RBYA Alaska And Yukon Tour
Glaciers, Gold Rush Trails & Untouched Mountains
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Flight-seeing over Glacier Bay National Park, cruise Glacier Bay, hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, sightseeing in Kluane National Park, take a historic train ride over the White Pass, canoe the Yukon River, explore Klondike gold rush towns Whitehorse, Skagway, and Dawson City.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR
- DATES & PRICES
- FULL ITINERARY
- MAP & HOTELS
- TRIP INFORMATION
Dates & Prices
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to the entries under the blue box below.
++How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is to contact us by telephone. You can also book online through our website.
A non-refundable $500 deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
++What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Should you need to cancel your trip, you must notify us in writing (e-mail preferred) immediately. Deposits are non-refundable, though if you cancel more than 90 days prior to tour departure date, the deposit is transferable to any other tour taken within 12 months of the original tour start date, minus a per person transfer fee (some tours have a 100% nonrefundable/ nontransferable deposit; you will be informed of this at the time of booking). Less than 90 days prior to departure, all monies paid are 100% non-refundable, nontransferable. Name changes are not permitted. We will not grant partial refunds for any unused trip arrangements—voluntarily missed meals, sightseeing, transport, etc—after the trip has commenced, or any refunds to trip members who do not complete any portion of the itinerary for whatever reason. All air tickets are non-refundable and valid only for the flight(s) indicated.
We may cancel departures if forced to do so by unforeseen circumstances such as war, civil unrest, disease outbreaks, catastrophic events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, etc -- things beyond our control that are commonly referred to as “force majeure.” In these instances we will offer 100% credits for all deposits if cancellation takes place more than 60 days prior to tour start date. Such credits can be applied to any future scheduled or custom tour (time limits may apply).
If cancellation occurs within the 60 day period, we will offer to postpone your trip to another departure of the same tour code within 12 months of the original tour start date and your full payment on the postponed tour will remain non-refundable; or, if circumstances do not permit at that time, an alternative will be offered.
Regardless of the timing of cancellation (outside or inside 60 days), we will not be responsible for costs associated with re-issuance or extension of visas, airline policies pertaining to cancellation/change fees, any trip component/s that may be non-refundable from our suppliers, or for any compensation. We strongly recommend that all travellers purchase trip cancellation insurance, either through Adventures Abroad or elsewhere, as this may provide coverage for the above listed circumstances and other perils.
If we cancel your tour due to insufficient enrolment, we will endeavour to find an alternative tour for you, either the same tour on a different date or another tour of your choice. If this is not acceptable, all monies paid will be refunded in full and will constitute full settlement. We will not be responsible for any expenses incurred, such as visas, vaccinations, independently purchase airfare, or any compensation. Notice of cancellation due to insufficient enrolment in any program will be given no later than 60 days prior to trip start date.
++Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! Most tours have a single-share program in which we match you with another single traveller of the same gender. If we are unable to pair you, we will usually absorb the cost of a single room. On some tours a "forced single" will apply; please enquire at time of booking. You will normally be informed of this charge 60 days prior to departure; however, we reserve the right to charge this fee up to your departure and, in rare cases, once you have departed. Upgrading to single room once the tour has begun is subject to availability in each overnight point, and payment must be made immediately to our office or locally to the Tour Leader. If you want to guarantee your own room, a single supplement applies. Payment of single supplement does not, however, guarantee that you will receive a twin size, twin-bedded room.
++I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
| Start Date | End Date | Price | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 19 Aug 2022 | Tue 30 Aug 2022 | $5290 USD | |
Land Price, single supplement (if applicable), and any extra hotel nights subject to 3.7% Canadian Tax (GST), prorated to apply to Canadian section only
Optional Single Supplement: $977 USD (number of singles limited).
This tour may require a mandatory single supplement charge of $977 if you join our share program and we are unable to pair you.
Tour Overview
North of the 60th parallel is a landscape as wild as it is beautiful. It is a broad land that is larger than life, that is a perfect destination for those who love nature. On this custom tour, we will have countless memories in grand settings.
We'll cruise deep fjords and watch the crumbling glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park. Admire the emerald green Yukon River as it cuts through the endless boreal forests.
Walk among the giant mountain-scapes in Kluane National Park, home to Canada's tallest mountain. Discover the intense colours of fall foliage in Tombstone Territorial Park, considered Canada's equivalent to Patagonia.
