FRONTIER EXCURSIONS est. 1987

YUKON DISCOVERYWHITE PASS SUMMITSUSPENSION BRIDGEKLONDIKE HIGHWAYEMERALD LAKE

Skagway's Premier Tour Company

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Our Tours

Frontier Excursions offers Skagway tours by mini-bus and are fully narrated by our amazing guides to show you the majestic White Pass or Yukon Territory with lots of stops for viewing and photography. Make the most of your port time in Skagway with options from a Half Day to a Full day of touring-from 2.5 to 6.5 hours.
We have many shore excursion choices - including White Pass Summit, Yukon border, Caribou Crossing, Carcross, Emerald Lake, Rafting and Hiking Chilkoot Trail in Dyea.
In operation since 1987, we have been providing exceptional tours at a reasonable price for 35 years in Skagway. Our equipment is always clean and professionally maintained for your comfort.
We provide high-quality sightseeing tours with great guides, friendly and helpful service, and a fun day for your family. We hope you'll join us in Skagway!
Fireweed wildflower in full bloom

Our Region

When you visit Skagway, Alaska, you have access to Canada via the South Klondike highway with miles of wilderness, panoramic views, and wildlife habitat. Our bus tours drive inland to the 3292 foot White Pass with rugged peaks and distant glacier features, into the lichen covered stunted forest of the sub-alpine Tormented valley and on our Yukon tours, continues into the vast Boreal forest, rivers and lakes of northern Canada.
From Skagway you have the opportunity to travel inland and view a different natural environment from the coastal temperate rainforests seen on your cruise of the Inside Passage. Whether you take our shorter or longer tours, you will get a different perspective - far above sea level!
Klondike Gold Rush history is another unique highlight of our region. Skagway and surrounding areas are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical park and we will share with you the fascinating history and stories of the 1898 wild boomtown and the Gold Rush stampeeders who traveled north to Dawson City in search of fortune.
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Our Service

We have great reviews online-
from Yelp, Google Reviews and TripAdvisor!
Book direct with us to enjoy our great customer service. We work hard to make sure your day is memorable and worry-free. By booking with Frontier you book directly with the operator of your tour. We are available most anytime in the cruise ship season to answer questions and we are available all year to provide information.
On your tour day, stop in to meet our friendly staff at our centrally located office in the historic district of Skagway. Our office is located in the Golden North hotel building under the Gold dome.

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence since 2013

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frontier bus at White Pass Summit
Why Choose Frontier

In operation since 1987, we have been providing quality tours at a reasonable price for 35 years in Skagway. Our professional tour guides are fully trained and happy to go the extra step to make your tour experience memorable. We have hundreds of 5 star reviews. We are the owners and operators of our tours and guarantee their quality. You are not booking through a middle-man with us. You can also come by our office in Skagway to meet us in person and have a contact location in case of problems.  We are also only a phone call or email away. We are very responsive to any questions or concerns you may have.

What to Expect

Our knowledgeable guides will always provide you with an exceptional tour experience. They are friendly, courteous, offer personal service and welcome your questions. Our equipment is clean and professionally maintained, as your safety is always our first concern.

All tours are fully narrated and feature plenty of photo stops where you can disembark the bus and breathe the fresh mountain air. Our tours travel up the Klondike Highway, one of the most scenic highways in North America, through multiple climate zones with dramatic vistas around every turn. Our knowledge of the area allows us to adjust our routes/stops to make the most of the day. We actively search for wildlife and will stop for sightings as long as it is safe to do so.

Yes, we pick up pierside where the pier meets land outside of security gates. This is also where ship tours meet. This is our default pick up location. (See more pier specific details in next section). For all our tours, you do have the option to meet at our office downtown at the Golden North Hotel, 3rd & Broadway. There are SMART bus city shuttles providing transportation to town from the ships for a nominal fee or it is approximately a 10-15 minute flat walk from the ship piers. Your confirmation from us will provide you with full details on meeting instructions and our contact information. Please make sure you have your Passports with  you.

Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. Please be on time and in the pre-arranged pick up location for the tour. Due to scheduling, if you are late, we may not be able to wait and we cannot give refunds in this case. Please call 1-877-983-2512 or 907-713-7527 if you are having problems locating the tour.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will have the option of returning to your ship or you may be dropped off in town. We guarantee we will return you to your cruise ship before departure time. However, if you choose to be dropped off in town, we are not responsible for your return to the cruise ship before departure.

