This family run passenger ferry incorporates whale watching and a local guide into a beautiful cruise between Skagway, Haines and Juneau. They can help you figure out how to get to Whitehorse (summer only) by tour bus or on the White Pass and Yukon Route railway by train and bus, and there to catch another bus to Alaska. We are traveling on the La Conte, a much smaller boat than the Kennicott so loading goes very smoothly and were on our way at 7am. She tells us many of the summer workers do what she does but some come back year after year to the same places. The main tourist area is in the first 7-8 blocks so we get a chance to see the residential side of town. 7614 schedules between March 1, 2023 and October 6, 2023. [12] The State of Alaska determined a new vessel was necessary, and the new vessel should be designed from the beginning to be able to take on a command and control role in the case of another disaster. Scott shares with us photos of his travels around the USA in emergency vehicles he has delivered. Ride the Fjord Express from Skagway to Juneau! We know crime is super low in the area we were more worried about a bear trying to get at the food but all is well. Although not connected by road it is the state capitol and the nearest jetport to Haines and Skagway. Transportation from Skagway to Juneau - Skagway Forum Once we eavesdrop and here that was a different episode, we know hes right. It is co-managed by Parks Canada and contains many restored buildings. Re: Is there an express-type ferry from Juneau to Skagway? Sitka to Skagway - 3 ways to travel via car ferry, and plane - Rome2rio The website says they have 12 raptors living there either permanently injured and unable to live in the wild or in recovery. This 12 hour Skagway Boat Tour through the most scenic stretch of Alaska's Inside Passage includes a narrated, sightseeing & wildlife cruise with whale watching, a stop at the Eldred Rock Lighthouse, continental breakfast and light supper, bus transportation into. At best, the journey takes a couple of days. We now know to delay our travel plans tomorrow by an hour. is the northernmost town on the Lynn Fjord and is the final destination for many Alaska cruise ships. The Alaska Ferry lands in Haines at 11:45 and our vehicle is unloaded by noon. It remained active during both WW1 and WW2. 800/230-4898 or 907/983-2247; www.avis.com). Hes taking this ferry all the way to Skagway and staying there for 4 days. We see rivers, snow capped mountains (were told arent usually visible), old train trestles and pass through some dark tunnels (one is over 700 feet). We are blessed with crystal clear skies and beautiful temperatures. The boat got off course and got hung up on a reef. After September and before May, almost none of the commercial tourist attractions are open, and hardly any lodgings or restaurants. We learn he is also taking the White Pass & Yukon Train ride with us at 8am in the morning. All cross-gulf trips include a stop at the port of Yakutat, a community unique in that it is served only on a cross-gulf route. We have a few hours to kill before we grab the Fast Ferry back to Haines, so we duck into Corringtons Museum of Alaskan History & Giftshop. We sit and chat for several hours, more beer and another meal. This post covers the Alaska Ferry trip from Juneau to Haines, the ferry to/from Skagway and time spent in both communities. Some people made a living by helping carry provisions for others or by watching the goods sitting at the border while the prospector went back to Skagway for the next load. Haines, Alaska - Fjord Express to Juneau - 1-800-320-0146 The building houses a small museum that lays the groundwork for the rest of what you'll see. It turns out she was working at a bar we went to last fall in Glenwood Springs, CO (but she was off the day we were there). Since one man cant carry 1200 pounds at once, it required several trips to get all your provisions to the border crossing, then continue the journey to where the gold was. Route Guide - Alaska Marine Highway System Ferries typically run once a day in summer. Reservations - Haines Skagway Fast Ferry We stop at a little local place called Fogcutter Bar and sure enough, it is fairly busy with local folks. Expect to pay around $150 to $250 a day, depending upon vehicle size, plus many required extras (it's not a cheap option). The building at the ferry is being renovated and we finally get someones attention. It took an average of 3 months to pack their outfits up and over the passes to the lakes a distance of 35 miles back and forth moving gear. (To drive between the neighboring towns takes 8 hours and includes two border crossings!) The road is a well-maintained 2-lane highway with wide shoulders. A typical flight from Juneau to Haines takes 45 minutes and the flight from Skagway takes 15 minutes. Getting Here | Skagway, Alaska All current vessels are named after Alaskan glaciers. The train passes several times by one of the main routes, The White Pass, and it doesnt look very friendly. [6] The package included 4 new vessels and new docks throughout. Our comfortable, high-speed catamaran is designed with an open wheelhouse so passengers can visit with the captain and crew while underway. At one time there were as many as 80 brothels in Skagway and The Red Onion was apparently the top of the line! We