are recommended. We strongly suggest to book well in advance as space is very limited. This kayak tour is operated and guided by a team of guides/naturalists who will be sailing with you onboard the Silver Muse.

See Alaska through the eyes of a professional photographer and through the lens of your camera on this photography tour.

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 acquaint you with the best of the Chilkat Valley's unique attractions. Depending on 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. May, June, and July feature wildflowers and bald eagles. In August and September, brown bear are often feeding on pink salmon in the Chilkoot River.

Chilkoot Lake State Park

Begin your tour with a seaside drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park. This park is renowned for its turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, important Tlingit cultural sites, and a salmon-filled river flowing into the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife; migratory birds, brown bear, and harbour seals are often seen here.

Letnikof Cannery Cove

Your exploration continues as you venture out of town and south along the mouth of the Chilkat River en route to the picturesque salmon cannery at Letnikof Cove. The Rainbow Glacier provides a stunning backdrop to the weathered red buildings of the historic cannery.

Take an inspiring half-day journey through an Alaskan riverscape and immerse yourself in Chilkat Tlingit culture. Begin by floating along the Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, getting the unique opportunity to view wildlife right at the water's edge, including eagles and also possibly bear, moose and even wolves. Then visit the native village of Klukwan, seeing rare ancient carvings and listening to authentic native storytelling.

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

Board your coach for a one-hour, scenic drive along the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway. Drive past Fort William H. Seward, a National Historic Site and one of the first U.S. Army outposts in Alaska. As your journey progresses, keep your eyes open for moose and swans in the marshlands as you head up the Chilkat River Valley and into the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. This preserve is home to 200 to 400 eagles and shelters approximately 80 eagle nests, making it an essential resource for the preservation of this species as the resident eagles raise their young here.

Chilkat River Float

Arrive at the river bank and put on your gear, consisting of poncho rubber boots and a personal flotation device. Receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide on how to properly and safely enjoy the ride on your sturdy, 18-foot, inflatable rubber raft. Push off and begin your journey, gently gliding over the peaceful waters of the Chilkat River. There is no white-water or paddling required on this trip.

Floating along the river is an amazing opportunity and vantage point, from which you have incredible views of some of the most spectacular scenery in Alaska. As you float through the heart of the Bald Eagle Preserve, your naturalist guides share their knowledge of this majestic land, its history and the abundant wildlife that lives here. If you keep your camera close at hand, you may capture some superlative nature photos of eagles, moose, bears and possibly even wolves.

Klukwan Village and Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center

Arrive at the riverbank after your 90-minute float, disembark from your raft and enter the Klukwan native village. Deep within the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve lies the native Tlingit village of Klukwan. Upon arriving in the village visit the Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, which houses an array of cultural treasures of the Chilkat Tlingits, one of the native tribes of Alaska. With your own eyes see a set of rarely-viewed masterworks called the Whale House Collection. This collection of Northwest Coast Indian carvings from over 200 years ago is believed to be made by Kaajísdu.áxch, a Tlingit master artist, and is only now available for public viewing.

After the heritage center, walk to other key destinations in the village in the traditional cultural camp, including the Adze Shed carvings and the salmon smokehouse, and proceed to enter the Long House for native storytelling. After your village tour, enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Chilkat River.

Then stroll to the village's gift shop for a chance to purchase handmade souvenirs. Take the 30-minute return drive to the ship.

View orphaned animals relocated from the Alaskan wild to a man-made habitat as they learn to trust their human neighbours. See these creatures up-close on this half-day visit to an animal sanctuary.

Board the coach at the pier and travel for approximately 1-hour through the Bald Eagle Preserve. Along the way, your guide will acquaint you with the Native and natural history of the Chilkat Valley before you reach your destination, the Kroschel Films Wildlife Centre.

Kroschel Films Wildlife Centre

Arriving at Kroschel Films Wildlife Centre, you are greeted by owner Steve Kroschel, esteemed filmmaker and founder of this interactive center. Steve has a lifetime of experience working with wild animals for movies such as Never Cry Wolf and the PBS "Wild America" series. The Kroschel Wildlife Center provides a home for orphaned and rescued wild animals, including a Kodiak bear, moose, wolves, Arctic fox, lynx, porcupine, pine marten, mink, reindeer and wolverine. The animals live in the nature but still in their fenced enclosures, that allow you to get up-close for photographs. Don't miss this opportunity to view, touch and feel animals that you may never see in your lifetime and be entertained by Steve Kroschel, the real Alaska "Dr. Doolittle".

