Skagway, Alaska

Skagway Historical City Tour and Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
(2 3/4 hours) Take a firsthand look at Skagway, the gateway city to the Klondike gold fields, as your guide tells lively tales of this boom town. You will visit the gold rush cemetery and the final resting place of some of the original Iron Horse steam engines of the White Pass and Yukon Railway. A visit to Liarsville, a restored gold rush trail camp community will fascinate you with its antiques, mementos, and vintage clothing left behind by the men and women who braved hardships on the trail. Try your hand at gold panning. A snack will be provided as you are entertained with tales.

Eagles Preserve Float and Glacier Flightseeing Adventure
(6 hours) Your journey begins with a 45 minute scenic flight over dazzling snow-capped summits, jagged peaks and blue glaciers. Landing in Haines, you will be met by your guide who will take you for a drive up the Chilkat Valley to the eagle preserve for a float trip down the Chilkat in an inflatable raft. The shallow river  is loaded with salmon making their way upstream to return to their spawning grounds. This plentiful source of fish attracts scores of eagles, affording viewing opportunities as you silently float by. You may even spot a glimpse of moose, wolves and grizzly bears. Before the return flight, you will be treated to a delicious picnic-style lunch.  Boots and ponchos will be provided
NOTE: Warm clothing and extra socks are recommended.

Chilkoot Trail and Glacier Tour
(1 1/2 hours) Lifting above the Taiya Inlet in your helicopter, you will view the historic town of Skagway and Dyea, gateway for the tortuous Chilkoot trail to the Klondike gold fields. You will leave civilization behind and enter the valley of the blue and white glaciers surging between high mountain peaks; The pilot will land and point out the features of these magnificent glaciers.

Dyea Mountain Bike and Float Adventure
(3 1/4 hours) On your way to a magnificent overlook, you will tour the historic downtown district of Skagway as your guide recounts tales of this town's colorful gold rush past. Then hop on your specially equipped mountain bike for a beautiful coastal ride to the historic town of Dyea, once a thriving boomtown and the gateway to the Klondike, at the head of the famous Chilkoot Trail. After the 9 mile bike ride, the last part of your journey is a peaceful float trip down the gentle Taiya River. Relax and enjoy the serenity of this special valley as your guide tells you about the history of the area.

Glacier Explorer: Pilots' Choice
(2 hours) Lifting above the Taiya Inlet in your helicopter, you will view the historic town of Skagway and Dyea, gateway for the tortuous Chilkoot trail to the Klondike gold fields. You will leave civilization behind and enter the valley of the blue and white glaciers surging between high mountain peaks; The pilot will land and point out the features of these magnificent glaciers.

Klondike Summit and Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp
(3 hours) Follow the trail of 1898 as your motor coach climbs over 3290' past breathtaking scenery to the summit of the Klondike highway. A visit to Liarsville, a restored gold rush trail camp community will fascinate you with its antiques, mementos, and vintage clothing left behind by the men and women who braved hardships on the trail. Try your hand at gold panning. A snack will be provided as you are entertained with tales, before your return back to Skagway.

Skagway Sportfishing
(3 hours) Beautiful Lynn Canal provides the perfect backdrop for your excursion aboard a 26' cabin cruiser, fully equipped with everything you need to catch "the big one".  Your catch will be cleaned on board; processing and shipping are available for a fee. While fishing, you may encounter whales, porpoise, sea lions and other marine wildlife to further enhance your experience.
NOTE: Alaska law requires a 1-day fishing license and a King Salmon stamp ($20 total) which may be purchased on board.

Skagway Sea Kayaking
(2 1/2 hours) After a safety and instruction briefing, you will board the 2-person kayaks. Your adventure begins from historic Skagway and moves to the beautiful Taiya Inlet, Nahku Bay at the head of the Lynn Canal and along the coastline as the guide tells of the natural history, flora and fauna of the area. You will view glaciers, rock formations, historic buildings and a variety of wildlife including seals, whales, otters, salmon and eagles.  The guide continues with a narration on the Klondike Gold Rush National Park and ghost town of Dyea before your return trip
NOTE: You must be in good physical condition.

