Shore Excursions to Klondike Gold Fields.
SGY355 - Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & 40 Below
Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach for a ride through the historic streets of downtown Skagway past wooden walkways to the Klondike Gold Fields.
Once there, you'll meet your guide and watch a video presentation introducing you to dogs of the Klondike Gold Rush and highlights what winter dog sledding is like today, before enjoying a sled dog demonstration. You'll get to meet, and interact with, the Iditarod sled dogs and their puppies, stopping first by the checkpoint tent with your musher. Inside, you'll be introduced to all the gear a musher and dog team takes with them on a long distance race like the Iditarod. Finally, your musher introduces you to the team and then hooks the dogs to a sled so you may watch a demonstration run.
Next, you'll get to feel the cold of an Iditarod race and experience the thrill of 40 degrees below zero for yourself! After suiting up in parka and snow boots, you'll step into a cold chamber for an instant deep-freeze effect. Sit on an ice throne and experience unique features of the extreme cold. After this chilling experience, you'll be ready to warm up with a little gold fever!
Your gold rush experience isn't complete until you meet a cast of costumed characters for some fun as well as a chance to claim your fortune at the Klondike Gold Fields. You'll learn the art of panning for gold while you practice your technique in warm-water troughs. You can count on striking gold.
After you've hauled your treasure into the Gold Shack and had it weighed, you'll have leisure time to shop for Alaskan souvenirs, fine jewelry and raw gold nuggets in the Gold Parlor and unique gifts and collectibles at The Unexpected. Grab a snack and beverage at Gold Rush Restaurant and Brewery. Every child receives a token to redeem for a refreshing root beer. Sit and enjoy the three movies playing in the on-site theaters and visit the photo shack where you may dress up and take pictures. Stroll the grounds and view displays and exhibits or just relax along the river enjoying the mountain views.
Your tour concludes, as you re-board your motor coach, no doubt a bit richer, for the short journey back to your ship.
SGY250 - Rail, Summit, Gold Panning and Gourmet Lunch
At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride on the "Scenic Railway of the World." See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks - evidence of the gold seekers' arduous journey. Gaze in awe at the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. Against all odds, the iron trail was carved through some of the North's most rugged terrain in 1898. Marvel at the spectacular waterfalls, cliff-hanging turns, tunnels and historic sites you pass on your journey to the summit of the White Pass and beyond to Fraser, British Columbia.
In Fraser, disembark the train and board a motorcoach for a dramatic journey past the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls en route to Skagway. Your guide will regale you with tales of hardship that earlier travelers endured in their quest to reach the interior. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers may be captured during the many photo stops.
A lovely respite in your day, enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Historic Skagway Inn. Home to many "ladies of the night" during the Klondike Gold Rush, the intimate Olivia's Restaurant offers such delicacies as "Garden City" salad or fish chowder, smoked salmon pasta or chicken pot pie and a delicious dessert. After lunch, take a moment to stroll through the inn's colorful garden that thrives in the long days of summer.
Refreshed, you're ready to meet a delightful cast of characters and find your fortune at the nearby Klondike Gold Fields. Experience the life of a prospector when you visit a 350-ton gold dredge and join a colorful cast of characters for the chance to strike it rich. Learn the art of gold panning and practice your technique in warm-water troughs. Gold is guaranteed in every pan! Haul your treasure into the Gold Shack and have it weighed. Then, browse a collection of gold nugget jewelry and discover unique, mining-related souvenirs in the gift shop. Be sure to tour the "living museum" to learn the fascinating history of the gold rush days before your picturesque drive back to port.