Indian Summer Photography Tour

Yukon and Alaska

Duration

10 days

from / to

Whitehorse

Group size

3-6

Price per person

$5,900 (USD)

Available dates

  • 04 Sep – 13 Sep 2026
  • 03 Sep – 12 Sep 2027
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Join us on an exciting and unforgettable journey to the far north of the Yukon and into neighboring Alaska. Immerse yourself in a world of natural wonders and breathtaking beauty — and experience the powerful silence of the wilderness, far away from civilization, everyday stress, and mass tourism.

Highlights of this tour include the stunning variety of autumn colors, exceptional wildlife encounters with bears, Dall sheep, and moose, as well as one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the Northern Lights, appearing in their most dramatic shapes and mesmerizing colours. The Indian Summer Photography Tour, combined with hands-on photo workshops, is designed specifically for dedicated photographers. It offers outstanding opportunities for landscape photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and aurora lovers alike, with a wide range of inspiring photographic subjects.

A Photographer’s Dream Landscape

The untouched wilderness and natural beauty of these landscapes allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the colorful autumn season of Northern Canada. You can look forward to truly scenic — and at times almost surreal — views: vast tundra, glaciated mountain ranges glowing with incredible color intensity, impressive auroras, and crystal-clear nights filled with millions of sparkling stars.

Thanks to the northern latitude and low angle of the sun, we enjoy exceptionally long mornings and evenings with extended twilight. These conditions create outstanding light for photography, making the autumn-colored landscapes appear even more vibrant — ideal for landscape photography. Endless open spaces and golden aspen and birch forests stretch all the way to the horizon, beautifully framed by snow-capped mountains in the distance.

One of the most impressive natural highlights is the Northern Lights under a clear, star-filled sky. The Yukon’s ideal geographic location for aurora activity makes this phenomenon an unforgettable and truly powerful experience.

Professional Guidance in a Small Group

Throughout the tour, you will be professionally guided by photographer Beat Glanzmann and his business partner Eva Riedwyl. Their goal is to share their deep passion for nature and extensive local knowledge with you — taking you to exceptional and often very remote locations — and helping you capture unforgettable moments and outstanding images.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, allowing for personal support and individual attention.

Beat and Eva have lived in their chosen home of the Yukon since 1995 and are known as warm, open-minded, and highly experienced hosts. Beat’s work has been published worldwide. He is among the most experienced professional photographers in the Yukon in the fields of wildlife and landscape photography, and he has been photographing with passion and dedication for over 30 years. Beat knows how to assess changing light and weather conditions, brings you to carefully selected locations, and supports you with detailed, individual instruction to help you refine your photography and create truly unique images.

Accommodation & Unforgettable Moments

During your stay, you will be based at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge — our cosy, self-built log cabins set in the forest, surrounded by the spectacular mountains and lake scenery of the nearby Kluane National Park. During our Alaska excursion, you will stay in one of the best hotels in the area.

Enjoying a relaxing evening after a hot sauna, listening to the crackling wood stove, gazing out the window at the impressive peaks of Kluane National Park, admiring the crystal-clear sky filled with millions of stars, and — if conditions allow — witnessing the incredible spectacle of the dancing Northern Lights: these are just a few of the unforgettable moments waiting for you. The beauty, peace, and atmosphere of this wilderness are difficult to describe — you will truly understand it once you experience it yourself.

Requirements

This tour is suitable for hobby and professional photographers as well as nature lovers, and it does not require a high fitness level. You should, however, be in good physical condition and able to hike at a relaxed pace on good trails for approximately three hours.

Available dates

  • 04 Sep – 13 Sep 2026
  • 03 Sep – 12 Sep 2027
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OTHER TOURS

  • Indian Summer in the Yukon & Alaska

Glowing fall colours, golden aspen and birch forests, wide-open tundra landscapes, and the dramatic backdrop of the St. Elias Mountains — one of the most colourful and photogenic seasons in the Far North.

  • Professionally guided photography tour (English & German support)

Guided by Beat Glanzmann and the Glanzmann Tours team. Beat is a highly experienced professional photographer and a true Yukon expert. You will benefit from daily photographic guidance, image reviews, and practical, hands-on workshops.

  • Bears & wildlife photography at the Chilkoot River (Alaska)

Two full days dedicated to bear photography along the salmon river near Haines — ideal conditions for close-ups, action shots, and wildlife observation in a natural setting.

  • Spectacular routes & landscapes

Travel over the Haines Pass — one of the most scenic drives in the North — with constantly changing landscapes, from glaciated mountains to alpine tundra and coastal rainforest.

