White Pass Rail/Lake Bennett combo trip

[zoocruiser]

I have read all the threads regarding the rail/bus combo tours. My fellow traveler does not want a rail trip longer than 5 hours or so and is looking for other options other than taking the train both ways. I just stumbled across another option with two private tour groups in Skagway that offer rail to the summit and then an excursion to Lake Bennett on the "redline" train. Does anyone know anything about this trip? It includes an hour and a half visit to the town of Lake Bennett. Is this worth seeing? The price seems right (135 or so). Any help will do. Thanks.

[Yukon]

Very few people will ever see Bennett, which is a shame, both because of its beauty and its historical significance. The Redline is a self-powered motorcar that's used primarily to take hikers who have come across the Chilkot Trail back to the highway at Fraser (which is were you'd transfer from the regular train to the Redline). You can see the Redline (towiing a passenger car and a flatcar) right in the center of the photo at [url="http://explorenorth.com/library/roads/images/sklon-fraser6.html"]http://explorenorth.com/library/roads/images/sklon-fraser6.html[/url] I have a large photo album of the whole trip posted at [url="http://explorenorth.com/articles/steamex.html"]http://explorenorth.com/articles/steamex.html[/url]
That all said, if you friend doesn't want a train trip longer than 5 hours, it may not work for you - I don't know how you'd get back to Skagway from Fraser when the Redline gets you back to that point (back on the regular train, or by van/bus).


Murray

[tadjr]

I saw something on the Travel Channel about this part of the "trip" a while ago, but hadnt decided on a car in Skagway at the time so didnt pay close attention. Is there a road to Bennett to see the town (coming from Skagway to Carcross) or is it accessible by the train now only? I havent been able to find the question answered (or I've just gone blind from reading all the info about this part of Canada. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]) Thanks.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;3;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Ryndam Pacific Coastal May 3

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;17;21;30;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]
Dawn Princess Alaska May 17

[Yukon]

Bennett is only available by rail. Even the charter boats out of Carcross have quit running due to lack of business.

[tadjr]

Thats what I was afraid of, thanks. Oh well, something for a future to do list. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;3;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Ryndam Pacific Coastal May 3

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=191970&cdt=2004;5;17;21;30;00&timezone=GMT-1000[/img]
Dawn Princess Alaska May 17

[Yukon]

You're right about that information about Bennett not being available anywhere, so I've just added it to my road log - Mile 27.3 at [url="http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html"]http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html[/url]

It's always good to keep places to see and things to do in mind for your next trip up! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Murray

[zoocruiser]

Thanks for this info. I also e-mailed the tour company for more specific info about Lake Bennett and it sounds very unique. It may be a go.