mollydogsmom Posted January 22, 2016 #1 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Any recommendation of things to do while in Skagway? Will be with older parents so nothing too strenuous. Any suggestions/recommendations will be appreciated. Sharon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskanb Posted January 22, 2016 #2 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Any recommendation of things to do while in Skagway? Will be with older parents so nothing too strenuous. Any suggestions/recommendations will be appreciated. Sharon Would they enjoy the Chilkoot train ride? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasBorderAussie Posted January 22, 2016 #3 Share Posted January 22, 2016 The train is a highlight of the trip. We did that on our last cruise and really enjoyed.:) We like trains and was a nice way to see the scenery. We plan this year to rent a car and drive to Emerald Lake. Have seen many recommendations for the beautiful scenery and can do it at your own pace. Also a chance to get away from the stores!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxo Posted January 22, 2016 #4 Share Posted January 22, 2016 The Red Onion would not be strenuous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenox Posted January 22, 2016 #5 Share Posted January 22, 2016 we rented a car and drove all the way to Emerald lake. pretty relaxing 2-3 hr drive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mapleleaves Posted January 22, 2016 #6 Share Posted January 22, 2016 This report is from a traveler who is comparing their experiences of taking the train vs a rental car. They enjoyed both but perhaps reading the review and seeing the photos will help you with a decision. (there are many more photojournals and trip reports posted in STICKYs near the top of the page) http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2078780 Or take the train one way and a van tour the other. There are several tour vendors listed on the town web site. http://www.skagway.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted January 23, 2016 #7 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Any recommendation of things to do while in Skagway? Will be with older parents so nothing too strenuous. Any suggestions/recommendations will be appreciated. Sharon Based on that limitation alone - the train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollydogsmom Posted January 23, 2016 Author #8 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Thank you to all. I appreciate the information. I did look into the train and I also have read about the drive to Emerald Lake. So many things look good. The scenery alone is going to be fantastic. It's not like they are using walkers or anything, but just didn't want zip lining or anything like that. They definitely get around just fine.:D Does anyone know if the town itself is nice to talk around? Shopping or restaurants? Thank you all!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskanb Posted January 23, 2016 #9 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) http://skagway.com/ http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/skagwayonyourown.html#.VqLVPbArImo We walked around a little after our train excursion and while interesting it was none to exciting for us. If you read about the Klondike Gold Rush before you go it really brings the area to life. Highly recommend Pierre Berton's book http://www.amazon.com/Klondike-Last-Great-Gold-1896-1899/dp/0385658443 Also Sue Henry's mystery "Death Takes a Passage" is set in Skagway and the Inside Passage http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V1WVVG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1 Edited January 23, 2016 by Alaskanb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted January 23, 2016 #10 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) The National Park Service has a free walking tour. You do need to reserve tickets early in the day for it. Nothing too strenuous. Edited January 23, 2016 by Coral Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProfessorandtheGeek Posted January 23, 2016 #11 Share Posted January 23, 2016 (edited) We are renting a jeep and doing a self-guided tour using Alaska Green Jeeps. They have been great to work with, and we are looking forward to our tour. http://www.alaskagreenjeeps.com/ Edited January 23, 2016 by ProfessorandtheGeek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisen Elf Posted January 23, 2016 #12 Share Posted January 23, 2016 We booked an independent tour that includes a van ride to Emerald Lake and a train ride back to Skagway. This didn't sound too strenuous, but got us out & about in nature and covered a lot of territory, including the Yukon. We also sent away for the city guide from the link posted by Alaskanb, but haven't received it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mindershire Posted January 26, 2016 #13 Share Posted January 26, 2016 If you want to see some pictures of the town, check out the travelogue I wrote during our trip. There were quite a few shops to browse through, some places to stop and eat. We took a bus up to Fraser, did kayaking, and then took the train down. The kayaking was not intense at all and if your parents in are good health they might enjoy something slightly adventurous but not exerting. http://72hourstogo.blogspot.com/2015/08/day-14-skagway-alaska.