The Alaska Marine Highway System is a rare example in the U.S. of a shipping line offering regularly scheduled service for the primary purpose of transportation of passengers rather than of leisure or entertainment. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. It's a marginal business to be in, and operators change annually. Were ready to relax for a while and it starts with a late afternoon soaking in the hot tub. new google.translate.TranslateElement({pageLanguage: 'en', layout: google.translate.TranslateElement.InlineLayout.SIMPLE}, 'google_translate_element'); Recommended Car ferry Take the car ferry from Juneau, AK to Skagway 7h 52m $38 - $85 Fly to Skagway Fly from Juneau (JNU) to Skagway (SGY) 2h 11m Expect the trip to last 4-6 hours. If taking the bus is your goal, contact the Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau for the latest advice. Numerous commuter flights and daily ferry service bring travelers to and from Haines and Skagway. In a few days, we have to drive through Canada for 5-6 hours so we have to go through a Canadian border crossing. Route Guide - Alaska Marine Highway System The forerunner to the Alaska Marine Highway was the Chilkoot Motorship Lines,[6] founded in 1948 by Haines residents Steve Homer and Ray Gelotte. 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]. They call it a Sunday brunch, but breakfast foods are the only items at the self-serve buffet. 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. Transportation from Skagway to Juneau - Skagway Forum When you arrive, you'll want to start exploring this dramatically scenic town, set on the water and surrounded by towering mountains. The Skagway Ferry Terminal is located in Skagway, Alaska, near the waterfront area. [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. They would not have staterooms available for passengers. Were greeted by the owner and we settle in. [2] The company used a converted LCT-Mark VI landing craft, christened the MVChilkoot. It is estimated that over 100,000 hopeful miners sprinted toward Alaska and the Yukon with their eyes on riches and they were nicknamed stampeders. First gold was found in August 1896 and by late 1898, the gold rush was over. [9] The federal government agreed to do so, which left the AMHS with a significantly longer route system, and no new vessels to serve it. Several commercial air carriers and ferries offer daily service betweenHaines, Skagway and Juneau. 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 Juneau - Skagway ferry crossing sails approximately Up to 5 times per week. The road is a well-maintained 2-lane highway with wide shoulders. Parking is plentiful and we offer door to door service from any local hotel, B&B or the airport and ferryterminal. We will get off in Haines, park our vehicle and then catch the fast ferry to Skagway. The mainline routes carry a high percentage of tourists in the summer, and provide service between Bellingham, Washington, or Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and Skagway, Alaska. Ferry Schedules Once we eavesdrop and here that was a different episode, we know hes right. 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. A very light rain is falling but the 20 minute walk goes without issue. Skagway is a very walkable town geared for cruise ship tourists with only 3 or 4 small hotels in total. 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. 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. Haines Skagway Fast Ferry The smaller communities Kake and Hoonah are served by certain mainline sailings. The Ferry is very popular with summer tourists (one of the primary reasons Bellingham and Prince Rupert are AMHS destinations). The day boat routes primarily serve local residents, and include Angoon, Hoonah, Kake, Metlakatla, Pelican, and Tenakee. Car ferry from Juneau, AK to Skagway Ave. He and his son spent 10 years building sawmills, boat docks and all the things that would be needed to support a future gold rush. Back when we made all our reservations, we were going to be required to get a negative Covid test before crossing and the only testing site is in Haines (none in Skagway) and is only open Monday-Friday. Scott shares with us photos of his travels around the USA in emergency vehicles he has delivered. Find the travel option that best suits you. An onboard library and natural history display are available for your perusal. Here is Skagway, her employer provides housing as an incentive to work here. Is there an express-type ferry from Juneau to Skagway? Skagway was the place to provision up for the journey to find gold. Juneau is serviced by Alaska Airlines and Delta. Haines to Skagway Ferry, how far ahead to book? The ferry ride to Haines takes roughly 4.5 hours, add an additional hour and a half for the trip to Skagway. Haines is a popular destination for birders, photographers, and adventure seekers of all walks. Call to Book Now 1-800-642-0066 Here is the AMHS schedule: The Fast Ferry does sell out at peak times. Once back in Haines, we are delighted to see our truck. The ferry ride to Haines takes roughly 4.5 hours, add an additional hour and a half for the trip to Skagway. Next up is The Skagway Museum. The Southeast System connects with the continental road system at Bellingham, Washington, Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and in Alaska at Haines and Skagway. We know the cafeteria on the ferry will open at 7am, so we each eat a granola bar and drink our hotel room coffee. In 1967, two events acted to severely restrict transportation to and from Southeast Alaska. 907/983-2921; www.nps.gov/klgo), is the focal point for activities in Skagway. We did see one flying around earlier in the day at our rental, but not here. . The ferry trip varies in length depending on the specific ferry being used and the number of stops along the way. 800/230-4898 or 907/983-2247; www.avis.com). Box 517), Skagway, AK 99840 (tel. We sit and chat for several hours, more beer and another meal. The website contains links to lodgings and activities, or you can request the same information on paper (order at tel. 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. We exchange contact info and promise to connect once we get to Skagway. It does take some time, six hours as opposed to a 45 minute flight from Skagway, but the scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and there are all kinds of opportunities for wild-life viewing. Although not connected by road it is the state capitol and the nearest jetport to Haines and Skagway. 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. Hot food services and, on the MV Columbia, a sit-down restaurant are also offered. We decide to have another appetizer at the Red Onion and manage to grab the same 3 bar stools we had at lunchtime. 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. It remained active during both WW1 and WW2. Since 2011, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system has provided regular service from Juneau to Gustavus. Skagway - Alaska Seaplanes The Skagway Convention and Visitors Bureau Center, 245 Broadway (P.O. At best, the journey takes a couple of days. Numerous commuter flights and daily ferry service bring travelers to and from Haines and Skagway. Haines Skagway Fast Ferry - Haines, Alaska Voyages can last many days, but, in contrast to the luxury of a typical cruise line, cabins cost extra, and most food is served cafeteria-style. After 3 grueling days, the storm worsened and winds shifted the boat, slamming it once again against the reef again. Scott thinks he spots the actress Amy Roloff from the show Little People, Big World so we try to nonchalantly figure out if it is her or not. Fly from Juneau to Skagway 3 View on Map Today you'll take a super-quick 40-minute flight to Skagway; it's a huge time savings over the 7-hour car ferry. Our tour guide lets us know Skagway was the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush. 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 company used a converted LCT-Mark VI landing craft, christened the MV Chilkoot. We board the boat around 12:45 just as about 5 tour buses roll up and people roll out and onto the boat. 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. Next we head to the IGA across the street to pick up some items to cook over the next few days in our rental basement apartment.