board the boat around 12:45 just as about 5 tour buses roll up and people roll out and onto the boat. The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry is slower but it travels in all weather and offers breathtaking scenery, frequent whale sightings and a comfortable ride . Call to Book Now 1-800-642-0066 Here is the AMHS schedule: We decide not to intrude, but were still delighted. Why arent we taking the Alaska Ferry to Skagway instead of taking 2 separate ferries? Day boat service was also provided on the North Lynn Canal route during the peak summer season by MV Malaspina. The center is open summer daily 8am to 6pm but closes at 5pm on weekends; winter Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. The distance between Haines and Skagway is roughly 19 miles in a straight line but nearly 360 miles apart by road. The Red Onion Saloon is an iconic restaurant, bar and brothel museum that is one of those must see places in Skagway. Planning a Trip in Skagway | Frommer's Juneau to Skagway from $39 3 ways to travel by bus, train, flight, car or ferry About Us Travel Guide How to get from Juneau to Skagway Click "Search" to see current routes for all types of transport All travel options Find out more about the route, compare travel time and get average prices for each means of transportation. Captain Glen Jacobson has kept wildlife logs in Lynn Canal for 33 years. [6] Funded in part by settlement money from Exxon[citation needed], the MV Kennicott joined the system in 1998. Together, these services cover the length of the Inside Passage. 2023 Rates Fjord Express to Juneau Day Cruise Package from Skagway or Haines: $189 adult, $169 (child under 12) Roundtrip Overnight (s): $310 (adult) $290 (child under 12) One Way: $165 (adult), $155 (child under 12), Fjordland Circuit: Juneau-Haines-Skagway-Juneau, allow 4 days, $299 (adult), $279 (child under 12) A $50 savings. You can also type the country or even the name of the ferry company you are interested in. Our safe and reliable service, accessible docks and multiple departures throughout the day make it an easy way to explore these quaint, fun-filled Alaska towns separated by 350 miles of road. Getting There The Alaska Marine Highway System (tel. Ferry from Juneau to Skagway - Juneau Skagway ferry - FerryGoGo.com Jul 9, 2023, 8:15 AM. Since 2011, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system has provided regular service from Juneau to Gustavus. This route provides round-trip service between Juneau, Haines and Skagway. [9], The southern terminus of the AMHS remained in Seattle until October 1989, when it moved to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven, Washington, after signing a 20-year lease with the city of Bellingham.[10][11]. We continue driving around the town of Haines and see several well preserved building from Fort Seward. Quite honestly, you can skip this (especially with the $15/person entry fee). In a few days, we have to drive through Canada for 5-6 hours so we have to go through a Canadian border crossing. The company used a converted LCT-Mark VI landing craft, christened the MV Chilkoot. It is low tide and thats the perfect time to maximize the area for walking. We mention we already drove there but when we complain about the poor condition of the dirt road at the entrance, he informs us we went to Chilkat Park, not Chilkoot Park. During 2008, the five largest AMHS vessels were used on the Southeast mainline routes. Alaska Handbook provides one of the most comprehensive resources for those who love the great state of Alaska. Facing the need to increase capacity, both the Matanuska and Malaspina were stretched by 56 feet, beyond the capacity of some of the smaller harbors and leaving the Taku as the only AMHS ship in Southeast able to serve some of the smaller communities. The Alaska Marine Highway's main hub is in Juneau, though administrative offices are in Ketchikan. There were 5 main routes across the snowy mountains (all brutal) and most were too narrow for pack animals. The fastest way to get here is to fly. [6] With 3 new ships, and a new name, the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) was born. The AMHS serves the following communities year-round: The following vessels, from smallest to largest, currently serve in the Alaska Marine Highway's fleet: Most Alaska Marine Highway System vessels are built for multiple-day voyages due to the large distances between ports. But the ferry isn't just easy transport, it's a mini scenic and wildlife cruise. There are several pull-outs along the Haines Highway to view eagles, but we dont find any. Juneau is the jumping off point for most Southeast Alaska travel. Travel the boardwalks through the Klondike Gold Rush history. More people made money supporting the prospectors than the prospectors did searching for gold. This time of year, the sun is already up! Hot food services and, on the MV Columbia, a sit-down restaurant are also offered. We see his original log cabin as well as the larger, more elaborate 1.5 story Victorian home he built once his prediction turned true and people flooded to the area. Theres a break in the rain so we decide to walk the beach in front of our rental. For a more personalized touch check out Alaska Fjordlines. It is also the only method of transportation of vehicles between the state and the contiguous United States, not requiring international customs and immigration. Skagway, Alaska - Fjord Express to Juneau - 1-800-320-0146 Skagway, Alaska Reaching the northernmost point of Alaska's Inside Passage by water lands you in Skagway, Alaska via Taiya Inlet, the gem of Lynn Canal. We have room #7 of 8 rooms in this basic and nicer than expected motel. Alaska Ferry Schedules - Alaska Marine Highway System The Skagway Ferry Terminal is a transportation hub in Alaska, providing access to the Alaska Marine Highway System. We enjoy lunch and then join the 2pm brothel tour with Trixie. We swear the bartender is tipsy and shes super busy keeping up with all the folks in this place. 