White pass railroad tours

Can someone tell us which is the best way to go - the train or by car or the combinations train/van that goes on into Canada? Please help Sharon

[Karen16]

It depends on YOUR interests. The train is just excellent if you have an interest in history, superior scenery and engineering. The bus/train combos offer a great option, but if you want to get into the Yukon, you need to take the longer tours. You can drive the Klondike Highway with a rental car- Avis is the only major company, 3 independents. You have to be a US citizen. Be certain to print out the EXCELLENT highway log by Murray- www.explorenorth.com

I was wondering the same thing. I've done some research and found that some people find the train ride boring. They complained that you don't make enough stops to get any good pictures. I decided to rent a car from Avis and drive. I'm just worried that tihs isn't a great option either because someone will have to be focusing on the road.

I'd be very interested in what anyone has to add.

Thanks

Karen- I found this on another link.

http://www.explorenorth.com/library/...sklondike.html..

The name is MURRAY LUNDBERG -
Look at "South Klondike Highway Links"

A Photographic Road Log - a Mile-by-mile Guide:

ABSOLUTELY THE B E S T guide to driving from Skagway to Carcross and beyond.

There is an Avis car rental close by the dock....We printed out Murray's guide from the web site noted above and followed his directions stopping at nearly every mile marker. Was GREAT to actually know what we were looking at - thanks to Murray!

Also, just this side of Emerald Like is a little restaurant called "Cinnamon Cache"....it was for sale when we were there last May but understand that as of December it was still open - it's a great place to stop for home made soup and sandwiches - plus fresh cinnamon rolls!

This was the BEST time we had in Alaska - and would never take the train when the driving is soooo easy and self guided - and to actually view the wild life was fantastic!

Pooh Bear

[CruisinDenise]

The train doesn't make stops, but you sure can take some breathtaking pictures. Take a look at mine!

http://www.cruise-forums.com/gallery/view.php?id=1189

And those were all from inside the train, not on the platform between cars.

We were actually thinking about changing our reservations for the railroad alone to the Skagway Tour F through Princess. It is the Youkon Expedition and White Pass Scenic Railrway. It starts out on a motorcoach that takes you through White Pass and into the Tormented Valley and Carcross Canada. You have a BBQ lunch while there and head back to the summit where you board the train and ride it back to Skagway. It takes 8 hours. That doesn't leave a lot of extra time but it might be worth it. I have heard that Emerald Lake is beautiful. I don't know where it is or if we would go by there. Any suggestions from anyone? Sharon

[Karen16]

Emerld Lake is past Carcross. Most tour buses do not go there- usually. The combo tours offer plenty of excellent touring and endless spectacular scenery. For any ONE WAY train trips- from Skagway sit on the left side of the train facing the engine, FROM White Pass sit on the right. There is more commentary on the way out of Skagway than back.

Souns like you're not the sit there and view kind of folks. If you don't have a particular love of trains and you would like to be able to focus on the view and have someone who knows the area give you the highlights then I would suggest a van tour out of Skagway.

I have been working with Frontier Excursions and would recommend either their Yukon or Yukoner trip.

http://www.frontierexcursions.com

Becky
http://www.Alaskapersonaltours.com

[cherylroy]

Wow! Thanks for the photo gallary! We have booked that excursion and now I'm more excited than ever!! I think I better get another memory card for my digital!
cheryl