Skagway-Ultimate Yukon&White Pass RR Excursion

[keishashadow]

Our 1st visit to Alaska, hubby requested riding the train, this one is def the longest tours (8 hours) that NCL offers, anybody try it before; went ahead & booked, yet wondering if it's worth paying nearly double the base RR tour:confused: or one of the ones that throw in gold panning

 

described as a 63 mile journey to yukon territory (yukon river, world's smallest desert) via escorted bus tour to Carcross/caribou crossing from Skagway; lunch & museum, mentioned wooly mamouth:rolleyes:im smelling hokey lol; then a stop @ dog musher's village for pics & petting

 

back to fraser, BC, & board white pass RR back to Skagway

[Manzy154]

I have seen many people on here say that tour is a good one. I have uit booked myself. You may want to check with Chilkoot Charters. Their price was very close to the actual train company and a lot cheaper than what Princess wanted. they will also shuttle you to the train. If you call them they were very hepful on the phone as well. Hope you have fun.

[SammieCat]

I just booked the Yukon Rail and Bus Excursion through Chilkoot Charters. The itinerary includes the train to White Pass Summit/Fraser, then by bus from Fraser to Carcross and Emerald Lake. They'll pick you up and return you to the dock. It is $175/pp (7.5 hours excursion) and includes lunch, the museum, and husky puppy camp (which I'm looking forward to the most!). I've corresponded with the staff by email and they have been extremely helpful and prompt in their replies.

[krogerlady]

I agree with Manzy. Check with Chilkoot. We are taking their 7 hour tour, and doing everything you mentioned, and also get to see Emerald Lake. It was $175 plus what ever you deem fit to tip your drivers. The tour leaves at 7:30 am, so that may not fit your ship schedule. Here is Chilkoots site

http://www.chilkootcharters.com/

[themerle]

We are doing the 9 hr. train ride with Chilkoot this year. Can't wait! It cost $228 per person vs. $299 for a 8 1/2 hr. thru Princess.

[keishashadow]

I agree with Manzy. Check with Chilkoot. We are taking their 7 hour tour, and doing everything you mentioned, and also get to see Emerald Lake. It was $175 plus what ever you deem fit to tip your drivers. The tour leaves at 7:30 am, so that may not fit your ship schedule. Here is Chilkoots site

http://www.chilkootcharters.com/

 

thanks for posting the link, from pics ive seen Emerald Lake would really be a highpoint, would hate to miss it. I'm getting frustrated when calling NCL re excursion details/clarification, the operators tend to not have much further info than what is posted on their site. I posed whether their tour goes specifically to Emerald Lake & was told they didn't know:rolleyes:. Same answer i got when wondering what size/type of boat is used in misty fjords excursion they offer (whether those with neck/back issues should avoid)

 

im chicken to book such a long tour & cut it so close to ship departure, as im afraid a mechanical issue would arise. We had a bus break down on long tour to Xuantunich in Belize and would've been out of luck, they had to hold the ship until we returned...would've been on our own if booked independently.

 

here's the full description from the site, i highlighted the section re 'lakes' does this sound like maybe Emerald Lake is included?

 

Climb aboard a deluxe motorcoach for a 65-mile journey to experience the magic of the famed Yukon Territory. You'll climb the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass at 3,292 feet above sea level. Majestic peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers can all be experienced on this incredible drive. Leaving the White Pass and the U.S. behind, you'll enter Canada, and see the unspoiled beauty of the Yukon Territory. Marvel at the chain of lakes that form the headwaters of the Yukon River, explore the rustic town of Caribou Crossing (Carcross), snap a quick photo of the 'world's smallest desert,' and enjoy the tales of the Klondike Gold Rush. At Caribou Crossing, you'll be treated to a delicious chicken barbeque lunch complete with grandma's famous homemade donuts. After your meal, you'll have the opportunity to tour the Yukon's museum exhibit of local wildlife, including the Ice Age Wooly Mammoth. Carry on to the Dog Musher's Village, where you can visit with Yukon Quest dog mushers and take pictures with the racing dogs and puppies. Once back at Fraser, British Columbia, you'll board the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for an unforgettable and breathtaking ride. Note: This excursion enters Canada - all participants are required to carry a valid passport. This is due to Canadian Immigration and Customs clearance in Fraser.

