Skagway is a prime spot for exploring Alaska’s stunning natural beauty. While it’s famous for its Gold Rush history, the real draw today is the incredible wilderness that surrounds the town. Whether you’re here for a short cruise stop or an extended visit, the National Park Tours in Skagway offer a wealth of options for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. We particularly love the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari for its seamless mix of boat, hike, and canoeing—perfect for first-timers who want a stress-free yet memorable experience. Meanwhile, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting offers a rare chance to see thousands of eagles during their peak seasons, making it a must for wildlife enthusiasts. Finally, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing combines a scenic ferry ride with expert-guided wildlife spotting, ideal for those craving a comprehensive outdoor adventure.
If you’re trying to decide, think about what kind of experience appeals most: a glacier-focused tour, a wildlife-packed river expedition, or a scenic boat trip with chances to see bears and salmon. Each offers a different way to connect with Alaska’s rugged environment, and all come highly rated for their authenticity and natural beauty.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top-rated National Park Tours in Skagway, each with its own unique flavor. The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari (see here) combines boat rides, short hikes, and canoeing to Davidson Glacier. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting (see here) takes you along the Chilkat River to witness thousands of eagles feeding on salmon. Finally, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing (see here) offers a ferry trip to Haines with expert-guided wildlife spotting at Chilkoot Lake. Next, let’s explore each of these in detail.
1. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
At number one, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari is perfect for those who want a well-rounded, hands-on wilderness experience. This tour is rated 4.5/5 with 58 reviews, highlighting its popularity for delivering a stress-free way to visit Davidson Glacier. It’s priced at $359.69 per person and lasts about 6 hours, making it ideal for a half-day adventure.
The journey begins with a 75-minute boat ride through fjords and rainforests, offering spectacular views of towering mountains, waterfalls, and wildflowers. During this cruise, your naturalist guide points out wildlife like whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and mountain goats—an impressive lineup for a relatively short trip. Upon reaching the remote Davidson Glacier, you’ll take a short hike, then paddle a provided canoe out to the glacier itself, with no previous canoe experience needed. This combination of boat, hike, and canoeing keeps the experience engaging without feeling overwhelming.
What makes this tour stand out is its simplicity and appeal to first-time visitors. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love for the area. The reviews praise the balance of activities and the opportunity to see real wilderness up close. One guest said, “The glacier is receding sadly, but the experience was very interesting,” reflecting how even the changing landscape leaves a lasting impression.
Bottom Line: If you seek a comprehensive, scenic, and manageable Alaskan adventure with wildlife sightings and glacier views, this tour is a superb choice.
2. Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting – Skagway Departure
Number two on our list is the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting tour. Rated 4.5/5 with 29 reviews, this trip costs $305.00 per person and lasts around 6.5 hours. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to combine a scenic rafting adventure with extraordinary wildlife viewing.
This tour takes you on a guided raft trip along the Chilkat River, which is famous worldwide for hosting thousands of bald eagles during the fall and winter. Your naturalist guide will help you spot eagles perched along the riverbanks, often feeding on salmon. The trip includes round-trip transportation from Haines by catamaran, which means you’ll also enjoy the picturesque ferry ride across the Lynn Canal from Skagway. That ferry itself is a scenic highlight, with waterfalls cascading down fjord walls.
During the rafting, you’ll learn about the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and its ecology, thanks to guides with over 30 years of local experience. The reviews reflect how enjoyable and accessible this trip is for families, with one reviewer noting, “It was very wind and weather-dependent, but the scenery and eagles made it worthwhile.” A picnic lunch caps off the adventure after the float, providing a restful break amid stunning scenery.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, especially eagle enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a combination of gentle adventure and education in a breathtaking setting.
3. Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing
Rounding out our top three, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour is rated 4.0/5 with 53 reviews. Costing $270.00, this 6.5-hour experience offers a bit more travel and a focus on Alaska’s iconic wildlife.
The adventure begins with a high-speed ferry from Skagway to Haines, riding through the steep fjord walls and past waterfalls—an unforgettable 45-minute journey. In Haines, a naturalist guides you through Chilkoot Lake State Park, a prime spot for observing bald eagles, brown bears, and harbor seals. The tour includes stops at Tanana Point, where you can learn about the Lynn Canal ecosystem and enjoy scenic views. The naturalist’s expertise shines here, with discussions on local ecosystems and tips for wildlife spotting, including bear safety.
Guests consistently mention how knowledgeable the guides are—one reviewer called Katherine “so nice and informative,” especially during bear sightings. The tour’s combination of boat travel, wildlife observation, and naturalist commentary makes it a well-rounded choice for those interested in Alaskan ecosystems, photography, and wildlife.
Bottom Line: For travelers eager to combine scenic ferry rides with wildlife spotting in a relatively flexible tour, this trip offers a rich, guided wilderness experience.
How to Choose
Deciding between these tours depends on your priorities. If you want a straightforward, glacier-focused adventure with canoeing, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari is excellent. For wildlife lovers looking for eagles and river scenery, the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting delivers a memorable, bird-filled trip. If you prefer a broader wilderness experience with a scenic ferry ride and wildlife viewing, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing offers a comprehensive naturalist-led outing.
Consider your budget, activity level, and interests. For example, families or first-timers will appreciate the stress-free nature of the Glacier Point tour, while avid birders and photographers might favor the eagle and bear encounters of the other trips. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak summer months when these tours fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Skagway offers a rich menu of National Park Tours that showcase the best of Alaska’s wilderness. Whether you choose the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari for a glacier-focused adventure, the Chilkat Bald Eagle rafting trip for spectacular birdwatching, or the wildlife-filled ferry ride to Haines, each experience provides a genuine connection to Alaska’s rugged beauty.
For adventurers seeking a mix of boat, hike, and wildlife, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari is a standout. If observing thousands of eagles is your top priority, then the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Rafting won’t disappoint. And for those wanting a comprehensive wilderness day with scenic ferry travel and expert guidance, the Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing offers a rewarding experience.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking is wise, as these unique experiences are popular and fill quickly during the busy summer months. Whichever you choose, these tours will leave you with lasting memories of Alaska’s spectacular landscape and wildlife.