When you book the tour we will send you an email confirmation/ticket with pickup instructions and contact numbers so you can reach us if you are having trouble finding us. Please make sure you have your Passports with you.

Look for a representative holding a FRONTIER EXCURSIONS sign. Please be 15 minutes early. We meet you at YOUR cruise ship pier tour meeting area. This is after you get off your ship. Look for representative with FRONTIER EXCURSIONS sign (see image below). Do not go to a different cruise ship pier than yours.
At the Railroad dock there are two docking positions. For ships tendering by boat to the small boat harbor, walk up the ramp after disembarking the tender and look for our representative. If you are taking a shuttle bus off the pier from your ship, once you get off the shuttle bus look for our representative.

We will be notified if your ship changes docks. Stay at your ship pier tour waiting area, and we will locate you!

In the case of late arriving of ships (very uncommon), we will try to accommodate you on a later tour. If this is not feasible, you will not be charged. If your ship doesn’t arrive due to unexpected problems, we will be notified. In this circumstance, there will be no charge.

In all our years of operation, we have NEVER missed a ship! Even though your ship may suggest an all aboard time of 1-2 hours prior to departure, the gangway remains in place for at least 30 minutes prior to departure.  30 minutes prior to departure is the official all-aboard time for your ship and ship sponsored tours will be returning to the pier close to that time.  We always have at least 1 hour of buffer time before a ship all-aboard time in order to get you back with a comfortable margin of time.  We carry a GPS communication device on all vehicles that allows messaging to our base in Skagway in case of emergencies or delays. We will not book you on any tour that is not back with time to spare to make your ship departure. We do drop off at the ship per and we guarantee that you will make your ship, or we will pay for your transportation to the next port. (This only applies to cruise ships docked in Skagway. If your ship docks in Haines and you choose to make your own transportation plans to Skagway for a tour with us, we cannot guarantee your passage back to Haines.  If there is a ferry breakdown or some other complication in you getting back to Haines for your ship all-aboard there, we are not responsible and will not pay for your transport to the next port). If you choose not to be dropped off at the ship pier after the tour but in town instead and then subsequently miss your ship, we do not take any responsiblity for that as it is up to you at the point of drop off to get back to your ship before the all-aboard time.

All our tours travel the scenic South Klondike Highway, which crosses the Canadian border just 15 miles north of Skagway. The USA border station is only 7 miles from Skagway and Identification is checked there on the way coming back into Skagway from the White Pass. Passports are REQUIRED for the USA and Canada border crossing. You will need an Original Valid Passport, Passport Card, Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST) for crossing the border to Canada. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) are only allowed for the USA border crossing and can be used only on the White Pass Summit & City tour. https://www.frontierexcursions.com/tour/white-pass-summit-city-tour/

For some nationalities, additional documentation (like a Visa) may be required for entry to Canada and/or USA. Single-entry Visas are acceptable for entry to Canada at this border on a tour. Canada Visas (if needed for your nationality) are required on all tours except the White Pass Summit & City Tour which is the only tour that does not cross through Canada immigration. Passports (and USA Visa if required) are still needed on the White Pass Summit & City tour.
Children with USA or Canada citizenship (15 and younger) accompanying parents should have a Passport OR an original or certified (raised seal) of birth certificate (no copies allowed). 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. Canadian Border Service Agency recommends that parents who share custody of their children carry copies of their legal custody documents. You must carry a consent letter to provide authorization for you to take them on a trip and enter Canada if you share custody and the other parent is not traveling with you, OR if you are NOT the parent/legal guardian of the children you are traveling with. The consent letter must include the custodial parents’ or legal guardians’ full name, address and telephone number, child’s details, and person’s details of who they are traveling with. Having the letter notarized will support its authenticity, especially if you are taking a longer trip and crossing the border several times. Border services officers may ask additional questions to the children you are traveling with if you are not the parent/guardian or are traveling without both parents/guardians.  Here is a link to a sample letter that can be filled out before travel.