2023 Alaska Handbook, All Rights Reserved. This trip is not made in the winter because of adverse weather conditions. This museum is free and well worth about an hour of time. The next part includes our travels from Haines all the way to Fairbanks, including a few hours through Canada and some stops along the way. He and his partner originally came to Skagway 9 years ago as a pair of those transient summer workers with plans to sell high-end jewelry in one of the shops. Juneau to Skagway from $39 3 ways to travel by bus, train, flight A trip from Juneau to Haines takes about 4.5 hours and only 1 hour to get from Skagway to Haines. Our bartender, Deb, is a sassy gal who just oozes with personality and takes good care of us. Once back in Haines, we are delighted to see our truck. Alaska Marine Highway System - The Alaska State Ferry The visitor center is open early May through late September daily from 8am to 6pm; the rest of the year, the museum is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. As a family owned and operated business, the Jacobsons and their crew bring a friendly and intimate feel to their tours. [8] Until this time, portions of the passage between Southeast Alaska and Washington State were classified as outside waters, and none of the vessels the AMHS operated in Southeast Alaska had the necessary ocean-going certification required to carry passengers on outside waters. 1-888-766-2103 or (907) 766-2100 www.hainesskagwayfastferry.com But, were trying to respect their privacy. Haines isnt the touristy draw as much as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway are. Its a beautiful clear day and we can observe snow capped mountains and waterfalls all around us. [6] These would be the last new ships built for the AMHS for 20 years, ending the initial construction of the AMHS. While we ordered a to-go breakfast from our hotel, someone else either swiped it or they forgot to set it out for us and we find ourselves without breakfast. Haines, Alaska, population of 2400, is located along the edge of North America's longest and deepest fjord, just 15 miles south of Skagway and 75 miles north of Juneau. The Southeast System connects with the continental road system at Bellingham, Washington, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and in Alaska at Haines and Skagway. There are 3 ways to get from Skagway to Juneau by plane or car ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. It's a marginal business to be in, and operators change annually. Skagway - Haines, Alaska 800/642-0066 or 907/983-2941; www.ferryalaska.com) connects Skagway daily with Haines and Juneau. Skagway is a very walkable town geared for cruise ship tourists with only 3 or 4 small hotels in total. Skagway, Alaska - Fjord Express to Juneau - 1-800-320-0146 We continue to exchange travel stories and photos and its truly amazing how much cross-over weve done. The first thing we learn, is we must wear a mask the clerk tells us that one of the cruise ships from London that stopped there this morning has over 300 confirmed cases of Covid on board, so they want their visitors all masked-up. Part 1 The trip to Key West is located here. Haines Info Haines Rafting Company Travelling the ferry in Alaska is easy and something to experience. Fjord Express to Juneau - 1-800-320-0146 In 1959, the year Alaska became a state, voters approved an $18 million ($181 million today) bond package to improve the ferry system throughout the Southeast and Southcentral regions. Along the way, the ships stop in Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, and Haines. Complimentary continental breakfast & dinner are served on board. The road runs 99 miles, then meets the Alaska Highway a dozen miles southeast of the Yukon capital of Whitehorse. Skagway's July 4th Parade and Celebration, organized by the chamber of commerce and featuring lots of small-town events, has been a big deal since Soapy Smith led the parade in 1898. We learn a lot about what it was like to be an upstairs girl in Skagway. We learn she plans to go to Nashville this upcoming fall. Boat and Crew Alaska Fjordlines offers quality, personalized tours allowing plenty of time for viewing wildlife and points of interest. The Slow Season -- Skagway is a seasonal community. It gives him numerous opportunities for travel and as we talk, weve been to a LOT of the same places. Part 2 Cross Country to Bellingham Washington is located here. The Haines Highway is the route well take tomorrow into Canada and then back into Alaska 6 hours later. The following year, the ocean-certified MV Tustumena was completed, the Chilkat moved to Prince William Sound, and the AMHS started service in Southcentral. We get to the train station early so we are first in line to board and indeed, we get seats right by the door to the platform. 