The 3 Best Canoe & Kayak Experiences in Skagway
Skagway stands out as a top destination for outdoor lovers, thanks to its dramatic mountain views, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. What makes it particularly appealing for paddling enthusiasts is the variety of ways to explore its waters — whether by kayak or canoe, you get a front-row seat to the raw beauty of Alaska’s coast and inland lakes. The area’s accessibility via ferry from Skagway to Haines makes these trips especially convenient, offering a seamless blend of water, land, and wildlife encounters.
While many visitors come for the scenic train rides or historic dockyards, Skagway’s canoe and kayak experiences bring a unique perspective. They allow you to quietly glide past soaring cliffs, spot eagles hunting overhead, and witness bears fishing in river streams — all while enjoying professional guides, all equipment, and some include delicious Alaskan snacks. Whether you prefer a half-day paddle, a wildlife-focused expedition, or a full-day adventure, this guide will help you choose the best fit.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include a scenic wilderness kayak adventure in Haines, offering a short but stunning paddle combined with a high-speed ferry Wilderness Kayak Adventure from Skagway; a full-day wildlife safari with canoeing, ferry rides, and wildlife spotting Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari; and a sea kayaking trip along the Inside Passage, perfect for those wanting a longer water experience with chances to see whales and eagles Inside Passage Sea Kayaking. Below, we go into details on each to help you decide which aligns best with your travel style and interests.
1. Wilderness Kayak Adventure from Skagway
This 6.5-hour adventure combines a scenic ferry ride to Haines with a kayak trip on Chilkoot Lake, offering some of the most peaceful paddling in the region. The excursion begins with a high-speed catamaran ride from Skagway to Haines, giving you a chance to enjoy stunning views of Lynn Fjord and the Chilkoot River. Once in Haines, you’ll visit Fort Seward, a historic site, before heading to the 9-hole golf course. This part of the tour is unique because it combines golf with wilderness scenery, where you’ll be watching for eagles, moose, mink, and otters while playing.
After golf, you’ll head to Chilkoot Lake, where your guides will help you gear up with a PFD, spray skirt, and paddle. The fiberglass 3-person kayak is stable and easy to manage, making it suitable even for beginners. Over about two hours, you’ll paddle amid pristine waters, soaking in the views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. The tour concludes with smoked salmon snacks, a true local specialty, before returning by ferry to Skagway.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of scenic golf, wildlife viewing, and kayaking — a rare mix. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything and value a small-group, personalized experience. The natural setting and the chance to see Alaska’s wildlife up close make this a memorable outing.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a balanced mix of water, land, and wildlife, perfect for active travelers seeking a relaxed but engaging day with excellent scenery and local flavors.
2. Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari from Skagway
For travelers eager to combine a full day of wildlife viewing with paddling, this canoe safari provides an immersive experience. Starting with a ferry ride across the Lynn Fjord to Haines, you’ll then explore the Chilkoot River Valley — known for its impressive salmon runs, brown bears, eagles, and mountain goats.
The tour is designed for those interested in wildlife, natural history, and Alaska’s rugged landscapes. The guides, with their naturalist expertise, share stories about the area’s geology, Gold Rush history, and current wildlife behavior, making every stop educational and engaging. Once at Chilkoot Lake, you’ll step into a Voyageur canoe, a traditional and stable vessel suited for quiet observation. Paddling around calm coves, inlets, and waterfalls, you’ll experience a sense of connection with nature and get closer to the native wildlife in their natural habitat.
A highlight is the picnic lunch on the waterfront, where you can relax and enjoy stunning mountain views. This tour is suited for those who want to spend more time on the water, combining activity with wildlife observation. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts comfortable with paddling and eager to see Alaska’s wildlife in action.
Bottom Line: For a full day of wildlife encounters, scenic paddling, and cultural insights, this tour offers a comprehensive Alaska experience, especially for nature lovers.
3. Inside Passage Sea Kayaking from Skagway
This sea kayaking adventure takes you along the dramatic coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage, highlighting towering peaks and abundant marine life. The trip begins with a round-trip ferry between Skagway and Haines, providing scenic views of Lynn Fjord along the way. Once in Haines, you’ll set out on a 2-person kayak to explore the coastline, with chances to spot bald eagles, moose, and whales.
The focus here is on serene paddling in open water, giving you a chance to appreciate the vastness of Alaska’s seascape. The kayaks are stable and suitable for paddlers of most skill levels, but the emphasis is on the experience of being on the water and observing the coast from a different perspective. After paddling, you’ll come ashore for a picnic on a remote beach, surrounded by wilderness.
While this tour has the lowest rating among the three (4.0/5 based on 10 reviews), it is still popular for the extra time on the water and the opportunity to see marine mammals. It’s best suited for those who prioritize sea kayaking in remote settings and don’t mind a bit of a longer day with ferry travel involved.
Bottom Line: If you want a true sea kayaking adventure in a stunning setting and are comfortable with open water, this is a great pick — especially for those eager to spend time alone with the coast and wildlife.
How to Choose Your Skagway Water Adventure
When selecting between these three options, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want on the water. The Wilderness Kayak Adventure is ideal if you’re after a balanced day of golf, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. The Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to combine paddling with wildlife watching and cultural stories. Meanwhile, the Inside Passage Sea Kayaking suits travelers who want more extensive time at sea and to paddle in open water with potential whale sightings.
All tours include necessary equipment, and guides are experienced naturalists or paddling experts. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months when these popular excursions fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Skagway’s canoe and kayak experiences offer something for every outdoor adventurer. The Wilderness Kayak Adventure from Skagway stands out for its mix of golf, wildlife, and scenic paddling — great for those who like variety. The Full-Day Alaska Wildlife Voyageur Canoe Safari provides a comprehensive wildlife-focused day, perfect for nature lovers. For dedicated paddlers, the Inside Passage Sea Kayaking offers a true sea adventure with whale-watching opportunities.
No matter which experience you choose, these tours promise unforgettable moments amid Alaska’s spectacular scenery. To ensure you don’t miss out, book your preferred adventure early — especially in summer, when these tours are in high demand.