Brave the Bridge and Emerald Lake Tour
Offered by Beyond Skagway Tours In Skagway, Alaska
: $
About us
We have been offering private tours in Skagway Alaska for 9 years. Booking our private tour company means your group of just friends and/or family get to spend a fun day together creating memories to last a lifetime, away from the crowds. Our tours will delight guests of all ages, from children playing our scavenger hunt and spy games to great-grandparents enjoying the scenery and commentary of one of our expertly trained tour guides. We make it our priority to create a day to fit your group’s needs. Our tours are educational, engaging, and never scripted, which allows a free form of a conversation between our guide and your group that is tailored to your interests. Giving our customers a quality, authentic, and fun day is our priority, and that’s why on Trip Advisor, we are the #1 Tour Company in Skagway with over 900 five-star customer reviews.
What we'll do
In our "Brave the Bridge Tour", a variation of the Emerald Lake Tour, your group will visit and enjoy the Yukon Suspension Bridge in Canada at your own pace during your private tour. You will have 30-60 minutes to enjoy the historic Klondike Gold Rush displays, cross the bridge over the rushing, icy waters of the glacial Tutshi River, and grab a snack or hot drink at the cafe. Kids can participate in a free scavenger hunt at the bridge.
On this tour, you may have time for one more additional activity. You can choose from,
- a fun and a free scavenger hunt for the kiddos
- a gold panning experience ( $18 per person )
- a stop at Michelle Phillip's dog mushing camp ( $25 admission for the whole group ).
BRAVE THE BRIDGE TOUR:
*Sample Itinerary for Brave the Bridge Tour:
7:30 AM: Meet the Beyond Skagway Tours representative, who will be wearing a blue coat and holding a “Beyond Skagway” sign, at the end of your ship’s pier, just past port security.
Head North, through Skagway. Listen, while your guide weaves the story of the Klondike Gold Rush of ’98. View notable historical buildings and hot spots to visit after your tour. Cruise over White Pass, passing by many scenic viewpoints.
9:30 AM: Canadian Customs; be prepared with your PASSPORTS handy! Continuing north, scan for wildlife and pass by or stop at these scenic points for photos!
10:00AM: Stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge; allow 30-60 minutes here
10:45 AM: Continuing north, scan for wildlife and pass by or stop at these scenic points for photos!
11:30 AM: Carcross for lunch (not included in price) Enjoy lunch at one of three vendors in town or ask us about a picnic lunch!
12:30 PM: Staying south on the same highway, enjoying a completely different view as you now watch the snowy and heavily glaciated north faces of the White Pass mountains slowly unfold before you.
2:30 PM: Arrive back in Skagway, to be dropped off right back at your ship, or in town if you prefer to explore.
On this tour, you may have time for one more additional activity. You can choose from,
- a fun and a free scavenger hunt for the kiddos
- a gold panning experience ( $18 per person )
- a stop at Michelle Phillip's dog mushing camp ( $25 admission for the whole group ).
BRAVE THE BRIDGE TOUR:
*Sample Itinerary for Brave the Bridge Tour:
7:30 AM: Meet the Beyond Skagway Tours representative, who will be wearing a blue coat and holding a “Beyond Skagway” sign, at the end of your ship’s pier, just past port security.
Head North, through Skagway. Listen, while your guide weaves the story of the Klondike Gold Rush of ’98. View notable historical buildings and hot spots to visit after your tour. Cruise over White Pass, passing by many scenic viewpoints.
9:30 AM: Canadian Customs; be prepared with your PASSPORTS handy! Continuing north, scan for wildlife and pass by or stop at these scenic points for photos!
10:00AM: Stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge; allow 30-60 minutes here
10:45 AM: Continuing north, scan for wildlife and pass by or stop at these scenic points for photos!
11:30 AM: Carcross for lunch (not included in price) Enjoy lunch at one of three vendors in town or ask us about a picnic lunch!
12:30 PM: Staying south on the same highway, enjoying a completely different view as you now watch the snowy and heavily glaciated north faces of the White Pass mountains slowly unfold before you.
2:30 PM: Arrive back in Skagway, to be dropped off right back at your ship, or in town if you prefer to explore.
What to expect / what's provided
*Duration: 7 hours
* Passport Required
*FAQs:
- Where do you pick us up?
We will pick you up right at your ship, just past port security. At the end of your tour, we will drop you off right at your ship, or in town if you choose to explore Skagway.