907-983-2479 Search for flights to Skagway Where are you traveling from? [13] Costing only $9.5 million ($15 million today), her low fuel consumption and small crew complement make her the most economical vessel in the fleet,[14] giving the AMHS real-world data on the effectiveness of small, short-haul ferries in Southeast waters. Numerous commuter flights and daily ferry service bring travelers to and from Haines and Skagway. The fort was built between 1902 and 1904 to help monitor a prior border dispute with Canada and to manage the influx of gold miners in the general area. Alaska Fjordlines offers quality, personalized tours allowing plenty of time for viewing wildlife and points of interest. There is major road construction just after the last viewing area and we learn the road will be closed tomorrow from 6am 8am for blasting. 907/983-2921; www.nps.gov/klgo), is the focal point for activities in Skagway. It is now about 2:15pm and we luck out that our room is ready. We talk about things to do and he tells us we need to make sure we go to Chilkoot Lake Recreational Area. About 7 miles outside of town, we find our beautiful rental home for the next two nights. We find The Morning Wood Hotel very easily. The MV Chenega provided additional service during the summer season, and the MV Kennicott provided supplemental service. History Pre-statehood. When you arrive, you'll want to start exploring this dramatically scenic town, set on the water and surrounded by towering mountains. When we pull into the Skagway harbor, we see the La Conte, which we have just debarked in Haines docked in Skagway. The trip takes only 45 breathtaking minutes between the two beautiful Alaska towns of Haines and Skagway. Duration 6h 15m Frequency 4 times a week Estimated price $22 - $65 Schedules at dot.state.ak.us Child 6-11 $11 - $35 The Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau Center, 245 Broadway (P.O. 800/642-0066 or 907/983-2941; www.ferryalaska.com) connects Skagway daily with Haines and Juneau. Save. The exhibit area is unimpressive and it takes us maybe 15 minutes to go through so we head out to the raptor area and are equally unimpressed. Click here for the Sailing Calendar Click here for the Colored Schedule Grids The Sailing Calendar is designed to provide you with vessel and schedule information in a monthly calendar format. The shorter routes are commonly referred to as "day boat" routes. We meet up for breakfast at this cute cafe called Bites On Broadway. First gold was found in August 1896 and by late 1898, the gold rush was over. When would you like to Depart? Good thing we learned that since we had planned to pass through here around 7am to reach the border station at 8am. The same company, under a different name, also offers structured RV tours from Skagway as add-ons to cruise vacations. The southeast AMHS route system is divided into two subsystems: the mainline routes which typically take more than one day for the ship to travel; and shorter routes where the vessels depart their home port in the morning, travel to destination ports and then return to their home port on the same day. Skagway was the place to provision up for the journey to find gold. We exchange contact info and promise to connect once we get to Skagway. The Fast Ferry does sell out at peak times. They did all the renovations and figured out what menu items to offer (only open for breakfast and lunch) and the rest is history. Traveling by bus between Skagway and Anchorage or Fairbanks is not a practical option for most visitors. We then make the 2 mile walk back as the temperatures start to drop and rain starts to drizzle. A 65, 48 passenger, high speed catamaran, the Fjordland was custom built for the waters of Lynn Canal and specially designed for viewing wildlife up close. During 2008, the AMHS provided Yakutat with 10 port calls. Ferries Recommended option Fly from Skagway 1h 40m Fly from Skagway (SGY) to Juneau (JNU) SGY - JNU $280 - $602 Cheapest option Car ferry 7h 16m is the jumping off point for most Southeast Alaska travel. The family run Alaska Fjordlines 65' high speed passenger catamaran provides summer service between Skagway, Haines & Juneau. Once the classiest dance hall and saloon in the bustling gold rush town of Skagway, it is alive and well with great food and ambiance plus a brothel museum upstairs. The port is smaller so only small cruise ships can dock here and since tourism is smaller, so are things to do and see and opportunities for restaurants are limited. We cant get a seat at the bar, so we settle on a high-top table and order a pizza. Skagway to Juneau - 3 ways to travel via plane, and car ferry After a good 2 hour soak, we head back in and decide we should ride out to check out this park. Our bartender Deb is still there and remarks Wow, dj vu when she sees us. We wait for boarding time with just 2 other locals (a cable repair person and a woman with her dog & fishing pole). Most people arent taking their vehicles so by the time we got ours loaded, most of the good viewing seats are taken. As we near the dock, we see the large cruise ship we remember seeing leave Juneau the day before. A very light rain is falling but the 20 minute walk goes without issue. Once back in town, we check out the Happy Endings Saloon for a quick adult beverage, then move over to the Station for a quick appetizer. The Ferry is very popular with summer tourists (one of the primary reasons Bellingham and Prince Rupert are AMHS destinations). The State of Alaska's on scene response was managed from the E.L. Bartlett, later relieved by the Aurora. Sailing from Bellingham, Wash., to Juneau can take up to three days while sailing from Juneau to Ketchikan can be done in 18 hours. We need to be at the ferry by 4:45am yes thats in the morning for a 7am departure. This strike, the first one the AMH had seen in 42 years, led to a $3.2 million loss in revenue and reimbursements and was resolved with federal mediation.