Skagway, Alaska
Skagway Streetcar Tour
(2 hours) An "inside" view of Skagway, Alaska's most famous gold
rush city - a rough and tumble boom town of beer halls and brothels.
Aboard the Skagway Streetcar, you will visit the restored historic
district, the lookout with its view of the majestic Lynn Canal,
and the gold rush graveyard, as your guide tells spellbinding
tales of the characters who have made Skagway their home
Skagway Historical City
Tour and Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
(2 3/4 hours) Take a firsthand look at Skagway, the gateway city
to the Klondike gold fields, as your guide tells lively tales
of this boom town. You will visit the gold rush cemetery and the
final resting place of some of the original Iron Horse steam engines
of the White Pass and Yukon Railway. A visit to Liarsville, a
restored gold rush trail camp community will fascinate you with
its antiques, mementos, and vintage clothing left behind by the
men and women who braved hardships on the trail. Try your hand
at gold panning. A snack will be provided as you are entertained
with tales
Eagles Preserve Float
and Glacier Flightseeing Adventure
(6 hours) Your journey begins with a 45 minute scenic flight over
dazzling snow-capped summits, jagged peaks and blue glaciers.
Landing in Haines, you will be met by your guide who will take
you for a drive up the Chilkat Valley to the eagle preserve for
a float trip down the Chilkat in an inflatable raft. The shallow
river is loaded with salmon making their way upstream to return
to their spawning grounds. This plentiful source of fish attracts
scores of eagles, affording viewing opportunities as you silently
float by. You may even spot a glimpse of moose, wolves and grizzly
bears. Before the return flight, you will be treated to a delicious
picnic-style lunch. Boots and ponchos will be provided
NOTE: Warm clothing and extra socks are recommended.
Chilkoot Trail and Glacier
Tour
(1 1/2 hours) Lifting above the Taiya Inlet in your helicopter,
you will view the historic town of Skagway and Dyea, gateway for
the tortuous Chilkoot trail to the Klondike gold fields. You will
leave civilization behind and enter the valley of the blue and
white glaciers surging between high mountain peaks; The pilot
will land and point out the features of these magnificent glaciers.
Dyea Mountain Bike and
Float Adventure
(3 1/4 hours) On your way to a magnificent overlook, you will
tour the historic downtown district of Skagway as your guide recounts
tales of this town's colorful gold rush past. Then hop on your
specially equipped mountain bike for a beautiful coastal ride
to the historic town of Dyea, once a thriving boomtown and the
gateway to the Klondike, at the head of the famous Chilkoot Trail.
After the 9 mile bike ride, the last part of your journey is a
peaceful float trip down the gentle Taiya River. Relax and enjoy
the serenity of this special valley as your guide tells you about
the history of the area.
Glacier Explorer: Pilots'
Choice
(2 hours) Lifting above the Taiya Inlet in your helicopter, you
will view the historic town of Skagway and Dyea, gateway for the
tortuous Chilkoot trail to the Klondike gold fields. You will
leave civilization behind and enter the valley of the blue and
white glaciers surging between high mountain peaks; The pilot
will land and point out the features of these magnificent glaciers.
Klondike Summit and Liarsville
Gold Rush Trail Camp
(3 hours) Follow the trail of 1898 as your motor coach climbs
over 3290' past breathtaking scenery to the summit of the Klondike
highway. A visit to Liarsville, a restored gold rush trail camp
community will fascinate you with its antiques, mementos, and
vintage clothing left behind by the men and women who braved hardships
on the trail. Try your hand at gold panning. A snack will be provided
as you are entertained with tales, before your return back to
Skagway.
Skagway Sportfishing
(3 hours) Beautiful Lynn Canal provides the perfect backdrop for
your excursion aboard a 26' cabin cruiser, fully equipped with
everything you need to catch "the big one". Your catch will be
cleaned on board; processing and shipping are available for a
fee. While fishing, you may encounter whales, porpoise, sea lions
and other marine wildlife to further enhance your experience.
NOTE: Alaska law requires a 1-day fishing license and a King
Salmon stamp ($20 total) which may be purchased on board.
Skagway Sea Kayaking
(2 1/2 hours) After a safety and instruction briefing, you will
board the 2-person kayaks. Your adventure begins from historic
Skagway and moves to the beautiful Taiya Inlet, Nahku Bay at the
head of the Lynn Canal and along the coastline as the guide tells
of the natural history, flora and fauna of the area. You will
view glaciers, rock formations, historic buildings and a variety
of wildlife including seals, whales, otters, salmon and eagles.
The guide continues with a narration on the Klondike Gold Rush
National Park and ghost town of Dyea before your return trip
NOTE: You must be in good physical condition.
