Skagway shore excursions

Question

My husband (50s) and I are taking a cruise in late August that stops in Skagway for 12 hours, so we have a full day. We are torn between two shore excursions. We love seeing wildlife, and beautiful scenery.

1. White Pass Railway 8-hour trip to Carcross YT with train up and bus down through Chilkoot Travel. We have heard it is a beautiful trip, and the scenery around Lake Bennett is beautiful. Plus we both played the Yukon Trail game as kids, and we think it would be fun to see the places from the game!

2. Fast Ferry over to Haines, then bear and eagle viewing with Alaska Nature Tours. This sounds like the best opportunity for bear viewing on our cruise.

Has anyone done one or both, and can give us a suggestion?

We are not interested in sled dogs, gold panning, suspension bridge or helicopter tours.

Answer

Both shore excursions you are considering in Skagway offer incredible experiences, but they cater to slightly different interests. Since you love wildlife and scenery, the choice depends on whether you prioritize scenic landscapes or a higher likelihood of seeing bears and eagles.

The White Pass Railway to Carcross, YT is an iconic journey famous for its stunning vistas. The train climbs through historic railroad tracks with dramatic views of mountains, waterfalls, and Lake Bennett. Traveling by train up and bus down allows you to see a lot without strenuous activity. The area is rich in history and offers a glimpse of the Yukon landscape, which connects nicely with your Yukon Trail nostalgia. Wildlife sightings can include moose, mountain goats, and eagles, though sightings are less predictable than in dedicated wildlife tours.

The Fast Ferry to Haines with Alaska Nature Tours is more wildlife-focused, specifically targeting bear and eagle viewing. This excursion offers a higher chance of seeing bears in their natural habitat along rivers or salmon streams, as well as opportunities to see bald eagles. The scenery is still beautiful, with coastal landscapes and the Chilkat River Valley, but the emphasis is more on animals than dramatic railway vistas. Travel time is efficient, and the tour is structured to maximize wildlife encounters.

Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:

White Pass Railway (Carcross, YT) – Best for scenic mountain and lake views, historical experience, and light wildlife sightings.
Haines Bear & Eagle Tour – Best for dedicated wildlife viewing, especially bears and eagles, with coastal and river scenery.

Since you only have 12 hours, both trips fit within your time frame. Consider these points:

If your priority is capturing iconic landscapes, historic scenery, and a nostalgic Yukon experience, go with the White Pass Railway.
If seeing bears and eagles in their natural environment is your main goal, take the Haines wildlife tour. This is particularly memorable if you may not have many other opportunities for bear viewing on your cruise.

Both tours are highly rated, so you won’t be disappointed either way. It ultimately comes down to whether you want more scenic exploration with some wildlife (White Pass) or focused wildlife viewing with beautiful coastal scenery (Haines).

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