Bald Eagle Photography Tour – 11 days

Day 1:

Individual Arrival

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

Day 2:

Welcome and Drive to Haines

You will be welcomed at the reception of your reserved hotel in the morning. Afterward, we will stop at a supermarket, giving you an opportunity to purchase your personal snacks (lunch) and drinks (not included in the tour price).

We then depart for Haines, with a brief stop at the Glanzmann Tours base near Kluane National Park (a 3-hour drive). Along the Alaska Highway and Takhini River, wildlife such as elk, moose, foxes, or ptarmigan can often be spotted. The stunning mountain and lake scenery provides exceptional opportunities for landscape photography, particularly in the late afternoon with favorable lighting conditions.

After the stop at the Glanzmann Tours Lodge, we continue on a two-hour drive over the Haines Pass to the “Valley of the Eagles” in Alaska, USA. This route, surrounded by the glacier-covered peaks of the St. Elias Mountain Range, is one of the most scenic drives in northern Canada. As we approach the Bald Eagle Preserve, the landscape becomes increasingly photogenic.

Upon arriving at the Valley of the Eagles, we witness a spectacular natural phenomenon. Up to twenty eagles can often be seen perched in a single tree, and the valley comes alive with the wild calls of hundreds of bald eagles feasting on spawning salmon. Eagles soar across the river delta, engage in fights for fish, and perform dramatic dives and high-altitude flights. This is an absolutely unique experience of nature. Some eagles rest on sandbanks or trees, digesting their meals against a majestic mountain backdrop.

The “eagle fever” captivates everyone. We will photograph the eagles in various settings and lighting conditions throughout our visit. These majestic and impressive birds can be captured in flight, while feeding, during aerial battles, or resting on trees and sandbanks. Participants will receive photographic guidance tailored to different approaches and techniques. We take great care to photograph the eagles up close (as close as 5 meters) without disturbing them.

At dusk, we continue directly to Haines (Alaska) and check into the most comfortable hotel in this romantic fishing village by the sea. Each room includes a small kitchenette. After settling in, we enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Days 3–7:

Among the Eagles

Start your day with breakfast at a nearby coffee shop and bakery. We dedicate the entire day to this unparalleled photography experience. To capture the first light on the glacier-covered mountains and make the most of the eagles’ most active period, we head to the preserve early in the pre-dawn darkness. Throughout the week, your guide tirelessly seeks the best possible locations, adapted to weather conditions, to provide you with optimal photography opportunities.

You can choose to photograph with the group or individually near the designated spots in search of your own compositions. Your guides will transport you to the best locations and assist with your photography equipment.

After dusk, you have time to relax at the hotel and explore the fishing village, coastline, harbor, or the local brewery next to the hotel before dinner. Optional photography seminars and workshops are held in the evenings at the hotel. These workshops, tailored to all experience levels, are designed to enhance your technical skills and creative vision. You will be amazed at how these sessions can improve the quality of your photographs!

Each evening, we review some of the images taken that day. Beat Glanzmann will share his expertise and proven techniques for action and portrait photography of eagles. Topics include exposure, composition, experimental long exposures, and planning for post-processing. You are welcome to showcase your best images of the day, which we will discuss and analyze in a relaxed atmosphere.

During these days, we also visit the nearby Chilkat River Valley. The journey along the picturesque fjord leads to the mystical Chilkoot Lake. This area offers a striking contrast of coastal forests, mossy landscapes, and expansive fern fields. Here, eagles and, with some luck, coastal brown bears (grizzlies) can also be observed.

Day 8:

Return to Haines Junction / Glanzmann Tours Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at a nearby coffee shop. The return trip takes us once more through the open Chilkat Valley, offering a final opportunity to photograph eagles until the afternoon. As we ascend the mountain pass from the coast, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and wild, culminating at the 1,300-meter-high pass summit. In the open tundra plateau, we keep an eye out for moose, foxes, and ptarmigan. In the evening, we arrive at the Glanzmann Tours base and conclude the day with a warm meal and relaxed camaraderie.

Each evening, we are prepared for northern lights photography, which can be captured in a breathtaking mountain and forest setting directly in front of your cabin by the national park.

Day 9:

Kluane Lake – Day Trip

Early morning, we drive along the edge of Kluane National Park, heading north. The first light touches the glacier-covered peaks of the St. Elias Mountains. The magnificent and renowned Kluane Lake, spanning 81 kilometers, is one of the largest lakes in the Yukon. During this time of year, the lake’s shoreline features fascinating “ice waves” and ice structures, offering a wealth of unique photography opportunities. It’s the kind of place where photographers lose track of time, completely immersed in the moment and the abundance of incredible subjects.

Optional sauna and northern lights photography are available in the evening.

Day 10:

Kathleen Lake

We begin the day at a forest fire site, where charred, blackened tree trunks create striking compositions with the Kluane Mountains in the background. Afterward, we visit Kathleen Lake, the most famous lake in Kluane National Park. Nestled in a stunning mountain landscape, it epitomizes Canadian wilderness. Ice formations along the shoreline, including ice floes, air bubbles, and crystals, create perfect foregrounds.

With clouds often rolling through the valley from the west, this area is ideal for capturing unique long exposures with neutral density filters. Before dinner, we host a post-processing workshop and offer a final relaxing sauna session.

