Trip Report-Consider Renting a Car for Cruise Ship Stop

Question

We cruised Alaska 8 years ago and got to stop at Emerald Lake for a few minutes on our tour. We booked an Alaska cruise again for August and I knew if I ever went again I wanted to rent a car so I could spend as much time as I wanted there. It was as emerald green as I remembered! So beautiful! You just have to see it to believe it!

We rented a car in Skagway. Per reviews Affordable Car Rental seemed like the best option. $200 for 1 day was expensive but this is what I wanted to do. The we brought along our friends who joined us on this cruise. The main goal was getting to Emerald Lake. You need passports for crossing into Canada. We travelled up the Yukon with many stops to take photos of all the beauty we were seeing. (Same on the way back) It was raining off and on so there were lots of waterfalls.

Along the way we came to a traffic stop. There had been a landslide and we had to wait for the pilot car to guide us thru. We watched the many trucks going by hauling dirt and rocks to be dumped somewhere. When the pilot car came thru with vehicles coming from the other way, it was our turn to follow.

Whoa! Mega landslide! I heard that no one got hurt from this which was good. But it was like a whole mountain fell down. They had big equipment vehicles pushing dirt down so it could be scooped up and loaded on the trucks, lots of trucks. They had cleared an area so vehicles could get thru. We wouldn't have been able to tell where it was safe to drive so I was thankful for the pilot car.

This land slide was so big I could only get small portions of it in the pictures I was trying to take. We didn't feel scared but it made us realize the "watch for landslides" road signs are no joke! We've never seen anything like this before! They had been having a lot of rain which explains all the waterfalls.

We stopped in Caracross, a nice little town we only got to visit for 15 minutes last trip. They have the cutest little shops and lots of information pamphlets at the visitor center. They even gave us each a little gift for stopping. I picked a luggage tag with a northern lights picture on it. We got an ice cream cone snack in one of the shops. Yumm!

Emerald Lake is not very far once you get to Caracross. We had the car for the day so when we got back to Skagway we sought out a real Alaskan Fish Restaurant. I think it was called Skagway Fish. It was amazing! I had halibut and the waitress said "she was swimming yesterday!"

It was a very memorable day. We all enjoyed our visit a lot. I hope to visit and spend a week there sometime in the future. (Added to my bucket list!)

Answer

Renting a car in Skagway for a cruise ship stop can greatly enhance your visit to Emerald Lake and the surrounding areas. With a rental car, you have the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make multiple stops for sightseeing and photography, which is difficult on standard tours.

Trip Highlights:

Emerald Lake: The primary destination, noted for its stunning emerald green waters and breathtaking scenery. A must-see for nature photography and appreciating the beauty of the Yukon landscape.
Caracross: A charming small town with quaint shops, a visitor center offering information and small gifts, and local treats like ice cream cones. A good spot to break up the drive.
Road Conditions and Safety: Be aware that landslides can occur, especially after heavy rain. Pilot cars may guide traffic through affected areas, and it’s important to follow all road signs and instructions.
Wildlife and Scenery: The drive along the Yukon is scenic with waterfalls, rivers, and potential wildlife sightings. Rain can enhance the waterfall views, adding to the photographic opportunities.

Logistics and Tips:

Car Rental: Affordable Car Rental in Skagway is a good option, though expect higher prices for one-day rentals ($200 in this report).
Border Crossing: Passports are required for crossing into Canada to visit Emerald Lake. Ensure all travelers have valid documentation.
Time Management: Allocate a full day for the round trip, including stops for photos, small town visits, and meals.
Meals: Enjoy local cuisine in Skagway after your excursion. Skagway Fish is highly recommended for fresh Alaskan seafood like halibut.

Overall Experience:

This type of self-guided excursion allows for a memorable and personalized experience. Travelers can spend as much time as desired at Emerald Lake, enjoy the drive with multiple photo opportunities, and experience local towns and cuisine. Renting a car for the day is especially recommended for those wanting to maximize their time and flexibility during a cruise ship stop.

Additional Recommendations for Future Trips:

Consider spending multiple days in the area to explore further along the Yukon or nearby scenic routes.
Bring cameras or smartphones with ample storage for photography.
Check weather forecasts ahead of time to anticipate rain or potential road hazards.