White Pass Railroad and Bike Tour or Chilkoot Charters? - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mackie Mouse · 01-09-2013, 07:53 PM

Hi all!

Wondering if anyone has tried these two particular Alaska excursions - I'm searching through the Alaska Excursions thread, but there is a lot there and it's not always easy to find specific excursions!

Option #1 - White Pass Railroad and Bike Tour through DCL (about $200 pp), about 4-4.5 hours long

Option #2 - Book the 7-hour Chilkoot Charters tour on our own (about $175 pp) which includes lunch and the sled dog puppy camp

Mainly, we're wondering what will be more up our alley. DH loves biking and thinks it will be fun to bike back down to Skagway and take in the scenery. I feel like the longer Chilkoot tour might be the better bang for our buck. Thoughts?

lbgraves · 01-09-2013, 08:03 PM

If you go for option 2, still book the White Pass summit excursion on your own. It was breathtaking!!! The train has both DCL guests in seperate cars, and people who booked directly through the station so you will get back to the ship at the same time. You just have to walk 5 minutes to the station. All cars drop you off at the dock.

geffric · 01-09-2013, 08:09 PM

I agree ..the train was spectacular..(sp) ..dont miss it!

Mackie Mouse · 01-09-2013, 08:11 PM

Sorry if it's not clear...Chilkoot Charters still includes the train! The train is pretty much my #1 must-do in Skagway!

geffric · 01-09-2013, 08:21 PM

sounds like a wonderful excursion..the sled dog camp is fun..where else can one pay to give the puppys their excersie..LOL

Purdue Mouse · 01-09-2013, 08:24 PM

The train bike tour is a great option. The train ascends into the mountains and ends in Frasier BC. It's a jumping off point for several excursion options such as glacier lake kayaking, biking back to Skagway (down hill), hiking or stay on the train back. Biking it is sooo worth it weather permitting. The views and photo ops of waterfalls and glaciers can only be compared to the Swiss Alps.

lbgraves · 01-09-2013, 08:29 PM

Didn't realize that. Based on the temperature you will likely have, I would go for the sledding. The thought of biking in winter coats isn't very appealing to me.

Also, regarding finding info on the specific excursions, you can open a thread then click on "search this thread" at the bar on the top right. You can then enter "Chilkoot" to see if anything has been posted about that particular excursion.

meajuly5 · 01-09-2013, 08:54 PM

How strenuous is the biking?

kcashner · 01-09-2013, 09:29 PM

We booked Chilkoot privately. It was great. Our guide was SUPER. He found out the DD likes waterfalls and made a couple of extra stops at some for her.
Do budget a tip for the guide--this guy was well worth it!

woody73 · 01-09-2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mackie Mouse

. . . The train is pretty much my #1 must-do in Skagway!

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was the highlight of our visit to Skagway.

Woody

blu · 01-09-2013, 11:04 PM

We did the train/bike thing 10 yrs ago with Holland America. It was the highlight of our cruise. However I will say the biking was more of a freefall on a bike. We stopped a couple of times for photo ops and to gather the group back up. But if DH is looking for a nice bike ride this barely qualifies. I personally would go for the other but I am also 10 yrs older now.

TookTheRedOne · 01-09-2013, 11:05 PM

I took the White Pass Railway back in '77 when it went all the way through to Whitehorse. Regardless of how far it goes, it is a MUST DO. The scenery is fantastic.

Mackie Mouse · 01-09-2013, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blu

We did the train/bike thing 10 yrs ago with Holland America. It was the highlight of our cruise. However I will say the biking was more of a freefall on a bike. We stopped a couple of times for photo ops and to gather the group back up. But if DH is looking for a nice bike ride this barely qualifies. I personally would go for the other but I am also 10 yrs older now.

Can you clarify "freefall on a bike"? The description on DCL's website seemed to indicate something a little more leisurely...that said, DH and I are both young and kidless at this point, so neither of us is afraid of something active.

kcashner · 01-10-2013, 12:00 AM

The way back is all down hill. Some of it is rather steeply downhill.

jodical · 01-10-2013, 08:31 AM

Have fun whatever you decide!

Just glad to hear the train will be a part of it either way - it is not to be missed!

01-09-2013, 08:09 PM	#3
geffric DH thinks I'm funny -- but I tell him it's like a hobby! I found myself checking for new posting while I am at work, at home, doing homework I have LOTS of really nice Disney loving friends Join Date: May 2001 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 10,138	I agree ..the train was spectacular..(sp) ..dont miss it! __________________ Offical Holder of the TAGLIARCHY Chocolate Chip Pancake Maker

01-09-2013, 08:11 PM	#4
Mackie Mouse Even my dog loves Disney Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Suburbs of Philadelphia, PA Posts: 754	Sorry if it's not clear...Chilkoot Charters still includes the train! The train is pretty much my #1 must-do in Skagway! __________________ 2009 WDW/DCL Honeymoon......2011 WDW/DCL Anniversary......2013 DLR 1st Visit...

