Day 1: Arrival and Orientation in Haines, Alaska
Arrive on your own into Haines, Alaska by 2pm. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry is a nice option as you will travel up the inlet witnessing some breathtaking views, but requires you to overnight in Juneau before taking the morning ferry. Or take a regional flight on Alaska Seaplanes from Juneau to Haines. After checking into the hotel in Haines, you’ll have some time to explore the small coastal community of Haines. We meet near the hotel for a bike fitting and orientation in the late afternoon, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner included.
Day 2: Chilkoot Lake & Dyea Ghost Town
Miles: 41 miles · Elevation: +3,173’ / -3,173’
Terrain: Paved rail trail.
After breakfast you will explore the area around Haines with a 20-mile out-and-back ride to Chilkoot Lake. The mostly flat route has great views along the fjord, with mountains all around and covered with stands of Sitka Spruce, buzzing with the calls of native birds, and possibly a glimpse of a bear or two! You will return through Haines for lunch and continue cycling on the gravel road towards the ghost town of Dyea, once a boomtown during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890’s. Along its tidal flats are scores of aquatic birds: herons, eagles, seagulls, terns and many more. The area is an expansive river ecosystem. You will return to Haines for our overnight. All meals included.
Day 3: Cycling, Eagles, River Float and the Funny Farm
Miles: 28 miles · Elevation: +1,536’ / -1,364’
Terrain: Paved road.
Your cycling journey begins after breakfast when we cycle along the glacier-fed Chilkat River, along the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The Jilkaat-Kwaan Heritage Center on the banks of the Chilkat River preserves the history and language of the Tlingit tribe, who have lived in the area for more than 10,000 years. You will continue on tour overnight accommodations; A popular lodge for heli-skiers in the winter, the lodge has amenities like a sauna and espresso bar, and is one of the last lodging options for roughly 100 miles. In the afternoon, you will float for approximately two hours on the Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where thousands of bald eagles feast on the abundant salmon in the river. You will be shuttled back to our accommodations after the float for an evening meal. All meals included.
Day 4: British Columbia via Guardsmen and Chilkat Passes
Miles: 71 miles · Elevation: 6,096’ / -3,710’
Terrain: Paved road.
Today is our first of two long climbs on this adventure. You will continue your journey along the Haines Highway up the Three Guardsmen and Chilkat passes. At about 3,500' you reach the tree line and enter a large wilderness area encompassing National and Provincial Parks. The scenery transitions from temperate rainforest to alpine tundra and snow-capped peaks. Sittings of trumpeter swans, Arctic terns, and other wildlife are all possibilities today. Tonight is our one and only campground, Million Dollar Falls. We will make this camping experience as comfy and poshy as possible with a washup station instead of showers and spacious tents and comfortable pads. You'll want to take the short stroll to see the falls after relaxing around camp a bit. All meals included.
Day 5: Kluane National Park and Haines Junction
Miles: 54 miles · Elevation: +3,810’ / -4,629’
Terrain: Paved road.
Today you will experience through a land of expansive wilderness, mountains, majestic lakes and open vistas. Kluane National Park. The park is home to Canada’s highest (and North America’s second highest) peak, Mount Logan (19,551’). Sitings of grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats are all possibilities today. We may have time to explore the Da Ku Cultural Center after our arrival into Haines Junction. All meals included.
Day 6: Haines Junction to Tahkini Hot Springs - a century day?
Miles: 60-100 miles · Elevation: +4,692’ / -4,170’
Terrain: Paved road.
Looking for the challenge of a 100-mile day? Today is that day as we ride along the historic Alaska/Canada (ALCAN) Highway along rolling hills today, through an expanse of black and white spruce cut through by small rivers and creeks. You can also ride shorter mileages today if you prefer as our support vehicle will be along the road to assist. Regardless of the option you choose today, you can take a respite at our overnight accommodations, the Takhini Hot Springs outside of Whitehorse, Yukon. Rest those weary muscles in the pools, the restaurant, and in the comfy accommodations. Tomorrow is a short, optional ride day. All meals included.
Day 7: Whitehorse, Yukon (Rest Day)
Miles: 19 miles · Elevation: +821’ / -1,119’
Terrain: Paved road.
A short optional jaunt to Whitehorse, Yukon today along the Yukon river. After breakfast you can either cycle down to Whitehorse, or you can take the support vehicle. Either way, you can enjoy a relaxing or strenuous day in the capital of the province. You will continue travel through forested areas, crossing several tributaries. Whitehorse became a temporary stopping point, then a permanent settlement for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. Now, Whitehorse is a city of more than 25,000 hardy folks living on the banks of the mighty Yukon River. There are options to explore local shops and museums, take a walking river trail tour, or maybe a canoe trip. You can also just kick back, relax, and enjoy the town of Whitehorse. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8: Whitehorse to Carcross (a.k.a. Caribou Crossing)
Miles: 45 miles · Elevation: +2,679’ / -2,594’
Terrain: Paved road.
An early start today gets us moving southeast along the ALCAN Highway before you turn south to head back toward the US. Riding along the Klondike Highway you will once again experience the coastal mountains but we will also cross the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world. The desert was once the bed of a glacial lake. It remains dry and arid due to the rain shadow effects of the surrounding mountains. Our day ends in the town of Carcross; the terminus of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The area is home to the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Early miners en route to the Dawson gold fields named the town Caribou Crossing because of the huge herds of caribou that migrated through the region. Moose are frequently sighted. All meals included.
Day 9: Exhilarating descent back into the US and Skagway, Alaska
Miles: 65 miles · Elevation: +4,321’ / -6,431’
Terrain: Paved road.
Today you will re-enter the US on the last cycling day of our adventure. After leaving the Yukon and re-entering British Columbia, the coastal mountains rise around us as we bike towards the historic White Pass and zip downhill to the coast. As we cycle up the pass we will experience the stunning beauty of dozens of alpine lakes. After crossing the Canada/US border checkpoint, you will experience an epic, thrilling 15-mile descent to the coastal town of Skagway, AK. Our cycling journey may be over, but Skagway offers a plethora of activities. All meals included.
Day 10: Explore the Skagway Area
Take some time to relax at our accommodations, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this colorful town. Take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad back to Frasier , BC and back to Skagway to relive the majestic scenery of the area, explore the local craft brewery scene, take a walking tour of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, take a day hike, experience a Glacier tour, or just chillax from a magnificent week on the road. We will have a group celebratory meal as our time together draws to a close. Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 11: Breakfast, checkout, departure
This final morning is on your own. A buffet breakfast is included with the hotel, as is a shuttle to the ferry terminal or airport for your departure from Skagway. Breakfast included.
