What sets Chilkat Guides apart from other rafting outfits?
Chilkat Guides is an Alaskan owned and operated rafting service. Many operators offer Alaskan expeditions but are based outside of Alaska. We are proud to offer a variety of expeditions and day trips in what we consider our backyard. All of our guides are based in Alaska and undergo naturalist training specific to our area. They are happy to share their knowledge and passion for all things Alaska during your trip!

How much experience do I need for these expeditions?
No experience is required for our expedition and day trip programs. Our guides handle rowing on day trips and our Tatshenshini/Alsek expeditions. Paddling on our Kongakut program does not require any previous experience and can be enjoyed by all ages!

What is your refund policy?
In the event that you are unable to join us, the following guidelines will apply. All deposits include a $150 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90 days prior to the start date. 50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to start date. The 50% retained by Chilkat Guides can be credited towards another course if used within 12 months. No refunds will be provided within 59 days of the start date. This policy has been established to meet the demands of planning well-organized courses and programs. If for any reason an expedition ends early, there will be no refund. If you have not paid in full 90 days prior to your trip's departure, and you have not contacted us regarding other payment options, we reserve the right to schedule another individual in your place. In this event, you are responsible for any associated costs.

How do I secure a spot on a trip?
In order to secure a spot on one of our trips, all guests must place a deposit. Contact our office to confirm availability for the trip you're interested in; from there our office staff will be happy to help you secure space with a deposit.

Availability for our day trips is listed online and can be booked directly from our partners at Skagway Excursions.

Which is the best expedition?
We offer multiple expedition options to encompass multiple preferences, trip lengths, and activity levels. You get to choose which expedition suits you best! Wildlife, incredible scenery, and fun are all included on each trip.
 

• The Tatshenshini is the premier Alaska introductory experience. We’ll begin in the Yukon with a short whitewater section then float south through British Columbia and eventually into Alaska. Glaciers mark the lower section of the river where the “Tat” meets with the Alsek.
• The Alsek is the big sister to the “Tat” and is a bit more rugged. The Alsek begins above treeline in the high alpine. Incredible hiking, vast glaciers, and wild bear encounters are all highlights of the Alsek. There is a scenic helicopter portage involved that many guests note as a highlight of the trip.
• The Kongakut is our exclusive Northern trip in Alaska, traversing the plains of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), where over 50,000 caribou migrate annually. Flowing almost as far north as possible, the Kongakut boasts natural beauty and wildlife that has, until recently, has been undisturbed by human-kind.

How do I get to the meeting point for my trip?
Airfare expenses and other costs associated with travel to/from Alaska are not included in the trip price. Alaska Airlines is generally the best choice for travel to/from Alaska.

• For Tatshenshini/Alsek Programs: Guests should plan their flights into and out of Juneau. On arrival, you will need a connecting flight or ferry to Haines. These trips end in Yakutat, Alaska; You'll need different flights from Yakutat to Juneau at the end of the trip. We arrange to send the baggage left in Haines to meet up with you in Yakutat.
• For Kongakut Programs: Guests should plan round trip flights to/from Fairbanks, Alaska. We take care of the charter flights into and out of the Arctic and will return back to Fairbanks at the end of our trip.

 
Do I need travel insurance?
Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect against things like lost baggage, missed/delayed flights, and most importantly, emergency expenses associated with an evacuation or rescue.

For more information on getting insurance and why its recommended, click here.

Who should I purchase travel insurance through?
We recommend AIG Travel Guard. To learn more, click here.

What type of rafts do you use?
Our expedition fleet consists of 18’ inflatable rafts. Similar to a rowboat, but slower on the river and more suitable for navigating glacial rivers, these are the safest craft to use for this region. For the Tatshenshini and Alsek, four guests are carried in each raft rowed by one experienced guide. The Kongakut is a paddling trip and all participants will paddle.

What is the difference between oar rigs and paddle rafts?
In an oar raft, the guide sits in the middle of the boat with two 10' oars to navigate and power the boat. Guests are encouraged to relax and enjoy, without having the participate. In a paddle raft, the guide sits in the back and steers the boat with their paddle, while guests provide the boat's power with their own paddles.

What equipment do you provide?
We provide:

• All meals while on the river
• Kitchen and cooking equipment
• Sleeping pad
• Life jacket
• Rubber boots & gloves
• Dry bags
• Tents - standard shared option

Can I request a single tent?
We have a limited availability of single tents that are available for an additional cost. Please contact our office to confirm availability.