Valley of the Eagles Tour
and Glacier Flightseeing
(4 hours) Leave Skagway behind as you fly over the fjords nestled
between the majestic coastal range en route to the Chilkat Valley
and Haines, where you will board a bus for a leisurely drive along
the coastal beach watching for porpoise, seal, salmon, whales
and bald eagles. The Chilkoot River, the ancestral fishing grounds
for the Tlingit Indians, is teeming with salmon which draws bears
and other wildlife to it. Next, to the old growth rain forest
where you will discover Alaska's wild edibles and take home a
gift of delicious wild berry jam. On the return, you will fly
over lush valleys and the stunning blue ice fields.
Chilkoot "Trail of Gold"
Hike
(3 1/2 hours) Begin with an overview of historic Skagway along
the beautiful waterfront en route to the abandoned town site of
Dyea at the head of the Chilkoot Trail. Porpoise, seals and eagles
are spotted frequently. Then it's time to embark on your 2 mile
hiking adventure on the famous "Gateway to Gold". The trail is
fairly rigorous and offers an unforgettable taste of what 30,000
stampeders experienced almost 100 years ago. Along the way, you
will stop for a light snack. Once you have conquered the Chilkoot,
your van will meet you and drive you back to downtown Skagway
or to the ship.
White Pass and Yukon Route
Rail/Bus/Gold Rush
(5 hours) Your journey begins on the White Pass and Yukon Route
Railroad, passing by beautiful waterfalls, sheer drop-offs, and
learning the history of the Klondike stampeders who followed this
same path. At Fraser, in the heart of the Tormented Valley, you'll
disembark the train and board a motor coach for the return trip
along the Klondike Highway. Passing beautiful glacier carved valleys,
you will head toward the gold rush trail camp for an unforgettable
time gold panning and exploring this "tent city" from a bygone
era. Your adventure ends with a tour of Skagway's historic downtown.
You may opt to stay in town and explore the boardwalks and quaint
shops.
White Pass Summit Excursion
(3 hours) There is no railroad quite like the White Pass and Yukon
Route. Almost 100 years later, you will ride aboard an old fashioned
parlor car as you retrace the original route to the summit of
White Pass. The wilderness unfolds outside your window as you
climb this steep grade past Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch
and Inspiration Point. After reaching the White Pass Summit, the
international boundary between the U.S. and Canada, you will return
back to the ship.
Yukon Territory Scenic
Drive
(5 hours) Following the White Pass trail of 1898, bordered by
waterfalls, glaciers and peaks, you will cross the Klondike Summit
at 3290' above sea level and stop to view the ghost town of Log
Cabin in British Columbia, where mail was dispatched by dog sled
to nearby mining towns. Traveling along the many lakes that feed
into the Yukon River, you will explore the village of Caribou
Crossing with its picturesque hotel and general store. Before
your return, enjoy a home-style lunch at Spirit Lake Lodge.
White Pass Bike/Train
Combo
(2 - 3 hours) The journey begins on the White Pass and Yukon Route
Railroad, passing by scenic waterfalls and learning the history
of the Klondike stampeders who followed this same path. At Fraser,
in the heart of the Tormented Valley, a van will take you to the
Klondike Summit where you will hop on a bike and follow your guide
down the winding roads to the lush rain forest of southeast Alaska.
Along the way, you will learn the history of this land as you
stop at spectacular overlooks. A snack will be provided before
heading back.
NOTE: Safety equipment will be provided.
Chilkoot Horse Back Adventure
(3 1/4 hours) Your tour begins through historic Skagway en route
to the rustic back country wilderness to the valley of Dyea and
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. At the hitching posts,
you will be fitted with riding gear and receive an orientation
on riding techniques. Once on the trail, the guides will tell
the history of the valley once filled with gold hungry stampeders
before arriving at the open Dyea flats where you will see spawning
salmon and have photo opportunities. On the return, you will ride
through the spectacular forest, past the Slide Cemetery where
60 stampeders were buried after an avalanche on the trail. Back
at the hitching post, you will be served a light snack.
Laughton Glacier Heli-Hiking
(5 1/2 hours) The tour begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight
out of Skagway into the steep, narrow peaks and valleys of the
northern Tongass. Upon landing at the head of the trail, you will
be equipped and prepared for the 4 mile, 3-hour hike which takes
you along the Skagway River for a spectacular view of the Laughton
Glacier. The guides will provide information on the flora, fauna
and history of the area and there will be opportunities for viewing
wildlife such as moose, mountain goats and bears. After the hike,
guests will be treated to beverages. Your return to Skagway is
via the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a 1 hour
ride that winds through 14 miles of coastal mountains.
NOTE: This tour requires rigorous walking over rugged, damp
and uneven terrain; sturdy walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing
are recommended.
Haines Wilderness Kayak
Experience
(7 1/2 hours) Your tour begins aboard the ms Fairweather bound
for Haines just 12 miles south, where you will be fitted with
a life vest and given a thorough introduction to kayaking skills.
