Question on Driving to White Pass

[msweeble1]

We would like to rent a car to Emerald Lake but my SIL is scared the road is winding with drop offs. Could someone explain the drive to me please?

 

Thank you,

Debbie

[CSloan]

Debbie-

We did this last year, and it was a very nice and EASY drive. We went mid-July and rarely saw any other traffic on the roadway. I don't recall it being all that winding.. it's certainly not a narrow road, and has sufficient shoulders. A very stress-free drive!

 

I've definitely seen a lot worse roadways here in California!

[Yukon]

A picture is worth 1,000 words, so here's a whole buncha words about the drive: http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html

It actually is winding with dropoffs for about 4 miles, but unless you drive into the ditch a lot, that shouldn't be a problem :D

[Travel 4 Ever]

Very easy drive and alot to see on the way. Even though Emerald Lake is nice getting there is better. There are plenty of pull outs. There is also a guide available on the internet. Google something like "Skagway to Emerald Lake Drive" and you should come across it.

[Beth 2001]

We are debating whether to ride the train (4 adults, 2 kids age 6) or rent a van to drive to Carcross and Emerald Lake. I would prefer to drive but am concerned that, if it takes too long, the kids might get sick of being in the car. On the other hand, I think they'd love to see the puppies and ride on a wheeled sled! Can anyone who's done the drive (with or without kids) tell me how long it takes and whether it's prefereable to the train? (It's certainly less expensive!)

[Yukon]

The drive takes 5-6 hours depending on your stops, Beth. As to which is better, they are very different experiences, and each person will have different ideas on that. I'm a railfan, so the train was an easy choice for me on my first trip 21 years ago. With a family, I'd probably choose the drive for $ reasons as well as the much greater variety of experiences available to you all.

 

Murray

[Joy2Day]

We rented a van and made the drive last June with an 8-year old. On the way up, most of the pullouts were crowded. Instead of stopping, we made notes of places to stop on the way down. We only stopped once -- because we had a nice view of the train.

 

By doing this, we were the first people to Caribou Crossing. We'd been there for a while, playing with the goats and puppies long before any of the cruise busses showed up. The 8-year old talked about the puppies and the sled wagon ride for days!!!!!

 

Then, as we headed back to Skagway, we stopped at the pullouts

[msweeble1]

Thanks everyone,

 

Maybe we'll be able to talk my SIL into doing it with us.

 

Yukon- I'll be sure to read your website.

 

Where can you rent a van? I checked on Avis and they don't show that you can get a van.

 

Thanks,

Debbie

[Bucky3]

Would also like to know where to rent a van. We got the same answer from Avis. Thanks

[Yukon]

I think Sourdough and PB Cruisers both have vans - contact info at bottom of http://www.skagway.com/gettingaround.html

[Joy2Day]

We were not able to reserve a van via Avis website. We reserved 2 cars. When we got to Skagway, we asked about a minivan instead and they were able to accommodate us.

 

The Skagway office is seasonal. You may have better luck if you call the Anchorage office. Also look at http://www.avisalaska.com. There are some phone numbers there. Plus there are some special rates if you sign up with for the Preferred Renter program (Look under Deals/Programs on the website).

 

There are also some independent car rentals in Skagway.

[Bucky3]

Thanks so much for your reply.

[bluedevil72]

The AVis website does not list a mini-van at Skagway, but they do have a couple. We emailed the manager sometime in February and she set us up with a van for our trip in June.

[msweeble1]

Thanks alot . Ya'll are very helpful on this message board.

 

Debbie