Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies

If you’re headed to Skagway and looking for an adventure that combines breathtaking scenery, local wildlife, and authentic Yukon experiences, this Full Day Emerald Lake Tour is worth considering. Offering a personalized touch with a guide who calls the South Klondike Highway “my Office,” this trip promises more than just sightseeing — it’s a curated journey into the heart of the Yukon’s natural beauty and history.

What we particularly like about this tour is the expert guidance that enhances every stop, and the chance to see mountain goats with an impressive success rate. The tour’s inclusion of a professional photographer guide means you’ll likely come away with stellar photos of the scenery and wildlife. A potential downside? The price of $980 per group might seem steep, but for the private, tailored experience it offers, many travelers find it a solid value—especially if you’re traveling with family or friends up to seven people.

This tour is ideal for travelers who crave personalized adventures, authentic wildlife sightings, and scenic exploration. If you’re keen on a deep dive into local landscapes, and appreciate a guide who can share stories, photography tips, and spot wildlife from afar, this tour hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private, customizable tour with a knowledgeable guide who has over 30 years of local experience.
• Wildlife Spotting: High success rate of 99% for mountain goat sightings, aided by top-notch spotting scopes.
• Scenic Stops: From Emerald Lake to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, each stop offers unique photo opportunities and insights.
• Authentic Yukon Encounters: Visit Carcross, a Tlingit and Tagish First Nations village, and meet real sled dogs at Wild Yukon Adventure.
• Weather-Dependent Hikes: Short hikes included when weather permits, revealing hidden gems just off the beaten path.
• Value for Groups: Cost is $980 for up to 7 people, making this a worthwhile private tour for families or small groups.

This tour offers a thorough exploration of some of Yukon’s most striking sights, with a focus on quality and authentic local experiences. We’ll guide you through each stop, highlighting what makes each one special and why it might be just the adventure you’re looking for.

The Start: Downtown Skagway and White Pass

The journey begins in Skagway’s historic downtown, a patchwork of buildings dating from the Klondike Gold Rush era. This initial stop sets the tone, giving you a taste of the area’s history before heading into the wilderness. The guide’s storytelling often includes funny anecdotes and fascinating details, making the short 15-minute visit feel more like a prelude to a great story rather than just a quick photo op.

Leaving Skagway, you ascend over the White Pass on the South Klondike Highway, widely regarded as one of North America’s most scenic drives. The highway twists and turns through rugged mountains, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities. It’s worth noting that this stretch is more than just transportation—it’s part of the adventure, connecting the historic route of the gold prospectors with today’s travelers.

Yukon Suspension Bridge

About 25 miles north of Skagway lies the Yukon Suspension Bridge, a dramatic crossing with panoramic views. The facility is well-managed, with amenities like a cafeteria and gift shops, making a good stop for stretching and photo-taking. The bridge itself is a highlight, offering a sense of vertigo and adventure, though the $11 CAD admission is not included in the tour price. It’s an optional stop, but many find it adds a dash of excitement to the day.

Carcross and the Sand Dunes

Next, you arrive at Carcross, a small native village that has been home to the Tlingit and Tagish First Nations for thousands of years. The setting on the narrow strip between lakes creates a picturesque scene, perfect for photos and quiet reflection. The guide often shares stories about the indigenous history and culture, adding depth to the visit.

Just nearby is the Carcross Desert—a misleading name, as it’s not a true desert but a 50,000-year-old post-glacial beach. This surreal landscape, with its rolling sand dunes, is a captivating spot. It’s a quick stop, just 10 minutes, but memorable for its uniqueness. Travelers love this unexpected feature, with one reviewer noting, “I was surprised to see sand dunes in the Yukon!”

Emerald Lake: The Tour’s Crown Jewel

About five miles north of Carcross, Emerald Lake marks the turnaround point of the tour. Its shimmering, deep greens and blues reflect the sun’s rays off the shallow waters, making it a photographer’s dream. The short stop here is well worth it, giving you time to soak in the views and snap some stunning images. This is often the highlight for many guests, who comment on the lake’s breathtaking beauty.