Follow the gold rush trails with a scenic train ride over the White Pass near the Chilkoot Trail. Soar above the glaciers and mountains, passing river valleys and coastal inlets of southeast Alaska.
Join us as we get caught up in the 'Spell of the Yukon' and take you through an inspired itinerary with plenty of local highlights, make several once in a lifetime memories, and witness a variety of natural landscapes like none other.
Regions visited: North America
Countries visited: Canada and United States
++What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
++Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival to Whitehorse, YT
Welcome to Whitehorse, the wilderness city!
Arrive in Whitehorse, known for their long days under midnight sun during summer months and aurora borealis or northern lights displays between mid-August and April.
As the capital city of the Yukon Territory, this small city of 27,000 is nestled alongside the famous Yukon River, a nearly 3200 km emerald coloured river that empties into the Bering Sea. It was along this river that the tens of thousands of prospectors made their way to the Klondike Gold Fields between 1896 to 1899.
Check into your hotel downtown and have the afternoon on your own to explore this fine city before meeting your tour director and fellow passengers for an evening meal.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Whitehorse, YT
We start our tour by getting to know Whitehorse a little better with a quick orientation driving tour. Known as the wilderness city, we will follow the Yukon River upstream to the famous Miles Canyon and what was the start of the Whitehorse Rapids.
This magnificent basalt canyon where the Yukon river narrowly channels through was once a major challenge for prospectors on their way to the Klondike. Today, it is a postcard perfect vista with a walking bridge over the emerald Yukon River and a starting point for many of the city’s walking, biking, and cross country ski trails.
We’ll take a short (3.5km) walk along a mostly flat trail in the boreal forest to better understand the flora and fauna of this northern region, while learning a bit of gold rush and first nations history that belongs to this area.
After a pause for an independent lunch in downtown Whitehorse, we will venture to the Wildlife Preserve to view 13 species of northern Canadian mammals in their natural environment. Set amongst 700 acres of various habitats, the Wildlife Preserve is the perfect introduction to what animals share these wild spaces with locals.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Kluane National Park
We start our day by driving west on the Alaska Highway towards Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Home to the world’s largest non-polar ice field and Canada’s highest mountain (Mt. Logan), Kluane is a park sure to impress.
On the scenic drive from Whitehorse, we will keep a look out for elk, sheep, moose, grizzly bears, and many more species of animals that call the Yukon home. We will enjoy a picnic lunch within the park.
No visit to Kluane is complete without a short hike, and our day will include a drive north to Kluane Lake and the Slim’s River Valley for a worthy stretch along the old Alaska Highway.
Overnight in Haines Junction.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 Driving Haines Pass , YT & Scenic Flight to Glacier Bay, AK
Today is another opportunity to discover why the Yukon’s motto is ‘larger than life’. Following the Haines Road, we will venture south from Kluane National Park through British Columbia’s wild Tatshenshini-Alsek Park and into the Chilkat River Valley that drains near Haines, Alaska in the Gulf of Alaska.
On our arrival to this quaint coastal Alaskan town, we’ll meet with our private charter flight to cruise over the impressive mountains of St Elias, and the fjords that surround Glacier Bay National Park. Pack your fully charged camera and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery before arriving at our destination of Gustavus, our gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.
This park covers 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, dynamic glaciers, temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep sheltered fjords. Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site that joins with Kluane National Park and is one of the world’s largest international protected areas.
Overnight at Glacier Bay Lodge.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 Scenic Boat Cruise in Glacier Bay, AK
The true highlight of Alaska, no trip is complete until you experience Glacier Bay’s mountains, fjords, forests, and tidewater glaciers.
Glacier Bay is a remote, unspoiled place where wildlife outnumbers roads a million to one. From the calm waters of Bartlett Cove we join a full day boat tour on a high-speed catamaran to the West Arm of Glacier Bay.
We’ll keep an eye out for otters, puffins, humpback whales, grizzly bears, seals, and sea lions found in the waters and along the coastline that lead up to the magnificent tidewater glaciers.
Afterwards we will return to our comfortable lodge in Bartlett Cove.
Overnight in Glacier Bay.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 Glacier Bay - Skagway, AK
Today is the chance to soak up the atmosphere of Glacier Bay with no set schedule. Bartlett Cove is the location of our lodge, and was once the location of the terminus of a 160km long glacier only 200 years ago. Glacier Bay encompasses some of our continent's most amazing scenery and wildness. It is a living laboratory, a national park, a biosphere reserve, and a world heritage site.
We may embark on a short hike along the shoreline looking for some of the 281 species of birds found within this park, before venturing into the spruce and hemlock forest trail, searching for porcupines and red squirrels. Alternatively, we may explore the totems at Xunaa Shukâ Hít, the Huna Tribal House.
After lunch, we will once again have a scenic flight over more mountain peaks, rivers and glaciers than you could come to know in a lifetime. We will discover the textures, colours and light that make up the Davidson and Rainbow Glaciers before landing in Skagway, Alaska.
Skagway was once a lawless town in the frontiers of Alaska, where most prospectors arrived by steamboat before making their way over the Chilkoot Trail.
We will have a short orientation walking tour of downtown before enjoying dinner on our own in some of the fine establishments of this gold rush town.
Overnight in Skagway.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 White Pass Train - Skagway, AK to Whitehorse, YT
We start with an early departure on the historic White Pass & Yukon Route train. Considered one of the scenic railway tours of the world, this track was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. Follow this marvel of engineering that endures harsh winter weather and overcomes challenging geography to reach a panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels and trestles.
We’ll climb 1000m (3,000ft) in elevation in just 32km (20 miles) over the White Pass and into remote wilderness to Lake Bennett, accessible only by White Pass & Yukon Route or a 33-mile hike on the Chilkoot Trail! Fully narrated, with comfortable coach cars and a hearty boxed lunch served aboard the train along the length of Lake Bennett, this excursion into the wild brings you 67.5 miles to Carcross, Yukon.
Once in Carcross, we will have the opportunity to discover more about the Tagish and Tlingit First Nations before boarding our bus back to Whitehorse. We’ll make time to pause at the “world’s smallest desert” before arriving at our hotel.
Dinner on your own this evening.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 Whitehorse, YT - Dawson City, YT
After a leisurely breakfast, this morning is yours to explore with either a walk along the millenium trail (5km) before an afternoon flight to Dawson City. Alternatively, you may wish to explore some of Whitehorse’s fine museums such as the McBride Museumw hich focuses on local history or the Kwanlin-Dun Cultural Centre which shares local indigenous customs and history.
In the afternoon we will regroup for a scheduled flight to Dawson City, Yukon - home to the Klondike Gold Rush.
We’ll enjoy a short orientation walking tour on arrival, touring the towns unpaved roads, wooden boardwalks, and learning about the gold rush lore. Founded in 1898, this city was once the capital of the Yukon until 1952 and still retains much of its charms.
Overnight in Dawson City.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Tombstone Territorial Park
Today is the chance to drive along the famous Dempster Highway into Tombstone Territorial Park. Famous for its rough road and plentiful photo opportunities, the Dempster Highway connects the Klondike Highway near Dawson City to the Arctic Circle and beyond to the Arctic Ocean.
Our destination is 70km down this road to the craggy peaks that soar above the dwarfed willow and lichen subarctic vegetation that line the river valleys. Along our full day tour, which will include a picnic lunch and a stop at the interpretive centre, we will have the chance to stretch out our legs and walk among the tundra.
After our full day tour, we will have the chance to revel once again in the splendors of the gold rush town of Dawson City, where we overnight.
Overnight in Dawson City.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Tombstone Territorial Park
Due to inclement weather possibilities, today will be our second chance to explore Tombstone Territorial Park. Once again we will enjoy a scenic drive along the Dempster Highway, hoping to spot moose, deer, wolverines, sheep, mountain goat, or bear along the journey.
We will take the opportunity to once again hit the trails for a one-hour flat terrain hike along the North Klondike River, hoping to experience the full fall colour palette this area is famed for.
After our tour in Tombstone, we return to Dawson City.
Overnight in Dawson City.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 Dawson City - Whitehorse - Canoe the Yukon River
We say goodbye to the Klondike and head back to Whitehorse on a scheduled afternoon flight. Upon arrival we get ready for a peaceful paddle, perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, down the historic Yukon River. As we ply the emerald green waters, we keep an eye out for eagles that line the trees above the river in search of their salmon dinner below.
After our paddle, we will raise a glass to our friends and salut an incredible journey completed.
Overnight in Whitehorse.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Departure
Departure from Whitehorse.
Please note that due to winter scheduling, most museums and shops will be closed on Sunday when this tour concludes.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Tour Map
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
Hotel List
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Coast High Country Inn
Rating: 
Location: Whitehorse
Country: Canada
Adjoining the Yukon Convention Centre, this laid-back hotel is 2 blocks from the SS Klondike Historic Site along the Yukon ... and 6 km from Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. Warm, homey rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, desks and iPod docks, as well as minifridges, microwaves, and tea and coffeemaking equipment.
