Indian Summer Photography Tour

Day 1: Individual Arrival in Whitehorse (Yukon, Canada)

Arrive individually in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Transfer to the reserved hotel in Whitehorse by shuttle bus or taxi.

Day 2: Drive to Glanzmann Tours Lodge

In the morning, you will be welcomed at the reception of your hotel. After a brief stop at a supermarket to purchase personal supplies, our journey to Glanzmann Tours Lodge begins. The route follows the scenic Alaska Highway and Takhini River, offering opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife such as moose, elk, and foxes. The stunning landscapes invite frequent photo stops. After about three hours, we arrive at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge near Kluane National Park. Here, we’ll have time to explore the surroundings and enjoy a warm meal together. In the evening, we’ll prepare for the upcoming photography adventure. A short workshop will provide essential tips for bear and landscape photography, especially for the following day in Haines, Alaska. You will spend the night in a cozy log cabin, immersed in the tranquility of unspoiled nature.

Day 3: Drive to Haines, Alaska – Overnight in Hotel

Today’s journey takes us over the picturesque Haines Pass to Haines, Alaska. The approximately three-hour drive showcases some of the most stunning landscapes in the North. The Haines Highway winds alongside the majestic St. Elias mountain range—the second-highest coastal range in the world—and descends from the serene tundra plateau of Haines Summit to the Chilkat River delta, where land meets sea. Upon arrival in Haines, we embark on a two-hour hike through the lush coastal forest, encountering towering ferns and majestic trees along the Pacific coastline—a spectacular natural display. In the evening light, there’s an excellent chance to photograph bears fishing for salmon. The day concludes with a delightful dinner in a charming restaurant in this picturesque fishing village. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Haines, Alaska, USA.

Day 4: Chilkoot Lake & Bears / Return to Glanzmann Tours Lodge

The early morning promises a highlight as we head to Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake, a protected natural haven renowned for its coastal brown bears. In the soft light of dawn, we may observe and photograph these magnificent creatures fishing for salmon, roaming the riverbanks, or near the majestic forests. The serene lake, framed by densely wooded mountains, provides an unparalleled backdrop for unique landscape shots. In the afternoon, we begin our return journey. Driving back over Haines Pass, we stop to capture the sunset amidst the dramatic mountain panorama. The warm hues of evening light transform the tundra plateau and glacial peaks of the St. Elias range into a magical spectacle—a feast for the senses and your camera. Back at Glanzmann Tours Lodge, we enjoy a cozy dinner. For those who wish, the evening can end with a relaxing sauna session. Overnight in the welcoming log cabins, embraced by the serene wilderness.

Day 5: Drive to Tok – Indian Summer Along the Alaska Highway

We set off early and follow the legendary Alaska Highway toward Tok. This 475-kilometer route traverses some of the North’s most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes—a paradise for nature and photography enthusiasts. Shortly after leaving Haines Junction, we enter the vibrant autumn splendor of the Indian Summer: endless forests in radiant yellows and oranges, interspersed with the deep red hues of dwarf birches and grasses. Passing through Kluane National Park, the majestic mountains and glaciers form a stunning backdrop for our drive. Stops at the magnificent Kluane Lake and Donjek River offer opportunities to capture these breathtaking vistas. As we journey northwest, the landscape gradually shifts from expansive valleys to gentle hills, crossed by clear rivers and framed by rugged mountains. The vibrant autumn scenery feels like traveling through a living painting. With a bit of luck, we may spot moose, caribou, or even bears in their natural habitat. We reach Tok in the afternoon, where we check into a cozy hotel and enjoy the tranquility of the North. The day ends with a shared dinner.

Day 6: From Tok to Dawson City – Top-of-the-World Highway

In the morning, we leave Tok and continue along the Alaska Highway before turning onto the scenic Taylor Highway. This route is a photographer’s dream, with golden birch forests, colorful valleys, and panoramic views inspiring frequent photo stops. A special break awaits in the quaint town of Chicken, where we visit a quirky bar and a unique souvenir shop that tells stories of the gold rush era. Crossing the border into Canada, we drive the legendary Top-of-the-World Highway. True to its name, this road winds along ridges offering breathtaking vistas of Alaska and the Yukon’s boundless wilderness. After crossing the Yukon River via ferry, we arrive in Dawson City, a historic town steeped in Gold Rush charm. The evening is free to explore Dawson or reflect on the day’s adventures over dinner. Overnight in one of the town’s authentic hotels.