[agabbymama]

This is a nice map of the area. While it shows Carcross, I don't see Caribou Crossing where the museum and pups are. But it does snow Emerald Lake and the Desert.

 

http://members.tripod.com/~placerstrike/lakesmap.html

 

While Emerald Lake is pretty, I wouldn't pay $175 pp to see it. Do a little more research, I've read that Chilkoot Charts has shorter tours, but then I think the White Pass Yukon RR does too. You don't have to book the one from your cruiseline.

[krogerlady]

The tour sounds very much like chilkoots. I was quite concerned about booking independants, but if you'll notice on chilkoot's site, they guarantee you'll make it back for your ship, or they will provide transportation to the next port. I sent them several e-mails and was told they have never had to make good on that guarantee yet. The independants live and breathe by the cruise schedules. They make their whole years income basically while the ships are in port. They would lose their reputation if just one time they didn't get you back, and thus, their income. Its very competitive, and that is exactly the reason the independant tour operators are so darn nice when you communicate with them. So with that being said, maybe you can make a decision to do the tour that will get you the most bang for the buck!!

[keishashadow]

:ono, i didn't notice it on the site, thanx for giving me the head's up, will re-evaluate

 

many thanx for map link! a guidebook i browsed thru referenced Caribou Crossing and Carcross as same area

[jrw]

a guidebook i browsed thru referenced Caribou Crossing and Carcross as same area

 

Yes, CARibou CROSSing -- that is how "Carcross" was derived :)

[jrw]

Not even a debate, IMHO, Chilkoot Charters is the way to go. I've done ship's tour (WP&YR rail trip, 3 hrs, in 1999) and Chilkoot's 7-hr Yukon Bus & Rail (September 2008). Chilkoot is far superior and I'd book with them again in the future. Their "bus" is more of a van that carries about 20 passengers, allowing them to make many more stops than just the "planned" ones on a ship's tour. If someone sees something of interest (wildlife mostly), they will stop the bus, it's really more of a personalized tour than being herded like cattle on ship's tour (typically motorcoach -- not as good of a view from inside, either). Chilkoot also has their own private railcar for the WP&YR railroad segment, which was really nice. No crowding, only those with Chilkoot had access to that railcar. I've done it both ways, and it was just so much better with Chilkoot.

 

Emerald Lake is awesome. I can see how some figure it is "just another lake", but everyone in our group was oohing & aahing -- not just the photographers, like me. Speaking of photos, we had a nice LONG stop at Bridal Veil Falls, which is only viewable "up close" if you have a portion by road (not just by rail). Maybe some won't be excited over that, but I was thrilled for the excellent photo op.

 

I have to say that the Chilkoot excursion was the best I've been on, not only for the sights to be seen, but also because they are a class-act outfit who truly cater to their customers and go out of their way to make it memorable. They know that for many people, it is their only chance to see Alaska and they strive to provide that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just fantastic people to deal with.

 

And, no worries on making it back to your ship. Someone else posted about that and it is true -- Chilkoot has NEVER returned their passengers late. And yes, I know mechanical problems can happen, but they don't have just 1 van -- if something should happen, they WILL get another vehicle out to retrieve the group. There is a reason they've never had to "pay out" on that guarantee -- they are a class-act! You will not regret going with Chilkoot :D

[keishashadow]

Yes, CARibou CROSSing -- that is how "Carcross" was derived :)

 

ahhh, secret is revealed;)thanks

 

fyi, i did email the tour company, unfortunately it won't work for us, aboard the NCL Star, heads up to others sailing it...brought over part of email response i received

 

The Carcross tour will not work for your ship the train is south bound and will not arrive till 4:30 pm and your all aborad is 4:30 pm.

 

How ever the 7.5 hour Yukon tour will work, getting you back in town around 2:30 pm or 3 pm at the latest. We have ten seats left for this

tour.

