A Legacy of Adventure Since 1992

At Packer Expeditions, we take pride in our rich history of outdoor guiding in the breathtaking and rugged landscapes of Alaska. Founded in 1992 by Tim Bourcy, Packer Expeditions was Skagway’s only hiking excursion for many years. From the very beginning, we were pioneers—one of the first excursion companies to partner with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to access the remote wilderness we guide in today. Without WP&YR, the trails and terrain that define our excursions would remain out of reach.

The Only Local Outfitter on the Chilkoot Trail for 30 Years

Beyond our hiking and kayaking excursions for cruise ship passengers, we were the only local outfitter guiding the historic Chilkoot Trail for 30 years. Whether leading fully catered private treks or carrying hundreds of pounds of camera equipment for broadcast productions, no one knows the Chilkoot Trail better than Packer Expeditions.

Growth, Expansion, and Trail Restoration in the Tongass National Forest

As we grew in the early 2000s, we expanded into heli-hiking, kayaking, and larger group tours. Along the way, we dedicated countless hours to improving trails in the Tongass National Forest, one trail restoration project was valued at over $300,000—all driven by our passion for the outdoors and our mission to share Alaska’s beauty with as many visitors as possible. By 2019, we had over 20 guides, 12 tours a day, and welcomed more than 14,000 adventurers into the Tongass in a single summer. We had become a well-oiled machine, with every tour rated five stars across every review platform.

Challenges and Resilience – Rebuilding After Tragedy

Then, the pandemic happened. Our operations ground to a halt. Like everyone in Alaska’s tourism industry, our guides had to find other work in other places. Many never returned to Skagway, but our legacy remained. We resumed hiking tours in 2021, though strict Canadian restrictions prevented us from continuing our kayaking excursions. Just as we were regaining momentum, the unthinkable happened.

In 2023, a devastating fire destroyed our office and all our equipment. It forced us to shut down—some thought for good. We lost more than just gear. We lost 30 years of history—photographs, “bone-head” awards, gags, our legendary community ice machine, handwritten field journals from generations of guides, and countless irreplaceable memories—all reduced to ash.

But Packer Expeditions is more than an office. It’s a legacy.

The Rebirth of Packer Expeditions in 2024

In 2024, one of our own—an alumni and local firefighter—took up the challenge to rebuild from the ground up. New gear, new partnerships, new markets. The same passion. The same love for the outdoors. We may never be exactly what we were before, but we will always be about Skagway, its history, the Laughton Glacier, the Denver Valley, outdoor education, research, discovery—and most of all, HIKING THE TRAILS!

Join Us for an Unforgettable Alaskan Adventure

Come hike with us. Hear our story. Meet the team that makes Packer Expeditions the best guiding company on God’s green Earth!