Day 7: Dawson – Tombstone Park

Before sunrise, we embark on an unforgettable day trip to the renowned Tombstone Territorial Park. We capture the enchanting landscape in the first light, where the extraordinary colors make the scenery appear almost surreal. Later, we visit the Visitor Information Center, which offers an engaging exhibition on the park’s fascinating history, wildlife, and flora. A short film on respectful behavior in “bear country” prepares us for the wilderness ahead. We enjoy breakfast outdoors at a carefully chosen viewpoint, a sensory delight framed by the breathtaking backdrop of the park. Practical tips on how to coexist safely and respectfully with the wilderness complement the experience. In the afternoon, we explore the park on a three-hour hike, offering stunning photo opportunities and a chance to apply newly acquired knowledge. Before returning to Dawson, you’ll have time to explore the Visitor Center exhibition at your own pace. Back in Dawson by late afternoon, you have several options: visit the Gold Rush Museum with fascinating relics from 1898, view Jack London’s cabin, or enjoy a stroll through the historic streets, soaking up the Gold Rush atmosphere. In the evening, we are ready to capture the magical northern lights over Dawson City. From the Dome, a breathtaking vantage point high above the town, we enjoy an unparalleled view of the dancing lights – a truly unforgettable experience in the tranquility of the Yukon night. Overnight in Dawson City.

Day 8: Dawson – Blackstone River

Today, the vastness of Canada awaits us as we journey along the Dempster Highway. Departing before dawn, we aim to capture the magical morning light at its best. The expansive tundra offers spectacular photographic opportunities: swan pairs on tranquil waters, grouse in autumn colors, and, with luck, moose, foxes, or bears. In the distance, you might even spot caribou and Dall sheep. A special highlight is macro photography – the vibrant tundra flora invites us to capture its intricate details. On the return trip to Dawson, we make numerous photo stops to capture the autumn hues and unique landscapes along the highway. Overnight in Dawson.

Day 9: Dawson City – Whitehorse – Haines Junction

Our day begins early to experience the Klondike Highway in optimal lighting conditions. Along the mighty Yukon River, we stop frequently to photograph the landscapes in the golden and red hues of the Indian Summer. A rustic outdoor breakfast amidst the wilderness provides a refreshing break, letting us savor the unique northern atmosphere. We continue through captivating landscapes, including the charred forest areas of Fox Lake, showcasing rugged beauty. By afternoon, we reach the Five Finger Rapids, one of the Yukon River’s most striking features. The final leg of our journey brings us to Haines Junction, where the vast plains and soft evening light offer more stunning photographic opportunities in Kluane National Park. At the Glanzmann Tours Lodge, a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening await us.

Day 10: Kluane National Park and Glacier Flight (optional)

A major highlight of the journey: the majestic Kluane National Park. After visiting the Cultural Center, you may choose an optional scenic flight over vast glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, the world’s largest non-polar icefield, and the imposing Mt. Logan – a photographer’s dream and a truly awe-inspiring experience. In the afternoon, we explore the park on a gentle hike, focusing our cameras on mushrooms, berries, and animal tracks. We end the evening with a communal meal in a rustic log cabin and unwind with a cozy sauna session.

Day 11: Kathleen Lake and Astrophotography

Our day begins with a hike along the idyllic Kathleen Lake in Kluane National Park. The serene shoreline and reflective waters provide perfect conditions for dramatic landscape photography. After dinner, we visit a nearby beaver pond to observe and photograph these industrious animals at dusk – an intimate wildlife experience. Back at the lodge, an astrophotography workshop awaits. Guided by experts, we practice capturing illuminated log cabins and the night sky. With the northern lights particularly vibrant at this time of year, we seize every opportunity to photograph them under professional guidance.

Day 12: Haines and Bear Watching

Today, we return via the stunning Haines Pass to Haines, Alaska. Departing early, we take in the picturesque route, rich with photo opportunities. The Haines Highway, surrounded by glaciated peaks of the St. Elias Range and expansive tundra plains, is at its most captivating in the Indian Summer’s golden and red hues. Arriving in Haines by late morning, we head to the Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake to photograph brown bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat. The afternoon is dedicated to this unique wildlife spectacle. After an eventful day, we return to Haines for a communal dinner in the charming fishing village. Overnight in a cozy hotel.

Day 13: Morning Bear Watching and Return to Glanzmann Tours Lodge

Before sunrise, we revisit the Chilkoot River and Chilkoot Lake to observe and photograph bears in the morning calm. The golden morning light enhances this unforgettable wildlife experience. Afterward, we return to Haines and begin the journey back over the Haines Pass, stopping frequently for sunset photography against the spectacular mountain panorama. The day concludes with a communal dinner, followed by a relaxing sauna in a log cabin before retiring to your cozy lodge accommodations.

Day 14: Half-Day Hike and Indigenous Village

We embark on a half-day hike along an ancient trail through golden aspen forests to a mountain lake in Kluane National Park. Afterward, we visit a historic Indigenous village by a creek, where we photograph salmon spawning. Returning to the lodge, we enjoy a hearty dinner and conclude the day with a rejuvenating sauna session.

Day 15: Departure to Whitehorse

After breakfast, we embark on a three-hour drive back to Whitehorse, marking the end of our photographic journey. Please plan onward travel no earlier than 1:00 PM. Individual departure or continuation from Whitehorse.

All routes and schedules outlined in the tour program may vary depending on weather and road conditions.