I was impressed with their timely response & attention to detail in the quote, too bad we can't utilize their services:(

[jrw]

ahhh, secret is revealed;)thanks

 

fyi, i did email the tour company, unfortunately it won't work for us, aboard the NCL Star, heads up to others sailing it...brought over part of email response i received

 

The Carcross tour will not work for your ship the train is south bound and will not arrive till 4:30 pm and your all aborad is 4:30 pm.

 

How ever the 7.5 hour Yukon tour will work, getting you back in town around 2:30 pm or 3 pm at the latest. We have ten seats left for this

tour.

 

I was impressed with their timely response & attention to detail in the quote, too bad we can't utilize their services:(

 

We did the tour that they are saying will work for you, and it was fabulous! Is there a reason you are not considering that one? At the time we were there (late in season), the 9-hr tour was finished for the year, so our only choice was the 7.5-hr and we absolutely loved it! Unless there is something specific on the 9-hr that you feel you must see, I would suggest taking the 7.5-hr...it was excellent! :)

 

Oh, and another reason the 7.5-hr (in this case) would be even better -- you would do the train UP and the bus BACK. That makes the trip more flexible with stops on the road portion. I would not be nearly as keen on taking the train back -- I much prefer the train first thing in the morning and then the bus. If you do decide to take the 7.5-hr tour with train first, be sure to sit on the LEFT side of the train, as that is the side with the best views for the vast majority of the train ride when heading UP the mountain.

[Yukon]

Yes, CARibou CROSSing -- that is how "Carcross" was derived :)

 

A clarification, perhaps - Caribou Crossing was the original name for Carcross, but it's also the current name of the tourist operation (wildlife museum, husky camp,. etc) just north of Carcross. That operation is still listed in some publications by its old name, Frontierland.

[keishashadow]

We did the tour that they are saying will work for you, and it was fabulous! Is there a reason you are not considering that one? At the time we were there (late in season), the 9-hr tour was finished for the year, so our only choice was the 7.5-hr and we absolutely loved it! Unless there is something specific on the 9-hr that you feel you must see, I would suggest taking the 7.5-hr...it was excellent! :)

 

DH was looking for longest period of time riding the train, which is why i was leaning to the 9 hour one.

Oh, and another reason the 7.5-hr (in this case) would be even better -- you would do the train UP and the bus BACK. That makes the trip more flexible with stops on the road portion. I would not be nearly as keen on taking the train back -- I much prefer the train first thing in the morning and then the bus. If you do decide to take the 7.5-hr tour with train first, be sure to sit on the LEFT side of the train, as that is the side with the best views for the vast majority of the train ride when heading UP the mountain.

 

excellent point, which i directed to NCL agent who indicated that the bus gives better flexibility for stopping on the way up both scheduled stops and just to checkout something the guide sees of interest...of course, she could just be overcoming my objections:rolleyes:to make the sale

 

left side up, right side down:)?

[jrw]

We did the tour that they are saying will work for you, and it was fabulous! Is there a reason you are not considering that one? At the time we were there (late in season), the 9-hr tour was finished for the year, so our only choice was the 7.5-hr and we absolutely loved it! Unless there is something specific on the 9-hr that you feel you must see, I would suggest taking the 7.5-hr...it was excellent! :)

 

DH was looking for longest period of time riding the train, which is why i was leaning to the 9 hour one.

 

On either the 7.5hr or the 9hr, you have a long & wonderful train ride. I would have considered the 9hr, but that one ended for the season before we were there -- however, the 7.5hr was wonderful. I wouldn't pass it up just because the 9hr won't work with your ship schedule. I guess I look at it this way -- if there is any chance this will be your only time to Alaska, take the 7.5hr rather than foregoing it entirely. If you are sure you will go back, then you might want to do the 9hr some other time (just make sure the itinerary includes enough port time for this when you choose the sailing).