[15]. }, Fjord Express to Juneau Six blocks of downtown Skagway are designated as part of Klondike Goldrush National Historic Park. [9] While the Wickersham was relatively inexpensive to purchase, and could be added to the system quickly, she was never re-flagged as an American ship, and so commercial operation between US ports of call was a violation of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (commonly known as the Jones Act). On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound. Flights from Juneau to Haines and Skagway typically take 45 minutes to 1 hour. 888/762-1898). He starts each new day with enthusiasm, passion and excitement. It looks like there is a fast ferry on Saturdays and Sundays and Thursdays (US$61 pp) or a slower ferry on Mon,Tue,Wed,Fri at the same fare. She traveled from Haines to Juneau by kayaking with a group of 23 people for the Celebration festival the past weekend. In 2008, three AMHS vessels provided service on the day boat routes. Juneau, AK to Skagway - 3 ways to travel via plane, and car ferry Its been cool watching the tide go in and out theres such a huge difference in the water level. We see the woman with the dog and fishing pole from our ride over get on board. Ah we already forgot what Elscaba told us about the Koot and the Kat not the same! We learn that Lexy moves around every 6 months to different travel destinations working as a bartender from April to October, then in another place from October to April. So many eager gold hunters were unprepared (and dying en route) that the Canadian government declared one couldnt cross the border into Gold Country unless they had everything on a specific list that weighed in total about 1200 pounds. The first of these new vessels built was the MV Malaspina, followed closely by the MV Matanuska and MV Taku. Skagway - Alaska Seaplanes Haines is 15 miles away by boat, but more than 350 miles by road. Theres a new cruise ship in town and people start trickling on board this ferry so they can go to Haines and back for the day. Thankfully, Scott has already done breakfast research and it turns out only one place is open for breakfast so we agree to meet there in the morning. They operated a weekly service from Tee Harbor (north of Juneau) to Haines and Skagway, connecting the territorial capital to the international . One of our bartenders says they get a grocery drop once a week via barge shipping containers, so everyone has to plan accordingly. These were the MVLeConte, the MVFairweather and the MVLituya. He LOVES his work. We learn that 4 railcars are for cruise ship passengers that booked their trip directly through the cruise ship and they boarded at the cruise ship train depot. In addition to the current fleet, the following vessels have been retired: The AMHS carries around 350,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles every year. Ferries serve communities in Southeast Alaska that have no road access, and the vessels can transport people, freight, and vehicles. We have 2 cars for those of us that booked independently (which includes some cruise ship passengers). Haines is easily accessible by air and ferry service from Juneau and Skagway or via the Haines Highway. In 2004, the MV Lituya was added to the fleet to make the 16.5-nautical-mile (30.6km) trip between Ketchikan and Metlakatla in Southeast. Juneau to Skagway Ferry Tickets - Compare Prices & Times We are fortunate to have a fabulous bartender, Lexy, who is able to give us the skinny on all the places to eat and see in town. Travelled from Whitehorse to Juneau and back on a five-day trip: it was actually less expensive to take the car on the ferry than to fly down and rent a car. With a design heavily influenced by oil rig supply vessels, she is unique among the fleet with an open car deck and limited passenger facilities. Because of the salmon runs, this area is notorious for bears. Haines is a popular destination for birders, photographers, and adventure seekers of all walks. 14 years ago In their 2008 Annual Traffic Volume Report, the Alaska Marine Highway reported moving 340,412 passengers and 109,839 vehicles; equating to the highest passenger ridership in eight years and the highest vehicle ridership in sixteen. Car rentals in Skagway are available from Avis, in the Westmark Hotel at 3rd and Spring streets (tel. Skagway Ferry & Port Information Were greeted by the owner and we settle in. We walk around a bit and see plenty of bear warning signs. Take our boat one-way or round trip for an unforgettable and comfortable experience.