01-09-2013, 08:21 PM	#5
geffric DH thinks I'm funny -- but I tell him it's like a hobby! I found myself checking for new posting while I am at work, at home, doing homework I have LOTS of really nice Disney loving friends Join Date: May 2001 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 10,138	sounds like a wonderful excursion..the sled dog camp is fun..where else can one pay to give the puppys their excersie..LOL __________________ Offical Holder of the TAGLIARCHY Chocolate Chip Pancake Maker

01-09-2013, 08:24 PM	#6
Purdue Mouse Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Northwest Indiana Posts: 314	The train bike tour is a great option. The train ascends into the mountains and ends in Frasier BC. It's a jumping off point for several excursion options such as glacier lake kayaking, biking back to Skagway (down hill), hiking or stay on the train back. Biking it is sooo worth it weather permitting. The views and photo ops of waterfalls and glaciers can only be compared to the Swiss Alps. __________________ (Me) (DH) : DD(13) (DD24) Wonder Alaska 7/23/2012 Dream 2/10/2011 Pop Century 12/27/03 Royal Carribean 2002 Phi Kappa Theta Reunion Cruise. WDW Boardwalk Inn 10/16/01

01-09-2013, 08:29 PM	#7
lbgraves Little Cinderella's Mommy The bad news is...they are driving me nuts!!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 45,171	Didn't realize that. Based on the temperature you will likely have, I would go for the sledding. The thought of biking in winter coats isn't very appealing to me. Also, regarding finding info on the specific excursions, you can open a thread then click on "search this thread" at the bar on the top right. You can then enter "Chilkoot" to see if anything has been posted about that particular excursion. __________________ Lisa Magic: E 11/15/2003, W 12/4/2004, E 12/10/2005, W 12/9/2006, EBPC 8/2008, W 1/8/2011 Wonder: 3N 1/11/2010, Alaska 7/26/11 Fantasy: MV 3/31/2012, E 3/23/2013

01-09-2013, 07:53 PM	#1
Mackie Mouse Even my dog loves Disney Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Suburbs of Philadelphia, PA Posts: 754	White Pass Railroad and Bike Tour or Chilkoot Charters? Hi all! Wondering if anyone has tried these two particular Alaska excursions - I'm searching through the Alaska Excursions thread, but there is a lot there and it's not always easy to find specific excursions! Option #1 - White Pass Railroad and Bike Tour through DCL (about $200 pp), about 4-4.5 hours long Option #2 - Book the 7-hour Chilkoot Charters tour on our own (about $175 pp) which includes lunch and the sled dog puppy camp Mainly, we're wondering what will be more up our alley. DH loves biking and thinks it will be fun to bike back down to Skagway and take in the scenery. I feel like the longer Chilkoot tour might be the better bang for our buck. Thoughts? __________________ 2009 WDW/DCL Honeymoon......2011 WDW/DCL Anniversary......2013 DLR 1st Visit...

01-09-2013, 08:03 PM	#2
lbgraves Little Cinderella's Mommy The bad news is...they are driving me nuts!!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 45,171	If you go for option 2, still book the White Pass summit excursion on your own. It was breathtaking!!! The train has both DCL guests in seperate cars, and people who booked directly through the station so you will get back to the ship at the same time. You just have to walk 5 minutes to the station. All cars drop you off at the dock. __________________ Lisa Magic: E 11/15/2003, W 12/4/2004, E 12/10/2005, W 12/9/2006, EBPC 8/2008, W 1/8/2011 Wonder: 3N 1/11/2010, Alaska 7/26/11 Fantasy: MV 3/31/2012, E 3/23/2013

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01-09-2013, 08:54 PM	#8
meajuly5 Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 449	How strenuous is the biking?

01-09-2013, 09:29 PM	#9
kcashner DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 33,275	We booked Chilkoot privately. It was great. Our guide was SUPER. He found out the DD likes waterfalls and made a couple of extra stops at some for her. Do budget a tip for the guide--this guy was well worth it!

01-09-2013, 11:04 PM	#11
blu Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 105	We did the train/bike thing 10 yrs ago with Holland America. It was the highlight of our cruise. However I will say the biking was more of a freefall on a bike. We stopped a couple of times for photo ops and to gather the group back up. But if DH is looking for a nice bike ride this barely qualifies. I personally would go for the other but I am also 10 yrs older now.

01-09-2013, 11:05 PM	#12
TookTheRedOne DCL Newbie Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 17	I took the White Pass Railway back in '77 when it went all the way through to Whitehorse. Regardless of how far it goes, it is a MUST DO. The scenery is fantastic. __________________

01-10-2013, 12:00 AM	#14
kcashner DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 33,275	The way back is all down hill. Some of it is rather steeply downhill.

01-10-2013, 08:31 AM	#15
jodical Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 139	Have fun whatever you decide! Just glad to hear the train will be a part of it either way - it is not to be missed! __________________ WDW - 1977, 1983, 1989, 1994, 1998, 2004, 2010 DL - 2000, 2007, 2008, 2009 Disney Fantasy Nov. 2012 Trying to decide what our next Disney trip will be... WE'RE BOOKED! DL in Sept 2013

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