The 6 Best National Park Tours in Haines
Haines, Alaska, is a frontier of wild beauty, where towering mountains, rushing rivers, and abundant wildlife define the landscape. Unlike places with watered-down wildlife tours, Haines offers authentic experiences led by naturalists and local guides who know these wild places intimately. Whether you’re up for spotting bald eagles in the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, observing brown bears at Chilkoot Lake, or paddling past glaciers, each tour on our list offers a different way to connect with Alaska’s raw wilderness. These tours are designed for visitors who want more than just pretty scenery—they want real encounters with nature, well-informed guides, and a sense of adventure.
Most tours focus on chasing eagles, bears, and moose, but each one brings its own unique twist. Some are private, others are group adventures, and all are designed to give you a solid taste of what makes Haines special. Planning your trip around these tours means choosing the right experience for your interests, budget, and time constraints.
For a quick overview, here’s what made our list: private float trips into the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (Tour #1), raft trips with wildlife sightings (Tour #2), wilderness wildlife tours at Chilkoot Lake (Tour #3), scenic float tours through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve (Tour #4), kayaking among glaciers and waterfalls (Tour #5), and extended Chilkoot Wilderness tours (Tour #6). Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Private Group Eagle Preserve Float Trip in Haines
Starting with one of the most personalized experiences, this private float trip takes you deep into the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. For around $1,800, your group of up to eight people will spend about five hours on a fully customizable adventure aboard an 8-person inflatable raft. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to observe bald eagles swooping for salmon, along with other wildlife like moose, otters, and weasels.
Your guide’s deep knowledge about Alaska’s natural history enriches the experience. You’ll learn about the ecology of the preserve and the significance of the bald eagle population, which is the largest in the world. The tour offers a choice of morning or afternoon departures, with round-trip transport from Haines included, making it easy to enjoy without logistics worries. As one traveler noted, “Seeing the bald eagles up close was amazing,” and guides like Andy and Sam have a knack for making wildlife sightings feel extraordinary. The experience is especially good for families or groups who want a private, flexible outing with plenty of chances for close-up eagle viewing.
Bottom line: If you value privacy, a tailored experience, and the chance to see eagles, this tour offers an exceptional half-day adventure with personalized attention.
2. Rafting to Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve from Haines
For an affordable, half-day wilderness adventure, the rafting trip at $179 per person provides a solid dose of wildlife and scenery. It includes a 1.5-hour float in a sturdy raft exploring the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles, along with other animals like moose, bears, and otters. Guides share stories about the region’s history and ecology, adding context to your wildlife sightings.
What makes this tour special is the combination of wildlife viewing and scenic landscape. You’ll cruise past towering mountains, lush forests, and the serene Chilkat River, all while keeping an eye out for eagles nesting and other wildlife. Plus, a picnic-style lunch at a scenic spot gives you time to soak in the environment. Reviewers describe it as “really fun,” with one noting they saw “lots of wildlife,” including moose and wolves. This tour is perfect for those who want a shorter, active adventure that’s rich in wildlife.
Bottom line: If you’re after a mid-range, family-friendly trip that combines rafting with wildlife viewing and a scenic setting, this tour offers great value.
3. Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing (2.5 hrs in Haines)
This wildlife viewing tour is a concise 2.5-hour expedition into Chilkoot Lake State Park, where you’re likely to see bald eagles, harbor seals, and possibly even brown bears. Led by a naturalist guide, the tour emphasizes education and close encounters with Alaska’s native animals.
The itinerary includes a visit to Haines’ naturalist-rich environment, with stops to learn about the Lynn Canal ecosystem and bear safety. During May through September, the river teems with salmon, attracting bears and eagles alike. Reviewers have seen mama moose with calves and a variety of birdlife, with many emphasizing the guide’s knowledge. The tour suits travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful wildlife experience.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, educational wildlife tour with opportunities to spot eagles and bears, this is a solid choice.
4. Half-Day Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Float Tour
For those wanting a scenic float combined with wildlife observation, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve float is a 4-hour adventure costing around $170. This tour features a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River, starting with a scenic drive through Haines and past Fort Seward, before launching onto calm waters.
Your guides provide detailed commentary about the landscape and wildlife, including seeing up to 35 bald eagles during the float. The raft ride offers a peaceful, immersive way to observe eagles, bears, moose, and wolves. Travelers praise the ability to see so many eagles, especially in late summer. The included riverside lunch makes this a well-rounded experience for nature lovers.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a relaxing float with excellent eagle viewing and a scenic journey, this tour is a favorite.
5. Wilderness Kayak Adventure in Haines
For a different perspective, try the kayaking trip priced at about $153. This 4-hour paddle is suitable for all skill levels and offers an up-close look at glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife. You’ll paddle past floating ice, spot mountain goats, and maybe encounter seals or otters along the shoreline.
This tour is great for those who want a quieter, more intimate experience. The guides are naturalists who share insights about glaciers and local fauna, making it both educational and active. Although it has only one review so far, the experience is praised for its visual splendor and suitability for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Bottom line: If paddling among glaciers and waterfalls sounds appealing, and you enjoy a relaxed, scenic outing, this kayaking adventure is worth considering.
6. 4 hours Haines Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Tour
The Chilkoot Wilderness tour offers a comprehensive nature experience in about four hours. The tour takes you through Chilkoot Lake State Park, where you’ll see snowy mountains, wildflowers, and wildlife such as eagles, salmon, and bears during peak seasons.
Led by a naturalist, the tour includes a stop at Tanani Point to learn about the Lynn Canal ecosystem. In late summer, the river fills with salmon, attracting brown bears that forage along the banks. Though this tour currently has no reviews, its itinerary promises a rich encounter with Alaska’s wilderness, suitable for travelers wanting a full, diverse nature outing.
Bottom line: If you’re after a detailed, full-bodied wilderness and wildlife experience in a half-day, this tour offers plenty of scenic and animal encounters.
How to Choose
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and what kind of wildlife or scenery excites you most. For a private, customizable experience, go for Tour #1. If you want an affordable wildlife float, Tour #2 hits the mark. For short but immersive wildlife encounters, Tour #3 is ideal. Those seeking scenic floats with eagle sightings will love Tour #4. Meanwhile, Tour #5 suits paddlers eager for glaciers and waterfalls, and Tour #6 offers a full, rounded wilderness tour.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months when wildlife tours fill quickly. Consider your physical activity level and interests: a raft or float provides a relaxing approach, while kayaking offers a more active experience.
Final Thoughts
Haines offers a remarkable range of wildlife and wilderness tours for travelers eager to get up close with Alaska’s natural splendor. Whether you opt for the private eagle float, wildlife rafting, or a scenic kayak trip, each experience promises memorable moments. Two standout options are the Private Group Eagle Preserve Float Trip for personalized encounters or the Rafting to Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve for a budget-friendly, wildlife-packed adventure.
No matter which tour fits your style, planning ahead and booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic Alaska experiences. The wild beauty of Haines is waiting—don’t wait to see it firsthand.