Chilkoot Trail Permits

 

Duration:

1 minute, 37 seconds

Before you make your reservation check out this pro tip from ranger Rain to ensure the process goes smoothly.

 

Note for 2024 season: Although the US and Canadian side of the trail are both open, crossing the Canadian/US border while hiking the Chilkoot Trail is currently prohibited for the 2024 season. Overnight camping on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail will not be permitted for the 2024 hiking season. Please continue to check back for updates.

Between the dates of September 14 through October 31 and April 15 through May 31, fees are waived, but all campers on the Chilkoot Trail must register for use of campsites along the trail.

During the summer hiking season (June 1 to September 13), every person overnighting on the Chilkoot Trail on the Canadian portion, and day users on the Canadian portion of the Chilkoot Trail, require a permit.

Follow these steps to get your Chilkoot Trail permit

1. Decide when you want to hike

PERMITS AND ASSOCIATED FEES ARE REQUIRED TO HIKE THE CHILKOOT TRAIL FROM JUNE 1 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13 for the Canadian side of the trail for the 2024 season. The trail is marked and staffed during the peak hiking months of June, July, and August and early September.

Visitors should have about a 7-hour roundtrip day-use experience this summer on the U.S side of the trail.

2. Choose your campgrounds

Overnight camping on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail will not be permitted for the 2024 hiking season. The Canadian side of the trail is open to permitted hiking and camping through Canada only via the Parks Canada Reservation Line (1-800-661.0486 Canada and U.S./ 1-867-667-3910 overseas).

 

3. Decide how you will leave the trail

Note for 2024 season: Although the US and Canadian side of the trail are both open, crossing the Canadian/US border while hiking the Chilkoot Trail is currently prohibited for the 2024 season. Please continue to check back for updates.

The Chilkoot Trail ends at Lake Bennett, British Columbia. This historic site is not accessible by roads. You will need to arrange transportation from Lake Bennett. As of spring 2019, shuttle services from Bennett are:

• Train or train/bus combo: White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad (1-800-343-7373)
• Plane:
  • Alkan Air (1-867-668-2107)
  • Alpine Aviation Yukon (1-867-668-7725)
  • Amber Airways (1-867-334-3535)
  • Black Sheep Aviation (1-867-668-7761)
  • Tintina Air (1-867-332-8468)

 

4. Call Parks Canada to make your reservation

Permits for the trail each year can be reserved starting in the fall the year before.
Reservations for the Canadian side of the Chilkoot Trail will open March 27, 2024. Please continue to check the Parks Canada website for updates: Permits and reservations - Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (pc.gc.ca)

To reserve, call Parks Canada at 1-867-667-3910 or toll free from Canada and the U.S. 1-800-661-0486. When reserving a permit you will need to choose your dates on the trail, select your campgrounds, and pay for the reservation and permit with a credit card. Please be advised that prices for trail permits change annually. Check in the winter to get prices for the upcoming summer season.

2024 Chilkoot backcountry permit fees

Overnight Fees:

• Canadian ONLY Trip Permit: $42.25 (CDN) per adult; $21.25 (CDN) per youth

Day Use Fees:

• Canadian Day Permit: $12.25 (CDN)
• US Day Use: no fee or permit required

Reservation Fee:

• Reservation fee: $11.50 (CDN) per hiker (in addition to permit fee)

All fees are quoted in Canadian funds and may be subject to change. For more information about Chilkoot fees visit Parks Canada's website.

 

5. Attend trail orientation and pick up your permit

You must pick up your Chilkoot Trail permit in person at the Trail Center in Skagway, located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues. You must have the physical permit with you when you hike.

Trail orientations are mandatory during the permit season. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for an orientation. Everyone hiking must attend, not just the permit holder. Hikers are encouraged to view an optional 13 minute bear safety video that is shown on demand throughout the day.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Permits

1. What do I do if the dates I want are not available?
The number of hikers permitted will be based upon campground availability. Camp sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are welcome at the Trail Center in Skagway but are subject to availablility of camps sites.

2. I already have a reservation, can I add another person?
Yes, as long as there is space on the days for your permit. Call Parks Canada at 1-867-667-3910 or toll free from Canada and the U.S. at 1-800-661-0486 to check availability and make changes.

3. Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel your reservation up to 30 days in advance and receive a full refund. To cancel a reservation, or ask about canceling one within 30 days of hiking, call Parks Canada at 1-867-667-3910 or toll free from Canada and the U.S. at 1-800-661-0486.

4. Can I make my reservation online or via email?
No, to make advance reservations you must call Parks Canada. If they do not answer, leave a message and they will return your call.

 

NPS/Shannon Millard