THE HAINES TRIANGLE
Experience the birds and wildlife of one of Canada’s most spectacular regions
Week 1: May 26-31 2027 (sold out)
Week 2: June 2-7 2027 (sold out)
What makes this birding tour unique?
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A one-of-a-kind tour offering with a small group size (maximum 5 participants)
Despite having spectacular birds, wildlife and scenery, the Haines Triangle of British Columbia and southwestern region of the Yukon remains largely undiscovered by ecotourists. So, this is the first and only tour of its kind! This trip is a fantastic way to get away from the busyness of popular tourist destinations and into the wilderness, where we will encounter many more birds than people, all while remaining in comfort at our beautiful overnight lodge accommodation in the foothills of the St. Elias Mountains.
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Remarkable birds and wildlife
The Haines Triangle and southwestern Yukon region is home to a spectacular array of birds and wildlife species. The ecosystem resembles the Arctic, despite being located hundreds of kilometers south of the Arctic. Many of the species that are regularly seen here are highly sought after and difficult to find elsewhere in the region, including Willow Ptarmigan, Rusty Blackbird, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Wandering Tattler, Arctic Tern, Red-necked Phalarope and Gyrfalcon, to name just a few. There is also a good chance of observing several mammal species, such as Moose, Grizzly Bear, Arctic Ground Squirrel, and Red Fox.
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Some of the most dramatic scenery imagineable
The St. Elias Mountains make for a visually breathtaking and picture-perfect backdrop to the birds and wildlife that we will encounter. Many of the peaks here remain covered in glacial ice all through the summer. Few people visit this region, but many of those who do will argue that the landscapes rival, or best, even the most famous viewpoints elsewhere in Canada, such as those in Banff and Jasper National Park. However, here, you can appreciate the scenery without the crowds.
Details
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The tour fee is based on double occupancy and includes your hotel, some meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners), full time guiding, ground transportation during the tour, and more. Single supplement (non-shared hotel room) is available for $499 CAD ($369 USD). Tax is 5% GST.
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The booking deposit is refundable for 30 days after receipt, or up to March 1st 2027 (whichever comes first). The remaining balance is due March 20 2027. A 50% refund will be issued for cancellations 60-90 days before trip. Refunds are not available for cancellations made within 59 days of the start of the trip.
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Unlike most birding tours which can have groups of 10-12 or more participants, this is a small group trip with a maximum of 5 participants.
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The dates are selected during the best time of year to observe breeding bird species and some late migrant species in the Haines Triangle and southwestern Yukon region.
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Our trip will begin and end in the Yukon’s capital city of Whitehorse. We’ll do some birding in that area, before heading a few hours southwest to the Haines Triangle.
Meet your guide: Liron Gertsman
You may have seen him on CBC’s “The National”, heard his voice on CBC Radio One, or seen his work in publications such Canadian Geographic magazine, The Guardian, GEO magazine, and others. Liron Gertsman has been observing and photographing the natural world continuously since he first got his hands on a borrowed pair of binoculars and a camera at the age of five. His work has been experienced by millions in some of the largest museums across the world, including the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Liron uses his tours and imagery to educate on the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for the continued health and existence of all who live on our planet.
As a naturalist and photographer, he feels it is his duty to show people the essence of Earth, by thinking outside the box to create unique experiences and eye-catching images that connect people with nature. Liron’s work has been widely recognized and awarded, winning the professional category of the 2022 and 2024 Audubon Photography Awards, winning the grand prize of the 2023 and 2025 Audubon Photography Awards, earning NASA’s “Astronomy Picture of the Day” feature, and earning a highly commended designation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. In 2025, Liron was named the Bird Photographer of the Year by the prestigious competition. Bringing 15 years of experience to his tours, Liron uses his intimate knowledge of bird and wildlife hotspots to craft the best experiences possible. Liron has ornithological training from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Birds Canada, and has a biology degree from the University of British Columbia.
