Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies

Planning a trip to Skagway and looking for a tour that offers more than just sightseeing? This Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with optional husky experiences promises a combination of spectacular scenery, wildlife sightings, and local insights, all led by a guide with over 30 years of expertise. We’re here to give you a detailed look at what makes this adventure stand out—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention from an incredibly knowledgeable guide, the chance to see wildlife like mountain goats with a high success rate, and the opportunity to capture amazing photos in some of the most picturesque spots along the route. The tour’s flexibility and private format also mean it can be customized to your preferences.

A potential consideration is the price point—at $980 per group, it’s on the higher end for a day trip, but that cost is justified by the quality of the experience, private transport, and expert guidance.

This tour is perfect for travelers who crave authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures with a focus on nature, wildlife, and local culture. If you’re eager to learn from a passionate guide and enjoy some stunning scenery along the way, this tour will suit you well.

Good To Know

• Expert Local Guide: Over 30 years of experience exploring the route, with a passion for wildlife and photography.
• Wildlife Success Rate: 99% chance of spotting mountain goats, plus eagle sightings and bear encounters.
• Customizable Private Tour: Up to 7 guests with flexible stops and personal attention.
• Diverse Stops: From historic Skagway to Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, and genuine dog sledding experiences.
• Scenic & Authentic: Short hikes and hidden spots, with professional photos and local insights.
• All-Inclusive Feel: Binoculars, bottled water, and guided photo tips enhance the experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Downtown Skagway

Your adventure kicks off at the Skagway cruise terminal or your chosen pickup spot in town. The guide, often Thomas based on reviews, shares local stories and prepares you for the day ahead. Skagway itself is a charming spot with buildings dating back to the Klondike Gold Rush, and getting a brief overview here sets the tone for the history and natural beauty to come.

White Pass and the South Klondike Highway

As you ascend over the White Pass, the route transforms into a scenic corridor with stunning views. The guide’s love for this highway—calling it “my Office”—shines through as he shares personal anecdotes and tips on spotting wildlife. From mountain goats perched on cliffs to eagles soaring above, the guide’s keen eye and top-notch spotting scope nearly guarantee sightings, which reviewers say is a big highlight.

Yukon Suspension Bridge

After about 45 minutes, you’ll stop at this impressive bridge. It’s a well-managed spot with amenities like a cafeteria and gift shops, making it a comfortable break. While the admission isn’t included, the views from the bridge are worth the visit, offering a bird’s eye perspective of the lush landscape below.

Carcross Village and Desert

Next, you’ll explore the small but culturally rich Carcross, home to Tlingit and Tagish First Nations traditions. The village sits in a stunning location between lakes and mountains, providing perfect photo opportunities. Just 70 miles from Skagway, it’s a peaceful spot that reviewers love for its authenticity and stories shared by guides.

The nearby Carcross Desert surprises many visitors—despite the name, it’s a 50,000-year-old beach formed from the remnants of a glacial lake. The short stop here allows you to walk on the dunes and marvel at this unusual landscape.

Emerald Lake

Approximately five miles north of Carcross, Emerald Lake marks the tour’s turnaround point. The shimmering blue-green hues—caused by sunlight reflecting off the shallow, mineral-rich water—make it a favorite photo stop. It’s a small but striking spot that captures the essence of Yukon’s natural beauty.

Wild Adventure Yukon & Husky Camp

The final segment brings you to Wild Adventure Yukon, formerly Caribou Crossings, where the real fun begins. Here, you’ll encounter professional sled dogs and mushers, with opportunities to cuddle puppies and learn about dog sledding—an experience reviewers find both heartwarming and authentic. While admission isn’t included, many find it worth the extra for the chance to meet these incredible animals and hear firsthand stories from mushers.

The guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm shine here, making the experience feel genuine and engaging, not just touristy. The opportunity for photos and personal interactions with the dogs makes this a memorable part of the day.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Wildlife Viewing with a Pro

One of the standout features, according to reviews, is the guide’s success rate—almost guaranteed sightings of mountain goats and eagle families. The use of a high-quality spotting scope ensures a close-up view without disturbing the animals, which nature lovers appreciate. Guest testimonials highlight how much they appreciated the guide’s tips for wildlife photography and spotting, making this tour a dream for photo enthusiasts.