Read More.
Click here to visit hotel website
Alcan Motor Inn
Rating:
Location: Haines Junction
Country: Canada
This down-to-earth inn is a 4-minute walk from downtown Haines Junction and 26.3 km from Kluane National Park and Reserve ... Canada.
Unpretentious rooms come with satellite TV, minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers.
Read More.
Click here to visit hotel website
Glacier Bay Lodge
Rating:
Location: Glacier Bay National Park
Country: United States
The only hotel in the park, this property offers simple, wood-paneled rooms & a dining room.
Click here to visit hotel website
Westmark Skagway
Rating:
Location: Skagway
Country: United States
In an area popular with tourists, this casual hotel amid businesses is a 7-minute walk from history exhibits at the ... Museum and 9 minutes' walk from the Port of Skagway on Skagway River. Warmly decorated rooms, some featuring exposed wood beams, come with TVs and en suite bathrooms.
Read More.
Click here to visit hotel website
Triple J Hotel
Rating:
Location: Dawson
Country: Canada
This low-key hotel is a 1-minute walk from the Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall and a 4-minute walk from Palace ... Theatre. Set across the main building and an annex, the subdued rooms offer free Wi-Fi, cable TV and coffeemakers.
Read More.
Click here to visit hotel website
Trip Information
Inclusions
Breakfast daily; other meals as per the tour itinerary. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters, and airport transfers (complimentary hotel shuttle).
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, some lunches & dinner (see tour itinerary), drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international air taxes (if applicable), any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Land Price, single supplement (if chosen), and any extra hotel nights subject to an additional 3.7% Canadian Tax (GST), prorated to apply to Canadian section only
Seasonality and Weather
This tour is offered in what is considered autumn north of 60 degrees. Weather conditions throughout are highly (and notoriously) changeable. Expect cooler temperatures and warm wear including sturdy waterproof shoes are strongly recommended. Dress in layers as the afternoon is significantly warmer than the mornings and evenings. Rain and snow may be likely in any location, particularly rain in Southeast Alaska and particularly snow while near Tombstone Territorial Park. Whitehorse enjoys a typically dry climate that often is windy. That said, it can snow any day of the year this far north and this is just another one of this region's many charms.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Most of the land transport throughout will be by private air-conditioned small-size motor coach. Though we will have a couple of full bus days there are plenty of stops of interest.
Our flight in and out of Glacier Bay National Park will be a small charter plane, likely using either a 6 or 8 seater. While in Glacier Bay, we will cruise on a high-speed catamaran and in Skagway board a historic train.
Our flight to Dawson City will include a regularly scheduled commercial aircraft (likely on a turboprop plane).
Though this trip is not as rigorous as our activity/hiking tours, we classify it as level "2" due to the ambitious nature of the program, the isolated locales visited, and the easy scenic hikes that are sprinkled throughout the itinerary. On these days, participants can expect to be walking on uneven ground in a wilderness setting for several kilometers at a time. We also have an easy canoe paddling excursion on slow-moving water. As such, a higher fitness level than average is recommended for this tour.
Please note that most accommodation will not provide baggage handling -- you must be independent with your bags.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
How might Covid-19 impact this tour and your booking? To review our safety protocols, passenger responsibilites, frequently asked questions, and terms governing your reservation, click here.
Review our full booking terms here.
Accommodation
Our hotel in Whitehorse will be international class, well-located 3- star property. In Glacier Bay, we will be at a remote wilderness lodge. For Haines Junction, Skagway, and Dawson City, these nights may have us in simpler, though clean and comfortable, inns.
Many are smaller properties (3-4 story) that may not have elevators. All accommodation have en suite toilet and bath though some have shower only (no bathtub).
A mandatory single supplement may apply to this tour if you have selected our share program and we fail to pair you. Due to the high cost of single accommodation on this tour, the mandatory up-charge is 100% of the regular single supplement.
Please click on "Map & Hotels" tab for more information.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver/s, local step-on guides at various locales.
Group Size
Due to the remoteness of some of the locales visited and a lack of accommodation, plus the chartered flights used in some places which dictate how many passengers, we have limited the group size to 16 plus Tour Leader
RBYA TRIP DETAILS
DURATION12 days
TOUR STARTWhitehorse
TOUR ENDWhitehorse
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