tvisser Posted January 19, 2009 #1 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I am trying to decide between two excursions in Skagway, Eagle Preserve Rafting Wildlife Quest or Eagle Preserve Wildlife River Adventure and Cruise. First, any opinions on either of these two? BTW, I will be there in mid June if that makes a difference. In addition trying to decide between these, I am also trying to determine if I should do this if I will get an opportunity to see and take photo's of Bald Eagles. If not this excursion, what would one recommend for Wildlife/Scenic photography in Skagway? Thanks, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 19, 2009 #2 Share Posted January 19, 2009 You'll see at least as many bald eagles on the dock in Ketchikan as you will on a summer trip through the bald eagle preserve - the huge world-famous eagle gathering happens in November ( http://www.baldeaglefestival.org/ ). In Skagway, there are no good wildlife sighting areas, but in mid-June the best place is up the Klondike Highway looking for bears - not guaranteed by a long shot, but it does happen. Spectacular scenery, though, is everywhere - here's what the drive up the highway looks like: http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
qiangf2 Posted January 19, 2009 #3 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I agree with Murray on this. The best way to spend time in Skagway is to go beyond Skagway. Get a rental car and drive up to Emerald lake, taking a horse back riding with Joni at Emerald Lake Ranch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvisser Posted January 19, 2009 Author #4 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Our ship will not be docking at Ketchikan so that will not be an option. Are their tours that take you out to see the bears a long the Klondike HWY? If Skagway isnot a very good Wildlife viewing area, what else would anyone recommend to do in Skagway? We are there from 7AM - 8:30PM. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 19, 2009 #5 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Are their tours that take you out to see the bears a long the Klondike HWY? No there aren't, Tim, simply because seeing them isn't that common (I see them maybe 1 trip in 3 or 4 that time of year). If Skagway isnot a very good Wildlife viewing area, what else would anyone recommend to do in Skagway? Most people take one of the railway excursions - there are several options. I believe the record so far is about 1,700 people off a single ship taking the train - now that's a good excursion desk promotion! But there are about 90 other possibilities - good wildlife viewing just isn't among them Murray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvisser Posted January 19, 2009 Author #6 Share Posted January 19, 2009 OK, I will take Wildlife off of my list at Skagway. If you had one day at port in skagway and would like to get some great pictures of the area, what would you recommend? I did find this web site, http://www.*****. Is that you Murray or someone different? Is there anyone that does Photo Workshops or tours in Skagway? Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 19, 2009 #7 Share Posted January 19, 2009 That is me, Tim. Nobody runs true photo tours at Skagway either - though every tour is a photo tour in country like this :) The biggest advantage of using an independent tour operator is that photo stops are made much more often, and often exactly where you want to stop if you ask and it's possible - with the cruiseline buses that isn't the case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvisser Posted January 19, 2009 Author #8 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Nice site Murray and I like your photos. Any recommendations on independent tour company in Skagway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 19, 2009 #9 Share Posted January 19, 2009 When I need a tour company in Skagway for friends I use Chilkoot, and they get consistent great reviews here at CC - http://www.skagwaysbesttour.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvisser Posted January 19, 2009 Author #10 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Thanks, I will check it out! Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunny AZ Girl Posted January 19, 2009 #11 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I'm just beginning research as we are planning on booking a cruise in 2010 - and I want to be sure I book the itinerary that best fits what we want to do and see ! I love your pictures. So beautiful! I have read elsewhere about the rail road trips through the White Pass. Do you have to book this through the ship or can you book this independently? Also, can you take the train one way and the highway the other way? I do not want to rent a car, but would love the opportunity for photo stops. I also like the idea of a train ride through the pass. We will have a girl's group, not sure how many yet, but I have a feeling I will be the "excursion director".:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoofingPrincess Posted January 19, 2009 #12 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Tim, I don't know what your other stops are, but if you're stopping in Juneau, there is a wildlife photo safari - I found the guy's website on a google search, but several cruise lines offer his tour as ship's excursions, so if you're coming in by ship he makes you book through them. I've booked it for my upcoming cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themerle Posted January 19, 2009 #13 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Yukon, which train trip (length) do you recommend? I will probably do independent booking. We have driven to Emerald lake in the past using your guide, which is a must! Just another question. Are you still considering writing a guide for the Haines Hwy? I enjoyed my journey on the Hwy. but one of your guides would really be helpful!