Bennett or Caribou Crossing?

[ErLee]

We're going to Alaska in June 2019, and I'm trying to make a decision about Skagway. We're interested in doing a bus/rail combo. In looking at Chilkoot Charters we can either take the Yukon trip that includes Caribou Crossing but not Bennett or we can take the Bennett trip that skips Caribou Crossing. Any opinions from those that have been on these trips? Or is there another operator that includes both? It's a bit confusing choosing between the various options!

[wesp]

Lake Bennett is a stop on the way to Caribou Crossing (Carcross) on the same track. Depending on the train, you either turn back at Bennett or go all the way to Carcross. See map link.

 

 

 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Map_White_Pass_and_Yukon_Route_en.png/300px-Map_White_Pass_and_Yukon_Route_en.png

 

 

 

Wesley

[ErLee]

On Chilkoot's website it specifically says that the Bennett Scenic Journey does not go to Caribou Crossing Trading Post, but is the only tour that covers the full area of Bennett Lake and allows you to tour historic Bennett on foot which is only accessible by train, so I'm trying to get opinions on the two options.

[luvteaching]

We've done both trips on the White Pass. We did Caribou Crossing a few years ago and Bennett Lake this year. Caribou Crossing is a touristy place. You get a chicken dinner (basic) with homemade doughnuts, there's a taxidermy museum and I believe there's something to do with sled dogs (we didn't do that so don't quite remember). We did the bus up to Carcross and the train back from Fraser.

 

Bennett Lake is a longer excursion. We did the train first. We were off the ship at 7:15 and were taken to the train. The first part of the ride, to Fraser, was crowded and we were seated in a car with tables so there were 4 people at every table. You can get up and walk around and go out on the platform between the cars to take pictures. At Fraser the car emptied out and there were only 2 of us at each table. We continued on to Bennett Lake. Once there we had about 45 minutes - hour to look around. It's a Canadian National Park and, if you are able to walk, there is a path (dirt and somewhat rocky) through some old buildings and then a steeper climb up to where the Chilkoot Trail ended and the prospectors stayed to make the boats to sail to the Yukon. My husband has mobility issues and he couldn't do this but I was fine. The depot has some nice displays that he enjoyed.

 

When we left Bennett Lake we were given a box lunch - turkey sandwich (real turkey and very good but also a lot of bread), water, cookie, chips, and one more item. We were about an hour into Carcross where we were picked up by our driver. We had about 45 minutes in Carcross to get ice cream, souvenirs, and to stretch our legs. The drive back down on the bus was fun, we stopped for bear sightings and to have pictures taken at the "Welcome to Alaska" sign.

 

Of the two I'd do the Bennett Lake one again with Chilkoot Charters in a heartbeat. I don't regret doing the Carcross one but don't have a desire to do it again.

 

Karen

[masterdrago]

We're going to Alaska in June 2019, and I'm trying to make a decision about Skagway. <snip> Or is there another operator that includes both? It's a bit confusing choosing between the various options!

I'm waiting until the bookings open (later in October) for the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. Check it out. It might fill your bill but tours in 2018 did not run Sunday or Monday. https://skagwayshoretours.com/tour/bennett-lake-scenic-journey/

[rvorcruise]

I'm waiting until the bookings open (later in October) for the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. Check it out. It might fill your bill but tours in 2018 did not run Sunday or Monday. https://skagwayshoretours.com/tour/bennett-lake-scenic-journey/

 

I think it's always better to book direct rather than through a broker like that:

- the WP&YR at https://wpyr.com/excursions/product/bennett-scenic-journey/

- or Chilkoot Charters (same but with a smaller bus for the return trip) at https://chilkootcharters.com/reservations/

[oaktreerb]

Have been to Bennett Lake twice and would do it gain. We did a Bennett Lake extension as part of the White Pass railroad trip to Skagway when a lunch was served at tables in what is now the museum. The excursion has changed since then but the destination is special. Read some of the history of this area before you go. You will appreciate it so much more!

[ErLee]

Great input everyone, thanks! I think you confirmed my idea that doing the Bennett Scenic Journey is the way to go. Chilkoot says they'll be booking 2019 by mid October, so I'll just keep an eye on that. I'm planning to book directly with them. I was also thinking about Dyea Dave, but I don't see that there's an option to go to Bennett.

[Eaglecw]

Great input everyone, thanks! I think you confirmed my idea that doing the Bennett Scenic Journey is the way to go. Chilkoot says they'll be booking 2019 by mid October, so I'll just keep an eye on that. I'm planning to book directly with them. I was also thinking about Dyea Dave, but I don't see that there's an option to go to Bennett.

You've made a good choice. We've done the Bennett Scenic Journey a number of times and have enjoyed it every time. This last year we saw a number of moose, bear and beavers. You've been with Dyea Dave a few times, he put's on a great tour also.

[masterdrago]

I think it's always better to book direct rather than through a broker like that:

- the WP&YR at https://wpyr.com/excursions/product/bennett-scenic-journey/

- or Chilkoot Charters (same but with a smaller bus for the return trip) at https://chilkootcharters.com/reservations/

Thanks rvocruise. I shot wpyr an email and got a quick reply from Stephanie Larson. She said she will alert me when the info is available. I also made their web page my home page to keep my eye on them.