We can't decide on a shore excursion in Skagway - will be there all day in July - train ride looks interesting, but not round trip. Any suggestions to keep teenagers happy? Any bear viewing? Thanks.

You could do independent excursions in Skagway? Just make sure that you are back to the ship before it sails again.

Julia

I always do independent excursions and with no issues. I enjoyed White Star railway a lot, great scenery, then spent some time in downtown.

Are your teens adventurous? Give us more info.

If they are into history, I'd suggest taking the National Park tour. It's a guided walk through the town (the whole town of Skagway is a national historical park because all the buildings are original to the Gold Rush days). The park rangers are excellent guides and the tour is free. It takes about an hour or so and there will be time left in the day to do other things. You have to sign up for the tour at the visitors center.

The White Pass train in great if the weather is good. If it's raining or cloudy, you won't see much.

If not, then here's a list of things to do in Skagway http://www.skagway.com/activities.html

Thanks for your comments. Yes, the teens like sports, ziplines, trekking, etc. Maybe we'll do the train one way and an alternate route back. Has anyone used the Chilkoot Tours to Emerald Lake, Yukon, etc.?

Have you considered the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari? The teens especially might enjoy the high speed catamaran and the canoe trip to the face of Davidson Glacier. Young, energetic guides and a lot more fun (IMO) for the kids than the train. Good Luck!

For clairfication- the "whole town" is NOT a National park. but the Park service does have an excellent visitor center with more than the walking tours. http://www.nps.gov/archive/klgo/schedule.htm

the walking tours are different depending on the ranger, so if of interest, take more than one. Hiking Lower/Upper Dewey Lake is a great option. Request their visitor guide www.skagway.com