When you’re visiting Skagway, Alaska, and craving a day that combines history, nature, and adventure, the Trail and Sail tour from Klondike Electric Bicycles might just be your perfect option. For $278 per person, you’ll spend around six hours exploring on electric bikes and sailing through one of North America’s most stunning waterways. Led by friendly guides, this tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and a touch of local history — all in a small group that keeps things intimate and flexible.
What we love about this experience is how it allows you to see Skagway not just from a tourist perspective but as a local might see it — on e-bikes, buzzing along quiet paths with views that take your breath away, and then onto a boat that cruises through the World’s longest fjord. The blend of land and sea, plus the chance to spot eagles, whales, and seals, makes for a well-rounded day. Plus, the self-guided bike tour means you can take your time to stop at overlooks or wander a little off the beaten path, making it feel personalized.
A potential consideration is the weather — since much of the tour depends on clear conditions for sailing, it’s good to be flexible and prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling. Also, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 14 or anyone uncomfortable on a bike, so it’s best for those ready for a bit of active adventure.
This excursion suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, scenic sailing, and local history. If you’re looking for a day that’s both lively and relaxed, with guides who genuinely seem to enjoy sharing their corner of Alaska, you’ll find plenty to love here.
Key Points
- Balanced day of biking and sailing offers a comprehensive experience of Skagway’s landscapes and waters.
- Small group setting ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Stunning views along the fjord make this a memorable adventure for nature lovers.
- Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with friendly, informative commentary.
- Weather-dependent activity means flexibility is key, especially for sailing.
- Ideal for active travelers aged 14 and above who enjoy scenic exploration.
Exploring Skagway: The Itinerary in Detail
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Starting Point: Klondike Electric Bicycles
Your day begins at Klondike Electric Bicycles, a friendly hub that sets the tone for your adventure. Here, you’ll receive a helmet and lock, and get briefed on your self-guided e-bike tour. The choice of electric bikes is a thoughtful touch, especially if you’re not an avid cyclist, as they make covering the hilly terrain and longer distances much easier.
The E-Bike Journey to Dyea
For three hours, you’ll take an independent ride through Skagway’s outskirts and into the historic Gold Rush town of Dyea. This route is especially appealing because it offers a chance to see the natural beauty and remnants of Alaska’s past at your own pace. The route takes you past notable sites, such as the Gold Rush Cemetery, where you can stop and imagine the lives of prospectors who once flocked here.
One of the standout features is the overlooks along the route — perfect for photos and soaking in the panoramic views. As one reviewer mentioned, guides like Nicole set up the route beautifully, with stops at scenic overlooks that lend a sense of discovery. The ride is comfortable, thanks to the e-bikes, and the stops are well spaced, making it accessible for most.
Transition to the Sailing Adventure
At the end of your bike ride, you’ll arrive at the Skagway Small Boat Harbor, where Captain Brendan will greet you aboard the sailing sloop Hopscotch. This small vessel is ideal for exploring the northern part of the Inside Passage, a place renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and hanging glaciers. The boat is intentionally intimate, limiting groups to just six participants, which means you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and chances to ask questions.
More Great Tours NearbyCruising the Taiya Inlet and Fjord
The highlight of the sailing is gliding through the Taiya Inlet, the longest and deepest fjord in North America. We loved the way the boat allows you to see waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs and glaciers piercing the skyline, creating a scene straight from a postcard. If the weather is cooperating, your chances of spotting eagles, whales, and seals are pretty good — a real treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
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The Picnic and Final Farewell
A boxed picnic lunch is included and is perfect for grabbing on the go. It’s a relaxed way to fuel up amid spectacular scenery. Once the boat returns to the harbor, your tour concludes with a short walk or shuttle ride back to town, close enough to explore further or head back to your cruise ship.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
Authenticity and Local Flavor
Guides like Brendan and Nicole bring genuine enthusiasm, sharing insights into Skagway’s history and environment. Their friendliness and knowledge elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.
Stunning Scenery
Whether on the bike or on the water, you’re treated to breathtaking vistas. The views of waterfalls and glaciers from the boat are exactly what many seek in Alaska — rugged, wild, and awe-inspiring.
Flexibility and Personal Touch
The self-guided bike portion and small group size mean you can customize your stops and pace. This isn’t a rushed, cookie-cutter tour but one that adapts to your interests and energy levels.
Eco-friendly Approach
Using electric bikes and a sailing vessel emphasizes a low-impact way to enjoy Alaska’s environment. It’s a win for eco-conscious travelers.
The Cost and Value
At $278 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive, active, and scenic experience. When you consider the three hours on e-bikes, the 2.5-hour sailing, plus the included picnic, it provides excellent value for a full-day adventure. The small group setting adds to the feeling of personalized service, which is often lacking in larger tours.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy both cycling and sailing, or those looking for a unique way to see Skagway’s natural beauty. It’s ideal for adventurers 14 and older who appreciate a mix of history, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. If weather is favorable, this tour becomes an unforgettable way to connect with Alaska’s wilderness.
The Sum Up: The Perfect Blend of Land and Sea
In all, the Skagway: Trail and Sail tour offers a genuine slice of Alaska — scenic, engaging, and intimate. It combines the best of outdoor exploration with the serenity of sailing, all guided by friendly, knowledgeable locals. It’s a wonderful choice if you want a day that’s both active and relaxing, with plenty of chances to see wildlife and take in breathtaking views.
Travelers who appreciate personalized experiences and natural beauty will find this tour a worthwhile addition to their Alaska itinerary. Be prepared for the weather, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a day of unforgettable sights and sounds.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for travelers aged 14 and above, especially because of the biking component. It’s not suitable for children under that age or for those who can’t ride a bike comfortably.
How long is the biking part of the tour?
The self-guided e-bike ride lasts approximately three hours, giving you ample time to explore Skagway and Dyea at your own pace.
What should I bring for the sailing portion?
While the tour provides a box lunch, it’s wise to bring layers, especially waterproof gear if the weather is uncertain. Comfortable shoes and camera gear are also recommended.
Is the sailing weather-dependent?
Yes, sailing is weather dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund provided if canceled due to weather.
What wildlife might I see during the sailing?
Expect to see eagles, seals, and potentially whales, depending on the season and conditions. The guides are experienced at spotting and explaining local wildlife.
Are helmets provided?
Yes, the tour provides bike helmets and locks for your safety and security during the biking portion.
How accessible is the tour?
The tour requires riding a bike and being comfortable outdoors. It’s not suitable for those with recent surgeries or mobility issues and requires participants to meet certain height and age restrictions.
What is included in the price?
The fee covers three hours of e-biking, a picnic lunch, a 2.5-hour sailing adventure with Captain Brendan, and safety gear like helmets and locks.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers full refunds if canceled due to weather. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.
In summary, the Skagway: Trail and Sail tour offers an engaging mix of history, scenery, and wildlife with a small-group, eco-friendly approach. Perfect for those who want to see Alaska from both land and sea while enjoying a personalized, relaxed pace.
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