- Why do we need passports?
Most of our tours pass through Canadian Customs. Passports are required here and for re-entry into the US.
Some passports are required to be accompanied by a VISA to enter Canada. If you don’t know, please ask.
If you are riding the White Pass & Yukon Rail train, passports are required. (Birth Certificates are OK for 15 and under.) You will not be allowed to board the train without a valid passport.
- What if we have minors in our party traveling without legal guardian/s?
Many children travel with friends or grandparents and it has never been a problem. However, we suggest bringing a signed note from all absent legal guardians, allowing permission for the minor to cross the border. Note should include telephone number and address of absent guardian/s. The more information you can provide the customs agents the better, i.e. birth certificates, adoption papers, guardianship papers. Neither border requires a notarized note, but US Customs and Border Protections recommend one. Here is a sample note provided on the US CBP website. “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” (Include contact information)
- What if we can't get off the ship in time for our tour?
Since you are on a private tour, your guide will be ready and waiting for you, and only you!
- What if we miss the ship at the end of our tour?
We have been in operation since 2010 and have never missed a ship! We schedule a nice cushion of time for all tours between the end of your tour and your all aboard time. If we did for some reason miss you all aboard, we would fly you to your next port destination to meet your ship, and take care of any incidental expenses.
- Can I combine a White’s Pass Train Ride with your Beyond Skagway Tour?
Yes! We take care of White Pass & Yukon Route ticket arrangements for you. There are a few different options when it comes to the train. Call us for details or check out our “AM Tours” page for more info.
- What are my options for the day I spend going “Beyond Skagway”?
If you aren’t sure what you want to do, we suggest the 7 Hour Emerald Lake tour, leaving all details until the day of. Let the weather and guide dictate the way your day unfolds, choosing your tour specifics on the For ideas of custom options, consider these:
Picnic Lunch: Order ahead of time from Glacial Coffeehouse in Skagway. Enjoy the ease of a prepared basket to enjoy at a picnic table in Carcross, or head out on an adventure and eat in a wilderness location.
Take the kids to pet husky puppies: Visit with Iditarod Alaskan Huskies in their off-season, while they work on incorporating new dogs to the team. Michelle Phillip is a seasoned dog musher in the Yukon who has raced in several Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. Play with the puppies and/or take a cart ride. Note: There is no actual snow on the ground along the South Klondike Highway in the summertime, so if you want to ride in an actual sled you will need to visit us in the winter! Learn more!
Scavenger Hunt: We love family tours! Our popular scavenger hunt is free for kids of all ages
Gold Panning Experience: Learn how to pan for gold like sourdough with a “salted” pan.
Yukon Suspension Bridge: Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and walk over the glacial Tutshi River.
- How should I dress?
Like an Alaskan! In layers! Temperatures can vary greatly on the same day. The best way to dress is in layers, with comfortable walking shoes. Shed a layer when warm or add a layer if cool. Wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or fleece and a windproof/rainproof jacket and you will be ready for whatever weather you might encounter.
- Can you add us to somebody else's tour?
We sometimes have requests to join tours and build larger groups. The truth is this: We are a private tour company and we excel at our specialty: offering quality, specifically customized, private tours for small groups of friends or families. We can recommend many excellent companies who offer quality tours for small parties, that are already built around the combining of groups. If you would like to invite others to join your Beyond Skagway tour, however, we can make a note on your reservation and notify your if an opportunity arises.
- What should I bring?
Passports are REQUIRED for the border crossing into Canada, only 15 miles north of Skagway.
For some nationalities, additional documentation may be required.
Children accompanying parents should have an original or certified copy of their birth certificate or Passport.
If one or both parents are not traveling with the child, a letter of authorization from the absent parent(s) is also necessary to cross into Canada. If you have any questions regarding proper identification of the border crossing, please contact us.
Camera
Jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Personal binoculars – we supply them but many people bring their own
Sunglasses
You don’t need to “bring” this, but remember to have a good breakfast in the morning, as it may be a while before a snack spot
- Will we see wildlife?
We sure hope so! We are always on the lookout but unfortunately can not guarantee wildlife sightings. Our guides all know the best places to look, and we chat with other tour operators all the time about where the current hot spots are. For wildlife sightings such as bears, moose, mountain goats, and others, the Yukon is your best bet. Most of our Yukon excursions see some type of wildlife.
