Haines & Skagway: USA / Canada 2018

We had an enjoyable evening in Haines Junction and can highly recommend the ice-cream from Frosty’s!

We left early the next morning for the drive down to Haines. We first had stunning views of Kathleen Lake then headed on to Rock Glacier for the short hike up to the glacier edge – note this is a “Rock” glacier not an ice one! It was a lovely 1 mile return trail up hill giving fabulous views out over Dezadeash Lake and beyond.

We then called by Klukshu Village, a native village nestled by a river well populated with salmon – and bears. None present when we stopped by.

As we carried on we passed Million Dollar Falls which was full of water, then it was back over the border into the USA and on to the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. We were too early in the year, however from October through to February 1000’s of eagles gather in this area.

As we approached Haines we decided to head straight out to the Chilkoot Lake area in search of bears. We saw a mother and cub far in the distance and a male later on in the evening on the beach. We kept out distance on both occasions and enjoyed views from afar.

The next morning we caught the Alaska State Ferry from Haines to Skagway, having pre-booked many months before – this ferry was fully booked when we travelled. It was a calm, slightly damp sailing and when we arrived in Skagway there were 3 cruise ships already in!

We weren’t sure what to expect of Skagway, a very touristy town not the kind of place we’d usually stop by but we have to say we were very pleasantly surprised. The town was clean and tidy, and the buildings were fascinating. We walked out to Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove which were beautiful, very peaceful and easy hikes.  We watched the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway come and go and did our own historical tour of the the town before watching the cruise ships leave. A very enjoyable time.

We left early the following morning chasing the White Pass & Yukon Route trains as they made their way up the White Pass, so we could view them at different points along their route! The scenery is truly amazing over the pass.

We continued north back into Canada and onto Carcross, Whitehorse and round to Haines Junction – read our next installment here.