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenox Posted January 26, 2016 #14 Share Posted January 26, 2016 it might be too late to rent a car for this summer. But definitely worth a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cornishpastyman1 Posted January 26, 2016 #15 Share Posted January 26, 2016 Any recommendation of things to do while in Skagway? Will be with older parents so nothing too strenuous. Any suggestions/recommendations will be appreciated. Sharon Hi Sharon This is what the most popular train and bus rides look like, with a quick glimpse of the town. [YOUTUBE]3WSaRzt5N0Q[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]aFpz4AHOcUs[/YOUTUBE] Seeing the town doesn't take long so even if you did a long day like I did you will still have time for a look around. All the best, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dustyroad Posted January 26, 2016 #16 Share Posted January 26, 2016 I also agree with the train ride with Chilkoot. It is a wonderful round trip ride. I also panned for gold on a tour with them once ( very easy ) and it was fun. You can go too their web site and see what they have too offer. Set on the LEFT side of the train ( face the engine ) when you leave Skagway to get the best views and then coming back down set on the RIGHT SIDE. Skagway is a small port so be prepared for it too be busy depending on how may ships are there the day you are there so I would not delay in booking a tour. Have a great time and I know all of you are going to love Alaska. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES .:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireyBear Posted January 27, 2016 #17 Share Posted January 27, 2016 If you're ever on Celebrity, you should try their Glass Blowing excursion in Skagway. Once-in-a-lifetime experience. You help blow your own glass piece, visit their store (which has many other beautiful glass pieces and other things, I got some lovely cards), and have lunch at the Jewell Gardens. Lovely time. The glass isn't cool enough to bring with you, so they ship it to you at home. Limited number of people, but well worth it. We're going back in 2017 and plan on doing it again. (And we're not into strenuous stuff, so it would be ok for anyone able to pretty easily get around). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted January 27, 2016 #18 Share Posted January 27, 2016 http://skagway.com/http://www.cruiseportinsider.com/skagwayonyourown.html#.VqLVPbArImo We walked around a little after our train excursion and while interesting it was none to exciting for us. If you read about the Klondike Gold Rush before you go it really brings the area to life. Highly recommend Pierre Berton's book http://www.amazon.com/Klondike-Last-Great-Gold-1896-1899/dp/0385658443 Also Sue Henry's mystery "Death Takes a Passage" is set in Skagway and the Inside Passage http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V1WVVG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1 Thanks for the Sue Henry recommendation. I like mysteries. (Can you compare her style to any other authors? or describe her style?) Sorry if this is considered hijacking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskanb Posted January 27, 2016 #19 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks for the Sue Henry recommendation. I like mysteries. (Can you compare her style to any other authors? or describe her style?) Sorry if this is considered hijacking. Grabbed this from Amazon: Sue Henry, whose award-winning Alaska mysteries have received the highest praise from readers and critics alike, has lived in Alaska for almost thirty years, and brings history, Alaskan lore, and the majestic beauty of the vast landscape to her mysteries. Based in Anchorage, she is currently at work on the next book in this series. I've enjoyed all her books that I've read--very well written. Can't compare her to anyone else. One of the other "Alaska-mystery" authors is Dana Stabenow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCalicoCat Posted January 27, 2016 #20 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Grabbed this from Amazon: Sue Henry, whose award-winning Alaska mysteries have received the highest praise from readers and critics alike, has lived in Alaska for almost thirty years, and brings history, Alaskan lore, and the majestic beauty of the vast landscape to her mysteries. Based in Anchorage, she is currently at work on the next book in this series.I've enjoyed all her books that I've read--very well written. Can't compare her to anyone else. One of the other "Alaska-mystery" authors is Dana Stabenow. Thanks. I'm not a fan of the more gruesome writers. I'm guessing that if her style fit that description that it would be mentioned in addition to AK history, lore and landscape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskanb Posted January 27, 2016 #21 Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks. I'm not a fan of the more gruesome writers. I'm guessing that if her style fit that description that it would be mentioned in addition to AK history, lore and landscape. Not gruesome that I recollect... I read on a Kindle but initially checked out her books at a used-book store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mycruise2000 Posted January 27, 2016 #22 Share Posted January 27, 2016 (edited) it might be too late to rent a car for this summer. But definitely worth a try I looked at the rental cars and its around $130 from Avis. As per suggestions from cruise critic friends I am going with dyea and dave as it costs slightly more than car. Edited January 27, 2016 by mycruise2000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisen Elf Posted January 30, 2016 #23 Share Posted January 30, 2016 I looked at the rental cars and its around $130 from Avis. As per suggestions from cruise critic friends I am going with dyea and dave as it costs slightly more than car. Sounds like a great plan! That way you can enjoy the scenery, too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjrpar Posted January 30, 2016 #24 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Any recommendation of things to do while in Skagway? Will be with older parents so nothing too strenuous. Any suggestions/recommendations will be appreciated. Sharon The one thing that shouldn't be missed is the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. Also, some good restaurants in town, sorry can't remember names, one is a brew house Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
generichandle Posted January 30, 2016 #25 Share Posted January 30, 2016 Not strenuous and uniquely beautiful is the White Pass Railroad tours. Take the longest available to your ship's stop, they go to different places if you get the longer ones. It's all good up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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