- What is the best season to visit "Beyond Skagway"?
Each season has its benefits and drawbacks, but since you asked, we’ll try to give you some of our favorite things about each month you might visit “Beyond Skagway”.
May: There is still snow on White Pass, but not on the road! You’ll see snowy mountains, enjoy a noticeable lack of mosquitoes and have a higher chance of seeing bears foraging for fresh vegetation after hibernation. We enjoy some warm weather in May, but it can be stormy too! Bring layers. A shirt, fleece, and waterproof jacket work great. Gloves and a warm hat are a good idea in May also.
June: The snow is mostly melted except on the slopes of the surrounding peaks. Bugs are hatching out this month, but they don’t get too bad. We supply bug repellent just in case. Temperatures can fluctuate; again, bring layers. Brilliant wildflowers are starting to bloom, notably lupine.
July: Warmer temps, more bugs. Fireweed bloom profusely along the Klondike Hwy. The 4th of July celebration in Skagway is highly enjoyable.
August: We’ll have some 80-degree days, but August tends to be a bit more on the rainy side ( in Skagway ). You can’t count on the weather to be predictable, so come prepared and bring your layers. No need for gloves or hats this month. The salmon start running. Grizzly bears come to Dyea to feed on them during the latter part of this month.
September: Our best Fall colors in the Yukon are during this month. The changing leaves of Yukon Aspen are brilliant to behold! We highly recommend taking our Overnight Tours during this month.
October: Join us for our “Follow the Gold Tour”, from Skagway around to Haines. This 350-mile-long journey takes you through miles of untouched wilderness.
Whatever the month you arrive, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness. Each season sports beauty of a different kind. Whatever month you come, you’ll love what The Last Frontier has to offer!
- How do I pay for the tour?
You can call us to book your tour or click any “Book Now” button to book directly online in just minutes!
- Can I pay just a deposit?
Call us to talk about a deposit and plan.
- What do you do during the winter months?
Come visit us and we’ll tell you ALL about it!
* Passport Required
*FAQs:
- Where do you pick us up?
We will pick you up right at your ship, just past port security. At the end of your tour, we will drop you off right at your ship, or in town if you choose to explore Skagway.
- Why do we need passports?
Most of our tours pass through Canadian Customs. Passports are required here and for re-entry into the US.
Some passports are required to be accompanied by a VISA to enter Canada. If you don’t know, please ask.
If you are riding the White Pass & Yukon Rail train, passports are required. (Birth Certificates are OK for 15 and under.) You will not be allowed to board the train without a valid passport.
- What if we have minors in our party traveling without legal guardian/s?
Many children travel with friends or grandparents and it has never been a problem. However, we suggest bringing a signed note from all absent legal guardians, allowing permission for the minor to cross the border. Note should include telephone number and address of absent guardian/s. The more information you can provide the customs agents the better, i.e. birth certificates, adoption papers, guardianship papers. Neither border requires a notarized note, but US Customs and Border Protections recommend one. Here is a sample note provided on the US CBP website. “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” (Include contact information)
- What if we can't get off the ship in time for our tour?
Since you are on a private tour, your guide will be ready and waiting for you, and only you!
- What if we miss the ship at the end of our tour?
We have been in operation since 2010 and have never missed a ship! We schedule a nice cushion of time for all tours between the end of your tour and your all aboard time. If we did for some reason miss you all aboard, we would fly you to your next port destination to meet your ship, and take care of any incidental expenses.
- Can I combine a White’s Pass Train Ride with your Beyond Skagway Tour?
Yes! We take care of White Pass & Yukon Route ticket arrangements for you. There are a few different options when it comes to the train. Call us for details or check out our “AM Tours” page for more info.
- What are my options for the day I spend going “Beyond Skagway”?
If you aren’t sure what you want to do, we suggest the 7 Hour Emerald Lake tour, leaving all details until the day of. Let the weather and guide dictate the way your day unfolds, choosing your tour specifics on the For ideas of custom options, consider these:
Picnic Lunch: Order ahead of time from Glacial Coffeehouse in Skagway. Enjoy the ease of a prepared basket to enjoy at a picnic table in Carcross, or head out on an adventure and eat in a wilderness location.