Valley of the Eagles Tour and Glacier Flightseeing
(4 hours) Leave Skagway behind as you fly over the fjords nestled between the majestic coastal range en route to the Chilkat Valley and Haines, where you will board a bus for a leisurely drive along the coastal beach watching for porpoise, seal, salmon, whales and bald eagles. The Chilkoot River, the ancestral fishing grounds for the Tlingit Indians, is teeming with salmon which draws bears and other wildlife to it. Next, to the old growth rain forest where you will discover Alaska's wild edibles and take home a gift of delicious wild berry jam.  On the return, you will fly over lush valleys and the stunning blue ice fields.

Chilkoot "Trail of Gold" Hike
(3 1/2 hours) Begin with an overview of historic Skagway along the beautiful waterfront en route to the abandoned town site of Dyea at the head of the Chilkoot Trail. Porpoise, seals and eagles are spotted frequently. Then it's time to embark on your 2 mile hiking adventure on the famous "Gateway to Gold". The trail is fairly rigorous and offers an unforgettable taste of what 30,000 stampeders experienced almost 100 years ago. Along the way, you will stop for a light snack. Once you have conquered the Chilkoot, your van will meet you and drive you back to downtown Skagway or to the ship.

White Pass and Yukon Route Rail/Bus/Gold Rush
(5 hours) Your journey begins on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, passing by beautiful waterfalls, sheer drop-offs, and learning the history of the Klondike stampeders who followed this same path. At Fraser, in the heart of the Tormented Valley, you'll disembark the train and board a motor coach for the return trip along the Klondike Highway.  Passing beautiful glacier carved valleys, you will head toward the gold rush trail camp for an unforgettable time gold panning and exploring this "tent city" from a bygone era. Your adventure ends with a tour of Skagway's historic downtown. You may opt to stay in town and explore the boardwalks and quaint shops.

White Pass Summit Excursion
(3 hours) There is no railroad quite like the White Pass and Yukon Route. Almost 100 years later, you will ride aboard an old fashioned parlor car as you retrace the original route to the summit of White Pass.  The wilderness unfolds outside your window as you climb this steep grade past Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and Inspiration Point. After reaching the White Pass Summit, the international boundary between the U.S. and Canada, you will return back to the ship.

Yukon Territory Scenic Drive
(5 hours) Following the White Pass trail of 1898, bordered by waterfalls, glaciers and peaks, you will cross the Klondike Summit at 3290' above sea level and stop to view the ghost town of Log Cabin in British Columbia, where mail was dispatched by dog sled to nearby mining towns. Traveling along the many lakes that feed into the Yukon River, you will explore the village of Caribou Crossing with its picturesque hotel and general store.   Before your return, enjoy a home-style lunch at Spirit Lake Lodge.

Chilkoot Horse Back Adventure
(3 1/4 hours) Your tour begins through historic Skagway en route to the rustic back country wilderness to the valley of Dyea and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. At the hitching posts, you will be fitted with riding gear and receive an orientation on riding techniques.  Once on the trail, the guides will tell the history of the valley once filled with gold hungry stampeders before arriving at the open Dyea flats where you will see spawning salmon and have photo opportunities. On the return, you will ride through the spectacular forest, past the Slide Cemetery where 60 stampeders were buried after an avalanche on the trail. Back at the hitching post, you will be served a light snack.

Laughton Glacier Heli-Hiking
(5 1/2 hours) The tour begins with a breathtaking helicopter flight out of Skagway into the steep, narrow peaks and valleys of the northern Tongass. Upon landing at the head of the trail, you will be equipped and prepared for the 4 mile, 3-hour hike which takes you along the Skagway River for a spectacular view of the Laughton Glacier. The guides will provide information on the flora, fauna and history of the area and there will be opportunities for viewing wildlife such as moose, mountain goats and bears. After the hike, guests will be treated to beverages. Your return to Skagway is via the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a 1 hour ride that winds through 14 miles of coastal mountains.
NOTE: This tour requires rigorous walking over rugged, damp and uneven terrain; sturdy walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing are recommended.

Haines Wilderness Kayak Experience
(7 1/2 hours) Your tour begins aboard the ms Fairweather bound for Haines just 12 miles south, where you will be fitted with a life vest and given a thorough introduction to kayaking skills. Gliding just inches above the water, you will marvel at the unique and enchanting view of an unforgettable Alaskan wilderness. Marine mammals, bald eagles and bears may be observed right from your kayak as well as spectacular glacial views, thundering waterfalls and breathtaking vistas and waterways. At the end of your paddle adventure, you will board the ms Fairweather for a scenic cruise back to Skagway. Rain gear and a bag lunch are provided.

