15 days
Duration
Whitehorse
from / to
3–6
Group size

Indian Summer Photography Tour

Yukon and Alaska

anmelden

Join us on an eventful and unforgettable voyage of discovery to the north of Yukon and the bordering Alaska. Follow us into a world full of natural wonders and beauties, into the staggering silence of the wilderness, far away from civilization, everyday stress and mass tourism.

Highlights of this journey are the abundance of dreamlike fall colors, the extraordinary observations of bears, wild sheep and moose, as well as one of the most magnificent natural spectacles, the northern lights in their most brilliant forms and enchanting play of colors. The Indian Summer photo trip with photo workshops is aimed specifically at dedicated photographers, offers not only landscape photographers, but also lovers of animals and the northern lights extraordinary opportunities for various photo motives.

Photographic dream worlds

The pure, unspoiled nature and natural beauty of these scenic landscapes offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the overwhelmingly colorful fall of northern Canada. Picturesque, sometimes almost surreal views await us, 360° panoramic views of infinitely wide tundra and mountain landscapes of an incredible intensity of color, spectacular northern lights and crystal-clear nights with millions of sparkling stars. The northern location near the Arctic Circle will provide us with a flat incidence of sunlight and thereby also with outstandingly long lasting dawn and dusk, the best prerequisites for breathtaking lighting conditions, which makes the autumnally colored landscapes appear in an even more intense color spectacle, absolutely perfect conditions for landscape photography! Infinitely vast expanses and the aspen and birch forests stretching as far as the horizon, shine like gold to the snow-covered mountains on the horizon.
Probably the biggest and most impressive natural spectacle are the northern lights in the crystal-clear starry sky. In the world’s best geographical location, this natural phenomenon becomes one of the most unforgettable and intense experiences.

During the trip you will be looked after by professional photographer Beat Glanzmann and his business partner Eva Riedwyl, with the aim of sharing their enthusiasm for nature and their local knowledge, which will lead you to the most extraordinary and often remote spots, and to spoil you with extraordinary pictures and unforgettable moments.

The group size is a maximum of 6 people and therefore leaves space for personal assistance.

Beat and Eva have been living in their new adopted home Yukon since 1995 and are known as open-minded, cordial and extremely experienced hosts.
Beats photographs are published worldwide. He is one of the most experienced professional photographers in the field of animal and landscape photography and has been photographing for over 30 years and is still passionate about it. He knows how to assess the most diverse light influences and weather conditions, leads us to selected locations and supports you with individual, detailed instructions to perfect your shots and thus create unique images. Your spectacular pictures will enchant you!

We travel with a minibus and will spend the first part of the trip in selected hotels. In the second part you will live in the GlanzmannTours-Lodge, our homemade and cozy log cabins in the middle of the forest, surrounded by the beautiful mountain and lake landscapes of the adjacent Kluane National Park.
Enjoying the evening after a hot sauna with the crackling of the wood stove, letting the view wander from the window to the imposing mountains, marveling at the crystal clear sky with millions of stars, fascinated by the brilliant natural spectacle of the dancing northern lights, are just some of the unforgettable moments that await you here.  There are no words to describe the breathtaking beauty and staggering silence of this environment. You will understand, as soon as you can experience it for yourself. Pure romance…

Requirements

The trip is suitable for amateur and professional photographers, as well as nature lovers, and does not require a high fitness level. You should be in good physical condition in order to be able to walk at a leisurely pace and on good paths (about three hours).

Highlights

  • Round trip through the colorful, wide Yukon landscapes over the Alaska, Klondike, Dempster and Top-of-the-World Highway
  • Observation and photography of bears, eagles, salmon, moose and sheep
  • Extension of individual photographic and technical knowledge at photography workshops with professional photographer Beat Glanzmann
  • Dawson City: a review of the history of the 1898 Gold Rush
  • Photographing Northern Lights
  • Excursion along the St Elias mountain range (second highest coastal mountain range in the world) over the pass to Haines (Alaska/USA)
  • Log cabin accommodation
  • Spectacular sightseeing flight over the largest non-polar ice fields in the world (optional)

Itinerary

Individual arrival in Whitehorse (Yukon/Canada).

