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What to do in Skagway

mollydogsmom

By mollydogsmom,
in Alaska

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TexasBorderAussie

TexasBorderAussie

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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!!

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mapleleaves

mapleleaves

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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

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mollydogsmom

mollydogsmom

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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!!

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Alaskanb

Alaskanb

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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 by Alaskanb
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Cruisen Elf

Cruisen Elf

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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.

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Mindershire

Mindershire

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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

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Cornishpastyman1

Cornishpastyman1

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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

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dustyroad

dustyroad

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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 .:)

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ClaireyBear

ClaireyBear

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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).

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TheCalicoCat

TheCalicoCat

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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.

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Alaskanb

Alaskanb

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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.

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TheCalicoCat

TheCalicoCat

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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.

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Alaskanb

Alaskanb

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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.

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mycruise2000

mycruise2000

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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 by mycruise2000
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rjrpar

rjrpar

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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

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