If you are going on an Alaska cruise that stops in Skagway there are multiple shore excursion options, including a trip on the White Pass Railway into Yukon territory, Canada. In 1896, gold was discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon territory which caused the Klondike Gold Rush. Gold prospectors traveled over land to the Yukon after arriving in Skagway via ship.
There were two options to travel to the interior lake country: Chilkoot Trail (short and steep) or White Pass (longer and less steep). However, both trails were hazardous and had harrowing consequences. In May of 1898, construction on a railroad began, and by August trains were operating as far at Heney station (12.7 miles from Skagway). The first passenger train completed the 20.4 mile trip to the White Pass summit on February 20, 1899 climbing almost 3,000 feet with an average grade of 2.6%, and up to 3.9% in some locations. On July 6, 1899, the first train reached Lake Bennett, British Columbia at milepost 41. While one construction crew was battling their way north another crew was heading south. They met on July 29, 1900 in Carcross, completing the railroad from Skagway to Whitehorse.
By 1982 the railroad was no longer in use but in 1988 it was reinvented as an attraction. Today, you can ride in replica passenger coaches that are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. In 1994, the White Pass and Yukon 3-foot-wide narrow-gauge railroad was designated as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (along with the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty).
We highly recommend a trip on the railroad. It is a unique experience with stunning views. Below are the different options available that include a trip on the railroad.
Option 1 – Easy
This is the simplest option to experience the train. It is only 4 hours long and includes the following:
- 28 mile train journey on the White Pass Railway
- Stop at Fraser
- Transfer to a coach and drive back to Skagway –
stopping at Skagway scenic overlook, Pitchfork Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Option 2 – Intermediate
This option travels deeper into the Yukon, but you still only experience the train from Skagway to Fraser. However, it has an optional dogsled ride. It is about 8 hours long and includes the following:
- 28 mile train journey on the White Pass Railway
- Stop at Fraser
- Transfer to a coach and drive up into Yukon Territory
- Stop at Emerald Lake, Caribou Crossing, Carcoss, and Lake Bennett
- Enjoy a hot BBQ lunch
- Drive back to Skagway – stopping at Skagway scenic overlook, Pitchfork Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Optional – 15 minute dogsled ride
Option 3 – Advanced
This options is perfect for train enthusiast as you get to experience the railway from Skagway to Carcoss. It is about 8 hours long and includes the following:
- 67.5 mile train journey on the White Pass Railway
- Stopping at Bennett to tour the historic gold rush site
- Reboard train to Carcoss
- At Carcoss transfer to a coach and visit Emerald Lake
- Drive back to Skayway – stopping at Skagway scenic overlook, Pitchfork Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
There are two notes about these excursions: 1) they can operate as train up & bus down, or bus up & train down, and 2) the excursions enter Canada, so everyone must have a valid passport.
LBL Travel’s preferred tour partners offer the above options and more. Please contact us to find the best activities for your Alaska adventure.