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 19, 2009 #14 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Yukon, which train trip (length) do you recommend? I will probably do independent booking. We have driven to Emerald lake in the past using your guide, which is a must! Just another question. Are you still considering writing a guide for the Haines Hwy? I enjoyed my journey on the Hwy. but one of your guides would really be helpful!:D If you like trains, the longer on the WP&YR the better. The trip up Lake Bennett in particular (on the 9-hour train/bus that is available) is wonderful because you're truly in the wilderness for 30+ miles, with the gold rush ghost town as a bonus. If you take that trip, the first cabin you come to as you approach Carcross is mine :) I hope to have a Haines Highway guide out in late May. Murray . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarTrkGeek Posted January 19, 2009 #15 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Our ship will not be docking at Ketchikan so that will not be an option. Are their tours that take you out to see the bears a long the Klondike HWY? If Skagway isnot a very good Wildlife viewing area, what else would anyone recommend to do in Skagway? We are there from 7AM - 8:30PM. Tim Princess does a survey of cruise passengers to determine which excursions were the most well-liked. The 2008 results were recently posted on their Web site -- http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na971 Here is a summary of the results: Juneau: Co-Shore Excursions: Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails, Gastineau Guiding Company Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour, TEMSCO Helicopters Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures Ketchikan: Co-Shore Excursions: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Snorkel Alaska Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures Kodiak: Shore Excursion: Near Island Sea Kayak Adventure, Orcas Unlimited Charters of Kodiak Seattle: Shore Excursion: Best of Seattle, Gray Line of Seattle Seward: Shore Excursion: Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords Tours Sitka: Co-Shore Excursions: 4x4 Wilderness Adventure, Greenling Enterprises Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, Allen Marine Tours Skagway: Co- Shore Excursions: Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing, TEMSCO Helicopters Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Alaska Mountain Guides Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4, Takshanuk Mountain Trail Valdez: Shore Excursion: Columbia Glacier Cruise, Stan Stephens Cruises Vancouver: Shore Excursion: Capilano Canyon's Natural Beauty, Rockwood Adventures Victoria: Shore Excursion: Enchanting Butchart Gardens, Gray Line West Whittier: Shore Excursion: Blackstone Glacier Adventure Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruise & Tours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenish Posted January 20, 2009 #16 Share Posted January 20, 2009 We used "Dyea Dave" in Skagway and had a great, reasonably priced, tour. He will listen to your preferences and make suggestions, then put together a semi-custom tour. Since you're into photography, I'd recommend going up White Pass in one direction by road and the other direction by train. Other suggestions are the Gold Rush Cemetery a mile outside of town, a tour of the ghost town of Dyea, or having the train drop you off at the first stop and hiking to Denver Glacier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FunInTheSun03 Posted January 20, 2009 #17 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Ok I hope someone here can help me with some good advice. We are thinking about taking the White Pass Scenic Railway, but we aren't sure if we want to spend that kind of money for 3 people. We also thought about renting a car but know nothing about where to rent a car close to take that scenic route. And how much it would cost to rent a car. Any advice would be so grately appreciated. Thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldmom35215 Posted January 20, 2009 #18 Share Posted January 20, 2009 You'll see at least as many bald eagles on the dock in Ketchikan as you will on a summer trip through the bald eagle preserve - the huge world-famous eagle gathering happens in November ( http://www.baldeaglefestival.org/ ). In Skagway, there are no good wildlife sighting areas, but in mid-June the best place is up the Klondike Highway looking for bears - not guaranteed by a long shot, but it does happen. Spectacular scenery, though, is everywhere - here's what the drive up the highway looks like: http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html . Is there a bus or guided tour? DH is not a fan of driving in unknown places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judyf Posted January 20, 2009 #19 Share Posted January 20, 2009 Yes, just from researching. We plan to book the rail/bus and dog carting combo. Haven't done it yet but that's what we're leaning towards, as I don't care to worry about driving on vacation, I will do this with a private tour company not through the ship. Here is a link I found http://www.skagwaysbesttour.com/yukonrail.htm Hope it helps. There are others just search here and you will find them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themerle Posted January 21, 2009 #20 Share Posted January 21, 2009 If you like trains, the longer on the WP&YR the better. The trip up Lake Bennett in particular (on the 9-hour train/bus that is available) is wonderful because you're truly in the wilderness for 30+ miles, with the gold rush ghost town as a bonus. If you take that trip, the first cabin you come to as you approach Carcross is mine :) I hope to have a Haines Highway guide out in late May. Murray . Thanks for the information. I was curious about the 9-hour trip. Wilderness would be nice, hopefully, we could see some wildlife! I knew I would enjoy the ghost town. When we went to Carcross 2 years ago, I thought about you when we got there (by car and with your guide!). I wondered where you lived. Since you've moved I guess it's safe to say where your cabin is located.:D I'm looking forward to the guide for Haines!