Skagway

[divabydisney]

We are wanting to do the Yukon and specifically want to see Emerald Lake. It will be just me and my 2 boys (9&16). I am trying to decide if I should drive it myself or use an excursion group. One of my concerns is weather and the fact that I am the only one who will be driving. Can anyone answer the questions I have:

1. How much time is spent at the stops when doing it on an excursion?

2. I am considering doing the bus both ways. Will me miss doing the train? I have 2 boys that will be traveling with me. (we aren't doing the dog sled)

3. I'm assuming there won't be any snow on the highway in August but what other conditions have you experienced.

4. Did your excursion group do a good job of avoiding all the bus tours? Obviously we want your typical photos in front of the signs but am concerned about the herding effect.

5. If we take the bus, have any of you had the guides stop for wildlife/random pictures of interest?

6. If you went to Emerald Lake how close do you get to it? It looks like from others pictures that you are up on an embankment of some sort or not really down by the lake. Perhaps It's just the angle or the photo they elected to share?

 

[pillow]

I can't answer your specific excursion questions, but have 2 suggestions if you decide to rent a car (we are renting a minivan in July) . . .

Get Murray's guide - great! http://murraysguide.com/

Avis does have minivans to rent (I had to call directly to get it). Perhaps you could find another family to split the cost with you and share in the driving. Just an idea. I believe the vans hold 7 people.

Jodie

 

[divabydisney]

Thanks for the response. I planned on getting the Murray's guide. I can rent a full size car for not that much. I'm just so hesitant on driving myself as I've never driven in this region before. But saving the money and spending the time the way I want is soooo tempting.

 

[pillow]

But saving the money and spending the time the way I want is soooo tempting.

Thats exactly how we felt! From what I read, the drive is pretty simple, and there is plenty of time to see a lot and get back to the port early. We plan to get to Avis right when they open at 8:00 so that we can get an early start. That way I won't stress about getting delayed and missing the ship.

Jodie

 

[KashasMom]

I highly recommend doing this...the road is excellent and it's a beautiful drive. You'll be able to make photo stops along the way. Two places to visit (along with Emerald Lake) are Caribou Crossing (http://www.cariboucrossing.ca/activities.html) and the Yukon Suspension Bridge (http://yukonsuspensionbridge.com/our-attractions/). Please don't take the bus!! We also used Murray's Guide. Reserve your car in advance. Enjoy!

 

[MUN]

We did this last year while in Yukon. Howard gives the tours and he is a very good guide and a very nice man. We got an early start and got ahead of the tour busses.

MUN

http://www.alcanexcursions.com/

 

[divabydisney]

Thanks for the feedback! I think I will go for it.

 

[tidefan]

http://www.tntours98.com

This company offers small tours. We will be using them on the DVC Member Cruise next week, so I can report when we get back. There may be others. A quick google search should show you some...