Skagway: Trail and Sail

If you’re considering a day in Skagway that mixes adventure with breathtaking scenery, the Trail and Sail tour from Klondike Electric Bicycles might catch your eye. It promises a blend of eco-friendly exploration via e-bike and a sailing excursion along North America’s longest fjord, giving you a chance to see the area from two very different perspectives. This review aims to give you an honest look at what to expect, highlighting the good, the potential drawbacks, and whether it’s a fit for your travel style.

What I really like about this tour is its focus on small-group intimacy—limited to six participants, which means you get more personalized attention and a less rushed experience. Plus, the stunning views of waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife truly stand out, especially if nature photography is your thing. On the flip side, a consideration worth noting is the weather dependency; since sailing is involved, if the weather turns rough, the experience could be affected or canceled, though full refunds are provided in those cases.

This kind of tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy active days with a mix of land and water, and who don’t mind a bit of physical activity (note the requirement for riding a bike). If you’re after a more laid-back, purely scenic experience, or you’re traveling with very young children, this might not be the perfect fit. But for those seeking a balanced, engaging day with knowledgeable guides, it can be a real highlight.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly exploration: E-bikes let you cover more ground comfortably while reducing your footprint.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect waterfalls, glaciers, and fjord views that are hard to beat.
• Small group size: Limited to six participants, which enhances the personal touch.
• Guided and self-guided portions: Flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Wildlife sightings: Potential glimpses of eagles, whales, and seals.
• Weather dependent: Sailing can be affected by weather, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Skagway Trail and Sail Experience

Starting point: Klondike Electric Bicycles

Your day kicks off at Klondike Electric Bicycles, where you’ll get your helmet and lock and be set up for a three-hour, self-guided e-bike tour. The focus here is on exploring Skagway and Dyea, both historically significant spots from the Gold Rush era. The tour is designed to give you a comfortable and eco-friendly way to see the area, with no need to worry about exerting yourself too much thanks to the electric assist.

Kristi from the U.S. summed it up perfectly, saying, “We loved sailing with Brendan and Lynn in the bay and Nicole setting us up with E bikes and an awesome route along the river and stopping at overlooks.” Her comment underlines how well the guides set the tone for a memorable, intimate experience, combining local knowledge with a relaxed approach.

The e-bike segment: Exploring Skagway and Dyea

The self-guided part allows you to customize your route, but you’ll likely stick to the recommended path, which includes key points of interest. The ride is roughly three hours, giving you enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed. The overlooks and historical sites are the highlights here, offering insight into the area’s past and spectacular vistas.

We appreciate that the tour includes a helmet and lock—a small but thoughtful detail that makes your safety and security straightforward. Since it’s self-guided, it’s a good choice if you prefer a bit of independence but still want some structure.

Transition to the sailing adventure: Skagway Small Boat Harbor

Once you’ve finished biking, you’ll head to the Skagway Small Boat Harbor, which is just a short walk or shuttle ride from the starting point. Here, you’ll meet Captain Brendan, who will welcome you aboard the 50sailing sloop Hopscotch. This vessel offers a 2.5-hour journey through the Lynn Canal, the longest fjord in North America.

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The sailing experience: Nature, wildlife, and stunning vistas

Sailing in the Taiya Inlet is a highlight of this tour. The fjord’s deep waters and dramatic scenery make it one of the most beautiful sailing spots in the world. Expect to see waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and if luck is on your side, eagles, whales, and seals.

Participants rave about the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful vistas. Kristi mentions, “We loved sailing with Brendan and Lynn in the bay and Nicole setting us up with E bikes and an awesome route.” Her enthusiasm shows how well the guides enhance the experience with their local knowledge and friendly approach.

Food and logistics

A boxed picnic lunch is included—think charcuterie-style—allowing you to enjoy a meal while soaking up the views. Having this provided makes the trip feel well-organized; you won’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat or packing extra food.

Pricing and value

The tour costs around $278 per person for an entire day of land and sea adventures, which is reasonable considering the small group size, guided portions, and included meals. For those who appreciate a mix of activity, scenery, and expert guidance, this is a solid value.

Weather considerations

Because the sailing depends on weather conditions, cancellation due to weather is possible. The good news is that a full refund is provided if that happens, which makes booking with confidence easier.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience suits those who are active, curious about nature, and enjoy diverse environments. It’s perfect if you like the idea of cycling and sailing in one day, appreciating both land and water perspectives. However, it’s not suitable for children under 14, or those who can’t ride a bike or have recent surgeries or mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

The Skagway: Trail and Sail tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines eco-friendly cycling with the awe-inspiring beauty of a fjord cruise. The small group size and knowledgeable guides mean you’ll receive personalized attention, and the scenery is genuinely remarkable. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of activity, history, and nature in a single day.

While weather can be unpredictable, the flexibility of full refunds and the variety of experiences make this a low-risk, high-reward option. If you’re someone who loves outdoor adventures and seeing North America’s wild landscapes up close, this tour is worth considering.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, unforgettable way to explore Skagway’s stunning surroundings—especially if you’re eager to combine physical activity with scenic relaxation.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children under 14?
No, children under 14 are not allowed on this tour. It requires riding bikes and being able to handle the physical activity involved.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the sailing is weather-dependent, the tour might be canceled if conditions aren’t safe. In that case, you’ll get a full refund.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts about 6 hours, starting with 3 hours of self-guided biking and followed by a 2.5-hour sailing trip.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, a boxed picnic lunch is provided, so you can enjoy a snack while admiring the scenery.

Are helmets and locks provided?
Yes, the tour includes a helmet and lock for your safety and security during the biking portion.

Is the tour suitable for people who can’t ride a bike?
No, since biking is a core part of the experience, those who can’t ride a bike should consider other options.

How big are the tour groups?
Groups are limited to 6 participants, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.

This tour is a solid pick for those wanting an active day with truly memorable scenery. Combining history, wildlife, and the water, it’s a well-rounded way to take in Skagway’s natural beauty—perfect for travelers eager to explore beyond the typical cruise port stops.

You can check availability for your dates here: