White Pass train and float in same day?

[Pearl64]

In Skagway we are booked for the 8:30 am van up and the train down. Would we have time to take in the Skagway float or would we be better just taking it easy and explore the town after the train? Our ship leaves at 8:30 pm. The train is 3 1/2 hrs. with Chilkoot and the float is at 2:30 p.m. Are there any easy trails close to town we could walk to or are there other things of interest? I am having a difficult time figuring out what we can do and not feel as if we are on a merry go round. The more I read on CC the more confused i get. It is so overwhelming. Can we book the float once we get to Skagway? The weather might not be conducive and the ad says this tour goes rain or shine. There are five other ships in port that day, but I believe ours is the earliest arrival. I apologize if I am asking obvious questions but I am new to all of this. This is only my second cruise. Thanks for any help.