Gliding just inches above the water, you will marvel at the unique
and enchanting view of an unforgettable Alaskan wilderness. Marine
mammals, bald eagles and bears may be observed right from your
kayak as well as spectacular glacial views, thundering waterfalls
and breathtaking vistas and waterways. At the end of your paddle
adventure, you will board the ms Fairweather for a scenic cruise
back to Skagway. Rain gear and a bag lunch are provided.
Scenic Cruise and Visit
to Haines
(6 hours) Enjoy a 14 mile cruise down Lynn Canal to picturesque
Haines. Learn about the incredible fjord in which you are traveling,
the wildlife, the colorful history of the gold rush and the Chilkat
Tlingit people who have lived in the area for centuries. Once
in Haines, you can wander the streets of this charming town and
explore the shops, art galleries, museum and cultural center for
Tlingit artifacts. Haines is well known as the spot of the largest
gathering of American bald eagles (our national symbol) in North
America.
Denver Glacier Hiking
Tour
(5 1/2 hours) Begin your scenic trip aboard the White Pass and
Yukon Railway, passing by beautiful waterfalls and sheer drop-offs.
Disembarking at Denver Trailhead, you will start your 5 mile hike
along the Skagway River as the guide provides information on the
valleys, forest, wildlife and geology. After climbing free of
the forest floor, you will be greeted with a stunning view of
the hanging blue ice of the Denver glacier. Enjoy a light snack
before the return trip.
NOTE: You must be in good physical shape for this hike which
extends 5 miles over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain (elevation
1000'); lightweight hiking boots are recommended.
Trail of '98 by Motor
Coach
(5 1/2 hours) Begin your 65 mile journey up the spectacular Klondike
Highway, paralleling the historic White Pass Trail of '98 and
the White Pass and Yukon Railway, an engineering masterpiece that
is etched into the side of the mountain. Pass through several
geographical changes as you leave a lush rain forest to an alpine
forest and then to the moonscape of the Tormented Valley, where
ancient, twisted trees cling to rock polished smooth by prehistoric
glaciers. Take in the natural beauty of the waterfalls and glaciers
that highlight this route. Upon arrival at Frontierland, a barbecue
lunch will be served. Then stroll through Heritage Park and view
the live Dall sheep and lynx or visit the wildlife gallery.
Water Cruise/Jet Boat/Flight
Tour
(7 1/2 hours) Learn the history of the gold rush while cruising
aboard the m/v Fair Weather to Haines. The staff, Tlingit natives
who have been raised in the valley will share their culture with
you. In Haines, you will board a jet boat on the Chilkat River
which will take you into the heart of the bald eagle preserve
and travel into the natural unspoiled wilderness which is abundant
with moose and bears. After the river tour, you will be served
lunch around a crackling campfire with the Hess', a true Alaskan
family. Just when you thought you had seen it all, you will return
by air to Skagway with an eagle's view of the Chilkat Valley and
its surrounding mountains.
Ice Age Exploration -
Glacier Country Flightseeing Tour
(1¼ hours) Take to the air to behold the magnificent sights of
the Northern Inside Passage and the route first explored by John
Muir more than 100 years ago. Alaska's glaciers beckon you with
their promise of ice-blue monoliths calving into the sea, plunging
crevasses capped by craggy pinnacles and rivers of ice flowing
from the ice fields from which they were born. Throughout the
tour, the flight crew will tell you about the history, geography
and sourdough lore of the region.
Klondike Summit Tour
(1½ hours) Follow the trail of 1898 as your motor coach climbs
over 3290' to the summit of the Klondike Highway. Frequent photo
stops will be made while locating the original Dead Horse Trail,
the trestles and tunnels of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad,
Pitch Fork Falls, Moore Bridge and numerous surrounding glaciers
and peaks. At the United States and Canada Border, a stop is made
before returning back down to Skagway.
Salmon Cook-Out with Campfire
Theater and Gold Panning
(2 hours) For a dining experience you will never forget, board
your motor coach for a trip to the Gold Rush Trail Camp located
on the outskirts of Skagway. This historic sight was a much needed
rest stop for miners hiking over the treacherous White Pass Trail.
Chefs prepare your Alaskan salmon dinner over an open campfire
using recipes handed down by the women who cooked in the camps
in 1898. After dinner, try your hand at gold panning or take time
to wander through the bath house, general store, saloon and bordello
to view the antiques, mementos and vintage clothing left behind.
Gather around the campfire as an old sourdough entertains you
with tales and chilling stories of the men and women who braved
hardships on the trail.
Klondike Freshwater Fishing
(5 hours) Freshwater fishing awaits you in beautiful British Columbia,
Canada. At the shoreline of Maud Lake, a jet boat will take you
to your fishing hole where an experienced guide will show you
the techniques of fly fishing and spin casting as you go for the
big one. A light snack will await you by the campfire after your
fishing escapade is over.
Please Note: All excursions, descriptions
and pricing are subject to change at time of sailing; the duration
of the tours are approximate times only. A child is considered
ages 2-12 unless otherwise noted.
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