The evenings are perfect for northern lights and astrophotography. Beat Glanzmann will demonstrate techniques such as lighting a cabin from inside and outside to naturally integrate it into a starry scene.

Day 11:

Dezadeash Lake

Our journey today takes us to Dezadeash Lake, known in winter for its spectacular sastrugi – wind-sculpted snowdrifts resembling waves or dunes. These natural artworks provide extraordinary photography subjects. At sunrise, the frozen lake offers a stunning mountain panorama.

The clear winter air and soft daylight provide perfect conditions to capture this enchanting landscape in all its glory.

Day 12:

Return to Whitehorse

After breakfast, we head back to Whitehorse, where the photography tour concludes at midday. Individual return or onward travel begins from Whitehorse. Hotel accommodations in Whitehorse can be arranged upon request.

Important: Please plan your departure flight no earlier than 1:00 PM.

Additional Information

All routes and timings described in the tour program may vary depending on weather conditions.

Accommodations

Enjoy rustic cabin charm at Glanzmann Tours Lodge, nestled in the tranquil wilderness of Kluane National Park. Cabins feature wood heating, LED lanterns, and candlelight for a cozy atmosphere. Amenities include cooking facilities, water canisters, and a nearby outhouse. Couples will have private cabins, while two to three solo travelers may share.
A sauna with a shower is available for relaxation. Camera batteries and devices can be recharged during the day using solar power at the lodge.

Meals

During your stay at Glanzmann Tours Lodge, breakfast and dinner are included. Meals are communal, with a buffet-style breakfast and dinner prepared for you, followed by group cleanup. Meals during hotel stays in Whitehorse and Haines are not included.

Included services

• 7 hotel nights (double occupancy) in Whitehorse and Haines
• 4 log cabin nights
• All transportation as per itinerary
• Bilingual guiding (German/English)
• Photo guiding and workshops by professional photographer Beat Glanzmann
• Half-board during stays at Kluane National Park (breakfast and dinner)
• Sauna access

Not included in the tour price

• Individual travel to/from Whitehorse
• Meals during hotel stays
• Single room supplement (USD 840 for 7 nights, USD 120/night)
• Snacks, drinks, and alcohol
• Shuttle or taxi transfers between the airport and hotel
• Tips
• Personal expenses and purchases
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance and international health insurance

Additional Information

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

Accommodations

Enjoy rustic cabin charm at Glanzmann Tours Lodge, nestled in the tranquil wilderness of Kluane National Park. Cabins feature wood heating, LED lanterns, and candlelight for a cozy atmosphere. Amenities include cooking facilities, water canisters, and a nearby outhouse. Couples will have private cabins, while two to three solo travelers may share.
A sauna with a shower is available for relaxation. Camera batteries and devices can be recharged during the day using solar power at the lodge.

Meals

During your stay at Glanzmann Tours Lodge, breakfast and dinner are included. Meals are communal, with a buffet-style breakfast and dinner prepared for you, followed by group cleanup. Meals during hotel stays in Whitehorse and Haines are not included.

Clothing and personal material

• 2-3 pairs of gloves (2x thin finger gloves and warm mittens)
• 1 pair of winter shoes (preferably with removable inner shoe)
• 1 pair of warm slippers or bivouac shoes (for accommodation in cabins)
• 2 pair of very warm winter socks
• Wind and rain proof warm winter jacket and trousers
• Warm sweaters and enough warm clothing
• Thin down jacket (optional)
• Long thermal underwear
• Warm cap with ear protection
• Cold face mask / balaclava
• Buff or scarf
• Heat pads
• Toiletries
• 1 towel
• Ear plugs
• Glasses and spare glasses (we do recommend contact lenses due to the risk of condensation/icing of glasses
• Sunglasses and ski goggles
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp (including spare batteries)
• Thermos bottle (min. 750ml)
• Binocular (optional)
• Small daypack to carry lunch, camera and some extra clothing
• Personal medication (take for flights in hand luggage)
• Watch or cell phone with alarm function, or travel alarm clock
• Lunch/Snacks can be bought on site

What can be rented additionally

• Baffin or Sorel winter boots (guaranteed warm during cold days) 60.00 CA$ per week (please reserve in advance)

Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of return)
• Electronic travel authorization (eta) for Canada. An electronic authorization (eta) is mandatory to fly into Canada. This affects nationalities that do not normally need a tourist visa for Canada. This includes EU and Swiss citizens. Permission must be obtained online before entry. It costs about 7 CA$.
• Please also note the current entry regulations of the USA. For the border crossing you need 10 US$, this fee can be paid by credit card. And if you are not Canadian or American citizen you must apply for ESTA online. This coast approx. 21 US$. Please note that you apply via the official website (.gov), other applications are more expensive.
• Address of your accident, rescue and health insurance, as well as travel cancellation and liability insurance
• Flight tickets
• Credit card
• Vaccination certificate or copy
• Cash approx. 100 CA$

(recommended) Camera equipment

• Power-adapter for 110 volt (adapter north America)
• Camera, cards
• Lenses (we also highly recommend a good wide angle lens for the aurora – and ice shots. In the range of 14 – 35mm, 1.4 – 2.4)
• Batteries, rechargeable batteries, charger
• remote release optional
• Tripod
• Various filters (if available)
• Camera rain cover

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