  • Stay at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge near Kluane National Park

Accommodation in cosy log cabins surrounded by nature, mountains, and lakes — with a sauna, campfire evenings, and stunning night skies. Each cabin is privately and remotely built in the wilderness, allowing you to enjoy true peace and solitude.

  • Kluane National Park & the St. Elias Mountains

Photo outings to Kathleen Lake, Kluane Lake, and St. Elias Lake, with a focus on landscape photography, reflections, long exposures, and creative composition.

  • Optional glacier flights

You will have the option to join a spectacular scenic flight over the world’s largest non-polar icefields and the peaks of the St. Elias Mountains (weather dependent, not included). This region is also home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan (5,959 m), considered one of the largest mountain masses on the planet.

  • Northern Lights in clear autumn nights

Aurora activity is often high in the fall. With a bit of luck, you may be able to photograph the first Northern Lights of the season directly from the lodge or in the surrounding wilderness.

  • Small group & personal atmosphere

Maximum time in nature, individual support, and plenty of time for photography, learning, and meaningful experiences — far away from mass tourism.

Day 1 – September 4th: Arrival in Whitehorse (Yukon, Canada)

Individual arrival in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.
Transfer by shuttle bus or taxi to the reserved hotel in Whitehorse.
The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to arrive and prepare for the journey ahead.
Overnight at hotel in Whitehorse.

Day 2 – September 5th: Whitehorse – Kluane National Park

In the morning, you will meet your guides, Beat Glanzmann or Eva Riedwyl. After a short shopping stop for personal supplies and a visit to a local wildlife center, we depart toward Kluane National Park.
Traveling along the legendary Alaska Highway, we pass through wide valleys and rolling mountain landscapes displaying the first intense colors of the Indian Summer. Wildlife sightings such as moose or foxes are possible along the way.
After approximately two hours, we arrive at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge, located at the edge of Kluane National Park. Time to settle in, explore the surroundings, and enjoy an evening introduction to the upcoming days.
Overnight in cozy log cabins.

Day 3 – September 6th: Scenic Drive to Haines, Alaska

Today’s journey takes us over the spectacular Haines Pass, widely regarded as one of the most scenic routes in the North.
The drive offers constantly changing landscapes—from alpine tundra and wide plateaus to lush coastal rainforest as we descend toward the Pacific coast.
After crossing the U.S. border, we arrive in the charming coastal town of Haines, Alaska.
Overnight in a carefully selected hotel in Haines.

Days 4–5 – September 7th–8th: Bear & Wildlife Photography at Chilkoot River

Two full days are dedicated to bear and wildlife photography along the Chilkoot River and surrounding areas near Haines.
In the soft morning and evening light, we observe and photograph coastal brown bears fishing for salmon, along with other wildlife native to the region.
Between photo sessions, Beat Glanzmann provides image reviews, practical workshops, and individual guidance tailored to your experience level.
Overnight both nights at the hotel in Haines.

Day 6 – September 9th: Return to the Yukon

In the morning, we return to the Yukon via the Haines Pass, taking advantage of changing light and weather conditions for additional photography stops.
By afternoon, we arrive back at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge near Kluane National Park.
The evening is at leisure—on clear nights, northern lights may appear directly from the cabin area.
Overnight in log cabins.

Day 7 – September 10th: Kathleen Lake & Creative Landscape Photography

Today we explore the Kathleen Lake area within Kluane National Park.
The focus is on creative landscape photography, including reflections, long exposures, and thoughtful composition in a pristine mountain setting.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed barbecue at the lodge, with optional sauna time.
Overnight in log cabins.

Day 8 – September 11th: Kluane Lake & Optional Glacier Scenic Flight

An early-morning photo session along the shores of Kluane Lake offers stunning views of the Elias Mountains under changing light conditions.
Later in the morning, there is the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over glaciers and mountain peaks of the St. Elias Range (weather dependent, flight not included).
Return to the lodge in the afternoon with time to relax or work on personal photography projects.
Overnight in log cabins.

Day 9 – September 12th: St. Elias Lake & Farewell Evening

A short hike leads us to St. Elias Lake, surrounded by glowing autumn colors and quiet wilderness.
We focus on creative photography using natural light and the rich textures of the Indian Summer landscape.
In the late afternoon, we return to Whitehorse. The evening is dedicated to a relaxed farewell dinner and a final overnight at the hotel in Whitehorse.

Day 10 – September 13th: End of Tour

After breakfast, individual departure or onward travel from Whitehorse.

Note:
All routes, activities, and schedules may vary depending on weather, road conditions, and wildlife activity. Flexibility is an essential part of this photography-focused wilderness journey.

