Klondike Bike and Beer

Experience Skagway Differently: The Klondike Bike and Beer Tour

If you’re craving a way to see Skagway’s natural beauty, historic sites, and local culture all in one go, the Klondike Bike and Beer tour might just be the perfect fit. This guided journey, led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, takes you on a scenic electric bike ride through some of the most iconic parts of town, before winding down with a visit to a local brewery. It’s offered at no cost per person, which makes it an especially attractive option for travelers looking to maximize value.

The tour lasts about three hours, starting at 11 a.m., and combines a bit of outdoor activity with cultural and culinary highlights. What’s really appealing here is the ease of riding—thanks to electric bikes—and the chance to explore with minimal effort, which makes it accessible to a range of fitness levels. The tour is small, with a maximum of six travelers, allowing for a personalized experience.

Two things we love: First, the variety of stops—from historic cemeteries to waterfalls and panoramic overlooks—each offering a different perspective on Skagway’s history and scenery. Second, the local brewery visit, where you can sample craft beers that use regional ingredients, giving you a taste of Alaska’s brewing ingenuity.

A possible consideration is the moderate physical fitness level needed; while e-bikes ease the effort, some walking and light hiking are involved, like the short trek to Lower Reid Falls. Also, weather can impact the experience, so being prepared for the weather is wise.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a combination of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and local flavor. It suits active travelers who enjoy history and good beer, as well as those who prefer a laid-back way to see Skagway beyond traditional bus tours.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of outdoor activity, history, and local culture.
• Electric bikes make it easy and accessible for most fitness levels.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention.
• Historic stops like Gold Rush Cemetery and Skagway Overlook enrich the experience.
• Local brewery provides a tasting of regional craft beers.
• Weather dependence might affect some parts of the tour.

In-Depth Review of the Klondike Bike and Beer Tour

What Sets This Tour Apart?

What makes the Klondike Bike and Beer experience stand out is its ability to combine effortless exploration with authentic local stories and culinary delights. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this one gives you hands-on involvement without the physical strain, thanks to the electric bicycles. We loved the way this approach made the experience feel relaxed yet engaging—allowing us to focus more on the scenery and stories rather than exerting ourselves.

On top of that, the small group size means you get plenty of personal interaction with your guide, who can share insights that you might miss on larger tours. The tour covers key landmarks like the Gold Rush Cemetery, where you learn about some of Skagway’s most notorious figures, and Lower Reid Falls, which offers a quick but rewarding hike to a stunning 50-foot waterfall. These stops aren’t just photo ops—they’re windows into the town’s past and natural beauty.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Start Point: Klondike Electric Bicycles
The tour begins at the shop on 5th Ave, where your guide equips you with an e-bike, helmet, and lock. The bikes are well-maintained, comfortable, and easy to ride, even if you’re new to e-bikes. The initial ride takes you through parts of Skagway’s historic downtown, setting the tone for a tour that balances storytelling with active exploration.

Gold Rush Cemetery
Our first stop is the cemetery, where you can see the final resting places of some of the town’s “notorious” characters from the gold rush days. It’s a quiet, contemplative spot that hints at Skagway’s wild past. It’s a quick visit—around 15 minutes—but one that adds a meaningful context to the town’s colorful history.

Lower Reid Falls
Next, we pedaled a short distance to a trailhead for Lower Reid Falls. The 7 to 10-minute hike to the waterfall is manageable for most, and it rewards with a view of a powerful 50-foot cascade. The sound of rushing water and the lush surroundings make this a memorable stop. You’ll love the contrast between the natural beauty and the town’s gritty gold rush origins.

Skagway Overlook
Moving on, the ride takes us up to a viewpoint overlooking the entire valley. The scenery from above is impressive, giving a broad perspective of Skagway’s layout and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for photos and to appreciate the rugged terrain that shaped this frontier town.

Beer Tasting at Klondike Brewing Company
The grand finale is at the local brewery, where you get a guided tour and a flight of beers brewed with local ingredients. The guide shares stories about the brewing process and regional flavors, adding depth to the tasting. Sampling regional beers in the cozy brewery setting helps you connect the outdoor adventure with a taste of local craftsmanship.

What Makes the Ride Special?

The electric bikes make all the difference, allowing us to enjoy the ride without worrying about hills or fatigue. As Roxane_J noted in her review, “The bikes made it very easy, and the ride down…” which is exactly what you want when exploring a new place. The bikes also give you the freedom to focus on scenery and stories instead of pedaling hard.

The stops for natural sights and historic sites are thoughtfully chosen, providing a balance of history, nature, and panoramic views. They’re short and manageable, making the tour accessible for most, and they give plenty of photo opportunities.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

One of the real pleasures of this tour is the chance to support local businesses. The brewery visit is included, and the beers brewed here are crafted with regional ingredients—making it a genuine taste of Alaska’s brewing scene. The guide’s insights about the ingredients and brewing process add a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond just drinking beer.

Practical Details and Value

While the tour is listed as free, it includes all the essentials: e-bike, helmet, lock, guide, and beer flight. The value here isn’t just in the free tour—it’s in the quality of the experience. A three-hour guided ride, with multiple stops and a brewery visit, offers a comprehensive glimpse into Skagway’s past and present.

The small group size (max 6) means you won’t feel crowded or rushed. The timing at 11 a.m. is perfect—mid-morning, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of town afterward.

Considerations

While the tour is suitable for most with moderate physical fitness, some walking and short hikes are involved. Weather can impact the experience—be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially rain gear or warm layers. The tour’s success depends on good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous souls who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, history, and craft beer. It’s especially suited for those who want to cover a lot of ground without the physical strain, thanks to the electric bikes. History buffs will appreciate the stories behind Skagway’s infamous figures, while beer lovers will enjoy sampling local brews in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer small, personalized groups and authentic experiences over mass tours.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
No, the e-bikes are easy to ride and suitable for most levels, including beginners. The tour includes a guide who will help you get comfortable.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather—layers, waterproof gear if needed, and comfortable shoes for the short hikes. It can be cool and possibly rainy, so preparation is key.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the tour has a maximum of six travelers, ensuring an intimate experience, and it’s suitable for small groups.

How long is the bike ride?
The ride itself lasts about 2 hours, with stops along the way. Overall, you should plan for approximately three hours including the stops and brewery visit.

What’s included in the tour?
You get an e-bike, helmet, lock, guide, and a flight of local beers. The stops at historic sites are free.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are accepted, with a full refund or rescheduling options.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts at 11 a.m.—a good time to enjoy the town in daylight and avoid the heat or late afternoon fatigue.

Is tips expected?
Tipping is not included, so if you appreciate your guide’s effort, tipping is customary but not obligatory.

Final Thoughts

The Klondike Bike and Beer tour strikes a wonderful balance of adventure, history, and local flavor. It’s a fantastic way to see Skagway from a different perspective—on two wheels, with stories from knowledgeable guides, and ending with a laid-back visit to a local brewery. The small group setting and personalized attention make it feel special, while the inclusion of regional craft beers adds a memorable local touch.

This tour is especially well-suited for active travelers interested in a relaxed, authentic experience. If you’re intrigued by the mix of outdoor exploration, history, and craft beers, this is a memorable way to spend a few hours in Skagway. Just remember to dress for the weather and bring your sense of adventure—and you’ll leave with a richer appreciation of this historic Alaskan town.

Enjoy your adventure in Skagway, and cheers to discovering local flavors on two wheels!