Bald Eagle Photography – 8 days

The maximum number of participants is limited to 8 people, and with 6 or more participants, you will be accompanied by 2 guides during the eagle activities.

Day 1:

Individual arrival in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Transfer by shuttle bus or taxi to hotel in Whitehorse.

Day 2:

You will be greeted at the reception of your reserved hotel at 10:00 AM. We accompany you on a short city tour, followed by a visit to the supermarket where you can purchase your personal snacks (lunch) and drinks. We head west to the Glanzmann Tours Base at Kluane National Park, making initial photo stops (3 hours drive). Along the Alaska Highway and Takhini River, you may spot wildlife such as elk, moose, foxes, or ptarmigans. In the late afternoon, the stunning mountain and lake landscapes provide exceptional opportunities for landscape photography in good lighting conditions. Finally, we reach the Glanzmann Tours Base directly adjacent to Kluane National Park with its charming log cabins.

These clean hand-built log houses are scattered across the 8-hectare forested property, offering unobstructed views of a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Here, an indescribable silence awaits, so profound that you can hear your heartbeat. Pure nature. After a communal dinner, we discuss the itinerary of the photo journey. Additionally, there’s an introductory photo workshop on “Eagle Photography” to prepare you for the first encounters with the eagles.

Throughout the trip, we have good chances to photograph the Northern Lights at night.

Day 3:

After breakfast, we embark on a two-hour journey over the Haines Pass to the “Valley of the Eagles” in Alaska, USA. The route, with the glaciated mountains of the St. Elias mountain range, is considered one of the most beautiful in northern Canada and Alaska. As we approach the area of the bald eagles, we are increasingly amazed by the photogenic landscape. In the Valley of the Eagles, a grand spectacle awaits us.

Often, up to twenty eagles perch on a tree, and the valley resonates with the wilderness calls of hundreds of bald eagles feasting on spawning salmon. It is an absolutely unique natural phenomenon. The eagles crisscross the river delta, engage in battles for the fish, and perform spectacular dives and high flights. They feed on the sandbanks or perch in the trees for digestion, against a majestic mountain backdrop. The “Eagle Fever” takes hold, captivating each of us. We will capture the eagles in various situations and lighting conditions during our visit. The fascinating bald eagles can be observed and photographed in flight, while feeding on fish, engaging in aerial battles, resting on trees, or on the sandbanks.

Participants are getting prepared for various approaches and techniques, proceeding with great care to capture these majestic and impressive aerial acrobats up close (up to 5 meters) without causing any disturbance. In the twilight, we drive to Haines (Alaska) to the best and most comfortable hotel the charming seaside fishing village has to offer. Each room is equipped with a small kitchenette, allowing for individual catering. After settling into the rooms, we enjoy a communal dinner at the restaurant.

Days 4–7:

Breakfast at the nearby coffee shop-bakery.

We dedicate the entire day to the unique photo experience. To capture the first light on the glaciated mountains and make the most of the eagles’ most active time, we drive to the sanctuary in the early morning darkness. Throughout the week, your guide tirelessly scouts for the best locations, adapting to weather conditions to provide you with perfect photo opportunities.

Whether you prefer group photography or exploring individually for subjects nearby is up to you. Your guides take you to the best spots and assist with transporting your photography equipment.

After dusk, you have ample time to rest at the hotel and explore the fishing village, the coast, the fishing harbor, or the local brewery next to the hotel before dinner.

Photo seminars and workshops take place in the evenings at the hotel and are optional. They offer you, regardless of your experience and skill level, the opportunity to enhance your photographic techniques and creative composition. You’ll be amazed at how much these workshops positively impact the quality of your images! Each evening, some of the pictures taken that day are analyzed. Beat is happy to share his experiences and reveal proven techniques for action and portrait shots of the eagles.

Other topics include exposure, composition, experimental long exposures, as well as post-processing image planning. You also have the opportunity to present your best images of the day, which we discuss and analyze in a relaxed atmosphere.

During these days, we also visit the nearby Chilkat River Valley. The journey takes us along the beautiful fjord to the mystical Chilkoot Lake. A large landscape contrast awaits us with coastal forests, moss landscapes, and extensive fern fields. Here, too, eagles and, with a bit of luck, the large coastal brown bears (grizzlies) can be observed.

Day 8:

Breakfast at the nearby coffee shop.

The return journey takes us once again along the open Chilkat Valley, where we photograph the eagles one last time until the afternoon. As we move away from the coastline over the mountain pass road, the landscape becomes more mountainous and wild until we finally reach the pass summit at 1300 meters. Here, in the open tundra highland, we look out for moose, foxes, and ptarmigans. In the evening, we reach the Glanzmann Tours Base, concluding the day with a warm meal and cozy gathering.

Day 9:

After breakfast, we begin the return journey to Whitehorse, where the photo journey ends around noon. Individual departure or onward journey from Whitehorse. We can book hotel accommodations in Whitehorse upon request.

Important: Do not plan your departure before 1:00 PM.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

ACCOMMODATIONS

Log cabin romance in the Glanzmann Tours Base, directly at Kluane National Park, in the silence of the Canadian wilderness.

The cozy guest log cabins are heated with wood. LED lanterns and candlelight, complemented by the crackling wood stove, create a cozy atmosphere. Each log cabin has a cooking facility, sink, water canister, and kitchen utensils. You will be supplied with the best drinking water from the private spring. Next to each cabin is an “outhouse,” an external toilet facility.

Couples occupy their own log cabin. Two participants share a log cabin. Upon early request, we can reserve single or double rooms for you.
A sauna with a shower cabin in a specially built log cabin, invites for relaxation.

There is an opportunity to charge camera, tablet, and mobile phone batteries during the day in the GlanzmannTours Lodge, powered by solar electricity.

FOOD / MEALS

All participants gather for communal meals (breakfast and dinner) in the largest log cabin. Both breakfast and dinner are included during all overnight stays at the log cabin base. Breakfast is provided in buffet form, and we cook dinner for you. Breakfast and dinner during our stays in Whitehorse and Haines (Alaska/USA) in restaurants are not included in the price.