Those who lack the necessary identification will not be allowed to board the tour, and, as a consequence, may miss it. No refund will be given under these circumstances. While we will do everything possible to accommodate passengers lacking identification, there is no guarantee that suitable arrangements can be made. If you have any questions regarding proper identification for the border crossing, please contact us.

Passengers with a criminal conviction (misdemeanor or felony) including severe traffic violations, such as DUI or Hit & Run, will be denied entrance into Canada so should not join any tour besides the White Pass Summit & City tour or our rafting tours in Dyea.

For most of our tours (White Pass Summit & City Tour, Yukoner, and Yukon Discovery) we have an automated booking system in place for you to enter your Payment information online at the time of booking (through RezdyPay). There is $5 deposit per order charged at the time of booking. The balance on the order will be charged on the day of the tour. (If you pay the $5 deposit with PayPal we will send you a payment link to pay the remainder in full.) Your order will be Pending once entered and we will send it back Confirmed once we review your information and verify availability.
For our more White Pass & Rafting combo tour we have you fill out a Reservation Request form. After we receive your Request form, we will email you to confirm we have the space and get any additional information we need from you then send you a confirmation by email and Payment link to pay in full in advance (or we can call you to get a credit card for $5 deposit and charge the balance on the day of the tour).
Finally, if you do not show up for the tour, your credit card on file in RezdyPay will be charged the full amount. If we don’t have a credit card on file but have sent you a payment link for the balance of the tour and you do not pay by 24 hours before the tour we will cancel your booking; See our Cancellation Policy below.

In booking a tour you are agreeing to pay for all the seats you reserve, unless you give Frontier Excursions & Adventures 24 hours notice of cancellation or changes to your reservation. Failure to give notice of cancellation or changes to your reservation will result in your credit card being charged for all the seats you reserved for the tour. (The only exception is if your cruise ship does not make its scheduled stop at Skagway, if the ship is delayed arriving to port and we cannot reschedule your tour, if you are quarantined in your cabin for illness, or if Frontier Excursions & Adventures must cancel the tour for any reason.) Frontier Excursions retains the right to cancel a tour for any reason, in which case you will receive a full refund. If you do cancel before the 24 hour period we will refund your $5 deposit or your full amount if you have paid in advance.

Weather may be windier/wetter/cooler/warmer on the tour than at the time of departure as we travel through different climate zones. The best way to dress is in layers, so that you can shed a layer when warm, or add a layer if cool. Top your shirt with a sweatshirt/sweater/fleece, plus a wind/waterproof jacket, and you should be comfortable for the day. Heavy parkas are usually not recommended for summertime. If you come from a warm climate you may also consider bringing a hat or gloves for warmth. Temperatures can vary from upper 30s at the White Pass in cooler weather to 90 in the Yukon on a warm summer day. So, consider the general weather of the day before deciding how many layers to bring. For example, if it is a warm and sunny day in Skagway you will most likely not need raincoats or warm sweaters/hats/gloves. But if it seems cooler/cloudy/rainy then bring more layers. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Bring a camera and binoculars are recommended although our vehicles have one for use.

Our mini-buses are not equipped with restrooms. Our tours follow the South Klondike Highway through much wilderness but with very limited facilities. There are primitive outhouses available for use on all tours and the 6.5 hour Yukon Discovery tour has modern restrooms available at Caribou Crossing and/or Carcross at mid-point of the tour. Our Yukoner (4 hour) tour stops at the Yukon Suspension bridge and there is a modern restroom available. Be aware there may be the possibility of up to 1.5-2 hours or so without a restroom break. If you have issues with needing more frequent restroom stops, you may be better off booking a roundtrip train tour or bus tour on a large motorcoach equipped with restroom. These are available through your ship offered tours.

For our bus tours, we use comfortable custom mini-coaches, with a 13-to-28 passenger capacity (depending on group size). All feature large touring windows, bucket seats and PA systems. We have an on staff mechanic, and our vehicles are meticulously maintained for safety.

Our vehicles are NOT wheelchair or scooter accessible. If you are semi-ambulatory and use a walker or can transfer from a wheelchair and go up and down a few steps with assistance, we can most likely help you off and on our buses. Please inform us of any limited mobility situation when you book. We would also need to save space on the bus for a walker or folding wheelchair.