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted January 21, 2009 #21 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Ok I hope someone here can help me with some good advice. We are thinking about taking the White Pass Scenic Railway, but we aren't sure if we want to spend that kind of money for 3 people. We also thought about renting a car but know nothing about where to rent a car close to take that scenic route. And how much it would cost to rent a car. Any advice would be so grately appreciated. Thank you very much. You can rent a car from Avis in Skagway for ~ $100/day or a little less. Make an advance reservation, as they do run out of cars. Is there a bus or guided tour? DH is not a fan of driving in unknown places. We did a rail/bus tour to the Yukon in 2007 with Chilkoot Charters, and we're doing the longer rail/bus tour to Carcross in May with the same company: http://www.skagwaysbesttour.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvisser Posted January 22, 2009 Author #22 Share Posted January 22, 2009 You can rent a car from Avis in Skagway for ~ $100/day or a little less. Make an advance reservation, as they do run out of cars. We did a rail/bus tour to the Yukon in 2007 with Chilkoot Charters, and we're doing the longer rail/bus tour to Carcross in May with the same company: http://www.skagwaysbesttour.com/ I am also looking at those trips for our mid June arrival. Based on what I have read, the Eagle Preserve is not very good in June, correct? If it is not, then I am considering one of these from Chilkoot Charters. Can anyone tell me their experience with this charter as well as what to expect on these. Please keep in mind I like to photograph. How long do you typically stay at each location for viewing and photographing? Thanks Tim What is the difference between the three bus and rail combination tours? We currently have 3 combination bus and rail excursions: 1) White Pass Summit Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 3.5 Hours Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser by train - 1 3/4 hours on train/return to Skagway by bus 2) Yukon Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 7.5 Hours (Depart 7:30AM ~ Return 3:00PM) Lunch: Caribou Crossing Trading Post Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser by train - 1 3/4 hours on train/Yukon Wildlife Museum/Husky Puppy Camp/Emerald Lake/From Fraser/Carcross/Emerald Lake and return to Skagway by bus 3) Skagway/Carcross Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 9 Hours (Depart 7:30AM ~ Return 4:30PM) Lunch: Lake Bennett Train Depot Dining Hall Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser/Lake Bennett/Carcross by train - 4 1/2 hours on train + 1 1/2 hour lunch break at Lake Bennett - Bus from Carcross to Emerald Lake and return to Skagway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator83 Posted January 22, 2009 #23 Share Posted January 22, 2009 You'll see at least as many bald eagles on the dock in Ketchikan as you will on a summer trip through the bald eagle preserve - the huge world-famous eagle gathering happens in November ( http://www.baldeaglefestival.org/ ). In Skagway, there are no good wildlife sighting areas, but in mid-June the best place is up the Klondike Highway looking for bears - not guaranteed by a long shot, but it does happen. Spectacular scenery, though, is everywhere - here's what the drive up the highway looks like: http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html . Yukon, I read about a company (can't remember the name) in Skagway that has a boat excursion to see wildlife. Do you know anything about it? Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Posted January 22, 2009 #24 Share Posted January 22, 2009 I read about a company (can't remember the name) in Skagway that has a boat excursion to see wildlife. Do you know anything about it? I don't know who that is, but will repeat that there is no dependable wildlife viewing out of Skagway (or Haines) - though some get lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldmom35215 Posted January 23, 2009 #25 Share Posted January 23, 2009 I am also looking at those trips for our mid June arrival. Based on what I have read, the Eagle Preserve is not very good in June, correct? If it is not, then I am considering one of these from Chilkoot Charters. Can anyone tell me their experience with this charter as well as what to expect on these. Please keep in mind I like to photograph. How long do you typically stay at each location for viewing and photographing? Thanks Tim What is the difference between the three bus and rail combination tours? We currently have 3 combination bus and rail excursions: 1) White Pass Summit Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 3.5 Hours Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser by train - 1 3/4 hours on train/return to Skagway by bus 2) Yukon Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 7.5 Hours (Depart 7:30AM ~ Return 3:00PM) Lunch: Caribou Crossing Trading Post Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser by train - 1 3/4 hours on train/Yukon Wildlife Museum/Husky Puppy Camp/Emerald Lake/From Fraser/Carcross/Emerald Lake and return to Skagway by bus 3) Skagway/Carcross Bus & Rail Excursion Duration: 9 Hours (Depart 7:30AM ~ Return 4:30PM) Lunch: Lake Bennett Train Depot Dining Hall Itinerary: Skagway/White Pass Summit/Fraser/Lake Bennett/Carcross by train - 4 1/2 hours on train + 1 1/2 hour lunch break at Lake Bennett - Bus from Carcross to Emerald Lake and return to Skagway See if this helps.................. BUS & RAIL EXCURSIONS 1) White Pass Summit Rail & Bus Excursion Duration: 3.5 Hours / Departure: 7:30AM & 12:00PM Itinerary: 1 3/4 hours on train to White Pass Summit & Fraser by train - Return to Skagway by bus 2) Yukon Rail & Bus Excursion Duration: 7 Hours / Departure: 7:30AM Lunch: Caribou Crossing Trading Post / Yukon Wildlife Museum / Husky Puppy Camp Lunch Included Itinerary: Skagway / White Pass Summit / Fraser by train - 1 3/4 hours on train to Fraser Fraser to Carcross & Emerald Lake and return to Skagway by bus 3) Yukon Rail & Bus Excursion With 15-Minute Dogsled Ride Same as #2 above plus dogsled ride included in this package 4) Skagway / Carcross Rail & Bus Excursion (May 22 - September 2, 2009) Duration: 9 Hours / Departure: 7:30AM Lunch: Lake Bennett Train Depot dining hall / Parks Canada Interpretive Displays Lunch Included Itinerary: 2 1/2 hours on train to White Pass Summit, Fraser & Lake Bennett 1 1/2 hours for lunch and layover at Lake Bennett 2 hours by train to Carcross - Carcross to Emerald Lake and return to Skagway by Bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.