Golden Circle Tour

 

Trip Rating
Easy
Easy to moderate
Moderate to strenuous
Strenuous

Trip Length

9 days (begins in Haines and finishes in Skagway Alaska)

Activities

Mountain biking along the Dalton Trail & White Pass (360 miles)

 
Highlights

Historic towns, wildlife viewing opportunities, spectacular scenery

Accommodations

4 nights camping & 4 nights lodging 

Group Size
4-12 participants 

Minimum age
14

Departures
2012
 June 30th

September 8th



Land Cost $US
$2,450/person (twin share) + local sales tax.
 
Inclusions
Van support, guide, mountain bike & helmet, most meals

 

Golden Circle Tour

Bike from Haines to Skagway along the historic Dalton Trail and White Pass gold rush routes to the Klondike. While the two towns are only 15 miles apart by water, the paved road travels 360 miles through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Alaska.

We pass through three National and Provincial Parks that comprise the largest protected wilderness area in the world. Vehicle supported camping, B & B, and hotel stays along the way. We will dine on gourmet Alaskan fare throughout. Ride our Specialized Sirrus touring bike, or bring your favourite bike for the tour of a lifetime.

Golden Circle Itinerary
The following daily itinerary is an outline of our activities. The schedule may vary due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please contact us with any questions.

Day 1 -
Travel to Haines Alaska on the State ferry or by small plane from Juneau for the start of your tour. After checking into your room, we will fit you to a bicycle at our shop. The afternoon is free to explore the coastal community of Haines. Haines, surrounded by mountains and glaciers, is the gateway to the Chilkat Valley, one of the ancient access routes to interior Alaska. We meet for an orientation in the late afternoon, followed by dinner at one of our fine restaurants. The night is spent at the Victorian-era Fort Seward B&B.

Day 2 - You mount your bike in the morning and cycle along a glacial-fed river through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. You pass through Canadian Customs and camp in the Tatshenshini/Alsek Provincial Park by the banks of the Klehini River in British Columbia. 47 miles.


Day 3 - You gradually wind your way up the Chilkat Pass breaking out above tree line. Just 50 miles from the coast, the scenery changes from rain forest to alpine tundra. The evening is spent camping at Million Dollar Falls in the Yukon Territory. 50 miles.

 Day 4 - Today you bike through Kluane National Park, a land of majestic mountains, expansive lakes and open vistas. The night is enjoyed at a quaint and rustic B&B near Haines Junction YT. 37 miles.

Day 5 - You bike into Haines Junction where the Haines Road joins the Alaska/Canada Highway. You head east on the ALCAN over rolling hills. The dry interior climate is most evident in this region with scrub spruce, sandy soil and evidence of forest fires. You camp at a native cultural site near the historic trading post of Champagne. 60 miles.

Day 6 - You continue southeast towards the Yukon River, crossing several tributaries as you pedal into Whitehorse. The capitol of the Yukon Territory is a city of 23,000 hardy folks living on the banks of the mighty Yukon River. You are on your own for the evening and the meal of your choice for dinner. The night is spent in a hotel. 54 miles

Day 7 - You bike southeast on the ALCAN for a short distance then turn south on the Klondike Highway. The coastal mountains beckon as you pass through the small community of Carcross. You skirt the massive headwater lakes of the Yukon River. Camp along the lakeshore. 55 miles

 Day 8 - After leaving the Yukon and re-entering British Columbia, the coastal mountains rise around you as you bike towards the historic White Pass to take you to the coast. A narrow gap leads you to a thrilling 15-mile descent to the coastal gold rush town of Skagway, Alaska. You relax in a historic B&B while enjoying the sights and sounds of this colourful town and your memories of biking the Golden Circle. 55 miles. 

Day 9 - You enjoy a farewell breakfast together at the Mile Zero B&B. Following breakfast you may choose to explore historic Skagway on your own. To travel home, you may take the Alaska Marine Highway ferry from Skagway or fly in a small plane directly to Juneau to catch connecting flights. You may also choose to extend your vacation either regionally or statewide.