Your tour begins at the pier where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide. Your small, intimate group will board a van and drive through Skagway’s historic district and residential district en route to the backcountry and the gold rush era town of Dyea. On this excursion in Skagway, hear tales about Skagway’s time as a gold rush boom town as your guide points out some of its historic buildings. Driving through Skagway’s residential district you’ll learn all kinds of interesting facts about this wonderful town.
Once out of town, your tour leads over a mountain road to what was once the gold rush city of Dyea. Along the way you’ll stop at the Naku Bay overlook and peer down the inside passage – North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Next, head to the trailhead of the Chilkoot Trail. This world-famous trail was the main route to the riches of the Klondike during the gold rush over 100 years ago. Now a tranquil place of incredible beauty, the trail winds through a lush rainforest alive with birds, animals and wildflowers. Here, your guide weaves an entertaining mix of natural history and Klondike folklore.
Next, your tour heads out to the abandoned gold rush town of Dyea. The spruce and hemlock trees grow along what were once the streets of a bustling town full of stampeders seeking fortune. Before returning to Skagway, you’ll get some more great photo opportunities at the Taiya River overlook and a fantastic look at Skagway from above at the Skagway overlook. This tour is a great way to discover and learn about Skagway – A small town with a lot to see.
(~15 minutes) – Your friendly guide will meet you near the Skagway Small Boat harbor sign and restrooms. Here they will take the opportunity to get to know you and provide answers to any questions that you might have about your upcoming excursion and complete any necessary paperwork.
(~10 minutes) – Tour of historic Skagway and residential District.
(~20 minutes) – We’ll head out of town and stop at the Naku Bay overlook.
(~25 minutes) – We’ll make our way along the coast towards the Chilkoot Trail trailhead, and learn more about the Gold Rush. (bathroom stop)
(~25 minutes) – We’ll journey to the historic townsite of Dyea.
(~15 minutes) – As we retrace our steps back towards town, we’ll stop at an overlook of the Taiya River.
(~25minutes) – Before returning to Skagway, we’ll stop at the Skagway overlook, and then return to the dock.
Where will I meet my guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Otherwise the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says “Skagway and Haines Excursions”.
Who are my guides?
You guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes – restrooms are available on the dock prior to departing, and at the Chilkoot Trail trailhead.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
