这次游览是我们阿拉斯加之旅中最棒的行程之一。我们选了一日游,事实证明,选择明智,物有所值。沿途风景绝佳,山间还有一列红色的小车厢,但我忘记了关于它的故事!不知道还有人记得不?回程的路上,我们在驯鹿桥停了车,大家下车吃了顿美味的烤肉午餐,还参观了野生动物博物馆。我们看到了由冰川创造的,世界上最小的沙漠。Emerald湖的景色令人窒息。这些美好记忆我们将终身难忘!此外我们的导游安妮是个爱尔兰人,让我们此行倍感愉悦,还有巴士司机也很棒,给我们讲了许多故事!
We had a port of call in Skagway on a north bound Alaskan cruise with Royal Caribbean on Radiance of the Seas. When looking for things to do we wanted to take the White Pass Yukon Railway to the end in Canada, and bike back down with Sockeye Cycle Co., but it is apparently a very popular excursion and it fills up quickly when the excursions open up for booking so if this is something one is interested in doing, do not delay to book when it becomes available.We were still able to do the railway and the bike trip, but had to book it separately. As a result, I will review them separately.The White Pass & Yukon Railway is billed as one of the most scenic train trips in the world, but not having been on any other, I have nothing to compare it to. After experiencing it, I would have to say it would be a tough act to follow.The train is parked next to the cruise ships at the cruise terminal, and on this visit, it was directly next to our ship and the ship in front of us. This made it convenient to walk about the length of our ship to board the train. It helps to be qued up and ready to board if one wants to get a window seat. If the one way train, and downhill cycle trip were booked, one would want to sit on the left hand side of the train car since this is where most of the best views will occur.If one is doing the round trip, either side will do; left on the way up and right side on the way down.However, if you are like me and like to get good photographs, I spent most of my time out on the train car platform between cars where I could take pictures without reflections of the window glass. Even in late June it is chilly, about 50 degrees F. but dressed with warm clothes, it was not a big deal to be out there for 15 minutes at a time when I could see something good coming. The train does not go very fast, so the wind chill was not a factor, although the temperature does drop (20F on this trip) at the end in Canada. When it looked like it may be a few minutes before something worth photographing would come along, I would go back inside and sit down until the next photo op would arise. If it is any indication of the scenery, I probably spent over half of the time out on the platform taking pictures.We arrived at the place (I think there actually a few places where people que up to board) where people would start boarding about ten minutes early and there were lines forming to board, but we had no problem getting a window seat on the left side of the train car. The train cars do have a very small bathroom on board. The seating is bench style and spacious, and the windows large for good viewing.After clearing the outskirts of Skagway, passing some of the railroad maintenance facilities and such, we began our climb up to White Pass. Not long after climbing out of a forested area, we could see across a river valley to the mountain on the other side where if you looked carefully (binoculars or a good zoom lens will help) one could see small white dots that where mountain goats moving around on the mountain side. The mountains of White Pass where looming in front of us as we snaked our way up the mountainside, at times offering views of our train ahead of us as we round some slight curves. The trip is narrated by a White Pass guide to point out areas of interest as they approach, which is a good way to know when to go out on the platform for pictures.The many views of the mountains, waterfalls careening down the side at a few places, and the scenery in general where something to behold.After reaching the White Pass summit (2888 ft), the train follows a loop at the end of the line, and starts the decent back into Skagway, with most of the scenery now on the right side of the train, so if there was something that was missed or could not get a good shot, there is a second chance on the way back down.When in Skagway this one excursion not to be missed!
I have been to Skagway three times, twice co-leading groups and most recently with my family. On none of those occasions have we elected to take the White Pass trip. Why? It is very expensive, even for the short three hour version. It is scenic, granted. But most of the riders of the train are people off the cruise ships, who are on limited time frames, and this does provide a way to see the area in a short time. But you pay a price! For the cost of one adult fare, you can rent a car in town, and drive the highway out of town with up to four other people. We did this and spent the day driving to Carcross (in the Yukon) and back. Go at your own pace, stop when you want, see magnificent sights, and save money to boot. (If you go to Carcross, you'll need your passport). Take the train if you are short on time, but if time permits, rent a car! Someday I may do the train, just to say I did it, but not so far.
我们之前看过一些评论说这的火车之旅非常精彩。于是我们便提前一周预定好了这的火车票,结果等到我们出发的那天,一大早就是一个大阴天,我们啥都看不见。全是大雾大阴霾,真是后悔死了。我建议大家最好提前查好信息,留意天气状况再决定是否要预定这的车票。
我们参加八天七夜阿拉斯加游轮之旅,特地在Skagway选择搭此有历史价值,高山观景火车上山,在终点站转搭汽车前往Yukon,并在山上农庄午餐,再搭汽车沿途参观美景回到山下小镇Skagway,此套装行程约需五小时,费用每人美元两百多元。此套装行程比来回皆搭火车贵,但因上山搭火车,下山搭汽车,来回行经路线不同,可看见更多不同景观和美景,又因下山搭汽车,能到达更多不同景点和小镇,虽时间较久,费用较贵,但很值得。特地提醒,此行程由美国Skagway,跨越美加边境到加拿大Yokon,再回到Skagway,需准备护照和签证。
We took this tour first time we stopped in Skagway. Its nonstop ride and takes you through the goldrush route. View is breathtaking. It turns around as it reaches the Canadian border. We enjoyed this tour especially with an 8 yr old daughter, it was a memorable train ride
We made this on a near perfect sunny day in July. You can see the gold trail from this trip. Many beautiful views, but photography from the moving train has its limitations.
这个集狂野,有趣,历史和美丽与一体。不用担心你坐的是哪一边,因为到了山顶火车头会去另一头的,然后会安排你换边坐的。
This historic railroad was built during the gold rush of 1898 but finished after the rush in 1899. It runs on the same narrow gauge track set then and on most days (not raining) has spectacular views from the parlor cars. The Summit Tour goes to the top and then back down and is about 3 hours, more than enough time for a nap on the way back...which many do!!!Anyway, it is the best attraction in the Alaska Cruise Selection, certainly something to write home about, but it is a VERY SEDENTARY trip (and one of the most expensive)! There is no stopping and getting out at all. There is a new opportunity to hear the tour in other languages, offered by another tour company.
Having been to Skagway several times,I strongly recommend this adventure if you are even a mild train buff. The views are outstanding and the running commentary from the guides gives you a glimpse into the Gold Rush Days. You can shoot photos (watch your shutter speeds), and we spent time outside on the platform which made for some spectacular views!!!!! Definitely should be on your list of things to do in Skagway!