Published on Apr, 2024
Skagway Trail and Sail is an innovative activity for the adventurous cruiser who wishes to avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenic beauty that Skagway has to offer.
Picking up your e-bike is very easy and the super friendly staff clearly explain everything you need to know. The bikes are powerful and have a twist throttle which you can use to power up hills or on the flats, so you need have no concerns at all for your fitness. The route takes you out of town to the cemetery and to Nakhu Bay, the very top of the Inside Passage. Be sure you find the track down to the beach and check out the view, it is fabulous.
After cycling back to town we headed to Small Boat Harbour, locked up our bikes and waited for our sailboat crew, Brendan and Branden, two very friendly and engaging tour guides. The boat, Hopscotch, is a lovely 50ft sailboat that glides smoothly through the water with ease and Captain Brendan does a fabulous job ensuring that swaying is kept to a minimum. We were fortunate to have a fabulous sunny day and spent most of our time sitting up the front on the bow in the comfy beanbag chairs, but it is also great sitting in the rear cockpit engaging in great conversation with Brendan and Branden. Of course, there is the cabin below also but we did not use that area.
We had been on small boats but never a larger yacht under sail so it was a terrific experience for us. Once we had motored up the bay and Captain Brendan set the sails and turned off the engine we sat back and enjoyed the thrill of sailing. It was wonderful to experience the power of the wind in such a majestic natural surrounding. We spotted some eagle nests and harbour seals playing as well.
Nicole from the bike hire had provided a terrific charcuterie lunch for us, but being over-fed on our cruise ship we only ate a little of it and unfortunately were not able to take any of it back onto our ship.
To enjoy this tour you need to be able to confidently and competently ride a bike. In terms of the boat, there is a bit of a step up but once you are on you could just stay in the cockpit or go up front which requires some balance, but the crew is there to assist. Dress warmly for both activities and take gloves for cycling, it can get cold speeding along on the ebike.