Day 1:

You will be welcomed at the airport or hotel in Whitehorse in the afternoon according to your itinerary. We will accompany you on a short city tour, followed by a visit to a supermarket where you will have the opportunity to buy your personal snacks and drinks. The subsequent dinner in the restaurant of your choice is individual. Overnight stay in a hotel in Whitehorse.

Day 2:

Early morning drive on the Klondike Highway along the Yukon River with many photo stops. On the way we have an outdoor camp breakfast. The journey leads along Fox Lake with its huge forest fire areas. We will take a walk to the Yukon River by the legendary Five Finger Rapids. Late, we continue our journey to Dawson City. Dawson offers a varied evening program with the famous dance show in the casino (optional). Dinner together in a restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in a hotel in the historic gold mining town by the Yukon River.

Day 3:

Early morning departure for a day trip to Tombstone Park. On arrival we will start with a visit to the Tombstones Visitor Information Center, where we will see an informative exhibition on the history, fauna and flora of the park, as well as a film on “Behavior in Bear Country”. During the following outdoor camp breakfast at a selected vantage point, you will learn more about the most important and indispensable rules for coexistence with bears. On the three-hour hike in the afternoon we apply the newly learned knowledge. Before returning to Dawson, we take time at the Visitors Center for a detailed walk through the exhibition, each at their own leisure.
In the late afternoon, back in Dawson, you will have the opportunity to visit the Gold Digger Museum with relics from 1898 and the Jack London Ironworks or take a walk around the city and see a real Gold Nugget (optional). Dinner together at the restaurant and overnight in hotel in Dawson City.

Day 4:

Canada’s freedom is reflected in the almost endless vastness that we will cover today on our way to the Black Stone River. We head out before sunrise, to photograph the most beautiful morning atmospheres on the Dempster Highway in the preferred light. In the wide, open tundra we observe swans, wood grouse and, with a little luck, also an elk, fox or bear. Occasionally caribou and dall sheep can also be discovered along the hills and mountains. In addition to photographing the dreamlike, colorful autumn landscapes, we take the time to observe animals with our binoculars. We undertake a one-hour hike over the soft ground of the vibrant tundra. There are many colorful subjects for macro photography everywhere. The return journey with many photo stops leads us over the Dempster Highway along the picturesque Tombstone. Overnight stay in a hotel in Dawson City.

Day 5:

After an outdoor breakfast together on the Midnight Dome, the highest vantage point over Dawson’s landscapes and mountains, we photograph the sunrise over the gold mining town overlooking the Yukon River. Afterwards, we take a trip to the Top-of-the-World Highway. We set off for a two-hour hike through the glowing tundra. During a lunch break we collect berries for a delicious dessert. The 360° panoramic view at the peak of the mountain range is breathtaking. Here, we collect wood for a campfire. Afterwards we gather for a photo workshop on the topic of northern light and night photography. On tonight’s schedule is an outdoor dinner by the campfire. In the plateau, we wait for sunset and a crystal-clear night, without light pollution caused by civilization, for photographing. With a little luck we will be enchanted by the natural spectacle of the flickering northern lights. Return to the hotel at night.

Day 6:

We take the ferry to Dawson’s city beach, cross the wide Yukon River and continue our journey on the Top-of-the-World Highway over the Canadian border to Alaska. On this scenically photogenic route along the Tayler Highway, we enjoy the panoramic and farsighted view in all directions by taking many photo-stops, and are enchanted by golden glowing birch forests and colorful valleys. In the village of Chicken we visit a surprising and very unusual bar with a souvenir shop. Continue to the Alaska Highway, where we plan to have dinner together in the restaurant in Tok followed by an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 7:

We start the day with a drive along the swamp natural reserve area to the Canadian American border. Here we will make numerous photo stops, too, and, with luck, be able to observe wild animals and migratory birds flying south. Early in the evening we set up a bonfire on a lake shore and cook dinner together. The journey continues in the best evening light and takes us across the border to Beaver Creek/Canada, where we stay in a hotel for the night.

