Sallyandtex Posted January 15, 2018 #1 Share Posted January 15, 2018 hi there! Trying to pick best shore trips. So far we have booked the Tracey Arm Ford and Galcial explorer trip into juneau. For Skagway, I have read that you enjoyed the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float trip better than the Haines Eagle Preserve float trip. This Chilkoot one is rated as "strenous" but we are reasonably fit so wondering how strenous eg do we need to be seasoned hikers to enjoy it. Do you have any other suggestions we might like for Skagway or Ketchikan? We like wildlife ! (Rather than quirky shops etc) We are also visiting Canada and going to Emerald Lake on that trip, so wouldn't want to do the rail one or the one that goes to Emerald Lake. thanks a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kawagama Posted January 15, 2018 #2 Share Posted January 15, 2018 Not the person you directed your questions to, but we did the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float in May 2016 and it is not at all strenuous. We are in our mid-sixties and had no problem. There is a lot of up and down and there are some rocks and roots on the trail, so that is why it is labelled strenuous--I guess to forewarn anyone with mobility issues. If you are fit you will find it quite easy. It's also not that long--maybe 2 km? if I remember correctly. The float down the Taiya River was really nice, although quite cold when we were there. We saw many eagles and beautiful scenery. We booked it through Skagway Shore Tours, rather than through our ship. There were only 4 of us on our hike, so it was very personal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted January 16, 2018 #3 Share Posted January 16, 2018 I think the rating is to perhaps make sure, it's understood that some fitness is required. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sallyandtex Posted January 16, 2018 Author #4 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Thankyou both very much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna_In_India Posted January 16, 2018 #5 Share Posted January 16, 2018 In Ketchikan we've gone with Island Wings to Anan Creek to see bears. In August we'll be going with them for the 3rd time to see bears at Traitor's Cove. Excellent company - have loved our other excursion flightseeing Misty Fjords as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJSchell Posted January 16, 2018 #6 Share Posted January 16, 2018 In Skagway we rented a car and drove the route through the Youkon paralleling the train for most of the way. (Bring passports you go into Canada) The rental car company gave us a map and directions of the best places where they were currently seeing bears, salmon, and other wild life. Sent from my SM-G900T using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kochleffel Posted January 16, 2018 #7 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Not the person you directed your questions to, but we did the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float in May 2016 and it is not at all strenuous. We are in our mid-sixties and had no problem. There is a lot of up and down and there are some rocks and roots on the trail, so that is why it is labelled strenuous--I guess to forewarn anyone with mobility issues. If you are fit you will find it quite easy. It's also not that long--maybe 2 km? if I remember correctly. The float down the Taiya River was really nice, although quite cold when we were there. We saw many eagles and beautiful scenery. We booked it through Skagway Shore Tours, rather than through our ship. There were only 4 of us on our hike, so it was very personal. I'm contemplating an Alaska trip, not this year. For the Chilkoot Trail, would someone your age who is a moderately good hiker want a hiking stick? I have a collapsible one that will fit in a bag that can be checked on an airline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sallyandtex Posted January 18, 2018 Author #8 Share Posted January 18, 2018 In Ketchikan we've gone with Island Wings to Anan Creek to see bears. In August we'll be going with them for the 3rd time to see bears at Traitor's Cove. Excellent company - have loved our other excursion flightseeing Misty Fjords as well. Thanks everyone. Just regarding the bears, we will be there in Late May, I was reading somewhere the bears might not be around then????? If not, we might do Misty Fords, if yes BEARS it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Coral Posted January 18, 2018 #9 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Thanks everyone.Just regarding the bears, we will be there in Late May, I was reading somewhere the bears might not be around then????? If not, we might do Misty Fords, if yes BEARS it is! You are too early in late May for bears at Anan Creek. They don't run the excursion then. This usually starts sometime in July. You may see bears elsewhere on the trip, if you are lucky. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise_More_Often Posted January 18, 2018 #10 Share Posted January 18, 2018 I'm contemplating an Alaska trip, not this year. For the Chilkoot Trail, would someone your age who is a moderately good hiker want a hiking stick? I have a collapsible one that will fit in a bag that can be checked on an airline.You won't need it, but if you like the feel of hiking with it, take it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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