 

Chilkoot's site states the 7.5hr tour has a 1-3/4 hr train ride. It does not specify (that I can see) the train duration for the 9hr tour. I called them out of curiousity and indeed that tour's train portion is a lot longer (more like 4 hrs). I just had to satisfy my curiousity, as I never looked into the 9hr since it wasn't available when we went.

 

Oh, and another reason the 7.5-hr (in this case) would be even better -- you would do the train UP and the bus BACK. That makes the trip more flexible with stops on the road portion. I would not be nearly as keen on taking the train back -- I much prefer the train first thing in the morning and then the bus. If you do decide to take the 7.5-hr tour with train first, be sure to sit on the LEFT side of the train, as that is the side with the best views for the vast majority of the train ride when heading UP the mountain.

 

excellent point, which i directed to NCL agent who indicated that the bus gives better flexibility for stopping on the way up both scheduled stops and just to checkout something the guide sees of interest...of course, she could just be overcoming my objections:rolleyes:to make the sale

 

left side up, right side down:)?

 

For the train, yes, right side heading back down (but it seemed as though the Chilkoot rep indicated the 7.5hr on your day there would be train "up", which is better because it's more flexible with timing, whereas the train is hard & fast, you have to be there or you miss it). On the bus, best viewing side is a bit of each. On a Chilkoot "bus" (more like van), the visibility from either side is excellent, and you will stop at ALL of the best points of interest and are able to get out -- making it irrelevant on which side you sit for the bus portion. I always try to "stake out" the best vantage point, being camera-happy, but it honestly made little difference because there were sights on both sides and it was easy to see no matter where we were seated.

[keishashadow]

thanks, yes the private excursion is on way up, NCL's on way back

 

i did read something (info overload from planning this last min cruise, can't remember if gleaned from guidebook or here:o) that they make you change seats midway so everybody gets a chance to see the better scenery on the train:confused:

[sherryf]

thanks, yes the private excursion is on way up, NCL's on way back

 

i did read something (info overload from planning this last min cruise, can't remember if gleaned from guidebook or here:o) that they make you change seats midway so everybody gets a chance to see the better scenery on the train:confused:

 

They do this on the round trip train rides, so half the passengers get the good seats on the way up, and the other half on the way down. Don't know if they do any seat swapping if you are on a one way trip.

[keishashadow]

They do this on the round trip train rides, so half the passengers get the good seats on the way up, and the other half on the way down. Don't know if they do any seat swapping if you are on a one way trip.

 

ah, okay, that makes sense; we'll just try & stake out the 'good' seats then:)

[kenish]

We rode the train as part of a tour arranged by Dyea Dave. There were only 10 people in our entire car. The cruiseline reserved cars were packed!

[keishashadow]

i went back to chilkroots site & see they also have a dog sled option for $30 more pp, 15 min ride...figure it's a cart vs snow? anybody try or see it in action?

[dottiedef]

This might seem like a silly question but WHICH side is the left side--the left facing forward or the left as you get on and look back through the train????

 

Thanks

 

Dottie

[Yukon]

i went back to chilkroots site & see they also have a dog sled option for $30 more pp, 15 min ride...figure it's a cart vs snow? anybody try or see it in action?

 

Here's the cart ride you'd go on - http://www.yukonhuskies.com/kennel_tours.html

[Yukon]

This might seem like a silly question but WHICH side is the left side--the left facing forward or the left as you get on and look back through the train???

 

Heading uphill on the train you want the left side as you face the front of the train.

[jrw]

i went back to chilkroots site & see they also have a dog sled option for $30 more pp, 15 min ride...figure it's a cart vs snow? anybody try or see it in action?

 

When I was speaking w/the Chilkoot people over a year ago (for last Sept excursion), they said the dog sled is mostly for kids. Adults can do it, but not many do. We opted not to and we just "visited" with the puppies, and watched the dog sleds. There is no snow and it's a cart that holds several people. Look for posts by "MercedMike", I saw one recently by him on this topic and he seemed to have enjoyed it. You could also call Chilkoot and get more info from them to decide. They were not trying to sway me either way, just stating a fact that mostly children do this though adults are welcome to as well.