Take the kids to pet husky puppies: Visit with Iditarod Alaskan Huskies in their off-season, while they work on incorporating new dogs to the team. Michelle Phillip is a seasoned dog musher in the Yukon who has raced in several Iditarod and Yukon Quest races. Play with the puppies and/or take a cart ride. Note: There is no actual snow on the ground along the South Klondike Highway in the summertime, so if you want to ride in an actual sled you will need to visit us in the winter! Learn more!
Scavenger Hunt: We love family tours! Our popular scavenger hunt is free for kids of all ages
Gold Panning Experience: Learn how to pan for gold like sourdough with a “salted” pan.
Yukon Suspension Bridge: Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and walk over the glacial Tutshi River.
- How should I dress?
Like an Alaskan! In layers! Temperatures can vary greatly on the same day. The best way to dress is in layers, with comfortable walking shoes. Shed a layer when warm or add a layer if cool. Wear a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or fleece and a windproof/rainproof jacket and you will be ready for whatever weather you might encounter.
- Can you add us to somebody else's tour?
We sometimes have requests to join tours and build larger groups. The truth is this: We are a private tour company and we excel at our specialty: offering quality, specifically customized, private tours for small groups of friends or families. We can recommend many excellent companies who offer quality tours for small parties, that are already built around the combining of groups. If you would like to invite others to join your Beyond Skagway tour, however, we can make a note on your reservation and notify your if an opportunity arises.
- What should I bring?
Passports are REQUIRED for the border crossing into Canada, only 15 miles north of Skagway.
For some nationalities, additional documentation may be required.
Children accompanying parents should have an original or certified copy of their birth certificate or Passport.
If one or both parents are not traveling with the child, a letter of authorization from the absent parent(s) is also necessary to cross into Canada. If you have any questions regarding proper identification of the border crossing, please contact us.
Camera
Jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Personal binoculars – we supply them but many people bring their own
Sunglasses
You don’t need to “bring” this, but remember to have a good breakfast in the morning, as it may be a while before a snack spot
- Will we see wildlife?
We sure hope so! We are always on the lookout but unfortunately can not guarantee wildlife sightings. Our guides all know the best places to look, and we chat with other tour operators all the time about where the current hot spots are. For wildlife sightings such as bears, moose, mountain goats, and others, the Yukon is your best bet. Most of our Yukon excursions see some type of wildlife.
- What is the best season to visit "Beyond Skagway"?
Each season has its benefits and drawbacks, but since you asked, we’ll try to give you some of our favorite things about each month you might visit “Beyond Skagway”.
May: There is still snow on White Pass, but not on the road! You’ll see snowy mountains, enjoy a noticeable lack of mosquitoes and have a higher chance of seeing bears foraging for fresh vegetation after hibernation. We enjoy some warm weather in May, but it can be stormy too! Bring layers. A shirt, fleece, and waterproof jacket work great. Gloves and a warm hat are a good idea in May also.
June: The snow is mostly melted except on the slopes of the surrounding peaks. Bugs are hatching out this month, but they don’t get too bad. We supply bug repellent just in case. Temperatures can fluctuate; again, bring layers. Brilliant wildflowers are starting to bloom, notably lupine.
July: Warmer temps, more bugs. Fireweed bloom profusely along the Klondike Hwy. The 4th of July celebration in Skagway is highly enjoyable.
August: We’ll have some 80-degree days, but August tends to be a bit more on the rainy side ( in Skagway ). You can’t count on the weather to be predictable, so come prepared and bring your layers. No need for gloves or hats this month. The salmon start running. Grizzly bears come to Dyea to feed on them during the latter part of this month.
September: Our best Fall colors in the Yukon are during this month. The changing leaves of Yukon Aspen are brilliant to behold! We highly recommend taking our Overnight Tours during this month.
October: Join us for our “Follow the Gold Tour”, from Skagway around to Haines. This 350-mile-long journey takes you through miles of untouched wilderness.
Whatever the month you arrive, you’ll be amazed at the beauty of the Alaskan and Canadian wilderness. Each season sports beauty of a different kind. Whatever month you come, you’ll love what The Last Frontier has to offer!
- How do I pay for the tour?
You can call us to book your tour or click any “Book Now” button to book directly online in just minutes!
- Can I pay just a deposit?
Call us to talk about a deposit and plan.
- What do you do during the winter months?
Come visit us and we’ll tell you ALL about it!
Cancellation Policy
Tours may be cancelled and refunded (minus $50 booking fee) to guests, up to 48 hours prior to tour.
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