Day 8:

Our morning drive on the Alaska Highway presents us with a view of the Kluane Mountain Range to the National Park. After an outdoor camp breakfast at the White River, we visit an interesting museum in the settlement of Burwash Landing. The journey continues along the turquoise Kluane Lake to the foot of Sheep Mountain, where we go on a hike to observe and photograph wild dall sheep. Continuing via Haines Junction, we reach the GlanzmannTours-Lodge. An overnight stay in our individual, romantic guest log cabins awaits you, where you can make yourself at home for the remainder of the tour. Afterwards you will meet for dinner in the large, main log cabin.

Day 9:

We drive to Haines Junction to the Kluane National Park Visitor and Cultural Center. The spectacular glacier tour over the world’s largest non-polar ice field and Canada’s highest mountain, the 5,960 m high Mt. Logan (optional, not included in the tour price), will then take place. In the afternoon, we take a short walk through colorful, deciduous forests, where we will come across “photogenic” mushrooms, berries and animal tracks. A dinner together in the large main log cabin, followed by a warm sauna under a starry sky, rounds off the evening.

Day 10:

We take a half-day hike on an old path through the poplar forests shimmering in yellow light, to a mountain lake in the Kluane National Park, followed by a visit to an old Native American village by the stream. There we can observe and photograph the salmon spawning. Back at the lodge, we will have dinner prepared over the campfire and end the evening with a steaming sauna.

Day 11:

Day trip by minibus over the photogenic Haines Pass to Haines, Alaska. During the three-hour drive, we travel through different landscapes, which are among the most beautiful of the north. The Haines Highway leads us along the St. Elias mountain range (the second highest coastal mountain range in the world) over the wide Tundra plateau, the Haines Summit down to the delta plain of the Chilkat River to the Gulf of Alaska. We undertake a two-hour hike in the coastal forest, marvel at the large ferns and huge trees along the Pacific. Afterwards, we will have dinner at the restaurant in the fishing town by the sea. With a bit of luck, we will photograph bears catching salmon in the last evening light. Overnight stay in a hotel in Haines (Alaska/USA).

Day 12:

In the first rays of daylight, we once more observe and photograph the grizzly bears catching salmon in the Klahoona River. Return drive through the eagle sanctuary along the Chilkat River to the border and further up over the pass. Here, in the northernmost part of British Columbia, we take a two-hour hike and then drive back to the Yukon. At the GlanzmannTours-Lodge we have dinner and spend the night in the log cabins.

Day 13:

We start the day with a morning hike and take pictures along the beautiful Kathleen Lake shore in Kluane National Park. If you like and are lucky, you can try fishing some lake trout for dinner. After dinner we go to the nearby beaver pond, where we can observe and photograph the animals at dusk. Back at the lodge, you can photograph the illuminated log cabins under Beat’s guidance during a photo workshop on astrological and night photography.

Day 14:

Half-day hike through the golden autumn landscapes with a slight ascent to the viewpoint over Dezadeash Lake. From Rock Glacier we enjoy this wide, exhilaratingly quiet natural landscape again before we return to the GlanzmannTours-Lodge, where you have free time in the afternoon. A steaming sauna and a cozy farewell dinner await you at the end of the evening.

Day 15:

After breakfast we start the three-hour return journey to Whitehorse. Once we’ve arrived in Whitehorse, 2 to 3 hours of free time are at your disposal, followed by a drive to the airport, where the photography trip will come to its conclusion. Please do not plan your onward journey to be before 4pm.

Individual return or onward journey from Whitehorse.

Further information

All routes and times described in the itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.

Breakfast and dinner are included during the trip, with the exception of 8 dinners in the restaurant (see services). In the large log cabin, where all the ingredients for breakfast will be available, you prepare your own breakfast (e.g. fried eggs, muesli, etc.). We will cook for you in the evening.
Any hut work, such as heating the wood stove, washing the dishes and preparing breakfast, is carried out together by the tour participants.

We also count on the active cooperation of our guests when it comes to loading luggage into the minibus as well as preparing and serving breakfast at the outdoor camp.

It is possible to recharge batteries for cameras, tablets and mobile phones during the day in the GlanzmannTours-Lodge at the solar power supply.

