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. We have a large variety of tours to choose from to suit your needs. Our professional tour guides are 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 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 at the Golden North Hotel, 3rd & Broadway. 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 at the base of the pier with a FRONTIER EXCURSIONS sign. 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.
How do I pay for the tour?
A credit card or check deposit will hold your reservation; final payment is charged or collected the day of the tour. If you need to change payment method, please notify our staff the day of the tour, otherwise the credit card we have on file will be charged for the tour. If you do not show for the tour your credit card will be charged; See our Cancellation Policy below.
What is your cancellation policy?
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 24 hours notice of cancellation or changes 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, or if FRONTIER EXCURSIONS & ADVENTURES must cancel the tour for any reason.)
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?
Passports are now REQUIRED for border crossing into Canada. For some nationalities, additional documentation may be required. Children accompanying parents should have an original or certified copy of birth certificate or Passport. If one or both parents are not traveling with the child, a notarized letter of authorization from the absent parent(s) is also necessary to cross into Canada. 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.
A camera is a must! Binoculars are recommended although our tour vehicles carry one.
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. However, if you're not a train buff, you'll find that our tours do parallel the train route 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 tours 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. Yukon 4x4 Adventure & Private SUV tours use Ford Excursion SUVs, keeping to 5-6 passengers. If you're family is larger, maximum capacity is 7 per SUV. We have an on staff mechanic, and our vehicles are meticulously maintained for safety.
What can I expect?
All tours feature 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. Our sister company, Skagway Float Tours Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float is a good choice if you'd like a more active tour. If time is scarce, then the Summit & City Tour, and Yukoner, 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 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!
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 in the Golden North Hotel at 3rd and Broadway in the heart of downtown. 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.