Skagway: Trail and Sail

If you’re visiting Skagway and looking to combine eco-friendly exploration with breathtaking scenery, the Trail and Sail tour from Klondike Electric Bicycles offers a compelling option. This six-hour experience blends the thrill of riding electric bikes through historic sites with the serenity of sailing along North America’s longest fjord, the Taiya Inlet. It’s a carefully curated day that promises fun, stunning vistas, and a touch of local history.

What immediately stands out about this tour is its balanced mix of land and sea—perfect for travelers wanting a versatile outdoor experience. We love that it’s eco-conscious, with electric bikes reducing carbon footprint, and the small group size ensures personalized attention. The guides, Captain Brendan and Nicole, are praised for their warmth and knowledge, making the experience more engaging.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency, as sailing and biking in Alaska’s unpredictable climate can be affected. It’s worth planning with flexibility, especially in the shoulder seasons.

This tour suits those who enjoy active adventures with scenic rewards, especially travelers interested in wildlife, nature, and local history. It’s particularly great for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who appreciate intimate experiences with expert guides.

Good To Know

• Eco-Friendly Exploration: Electric bikes make navigating hills and trails easier, while reducing environmental impact.
• Diverse Experiences: Combines land-based sightseeing with a scenic sailing cruise.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with insights and local tips.
• Stunning Natural Views: Sailing past waterfalls and glaciers offers photo-worthy moments.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 6) ensure personalized service.
• Flexible Cancellation Policy: Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

You can check if your dates are available here:

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

Starting Point: Klondike Electric Bicycles

Your adventure begins at Klondike Electric Bicycles, where you’re introduced to your e-bike for a 3-hour, self-guided tour. The rental includes a helmet and lock, emphasizing safety and convenience. The route takes you to Dyea, an old Gold Rush town that’s rich in history and offers scenic vistas along the way. The flexibility of a self-guided ride allows you to explore at your own pace, stopping at overlooks and points of interest.

The Route and Stops

The highlight of this segment is the ride through Skagway’s historic areas and the nearby Dyea. Known for its connection to the Gold Rush era, Dyea’s remnants and natural beauty provide a compelling backdrop. Guests love the route Nicole sets up, describing it as “an awesome ride along the river and stopping at overlooks.” The electric bikes make it accessible even if you’re not an avid cyclist, and the terrain allows for a leisurely exploration of the surroundings.

Transition to Sailing: From Land to Sea

After your biking adventure, you’ll return to the Skagway Small Boat Harbor, where Captain Brendan greets you aboard the Hopscotch, a classic 50sailing sloop. This transition from land to water offers a refreshing change of scenery and a chance to unwind.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Sailing Experience in Lynn Canal

Sailing along the Taiya Inlet, the longest and deepest fjord in North America, is the tour’s crowning jewel. Captain Brendan expertly navigates past waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and towering cliffs, giving you a front-row seat to some of Alaska’s most iconic scenery. The sail lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing ample time to soak in the views, listen to stories from your guides, and maybe even spot some wildlife.

Wildlife sightings are a real possibility—eagles soaring overhead, seals lounging on rocks, and if luck is on your side, whales breaching nearby. Kristi from the only available review notes, “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. We would highly recommend this excursion! So fun and amazingly kind guides.”

Lunch and Refreshments

A boxed picnic lunch, featuring a charcuterie-style spread, is included and enjoyed during your bike pickup or at a scenic stopping point. This adds a relaxed, gourmet touch to the day, allowing you to fuel up without missing the views.

Practical Details and Comfort

The entire experience lasts around six hours, usually offered in both morning and afternoon sessions. The small group size (max six guests) ensures personalized attention, making it easy to ask questions or customize the experience where possible. The tour is suitable for those over 14 years old, provided they can handle biking and sailing.

Weather can influence the trip—if conditions aren’t safe for sailing, the operator offers a full refund. This commitment to safety and weather flexibility adds a layer of reassurance.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

For $278 per person, you’re getting a comprehensive day of active exploration and serene sailing—a true taste of Skagway’s natural beauty and history. The value lies in the combination of land and sea adventures, guided by engaging experts who share stories and local insights. The inclusion of equipment, guided sailing, picnic lunch, and small group size makes this package an excellent way to experience Skagway without the crowds or rushed schedules.

Compared to other options, this tour provides a more personalized and eco-conscious experience, ideal for travelers who want to avoid large buses and crowded sights. The ability to explore Dyea independently on electric bikes, followed by a scenic cruise, means you get a well-rounded picture of Skagway’s landscape and history.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for active travelers who love the outdoors but prefer a manageable pace. It appeals to wildlife enthusiasts, fans of small-group adventures, and those seeking unique ways to see Alaska’s fjords. Because of the biking component, it’s best suited for individuals comfortable on a bike at least 14 years old, with no recent surgeries or mobility issues.

Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see glaciers, waterfalls, and potentially whales, seals, or eagles. If you’re after a mix of history, scenery, and wildlife in a single day, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also an excellent option for couples and small groups wanting a personalized, memorable trip.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Won’t Disappoint

The Skagway: Trail and Sail tour offers an inviting blend of adventure, scenery, and relaxation. Its thoughtful combination of electric bike exploration and sailing creates a well-rounded day that showcases Alaska’s natural wonders and historical charm. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge enrich the experience, providing context and making sure everyone feels comfortable.

This tour’s value lies in its intimate setting, stunning vistas, and flexible design, making it a superb choice for travelers who want to see Skagway from multiple angles without feeling rushed. The inclusion of wildlife spotting opportunities, scenic sailing, and a tasty picnic ensures you’ll leave with great memories—and plenty of photos.

Perfect for those who enjoy active outdoor activities paired with tranquil moments on the water, this trip is a genuine way to connect with Alaska’s wilderness and history in a single day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, as the biking is on electric bikes, making it accessible for most people who can handle a bicycle. The sailing part requires no physical exertion.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes 3 hours of self-guided e-bike exploration, a helmet and lock, a 2.5-hour sailing trip, and a boxed charcuterie lunch.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 14 years old or those unable to ride a bike or manage the physical aspects of sailing.

What should I wear?
Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Open-toed shoes are not allowed for safety reasons.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, full refunds are provided if the tour is canceled due to weather conditions.

How long is the entire tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 6 hours, with options in the morning or afternoon.

Is this tour suitable for wildlife enthusiasts?
Absolutely, with opportunities to see eagles, whales, seals, and glaciers along the fjord.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups are limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellation possible 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of eco-friendly e-biking and scenic sailing with expert guides, all in a small-group setting, creates a memorable and authentic Alaska experience.

This Trail and Sail tour offers a well-balanced, engaging way to discover Skagway’s natural beauty, historical sites, and wildlife in one carefully curated day. Whether you’re into active adventures or tranquil fjord views, it’s an experience worth adding to your Alaska itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: