THE HAINES TRIANGLE
Experience the birds and wildlife of one of Canada’s most spectacular regions
Week 1: June 5-10 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Week 2: June 14-19 2024 (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 that visits the Haines Triangle. 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 reasonable 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 workshop 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 workshop, and more. Single supplement (non-shared hotel room) is available for $499 CAD ($373 USD). Built into the workshop cost is a conservation fee of $100 CAD, which will be donated directly to a not-for-profit conservation organization. Tax is 5% GST.
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The deposit is fully refundable for 30 days after you book (as long as the booking is made 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour). For cancellations 120 days or more prior to tour departure, 50% of the deposit is non-refundable. For cancellations 119 to 90 days prior to tour departure, the deposit is non-refundable. Final payment of the remaining balance is due 90 days prior to trip departure. If you cancel 89 to 60 days prior to tour departure, 50% of the tour fee is non-refundable. Refunds are not available for cancellations 59 days or less prior to the tour departure.
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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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These dates have been selected during the best time of year to observe breeding bird 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 photographic work has been widely recognized and awarded, sweeping the professional category of the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards, winning the grand prize of the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards, and earning a highly commended designation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 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.
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 and 2023, 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, 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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In some years, there are little to no bugs, and in other years, there are lots of bugs, depending on the recent weather conditions. There are likely to be mosquitoes at the wetlands around Whitehorse, so insect repellent, a bug net, and long-sleeve shirts and long pants are recommended to prevent bites. In the higher elevations of Haines Road, bugs are less frequently an issue, but during heat waves there can be flies and mosquitoes.
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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 opportunities for photography on this trip, including some opportunities for photography instruction (if desired), the main focus of this trip is on 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 for $499 CAD.
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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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Single supplement (non-shared hotel room) is available for $499 CAD. 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.
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The deposit is fully refundable for 30 days after you book (as long as the booking is made 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour). For cancellations 120 days or more prior to tour departure, 50% of the deposit is non-refundable. For cancellations 119 to 90 days prior to tour departure, the deposit is non-refundable. Final payment of the remaining balance is due 90 days prior to trip departure. If you cancel 89 to 60 days prior to tour departure, 50% of the tour fee is non-refundable. Refunds are not available for cancellations 59 days or less prior to the tour departure.
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Because of the remoteness of Haines Road and limited accommodation options available, alternate accommodations are not possible for this trip.