Scenic Cruise and Visit to Haines
(6 hours) Enjoy a 14 mile cruise down Lynn Canal to picturesque Haines. Learn about the incredible fjord in which you are traveling, the wildlife, the colorful history of the gold rush and the Chilkat Tlingit people who have lived in the area for centuries.   Once in Haines, you can wander the streets of this charming town and explore the shops, art galleries, museum and cultural center for Tlingit artifacts. Haines is well known as the spot of the largest gathering of American bald eagles (our national symbol) in North America.

Denver Glacier Hiking Tour
(5 1/2 hours) Begin your scenic trip aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway, passing by beautiful waterfalls and sheer drop-offs.  Disembarking at Denver Trailhead, you will start your 5 mile hike along the Skagway River as the guide provides information on the valleys, forest, wildlife and geology. After climbing free of the forest floor, you will be greeted with a stunning view of the hanging blue ice of the Denver glacier.  Enjoy a light snack before the return trip.
NOTE: You must be in good physical shape for this hike which extends 5 miles over uneven and sometimes difficult terrain (elevation 1000'); lightweight hiking boots are recommended.

Trail of '98 by Motor Coach
(5 1/2 hours) Begin your 65 mile journey up the spectacular Klondike Highway, paralleling the historic White Pass Trail of '98 and the White Pass and Yukon Railway, an engineering masterpiece that is etched into the side of the mountain.  Pass through several geographical changes as you leave a lush rain forest to an alpine forest and then to the moonscape of the Tormented Valley, where ancient, twisted trees cling to rock polished smooth by prehistoric glaciers. Take in the natural beauty of the waterfalls and glaciers that highlight this route. Upon arrival at Frontierland, a barbecue lunch will be served. Then stroll through Heritage Park and view the live Dall sheep and lynx or visit the wildlife gallery.

Water Cruise/Jet Boat/Flight Tour
(7 1/2 hours) Learn the history of the gold rush while cruising aboard the m/v Fair Weather to Haines. The staff, Tlingit natives who have been raised in the valley will share their culture with you. In Haines, you will board a jet boat on the Chilkat River which will take you into the heart of the bald eagle preserve and travel into the natural unspoiled wilderness which is abundant with moose and bears. After the river tour, you will be served lunch around a crackling campfire with the Hess', a true Alaskan family. Just when you thought you had seen it all, you will return by air to Skagway with an eagle's view of the Chilkat Valley and its surrounding mountains.

Ice Age Exploration - Glacier Country Flightseeing Tour
(1¼ hours) Take to the air to behold the magnificent sights of the Northern Inside Passage and the route first explored by John Muir more than 100 years ago. Alaska's glaciers beckon you with their promise of ice-blue monoliths calving into the sea, plunging crevasses capped by craggy pinnacles and rivers of ice flowing from the ice fields from which they were born. Throughout the tour, the flight crew will tell you about the history, geography and sourdough lore of the region.

Klondike Summit Tour
(1½ hours) Follow the trail of 1898 as your motor coach climbs over 3290' to the summit of the Klondike Highway. Frequent photo stops will be made while locating the original Dead Horse Trail, the trestles and tunnels of the White Pass and Yukon Railroad, Pitch Fork Falls, Moore Bridge and numerous surrounding glaciers and peaks. At the United States and Canada Border, a stop is made before returning back down to Skagway.

Salmon Cook-Out with Campfire Theater and Gold Panning
(2 hours) For a dining experience you will never forget, board your motor coach for a trip to the Gold Rush Trail Camp located on the outskirts of Skagway. This historic sight was a much needed rest stop for miners hiking over the treacherous White Pass Trail. Chefs prepare your Alaskan salmon dinner over an open campfire using recipes handed down by the women who cooked in the camps in 1898. After dinner, try your hand at gold panning or take time to wander through the bath house, general store, saloon and bordello to view the antiques, mementos and vintage clothing left behind. Gather around the campfire as an old sourdough entertains you with tales and chilling stories of the men and women who braved hardships on the trail.

Klondike Freshwater Fishing
(5 hours) Freshwater fishing awaits you in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. At the shoreline of Maud Lake, a jet boat will take you to your fishing hole where an experienced guide will show you the techniques of fly fishing and spin casting as you go for the big one. A light snack will await you by the campfire after your fishing escapade is over.