Questions
Why should I choose a Frontier Excursions tour?
In operation since 1987, we are Skagway's oldest operating locally owned tour company. We pride ourselves on providing a quality tour product at a reasonable price. Our professional tour guides are first aid/CPR certified, fully trained, and happy to go the extra step to make your tour experience unforgettable. With over 20 years in business, we have established relationships with our tour partners, including White Pass Railroad, National Park Service, Caribou Crossing and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. We are members of Alaska Tourism Industry Association, the Skagway Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau.
Do you pick up at the ships?
Yes, we pickup at dockside, where the dock meets land. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to departure. At the conclusion of the tour, you'll have your choice of returning to the ship, or the town. Optionally, you may choose to meet at our office downtown. There are shuttles providing transportation to town from the ships for a nominal fee. Your confirmation from us will provide you with full details and local contact information.
How can I find you at the dock?
We will meet you with a sign with your name on it, and/or the name of your tour choice. We will provide you with a confirmation with pickup instructions and contact information, including local phone numbers as well.
How do I pay for the tour?
A credit card or deposit will hold your reservation; payment is made just prior to departure. Credit cards are taken to hold your reservation only, and will not be charged unless you do not cancel or don't show up for the tour. Upon check in, we will collect and provide you with a receipt.
What is your cancellation policy?
For individuals, our cancellation policy is 24 hour notice. For groups of 6 or more and adventure tours, 7 days notice is required.
How should I dress?
Temperatures can vary greatly in the same day. 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 and/or fleece, plus a windproof jacket, and you should be comfortable for the day. Heavy parkas are usually not recommended for summertime.
What should I bring?
Don't forget your passport for border crossings! A camera is a must, binoculars are recommended, as are extra film and batteries. A disposable camera is handy in case of problems with your camera or camcorder, and you won't miss anything. Dress appropriately for possible weather changes. TRAVEL TIP: Mark your possessions (cameras, spare eyeglasses, umbrellas, etc.) with an address label. If lost, we can find you to return them!
What's the difference between your tours and the train?
The train is a great trip through the mountains, and train buffs should plan on including it in their visit to Skagway. We offer the train as an option on our Yukon Suspension Bridge tour. However, if you're not a train buff, you'll find that our tours, while paralleling the train route, offer some advantages, such as including photos stops and a chance to interact with and ask questions of your guide. In addition, you'll find they offer great value for the money.
Why do I need my passport?
Skagway is a land of two roads. The major road is the Klondike Highway, which crosses the Canadian border just 15 miles north of Skagway. Since most tours take this route, you will need your passport for the border crossings.
Do you offer a children's rate?
Most tours do have a child's rate available for children aged 3-12 years old. Lap children ride at no charge.
What type of vehicles do you use?
For our bus tours, we use comfortable custom mini-coaches, with a 14-to-28 passenger capacity. All feature large touring windows, bucket seats and PA systems. Jeep Stampede uses Jeep Wranglers, 4 passenger capacity. Yukon 4x4 Adventure & Custom SUV tours use luxury SUV's, keeping to 5-6 passengers. If you're family is larger, maximum capacity is 7 per SUV. Using these smaller vehicles assures you of a more personal experience. We have an on staff mechanic, and our vehicles are meticulously maintained for safety.
What can I expect?
All tours features plenty of photos stops, and are fully narrated. Binoculars are recommended, and cameras essential! Most tours travel up the Klondike Highway, one of the most scenic highways in the nation, through multiple climate zones. Just about everywhere you turn there is a beautiful sight or vista! At many stops, disembarking is optional, as you have a great view right from your seat.
Which tour do you recommend for a cruise ship passenger?
Our recommendation for tours is always for the Yukon territory, for three reasons: a) regardless of the weather in Skagway, it's usually better in the Yukon; b) it's the best chance of seeing wildlife! Somewhere between 30% and 50% of the Yukon tours usually see wildlife of some kind, whether it's bears, eagles, moose, caribou, mountain goats, sheep, etc.; and c) the scenery is nothing like you'll see along the inside passage. Remember that the inside passage is Pacific Northwest temperate coastal rainforest. Skagway is the driest port, with just 27 inches of rain annually, and when we cross over the border into Canada, they are even drier. You'll get above the treeline into sub-arctic alpine tundra, then pass back into boreal forest along the lakes. Also, the Yukon is home to the Emerald Lake, 'Jewel of the Yukon,' and well worth the trip.
When considering your tour choice, you might keep in mind your preferences as to group size, activity level, etc. If you prefer traveling with a small group, the 4x4 Adventures carry a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle. If you'd like to have a chance of seeing wildlife, such as bears, or to make the most of your day in Skagway, the Yukon tours are your best bet; Our Yukon Discovery Tour offers the most for the money. The Chilkoot Exploration Tour is a good choice if you'd like a more active tour. If time is scarce, then the Summit & City Tour, Chilkoot Exploration Tour, Yukoner! Adventure, or Yukon Jeep Stampede give you the history of the gold rush and some incredible scenery in the least amount of time.
Will we see wildlife?
For wildlife sightings such as bears, moose, mountain goats and others, the Yukon is always our best bet. Approximately 30-50% of Yukon excursions see some type of wildlife. For water-related wildlife, such as eagles, seals, etc., the Chilkoot Exploration tour is best. Remember, wildlife sightings, while occurring frequently, are at the whim of mother nature!
What if our ship changes docks?
We have a great network here in Skagway, and we will be notified. Stay with your ship, and we will locate you!
What if our ship arrives late or doesn't arrive at all?
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.
What if we miss our ship after the tour?
In all our years of operation, we have never missed a ship! Even though you may have an all aboard time of 1 hour or more prior to departure, the gangway remains in place for at least 30 minutes prior to departure. We carry a radio telephone on longer tours in case of emergencies, and will not book you on any tour that is not back in time to make the ship. We guarantee that you will make your ship, or we will pay for your transportation to the next port.
How soon should I book?
With our liberal cancellation policy, we highly recommend you book early to guarantee your desired tour. You may book via our website or call our toll-free number and our friendly, helpful staff will assist you.
Can I book a tour after arriving in Skagway?
Yes, our sales office is located at 510 Broadway, 2 doors north of 5th Avenue. There is a shuttle stop right out front, 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 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.
Payment Methods
Frontier Excursions accepts the following major credit cards: Visa and Mastercard.