White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

The basics

The scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway offers three excursions, all of which begin in Skagway, Alaska. The White Pass Summit Excursion rises from Skagway to the White Pass summit, 2,865 feet (873 meters) high, while the Bennett Scenic Journey travels the length of Lake Bennett before arriving in the Yukon Territory, stopping in the old gold-rush town of Bennett Station en route. And the Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion features a historic steam locomotive that hauls passengers beyond the White Pass summit to Fraser, British Columbia. The train is most often taken by cruise travelers as a shore excursion from Skagway.

Things to know before you go

• The round-trip summit excursion takes about 3 hours, the Fraser Meadows route takes 4 hours round-trip, and the longer Bennett Scenic Journey lasts 8 hours round-trip, including a 45-minute layover.

• Most options are sold as round-trip tickets, though the Fraser Meadows route is also offered as a one-way trip.

• Be ready with your camera to capture the mountain and forest vistas, and even some native wildlife like bear or caribou.

• Passports are required for the Bennett Scenic Journey and Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion trips.

• Only the White Pass Summit Excursion trains are wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

All White Pass & Yukon Route Railway trains depart from Skagway, Alaska, about 4 hours north of Juneau by ferry. Ferries take equipment, freight, and passengers through the Port of Skagway, and many cruise ships stop right at Skagway, so a trip on this railroad is an extremely popular shore excursion.

When to get there

The railroad runs from May to September and tickets can sell out, so it’s best to book well in advance. Departure days and times for the three train routes vary depending on the day of the week, the season, and national holidays.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway history

Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark—a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty, and the Eiffel Tower, among others. The 110-mile (177-kilometer) narrow-gauge railroad, built to connect the deepwater port of Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse in Canada, was completed on July 29, 1900, in Carcross in the Yukon Territory. Today, a ride on one of the historic train routes ranks among Alaska’s most popular shore excursions—almost half a million passengers take the trip each summer.

Ways to explore

Depending on the amount of time you have in Skagway, you can choose among a variety of routes. The train is a big draw for cruise ship passengers, and booking options are often provided through cruise operators. Be aware that some of the routes cross the border into Canada, so you’ll need your passport.

If you have enough time on your trip, the train also offers access to remote campsites and the historic Chilkoot Trail, a challenging 33-mile (53-kilometer) hike that once led hopeful prospectors to the Yukon gold fields.

Accessibility

Most of the trains have cars equipped with a wheelchair lift, but the bathrooms may be too narrow for some visitors.

Age limits

There are no age limits—tickets are discounted for children 3–12 years old, and free for kids 2 and under.

What to pack

Water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, passport (if you’re on a route that crosses the border)

What to wear

Unless you’re planning a hike, just wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the weather.

Not allowed

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your trip—the trains can fill up fast, and the price is only guaranteed when purchased online.

Amenities

Bathrooms, water, train magazine, onboard lunch (order ahead of time)

Address

If you’re arriving in Skagway via cruise ship, you’ll be able to board the train directly from the port. Otherwise, you’ll board from the train station on 2nd Avenue. Skagway’s primary connection is the Klondike Highway, and visitors can drive in from Whitehorse, Yukon.

Driving

From Whitehorse, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach Skagway, depending on the road conditions. Head south along the Klondike Highway until it ends in Skagway.

Public transportation

There is no public transit available that will get you to Skagway, but there are several options for tours departing from Whitehorse.

Best times to visit

Some of the routes have multiple departure times, but others only leave in the morning. Generally, earlier is better, to make the most of your day.

Best days to visit

The best day to visit is the one that fits with your itinerary—the bookings can fill up quickly, so just aim to get a ticket.

Best months to visit

These trips aren’t available in the off-season, so visit during mid-April to mid-September. Early September tends to be a good time, since there will be fewer cruise ship passengers.

Special events

Skagway offers plenty of cultural happenings throughout the year. In April, music fills the air during the International Folk Festival, while the Spring Festival welcomes the arrival of the new season.