we're first time cruisers and have heard lots of good reviews about skagway excursions offered by Princess Cruises. however, we're torn between the White Pass 1/2 day train trip, a wilderness kayak trip, and the glacier point wilderness safari. we're both in our early 40's, are somewhat athletic, and love to do things that are off the beaten path or are unique. can anyone give us some advice? thanks in advance

I would suggest doing the train, followed by a hike to Lower Dewey Lake and then a walk through town up to the cemetery and Reid Falls, That will still leave plenty of time for shopping and wandering around Skagway.

Check out

http://www.alaskaportreviews.com/Skagway.htm

for more information. Skagway is great!

Tom

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NancyN,

Hi,
last year we had a very active day in Skagway and it was wonderful. We did the White Pass Cycling Adventure in the morning, which is more coasting down than actually active cycling but very nice. After lunch on board we did the Haines Sea Kajak Adventure. That was great. I enjoyed the cat ride down to Haines on the Lynn Canal. The kajaking in 3- Person boats was awesome because we've seen a lot of bald eagles and seals. It was also funny because there were some waves caused by passing cruiseships. Also the group was very nice. Only the short Haines- highlights- Tour was a little waste of time as there aren't any. I can recommend both.
I think there is also the possibility of combining both train and bike adventure. That sounds good, too.

have fun, CP

I forgot to say that there are also kajaking opportunities in Juneau and Ketchikan, (we were told that Tatoosh Island Kajaking in Ketchikan is the most beautiful, but sells out very fast), so the train and bike combination is probably the best in Skagway as it leaves you enough time for hiking.

I loved the White Rail Pass Train.
Good Luck with your planning.

Hello,

I suggest you consider renting a car in Skagway, and this will give you the flexibility to do whatever you want. We drove up into the Yukon which is a very interesting trip in itself. As for hiking, consider the Chilkoot trail. Also, if you are going to Juneau, if you rent a car, you can hike the East Loop trail above the Mendenhall Glacier.

Have a great time,

Fred

I decided that sitting in that train for such a long time would be very difficult. We decided to go horseback riding into the Yukon Territory which allowed us to see the same area as we would have seen taking the train. We drove for a while, but it was one of the best experiences ever. I have never been on a horse, and it was so much fun, plus the horses were great. This is in the area of Emerald Lake, and that was just amazing!!!