Services

Included services

  • All trips according to program from/to Whitehorse
  • 14 day guided tours and activities according to program
  • Experienced, licensed, German/English speaking guide
  • Photo guiding and photography workshops by professional photographer Beat Glanzmann
  • 8 hotel nights (double occupancy)
  • 6 nights in a log cabin (double occupancy)
  • Half board (breakfast and dinner) during your stay at GlanzmannTours Lodge
  • Sauna

Services not included in the tour price

  • Individual arrival and departure to/from Whitehorse
  • Single room fee of CAD 1650.00 (for 8 hotel nights)
  • Snacks
  • 8 dinners at restaurants according to itinerary
  • Personal equipment (see equipment list) and extras
  • Drinks and alcohol
  • Angling license (optional)
  • Tips
  • Optional Activities (museum and sightseeing flights CAD 400.00)
  • Travel cancellation and foreign health insurance
  • eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) for entering Canada (CAD 14.00)
  • ESTA permit for entry into the USA (14 US$), as well as the fees for the border crossing to Alaska/USA (10 US$)

Further information

All routes and times described in the itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions.

Breakfast and dinner are included during the trip, with the exception of 8 dinners in the restaurant (see services). In the large log cabin, where all the ingredients for breakfast will be available, you prepare your own breakfast (e.g. fried eggs, muesli, etc.). We will cook for you in the evening.
Any hut work, such as heating the wood stove, washing the dishes and preparing breakfast, is carried out together by the tour participants.

We also count on the active cooperation of our guests when it comes to loading luggage into the minibus as well as preparing and serving breakfast at the outdoor camp.

It is possible to recharge batteries for cameras, tablets and mobile phones during the day in the GlanzmannTours-Lodge at the solar power supply.

Equipment

Clothing and personal material

  • Luggage container (not exceeding 23 kg)
  • Casual trousers
  • Outdoor trousers
  • T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pullovers
  • Underwear
  • Warm socks
  • 1 pairs of gloves (1 pairs of thin finger gloves and one warmer)
  • 1 pair of hiking boots
  • 1 pair of house shoes (for log cabins)
  • Goretex jacket (this should be wide enough for you to put on enough layers underneath)
  • Goretex trousers (under which you can put on long thermal underwear and/or fleece trousers)
  • Warm jacket or sweater and enough warm clothing
  • 1 set thermal underwear
  • Warm hat
  • 2 towels for the sauna
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • Wet wipes (optional)
  • Earplugs
  • Water bottles
  • Eyeglasses and replacement eyeglasses for those who need them (we recommend contact lenses additionally because of condensation/icing hazard of the lenses)
  • Headlamp (including spare batteries)
  • Thermos flask (min. 750 ml)
  • Pocket knife (carry it with you in your checked baggage for the flights!)
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Wristwatch or mobile phone with alarm function (or travel alarm clock)
  • Rucksack (about 20 liters for spare clothes and snacks on the way; lunches can be bought locally)
  • Camera bag
  • Rain cover for the rucksack or waterproof bag in the rucksack to protect documents, photo equipment etc. from moisture
  • Personal medication (carry in hand luggage for flights)
  • Headphones for the flight (can be bought in the plane)

What can be rented

  • Towel for sauna CAD 5.00 (washing fee)

Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date)
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for entry into Canada. NEW, this type of pre-authorization is mandatory to fly into Canada (arrivals by ship or land do not need eTA). This affects nationalities that do not normally require a tourist visa for Canada. So, for Swiss and EU citizens also. The permit must be obtained online before entry and costs CAD 14.00.
  • ESTA permit for entry into the USA (21 US$). Please also note the current entry regulations of the USA, as this trip leads by land to Alaska/USA. To cross the border, you need 10 US$ in cash.
  • Addresses of your accident, salvage and health insurance, as well as travel cancellation and liability insurance
  • Airline tickets
  • Credit card
  • Vaccination certificate or copy
  • Cash in CAD and US$

(recommended) Camera equipment

  • Camera, memory cards
  • Lenses
  • Batteries, rechargeable batteries
  • Power-adapter for 110 volt (adapter north America)
  • Cable release / remote release
    Tripod
    Various filters (if available)
    Camera/lens pockets

We strongly recommend several batteries/battery packs. It is possible to recharge the batteries at the Glanzmann tours base at the solar power supply (every 2nd day).

Impressions Indian Summer Photography Tour

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