What equipment should we bring?
You provide your personal gear and we provide the rest: top-quality tents, river gear, kitchen and camping equipment and bush plane transportation. When you request information about our expedition trips, we will send you an information packet that gives a detailed list of what clothing and items you should bring. Feel free to call us, as we can help personalize your experience, and help ensure the best trip possible for your Northern Expedition.

What clothes should we bring?
Warm clothes that are quick-drying! Nothing makes a trip miserable like wet cotton clothes. We prefer synthetic materials or wool. Shorts and t-shirts are good for warm days, but plan for lots of layers!

Who leads the expedition?
We have a wonderful guiding staff! All our guides are highly qualified and certified in first aid, water rescue, and paddling. They are experienced in safety, natural history, wilderness and river skills. Our guides have “honed” their skills throughout the world, leading expeditions on almost every continent. We are confident that you will sincerely enjoy your experience with us.

What is included in the trip cost?

• Hotel accommodations the night before and last night of the trip
• Transportation from Haines or Fairbanks to the put-in and from the take-out
• All meals while on the river
• Kitchen and cooking equipment
• Sleeping pad
• Life jacket
• Rubber boots & gloves
• Dry bags
• Tents - standard shared option

When is the best time to see wildlife?
Each adventure is scheduled to allow for maximum opportunities to see the wildlife of that particular area. The Alsek and Tatshenshini are below treeline and we can see dall sheep, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, and wolf. The north is rich in wildlife, even if it is not readily seen. Our guides will do their best to point out animal “sign” such as tracks, scat, bear scratching posts, etc. as they come across them. The interpretation of natural history is a significant focus on our trips. We do our best to impart our knowledge of the geology, wildlife, and natural history of the area.

What wildlife will I see?
Depending on which trip you choose, you may see different wildlife. You are more likely to see more bears on the Alsek and more moose on the Tatshenshini. The Kongakut provides great viewing of caribou herds. Other wildlife you may see are dall sheep, mountain goats, wolves, lynx, wolverine, ducks, geese, swans, eagles, falcons, hawks, and salmon.

When is the best time to see flowers?
Our tundra journeys are timed to coincide with the blooming of the flowers of the area. Pick a late June or early July adventures on the Tatshenshini or Alsek River if this is of prime interest.

How long are we on the river each day?
Each day varies, but when we are moving down river, we’ll typically spend about four to six hours in the rafts. Don’t worry, we’ll pull over for bathroom stops, breaks, hikes, lunches and to view the wildlife. Additionally, we’ll schedule “lay-over” days, when we won’t be moving down-stream, to allow for the incredible bigger hikes or longer scenery experiences.

Who can go on these trips? How difficult are they?
It is difficult to quantify the difficulty or ease of any experience, but a few examples may be helpful. We have hosted guests in their seventies as well as those as young as 12 years. We try to pace our trips to accommodate a wide variety of abilities. Attitude tends to be the main criterion, so come prepared to relax and enjoy the Great North.

What kind of bathrooms are available?
The “groover” in every campsite is established in a private location well away from both camp and any water. In the Arctic, where there are no trees, we set up a tent that works both to keep you out of the bugs and to provide you with the necessary privacy. There will be toilet paper provided.

Are there bugs on the trips?
Populations of mosquitoes on the Alsek, Tatshenshini, and Kongakut vary with temperature, rainfall, and wind. As they congregate in semi-alpine or well-drained areas, generally we try to choose campsites that have a slight breeze to be as “mosquito free” as possible. However, on occasion we may be unable to avoid them. In these situations, you will be glad to have mosquito repellent and a head net or bug jacket (especially on the Kongakut).

What is the standard gratuity?
Tipping is not included in the pricing and is not required, but always welcomed. If your guides have worked hard and taken you on a memorable, comfortable, and fun expedition, you may wish to leave a tip at trip’s end to show your appreciation. 10-15% is the average tipping range.

Additional questions?
We have a very qualified support staff that will be able to answer any questions that you may have. Please contact us for any additional information. We look forward to making your trip to the North as memorable as possible. In fact, most people that have taken a trip with us in the past have returned for another departure! We are constantly checking out new rivers and experiences. If you are interested in exploratory trips, please let us know - we may be able to accommodate a new expedition!