When considering your tour choice, keep in mind your preferences as to group size, time available, and budget.

To see the most and best variety in your day, consider the Yukon Territory (Yukoner and Yukon Discovery). The scenery is different than what you’ll see along the Inside Passage which is temperate coastal rainforest. As you travel over the White Pass and farther inland toward the Yukon, the climate becomes drier and ecosystems change. You’ll get above the treeline into sub-arctic alpine tundra at the White Pass, then travel into Boreal forest wilderness as you approach the Yukon. Also, regardless of the weather in Skagway, it’s usually better in Canada over the White Pass. Our best chances of seeing wildlife, such as bears, also improves as you go toward the Yukon (though is possible on any of our tours).

If you want a shorter tour that covers the main highlights on a budget and leaves more free time for you to shop or do a second tour during your day in port, then the White Pass Summit & City Tour give you the history of the gold rush and some incredible scenery in the shortest time frame at 2.75 hours. The Yukoner, at 4 hours is also a good option for a shorter tour.

For more active tours and outdoor adventure consider our sister company, Skagway Float Tours.  We have a Combo day where you can combine one of our shorter bus tours with either the Scenic River Float or the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float.

For wildlife sightings such as bears, moose, mountain goats and others, the Yukon is the best possibility. Approximately 30-50% of Yukon excursions see some type of wildlife. Wildlife sightings are most active in May and June. For water-related wildlife, such as eagles and seals, the Skagway Float Tours (Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float or Scenic River Float) are best. Remember, wildlife sightings, while occurring frequently, are at the whim of Mother Nature!

The train is a great trip through the mountains and an engineering landmark, and train buffs should plan on including it in their visit to Skagway.
However, if you want a great tour no matter the means of transportation, you’ll find that our bus tours do parallel the train route in part and offer advantages including multiple photo stops and a chance to interact with your guide. At the stops all passengers can get out to take in the fresh mountain air and to take as many photos as desired where as the train is in constant motion. Also you can get personalized attention from your guide as you have the opportunity to ask questions and capture family photos with the guide as your photographer. In addition, you’ll find our bus tours offer great value for the money.

We highly recommend you book early (several months in advance) to guarantee your desired tour. You may book via our website or call us. Our longer tours to the Yukon and Yukon border book up fastest. Our White Pass Summit and City tour often has closer in availability.

Yes, besides our regularly scheduled tours, we often open up an additional tour bus for day of sales (usually for our Yukoner or White Pass Summit & City tour). Our sales office is located in the Golden North Hotel building at 3rd and Broadway in the heart of downtown. There is a shuttle stop across the street from our location, so if you take a shuttle from the ship, you can request a drop off at our office. Your best rate will always come by booking directly through us. We may also be reached by email at frontierexcursions09@gmail.com, phone at 907.983.2512, or out-of-town toll free at 877.983.2512. Please be aware that some tours may be sold out on the day of your arrival.

Premier Skagway Tours

FRONTIER EXCURSIONS & ADVENTURES

brings you incredible natural beauty, unique Gold Rush history, and world-class scenery around every turn.

Our goal is to provide a high-quality tour, friendly and helpful service, and a fun day for your family on a Skagway tour. We make lots of stops for viewing, photography, and breathing the fresh mountain air!

We hope you’ll join us for a great tour day in Skagway.

We pick up at the Cruise ship docks and our office – 3rd and Broadway, at the Golden North Hotel, Skagway, Alaska.

Frontier Excursions & Adventures

VISIT SKAGWAY & THE YUKON

Spectacular Scenery:

Gold Rush Trail
White Pass
Yukon Territory
Pitchfork Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Moore Creek Bridge
Welcome to Alaska Sign
Summit Lake
Tormented Valley
Yukon Suspension Bridge
Welcome to Yukon Sign
Lake Bennett
Carcross Desert
Emerald Lake
Caribou Crossing
Chilkoot Trail
Dyea Valley
Taiya River

Activities:

Sightseeing
Scenic Driving
Photography
Rafting
Hiking

Watch for Wildlife:

Bears
Moose
Caribou
Eagles
Dall Sheep
Mountain Goats
Marmots

VISIT SKAGWAY ALASKA

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Skagway & Yukon Tours - Frontier Excursions & Adventures | Skagway Tours