Learn more about the Haines Triangle
Itinerary
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We will meet at our hotel in Whitehorse, Yukon, and get to know each other over dinner as we discuss the plan for the exciting week of birding that awaits! Night in Whitehorse.
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We will begin with morning birding in the area around Whitehorse. The boreal forest and wetlands around here are home to some northern breeding birds, including Blackpoll Warbler, Arctic Tern, Alder Flycatcher, Bohemian Waxwing, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Northern Waterthrush, Rusty Blackbird, Boreal Chickadee, and many more. After lunch, we’ll head west, where the spectacular St. Elias Mountains will begin to offer increasingly dramatic scenery. We’ll settle in and have dinner at our lodge for the next three nights, located on the north end of the famous Haines Road.
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Day 3 will mark our first day to explore the fabled Haines Triangle! This region of far northwestern British Columbia is only accessible by road through Yukon and Alaska, making it isolated from the rest of the province. The road ascends into the subalpine and alpine tundra habitats of the St. Elias Mountains, where you can expect to experience some of the most incredible mountain scenery on the North American continent. Despite being located in British Columbia hundreds of kilometers south of the arctic circle, the bird and wildlife here highly resemble those in an arctic ecosystem. Some of the breeding bird species we may encounter here include Willow Ptarmigan, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Red-necked Phalarope, Wandering Tattler, Semipalmated Plover, Least Sandpiper, Golden Eagle, Arctic Tern, Common Redpoll, Wilson's and Yellow Warblers, American Pipit, Horned Lark, Short-billed and Herring Gull, Trumpeter Swan, American Tree, Golden-crowned, Fox and Savannah Sparrows, and many more. Additional northerly breeders that are less common but also possible include Snow Bunting, Gyrfalcon, and Rock Ptarmigan. Night at our lodge on Haines Road.
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We will spend more time exploring the Haines Triangle on day 4. In addition to the bird species listed under day 3, several mammal species are sometimes seen in this area, including Moose, Grizzly Bears, Red Fox, Arctic Ground Squirrels, and more. Night at our lodge on Haines Road.
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We’ll slowly make our way back towards Whitehorse, stopping along the western edge of Kluane National Park to look for birds and wildlife at hotspots along the way. Boreal species such as Blackpoll Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, White-winged Crossbill, Rusty Blackbird, Boreal Chickadee, Canada Jay and Pine Grosbeak may be encountered here. Night in Whitehorse.
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We’ll have one final opportunity to discuss the highlights of our trip over breakfast in Whitehorse, before our tour comes to its conclusion.
Testimonials
Limited spaces are available - register for your spot!
Additional FAQs
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The Haines Triangle and southwestern Yukon region is home to a spectacular array of birds and wildlife species. The ecosystem resembles the Arctic, despite being located hundreds of kilometers south of the Arctic. Many of the species that are regularly seen here are highly sought after and difficult to find elsewhere in the region. Despite having spectacular species, the Haines Triangle of British Columbia and southwestern region of the Yukon remains largely undiscovered by ecotourists. So, this is the first and only tour of its kind. Liron has extensively birded in the Haines Triangle and southwestern Yukon in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 during which time he has accumulated an intimate knowledge of the birds, wildlife and hotspots of the region. This trip is a fantastic way to get away from the busyness of popular tourist destinations and into the wilderness, where we will encounter many more birds than people, all while remaining in comfort at our beautiful overnight lodge accommodation in the foothills of the St. Elias Mountains.
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This workshop takes place in southwestern Yukon and the far northwestern corner of British Columbia. We will spend two nights in Whitehorse during the trip (the start and end point of the tour), and 3 nights in the Haines Road area.
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A long list of species are possible, with some highlights and target species including Trumpeter Swan, Willow Ptarmigan, Rock Ptarmigan, Semipalmated Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Wandering Tattler, Arctic Tern, Golden Eagle, Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Horned Lark. Gray-cheeked Thrush, Bohemian Waxwing, American Pipit, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Snow Bunting, American Tree Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Northern Waterthrush, Tennessee Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, and more.
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While less predictable than the birds, this region is home to a healthy population of Moose, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, Porcupine, Red Fox, and Arctic Ground Squirrel, and we have a chance at observing these species.
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Mountain weather is notoriously variable. During the time of year of this tour, I have experienced temperatures in the region ranging from about freezing (0C), to about 28 degrees C (82F). However, the average temperatures in the places we will visit range from a low of 3-6 degrees C (37-43F), to a high of 12 to 20 degrees (54-68F), depending on elevation. A mix of weather (some dry days, some days with precipitation) is normal.
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For observing birds and wildlife, binoculars are highly recommended. A camera is also recommended if you want to capture some photos, but is of course optional. We will have a spotting scope, but you are welcome to bring your own if desired. We highly recommend appropriate outdoor wear for temperatures from just below freezing to about 28 degrees C, though temperatures are most likely to be between 3 and 20 degrees celsius (37-68F). Please pack outerwear for wind and rain. Sunscreen and insect repellent are highly recommended, as is a bug net and other mosquito-resistant clothes (the amount of bugs varies year to year and week to week, but it’s good to be prepared). Good footwear for muddy and uneven trail conditions is recommended. Finally, we ask that you bring your own reusable water bottle.
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The timing of this tour during late spring is typically before the vast majority of of the mosquitoes and biting flies are out! The exact timing when the biting insects emerge can be variable, but in most years, there are relatively few during the late May / early June season when the tour takes place. Bringing insect repellent is still recommended, just in case.
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The daylight hours are very long in this region at this time of year (sunrise is at about 4:30am, and sunset is at about 11:30pm). We will plan to have in-the-field activities for about 9-14 hours of each day, but we plan to keep this flexible in response to group energy level, bird activity, weather conditions, etc.
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While there will be many great opportunities for photography on this trip, including some opportunities for photography instruction (if desired), the trip has been designed around birding (observing birds).
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The cost doesn’t include dinner on day 1, breakfast and lunch on day 2, lunch and dinner on day 5, and and breakfast on day 6. All other meals are included. Travel to and from Whitehorse, alcoholic drinks, and trip insurance are not covered in the trip cost.
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While many birding activities on this trip won’t require extensive physical activity, there will be some hotspots that we visit where we plan to go for short hikes (~1-2km on uneven terrain), or longer hikes (up to 4-5 km) on flat terrain. While hiking is not intended as a large part of the trip, good footwear for muddy and uneven trail conditions are recommended. If there is interest, there may be optional more extensive hiking opportunities available. All activities are optional, for those who wish to minimize physical activity.
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We aim to have a fun, positive, easy-going and non-competitive group atmosphere! We want to make every moment enjoyable, both in and out of the field.
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We plan to be in the field during the day, and have some downtime in the evenings. However, all activities are optional; guests are welcome to take time to rest as desired.
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Yes! We will reach out to you to find out your dietary preferences in advance of the trip.
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The trip price is based on double occupancy, but the single supplement is available to get a private (one person) hotel room.
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Smoking is prohibited during group tour activities.
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This tour is limited to a maximum of 5 participants, plus the guide.
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We will have one or two vehicles (depending on group size) for ground transportation during this trip.
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We will stay in a hotel in Whitehorse, and at a beautiful and comfortable lodge on the Haines Road, just north of the British Columbia/Yukon border.
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A single supplement (non-shared hotel room) rate is available for for solo travelers. If there is another person on the tour from the same gender who wishes to share a room, we can pair you up (if you both agree you are a good match), to avoid paying the single supplement. Otherwise, the single supplement is required for solo travelers.
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The booking deposit is refundable for 30 days after receipt, or up to March 1st (whichever comes first). The remaining balance due March 20. A 50% refund will be issued for cancellations 60-90 days before trip. Refunds are not available for cancellations made within 59 days of the start of the trip.
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Because of the remoteness of Haines Road and limited accommodation options available, alternate accommodations are not possible for this trip.