Authentic Knowledge and Personal Touch

The guide, often Tom based on reviews, is described as incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and funny. His stories about Skagway and the surrounding area bring the landscape alive, with guests quoting how much they learned and laughed during the trip. The personalized attention and private nature of the tour mean you get tailored insights that big bus groups simply can’t match.

Scenic Variety & Hidden Gems

While the major stops are well-known, the tour’s focus on short hikes and lesser-visited spots gives a sense of discovering hidden corners of the Yukon. The view from the suspension bridge, the tranquility of Carcross, and the striking colors of Emerald Lake all combine to create a rich visual tapestry.

Photography Opportunities

From the scenic overlooks to wildlife close-ups, the guide offers pro photo tutoring to help you capture the moment perfectly. Reviewers have praised their photos, often remarking how the guide’s tips and the scenery made for stunning keepsakes.

Value for the Price

While $980 per group might seem steep, the tour includes private transportation, expert guiding, and a customized experience, which many guests feel justifies the cost. The inclusion of bottled water, binoculars, and a knowledgeable guide makes sure you’re well-equipped for the day.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration & Group Size

At approximately 7 hours, this is a full-day experience that balances sightseeing, wildlife, and cultural stops. With a maximum of 7 people, it offers intimacy and flexibility—ideal for travelers who want a more personal approach.

Transportation & Meeting Point

Pickup is offered from Skagway, starting early at 7:30 am. The private transport means you avoid crowded buses and can relax or chat comfortably as you ascend the highway. The tour ends back at your starting point, making logistics straightforward.

Cost & Inclusions

The trip’s price covers everything except the Yukon Suspension Bridge ($11 per person) and the Husky camp admission (additional). The guide’s focus on value is clear—many reviews mention how the experience feels exclusive and well worth the cost.

Booking & Cancellation

You can cancel free of charge at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including service animals.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate expert-guided adventures, are keen on wildlife and scenic landscapes, and favor a personalized, private tour rather than large group excursions. It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine history, nature, and wildlife with professional photography tips.

If you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a flexible, informative day that showcases some of Yukon’s most beautiful spots, this tour ticks all those boxes. Because of the high guide success rate with wildlife sightings, it’s especially appealing for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

The Sum Up

This Full Day Emerald Lake Tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. The private format and the passion of guides like Thomas ensure a personalized, engaging journey through some of Yukon’s most iconic landscapes.

While the price tag is on the higher side, the value lies in the guide’s expertise, the chance of wildlife sightings, and the opportunity to see hidden gems few other tours visit. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want more than just a bus ride—those seeking genuine discovery and memorable photos.

In short, if you’re after a relaxed, insightful, and wildlife-rich day with exceptional scenery, this tour provides all that and more.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the tour is generally family-friendly. Just keep in mind the 7-hour duration and outdoor activities like short hikes.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide with over 30 years of experience, bottled water, binoculars, and pro photo tips. Some stops require additional admission fees, like the Yukon Suspension Bridge ($11 per person).

Can I customize the stops?
Since it is a private tour, your guide can tailor some parts of the day to your interests, within the itinerary’s framework.

Is wildlife guaranteed?
While sightings depend on weather and wildlife activity, the guide boasts a 99% success rate for spotting mountain goats and is well-versed in finding animals like eagles and bears when possible.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, layers for changing weather, and comfortable shoes for short hikes. The guide provides binoculars and hand sanitizer to enhance your comfort.

What about the husky experience?
The Husky Camp is part of the tour options; however, admission fees apply. Guests love interacting with puppies and learning about sled dogs, making it a highlight for animal lovers.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this tour fits your Yukon adventure plans. With a blend of scenic beauty, wildlife, and expert guidance, it offers a memorable day for those eager to explore beyond the usual.