Wild Yukon Adventure Huskies

A real treat is the visit to Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossings). This stop offers close encounters with genuine sled dogs and musher demonstrations. Guests can cuddle puppies, explore the petting zoo, and learn about traditional dog mushing, a cornerstone of northern life. The guide often emphasizes the authenticity of the experience, making it clear these are working dogs, not just tourist attractions.

Visitors frequently mention how special it is to meet the dogs and see the passion of the mushers. One reviewer noted, “We loved cuddling with puppies and learning about sled dog life.” Entry to this site is not included in the tour price, but many find it a worthwhile addition for the opportunity to connect with local heritage.

Wildlife Watching and Short Hikes

Throughout the day, the guide’s intimate knowledge of the landscape shines. Thanks to his 30+ years exploring the area, he often spots mountain goats with an almost 100% success rate, using a high-quality spotting scope. As one reviewer put it, “We saw a bear, mountain goats, and an eagle nesting — all thanks to Tom’s spotting skills.” Weather permitting, there are also short hikes that reveal hidden vistas and quiet corners of the landscape, away from the crowds.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Value

The tour operates with private transportation, ensuring comfort and flexibility. It starts at 7:30 am at the Skagway cruise terminal and lasts around 7 hours, which allows plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The group size is limited to 7, making the experience more personalized and engaging.

At $980 per group, the cost might seem high initially, but when considering the private, customizable nature, expert guide, and inclusion of high-quality binoculars, it’s a fair deal. For families or small groups, this setup offers better value than larger bus tours, especially if you value personalized storytelling and photo tips.

The tour’s free cancellation policy adds peace of mind. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund, which is helpful if weather or plans change suddenly.

This full-day experience appeals most to travelers who appreciate in-depth guidance, wildlife, and scenic photography. It’s perfect if you want a tailored adventure that avoids the crowds, with a guide who treats the landscape like his office. History buffs will enjoy the stories about Skagway’s gold rush past, while nature lovers will be thrilled by the wildlife sightings and scenic stops. Families with older children or groups of friends will find the private nature of the tour offers both comfort and flexibility.

If you’re looking for a luxury-yet-authentic Yukon experience with an emphasis on natural beauty and genuine local encounters, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who want more than a generic sightseeing bus ride and prefer a knowledgeable guide, stunning vistas, and memorable photos.

This Full Day Emerald Lake Tour with or without Huskies offers a well-rounded, personalized experience of some of Yukon’s most stunning features. From the panoramic White Pass drive to the wild encounters at Wild Yukon Adventure, it combines scenic beauty with authentic local culture. The high success rate for wildlife sightings, particularly mountain goats, along with the expertise of a guide who genuinely loves the landscape, makes it stand out.

While the price might be a consideration for budget travelers, many find the private, customizable nature, and intimate access to sights and stories, well worth the investment. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a deeper connection to the Yukon’s natural and cultural riches, especially if they value photography, wildlife, and storytelling.

This tour isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about creating a meaningful, memorable adventure tailored to your group. If you’re after authentic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a guide who feels like a local friend, this experience checks all the boxes.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is private and just for your group, it’s best suited for older children who can appreciate wildlife and scenery. Short hikes are included when weather allows, which might be more enjoyable for kids comfortable on their feet.

What is included in the price?
Your group gets private transportation, a professional local guide with over 30 years of experience, bottled water, binoculars, and pro photo tutoring.

Are the wildlife sightings guaranteed?
While wildlife can never be 100% predictable, the guide boasts a 99% success rate for mountain goat sightings, thanks to his familiarity with the area and excellent spotting scopes.

How long are the stops?
Each stop varies from around 10 to 45 minutes, giving enough time for photos, sightseeing, and brief walks or visits.

Is the tour customizable?
Yes, it’s private and customizable, allowing your group to focus on what interests you most, whether that’s wildlife, scenery, or cultural sites.

What if the weather isn’t great?
Short hikes and outdoor stops depend on weather conditions. The guide will adapt plans accordingly, but some of the best scenery can be enjoyed in various weather.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, making this a risk-free option in case of unforeseen changes.

This tour offers a memorable, authentic way to experience Yukon’s wild beauty with the comfort of a private guide. Perfect for those who want a tailored, scenic, and wildlife-rich day — it’s a true gem for anyone craving genuine adventure beyond conventional sightseeing.