About the Company

Alaska Nature Tours started in 1985 when Dan Egolf, a forester and Daniel Bertsch, a science teacher teamed up to provide tours that not only showed off the scenic beauty of the area but provided rich interpretation of the diverse flora and fauna of the Chilkat Valley. Their passion and expertise has been shared with the community of Haines and passed along to the guides that make natural history interpretation a career. Credit for the company's success goes to the innovative, creative staff Alaska Nature Tours has collaborated with over the past seventeen years.

Dan Egolf	Daniel Bertsch

"The good reputation of Alaska Nature Tours has been based on things like good habitat, excellent informational guiding, love of the natural world, and an inclusive attitude towards the wild things as a whole. The little creatures matter! The fungi, squirrels, Pigeon Guillemots, the Grebe's, the occasional Red Throated Loon, the dabbling ducks, the gulls, a jumping fish, the song of a Kinglet or Varied Thrush, the wild flowers, etc. All are critical parts of the program. Their own curiosity and unabashed wonder at the natural world is the foundation of a good tour and the basic principle which has made Alaska Nature Tours successful. Carry On!"

Burl Sheldon - Naturalist, teacher

About Our Guides

Our guides are uniquely qualified to enhance your understanding of the natural history of Southeast Alaska in general, and the upper Lynn Canal in particular.

"Well done, complete with sightings and commentary - thoroughly enjoyable!"

Dirk Younkerman - Naturalist on Star Princess

About Our Family

Since 1980 Dan and Jo Anna Egolf have made Haines their home. Their lives have been enriched by raising two sons, Ben and Will and by participating in many activities. Dan's background in the ski industry and his knowledge of the back country led to opening a retail store, Alaska Backcountry Outfitter. From the office there, he helps coordinate the annual avalanche clinics and Audubon Birdcount. Both have served on numerous boards including the Convention and Visitor Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, Bald Eagle Festival Co-chair, Lynn Canal Community Players, Foundation for the Chilkat Center for the Arts. They continue to work with local interest groups and city government on planning issues. Like many families, raising kids, managing a business and volunteering is hard work, but there are many fun activities as well. Subsistence fishing, winter sports, acting, wildlife viewing, and basketball top the list. It has been a pleasure doing business with the folks of Haines and the fine visitors that travel here. We look forward to the upcoming season!