Included services

  • All transfers and trips according to the itinerary from/to Whitehorse
  • 9-day guided tour with activities as outlined in the program
  • Experienced, licensed English- and German-speaking guide
  • Photo guidance and photography workshops with professional photographer Beat Glanzmann
  • 4 hotel nights (double occupancy in Whitehorse and Haines, Alaska)
  • 5 nights in log cabins at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge (double occupancy)
  • Half board (breakfast and dinner) during your stay at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge
  • Use of the sauna at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge

Not Included

  • Individual arrival and departure to/from Whitehorse
  • Single room supplement of USD 520 (for 4 hotel nights)
  • Snacks
  • 4 dinners in restaurants according to the itinerary
  • Personal equipment (see equipment list) and optional extras
  • Drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Optional activities (e.g. museum visits, scenic sightseeing flights – CAD 410.00)
  • Travel cancellation and health insurance
  • All border and entry requirements (Canada and USA – responsibility of the participant)

Additional Information

All routes, activities, and time details described in the tour program are subject to change depending on weather conditions, road conditions, and wildlife activity.

Important Information

We strongly recommend purchasing travel cancellation and return travel insurance at the time of booking this tour and your flights to the Yukon.
Please note and review our terms and conditions prior to booking.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Detailed information and photos of the accommodations can be found under “CABINS.”

During the tour, participants stay at a combination of selected hotels and the Glanzmann Tours Lodge.

The cozy, handcrafted guest log cabins are heated with wood stoves. LED lanterns and candlelight provide lighting, creating a warm and authentic atmosphere alongside the crackling fire. Drinking water is supplied from a private spring. Each cabin is equipped with a cooking area, sink, water canisters, and basic kitchen utensils. An external outhouse (toilet cabin) is located next to each log cabin.

Couples stay in their own log cabin. Two to a maximum of three solo travelers share one log cabin. Upon prior request, two single or two double hotel rooms can be reserved.

Washing and shower facilities are available during the trip at the hotels and at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge, which also features a comfortable sauna with a shower cabin.

Guests can charge cameras, tablets, and phones during the day at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge using a solar-powered charging facility.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are included during the tour as outlined in the program.
At the Glanzmann Tours Lodge, breakfast is served buffet-style, while dinner is freshly prepared for the group. For shared meals, all participants gather in the main cabin of the lodge. The group then assists with washing the dishes.

Participants are asked to assist with loading and unloading luggage as well as with setting up and clearing away outdoor breakfasts when applicable.

Clothing and personal material

  • Luggage (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 cabins)
  • Wind and rain proof jacket and pants (under which you can put on enough warm layer)
  • Warm jacket or sweater and enough warm clothing
  • 1 set thermal underwear
  • Warm hat
  • 2 towels for the sauna
  • Toiletries
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes (optional)
  • Earplugs
  • Water bottles
  • Eyeglasses and replacement eyeglasses for those who need them (we recommend contact lenses because of condensation of the lenses)
  • Headlamp (rechargeable or 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 phone with alarm function (or travel alarm clock)
  • Rucksack (about 20 liters for spare clothes and snacks on the way; lunch 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)

What can be rented

  • Towel for sauna 5 CAD (washing fee)

Documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date)
  • Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Canada. An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required to fly into Canada. This applies to travelers from countries that do not normally need a tourist visa for Canada, including citizens of the EU and Switzerland. The eTA must be obtained online before your trip. The cost is 7 CAD.
  • Please note the current entry regulations for the United States. If you are not a Canadian or U.S. citizen, you must apply for an ESTA online. The cost is approximately US$21. Make sure to apply through the official government website (ending in .gov) — third-party sites may charge more. For the border crossing, a fee of US$10 is required. This can be paid by credit card.
  • Addresses of your accident, rescue and health insurance, as well as travel cancellation and liability insurance
  • Airline tickets
  • Credit card
  • Vaccination certificate or copy
  • Cash in CAD and US$

(recommended) Camera equipment

  • Camera, cards
  • Lenses: Recommended lenses include medium focal lengths (35–70 mm) and a telephoto lens in the 70–200/300 mm range or/and up to 600mm (longer focal lengths from 200 mm upwards are optional). We also highly recommend a good wide angle lens for the aurora-, night shots. In the range of 14 – 24/35mm).
  • Batteries, rechargeable batteries, charger
  • Power adapter for North America (110 volts)
  • Remote release (optional)
  • Tripod
  • ND and polarizing filters (optional)
  • Camera rain/weather cover

We strongly recommend several batteries/battery packs. It is possible to recharge them every other day at the hotel or at the Glanzmann Tours base.

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Impressions of Indian Summer Photography Tour

BOOKING REQUEST

Indian Summer Photography Tour

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