Chilkoot Trail Hike
Encounter gold rush tales and dramatic scenery on the Chilkoot Trail
Guided
Chilkoot Trail Hike Overview
Immerse yourself into one of the classic trekking trips in all of North America: The Chilkoot Trail. Follow the route of the gold rush into the Yukon, over the incredible Chilkoot Pass. Along the way marvel at the beauty of Alaska, Northern British Columbia and the Yukon.
Start in the wonderful, coastal town of Skagway, Alaska, and enjoy a hiking expedition on the Chilkoot trail that carries you back in time while also introducing you to the crisp, untouched scenery tucked deep into the Northern Coast Mountains.
Embroidered with glaciers and glimpses of the unforgettable gold rush, this seven-day intrepid expedition not only tosses you remnants of history, but the breathtaking scenery coaxes you into trekking through tiredness and continuing on. Amid the five days of hiking 52 km of the historical route—one that has you stamping new footprints on a path once walked by many gold seekers—you’ll have time to bask, relax, and camp out in the thick of the wilderness.
Trip highlights
Let the stories of the gold rush, interwoven with the stunning scenery sweeping the Chilkoot Trail, immerse you as you trek.
Enjoy four nights basking in the sounds of the wild from the comfort of a tent, away from the hustle and bustle.
Allow the quirky remnants of the gold rush, peppering the 52 km trek, shower you with insight on what once was.
Look out for a collection of animals popping out along the route: black and grizzly bears, eagles, and salmon.
Day By Day Itinerary
Meet with your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the quirky, informative monuments and historical facts spanning Whitehorse. Check out the longest wooden fish ladder on Earth, learn tidbits about prehistoric times in the Yukon and Alaska, marvel at the sternwheeler on the banks of the Yukon River.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Take a short transfer by road to Skagway, but don’t dismiss this as a regular ride. Look out for the UNESCO International Civil Engineering Landmark: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Admire the quaint buildings constructed during the gold rush in Skagway before beginning your route at the trailhead in Dyea for a short hike on challenging terrain to your campsite at Finnegan’s Point. Keep your eye out for salmon swimming in the river, black bears, and eagles amid the lanes of Spruce trees.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping at Finnegan’s Point
- Distance:
- 8 km
- Meals:
- Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in the bliss of wilderness, consume breakfast, and get ready for a trek along the Taiya River. Expect to encounter a couple of steep but short climbs as you meander along the river and Rock Garden, a charming meadow that grants easy walking. Reach Canyon City, a town once rich with prosperity due to the gold rush, but has since been abandoned. Set up your tent and enjoy a relaxing evening in the fresh air.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping at Sheep Camp
- Distance:
- 12.9 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an early breakfast before traversing a trail peppered with gold rush tales: discover where gold miners dropped off non-essentials due to the steep terrain and wind past the canopy of trees to where a cacophony of rocks, scattered in all directions, take over the scenery. Here, many gold miners died because of an avalanche in 1898. Scramble up the Golden Stairs before reaching an elevation of 1100 meters above sea level. Say goodbye to Alaska and enter the Yukon. Enjoy a descent over fields of snow, pass lakes and creeks. Expect to reach Happy Camp at some point in the late afternoon.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping at Happy Camp
- Distance:
- 12.1 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for a day meandering across relatively flat terrain while coming across a collection of enchanting views. Marvel at numerous bodies of water on this part of the journey: Long Lake, Deep Lake, Moose Creek, and Lake Lindemann. The hike may be relatively easy today but be prepared for a climb at Long Lake.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping at Lake Lindemann
- Distance:
- 8.8 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, tie up your laces and begin the final leg of your trek. Today’s route beautifully intertwines tales of the gold rush with epic scenery and adventure. As you reach Bennett Lake, which stretches across the Yukon and British Columbia, look out for the old church from the gold rush era and a rail station. Afterwards, hop on a floatplane and travel 45 minutes back to Whitehorse. Feel free to take up the option to book a flight tour that will carry you over the glaciers coating the Coast Mountains. Travel with your team from the airport to a hotel in Whitehorse. Enjoy a well-earned hot shower and spend the evening munching on a hearty dinner with your new friends and guide.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Whitehorse
- Distance:
- 11.3 km
- Meals:
- Breakfast, Lunch
Say your goodbyes and get dropped off at either the airport or connect with your next adventure.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners are included. Meals in hotels are not included.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included.
- Transport for you and your gear is included from pick-up at the airport in Whitehorse to drop-off at the airport in Whitehorse or at your next tour connection.
- An expert guide throughout the trek
- Camping equipment, except for the sleeping bag and mat
- Transportation throughout the trek, including a floatplane transfer from Bennett Lake to Whitehorse
- Chilkoot Park fees and licenses
Not included
- Flights to get to Whitehorse
- Meals in hotels
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Personal necessities
- Insurance
- A fishing license
- Optional tour guide gratuity
- GST (Goods and Services Tax) - 5%
Optional Extras
- A plane tour over the glaciers dotting the Coast Mountains on Day 6
- Extra night in Whitehorse before or after the tour
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
This tour is rated as a 4 / 5. This trek will have you travelling over a variety of terrain by foot. You will also have to wear a backpack that weighs between 10-25 kg, so a high level of fitness and strength is a necessity.
The groups for this tour are typically 4-7 participants.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Yes! However, the number of sleeping bags and mats for rent is very limited, therefore make sure to contact us a long time in advance.
You can take a flight to the international airport in Whitehorse, Canada.
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
You will travel from Bennett Lake in British Columbia back to Whitehorse, where you will connect with another tour or travel back home.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Tipping in Canada is customary, but much appreciated. Ideally, you should tip each guide 5-10 CAD per day (from one person) for an excellent service.
The best time to travel to Northern America for this tour is during the summer months.
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