After approximately two hours and the Centre, re-board the tour bus for the 1-hour return journey to Haines and the ship.

Go on an exciting adventure through the wilds of Alaska on this ATV excursion that overlooks the Chilkat River Valley. Travel on old logging roads through the remotest reaches of this region spotting incredible wildlife along the way. The tour culminates with a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint amidst the peace and quiet of the Alaskan wilderness.

Drive 45 minutes via coach through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve along the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, a beautiful drive with dramatic views of the Chilkat River Valley wilderness.

Arriving at the ATV staging area, receive an orientation to your vehicle, a safety briefing and be fitted for a helmet to safely begin your ATV adventure. Guests can choose from 2-person or 4-person vehicles to accommodate party size and must be 21 years or older to drive, with a valid driver's license in-hand. Then it's time to set off in your high-performance machine, which may be a Kawasaki or Arctic Cat side-by-side ATV. For parties with multiple people able to drive, there are places throughout the tour where drivers can switch to give everyone a chance to operate these fun-to-drive vehicles.

Your guide leads you through 12 miles of gravel road and remote areas, straight through the Alaskan wilderness. Pass mountain meadows and spot moose or bears, see swans swimming in the beaver ponds, and look overhead for the incredible, majestic eagle. This journey takes you over Little Salmon creek and climbs to a series of scenic viewing points overlooking the Klehini, Tsirku and Chilkat River Valleys.

Reaching the highest point of the journey, enjoy a picnic-style lunch while you take in the breathtaking views of mountains, rivers and valleys. After lunch, descend the mountain and make your way back to drop off your ATV vehicle and transfer to the coach. Make the return trip to the pier.

This excursion is a rare opportunity to go rock-climbing in the wilds of Chilkat Valley in Haines, Alaska, assisted by professional Alaskan mountain guides. It's a short hike uphill to the climbing site (for physical fit guests only) and then your climbing adventure begins. No experience is necessary to climb, as climbs for all abilities are offered. This adventure is perfect for those looking for their first climbing experience, or for experienced climbers looking for a challenge.

Take the 20-minute scenic drive (van transport) up the Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, with guide commentary about the Chilkat River Valley. It is a 15-minute hike (approximately 250 meters uphill) to the climbing site, where you can enjoy the view of the Chilkat Valley and surrounding peaks at the base of the incredible cliffs.

Gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses and receive a safety briefing and climbing introduction from the guides. Then it is time to rope up and start climbing, with several climbing routes offered for various skill and experience levels.

Each climb ends with an impressive view looking down onto the Chilkat River and the wilds that surround it. Your professional mountain guides will share their knowledge and skill in all aspects of climbing, as your safety is their primary concern. Many of them have served as guides on major peak ascents around the world and are more than happy to share their stories of adventures in the mountains with you.

No climbing is required on this excursion; each guest still gets to enjoy the cliffside snack, hot cocoa, and stunning views.

After two hours of climbing (each guest has time for three to four climbs), remove your gear and make your return trek to the parking area. Enjoy a snack and take the short drive back to the dock.

This excursion is a half-day tour of the Chilkat River Valley, including a narrated drive along the Haines Highway (a National Scenic Byway) and a wildlife tour as you take an hour-and-a-half ride in a Flat Bottom River Boat. This rugged and beautiful region is known for its abundant wildlife, which you have the chance to see up close on the river tour portion of the journey.

Along the 40-minute drive from port, receive a narrated tour of Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway full of beautiful, sweeping vistas of the Chilkat River Valley and historical sites such as Fort Seward, a National Historic Landmark.

Arrive at the jet boat facility to meet your river captains. Receive a briefing and launch your way out along the Chilkat River. As you glide along this roadless portion of the Bald Eagle Preserve, keep your eyes open for Alaskan wildlife viewing opportunities to send you home with a camera full of fantastic captures.

Explore the many channels of the glacier-fed Chilkat River, looking for wildlife such as moose, bears, eagles, swans and many other species of animals that live here in the river valley. Along the way, enjoy commentary by expert naturalists who are glad to share their love and knowledge of the Alaskan wilderness.

After your inspiring tour, return to the jet boat landing and enjoy a snack before re-boarding the coach. Make the 45-minute scenic drive to return to the ship.