The Golden Circle Route contains some of North America’s grandest scenery and wildest places. Within relatively short distances, the route covers a wide range of eco-systems— from boreal forest to coastal rainforest to immense ice fields.
Starting in Whitehorse travel to Skagway AK by car, ferry to Haines AK, and then continue your drive to Haines Junction and returning back to Whitehorse. The recommended travel time for this scenic tour is 5 days but can vary depending on your “bucket list items” and personal time allowance. You will drive the scenic South Klondike Highway, Haines Road and the famous Alaska Highway.
Sites to be seen Include:
Whitehorse, YT
MacBride Museum, Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, S.S. Klondike sternwheeler, the world’s longest wooden fish ladder, Yukon Transportation Museum, Takhini Hot Springs, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and many more….
The Southern Lakes Region
The road borders some of these large, long, beautiful lakes before rising over the rugged coastal mountains and then descending into the narrow coastal fjord where Skagway, Alaska is situated.
“The smallest desert in the world.” The wind-sculpted sand dunes are remnants of an old lake bottom. Lupine growing in certain areas of the desert have adapted to the arid conditions by growing wooly-leaves that retain moisture.
Carcross, YT
A historic picturesque village situated on the shores of Bennett Lake.
Skagway, AK
The beautiful Lynn Canal. Skagway’s many attractions and activities, including historic walking tours, gold rush entertainment, and flightseeing tours.
Taking the ferry from Skagway to Haines, Alaska takes only one hour. Be sure to check the Alaska Marine Highway ferry schedule at www.ferryalaska.com, since departure times vary.
Haines, AK
Haines is a picturesque fishing village situated on a finger of land between Chilkat and Chilkoot inlets in the Lynn Canal. Local outfitters offering mountain biking, kayaking and rafting tours. Dungeness and King crab, salmon, halibut, shrimp are some of the fresh local catches available in Haines restaurants.
The Chilkat River is North America’s best eagle viewing area. Eagle concentrations reach their peak in mid-November when up to 4,000 eagles feast on the annual salmon run.
On your drive to Haines Junction you will pass the summit of the Chilkat Pass is 1,065 metres (3500 ft). The pass region is rich in wildlife including moose, mountain goats, bears, arctic ground squirrels, ptarmigan, coyotes and golden eagles.
Haines Junction, YT
Haines Junction is situated at the junction of the Haines Road and Alaska Highway. It is the headquarters of Kluane National Park and Reserve, wide variety of activities: hiking, glacier flightseeing, river trips, fishing, and more. Flightseeing is one of the only ways to appreciate the grandeur of Kluane’s interior. The combination of great mountains and massive ice fields is incomparable with any other place in the world—except perhaps Antarctica.
Tour Operators that Promote this Tour:
