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Skagway Train VIP Car?


newmilford
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enhanceNewmilford, have you considered a one-way train trip? We did a Yukon Rail and Bus tour this summer that we booked through Chilkoot charters. (Their driver picks you up at the dock and takes you to the train station.) It was one of the highlights of our week. We were in a regular train car, not the VIP, but were so glad that we only took the train one-way. The mini-bus picked us up in Fraser and took us into the Yukon and Emerald Lake. The tour back to Skagway was fabulous (only 12 people on our tour), and we were able to see different scenery (including a couple of bear sightings) than we saw going up on the train, not to mention frequent stops to take pictures and stretch our legs.

 

We actually considered the VIP car option, but decided we would rather do a one-way train trip, which was a great choice for us. It would have been fun to ride in a luxury car, but we decided we would rather see a variety of scenery.

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Think you may have helped decide this one. Train up, Tour back. Thanks,

 

Glad to be of some assistance. One more thing to consider - we had the best tour with Chilkoot (Dyea Dave is also a popular company) and were so glad we didn't book through the cruise line. Our tour was small and personal, and we saw so much more than the cruise line train/bus excursion, who had to deal with the logistics of 40+ people getting on and off the bus at each stop. Our little mini-bus was out of the train station and on our way into the Yukon before the larger buses had even boarded their passengers.

 

We went with Princess on the Ruby. Here is a link to my (first and only) trip review. If you scroll down, you can see more details and pictures about our train/tour trip. I also found good information on Trip Advisor.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2533305

 

Have a great cruise!

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enhanceNewmilford, have you considered a one-way train trip? We did a Yukon Rail and Bus tour this summer that we booked through Chilkoot charters. (Their driver picks you up at the dock and takes you to the train station.) It was one of the highlights of our week. We were in a regular train car, not the VIP, but were so glad that we only took the train one-way. The mini-bus picked us up in Fraser and took us into the Yukon and Emerald Lake. The tour back to Skagway was fabulous (only 12 people on our tour), and we were able to see different scenery (including a couple of bear sightings) than we saw going up on the train, not to mention frequent stops to take pictures and stretch our legs.

 

We actually considered the VIP car option, but decided we would rather do a one-way train trip, which was a great choice for us. It would have been fun to ride in a luxury car, but we decided we would rather see a variety of scenery.

 

Totally 200% agree - booked with Chikoot too and what an amazing day - Fab driver - only about 12 on bus so all got a window seat and he stopped where ever or when ever we wanted - it was amazing

 

 

And this was Sept - last trip of the season for them

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Think you may have helped decide this one. Train up, Tour back. Thanks,

 

You might consider doing it in the opposite direction - bus up and train back. In the morning there is often fog/clouds that can block the view from the train. The bus can be up and over the mountains rather quickly and into clear skies (assuming the day is otherwise nice). The fog & clouds will have time to burn off before you come back on the train sometime in the afternoon - you'll see everything much better. That's not necessarily how it always is but something to consider.

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You might consider doing it in the opposite direction - bus up and train back. In the morning there is often fog/clouds that can block the view from the train. The bus can be up and over the mountains rather quickly and into clear skies (assuming the day is otherwise nice). The fog & clouds will have time to burn off before you come back on the train sometime in the afternoon - you'll see everything much better. That's not necessarily how it always is but something to consider.

 

This was not an option for us as it was literally the last day of the season. It was amazing - we did keep going through cloud but it never spoilt is one bit

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How interesting. Never thought of this. Will have to look it up. We go in July on the Pearl.

 

We were so glad that we weren't on the ship's train/bus excursion. Mike, our Chilkoot guide, gave us helpful tips before we even boarded the train. One example was his advice for us to use the restroom on the train about 1/2 hr before we reached Fraser, right before they lock the restrooms on the train. By following this advice, we were able to hop into our mini-bus and head to the Yukon, while the big buses were waiting for their passengers standing in line at the train station restrooms.

 

As an added bonus, Mike was a former photography/visual arts major, and took fabulous pictures of us at our frequent stops (which he timed to be ahead of the big buses.) Thanks to his skill, we were able to take pictures of the train at different crossings in the distance, since he knew exactly when it was going to cross certain bridges!

 

enhance

 

Not to mention the bears we were lucky enough to see!

 

enhance

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