Chilkoot Trail Permits

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Duration:

1 minute, 37 seconds

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

 

PERMITS ARE REQUIRED TO HIKE THE CHILKOOT TRAIL FROM JUNE 1 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13

Follow these steps to get your Chilkoot Trail permit

1. Decide when you want to hike

The trail is marked and staffed during the peak hiking months of June, July, and August and early September. During these months a permit is required to overnight hike on the Chilkoot Trail. Most hikers spend 3-5 days hiking the trail, but your trip could be shorter or longer.

2. Choose your campgrounds

When you reserve your permit you must designate which campgrounds you are going to use.

 

3. Decide how you will leave the trail

Note for 2021 season: The international border is closed. Hikers must turn around at the summit of the Chilkoot Pass, if not sooner, and hike out via the trail head in Dyea.

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. General reservations for 2021 will be accepted as of April 27, 2021.

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.

2021 Chilkoot backcountry permit fees

Overnight Fees:

• Combined US/Canadian Chilkoot Trail Trip Permit: $62.05 (CDN) per adult; $30.98 (CDN) per youth (ages 6 - 16)
• US ONLY Trip Permit: $27 (CDN) per adult; $13.50 (CDN) per youth
• Canadian ONLY Trip Permit: $35.05 (CDN) per adult; $17.48 (CDN) per youth

Day Use Fees:

• Canadian Day Permit: $10.02 (CDN)
• US Day Use: no fee or permit required

Reservation Fee:

• Reservation fee: $11.96 (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. A 30 minute version of the bear safety video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-zkGuh42l4

 

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