Most Popular Shore Excursion in Alaska!

Alaska’s adventurous spirit is felt with each
Excursion on the White Pass & Yukon Route

Want to experience what travel was like at the turn of the 20th century in remote Alaska? Take in the landscape while traveling through the Tongass National Forest? Learn about the Klondike Gold Rush and how it’s shaped Skagway, Alaska, and the Yukon Territory? Then an excursion with the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad should be at the top of your Alaska vacation Must Do List!

The White Pass & Yukon Route is truly the railway born out of the Klondike Gold Rush. As the news of the gold strike captivated North America in the late 1890’s, the lure to travel north to Alaska and the Yukon inspired many to follow in the footsteps of the tens of thousands that set their sights on finding their fortune in the now famous Klondike region outside of Dawson City, YT. Through this fascination, a piece of the Alaska and Yukon tourism industry was born.

Steam ships carried passengers from the west coast of the US and Canada, north to destinations along the inside passage including Skagway. They would disembark the ships to board the White Pass & Yukon Route to travel along the Trail of 98 just like the gold rush stampeders. Sights along the route like Brackett’s Toll Road, Black Cross Rock, Dead Horse Gulch, and the worn-down path of the trail, marked their progress and told stories of the men and women before them that ventured to the Yukon. With each curve of the track, bridge crossed and tunnel passed through, giving testament to the hard working and motivated individuals that built the railroad.

As the popularity of the Alaska cruise industry grew in the 1980’s and 90’s, so did the excursions with the White Pass & Yukon Route. Today, travelers can disembark their cruise ships and board their rail tours on each of the three piers in Skagway. Tours range from 1.45 to 8 hours and travel to various destinations along the rail corridor between Skagway, Alaska and Carcross, Yukon Territory.

The spirit of adventure and building of the north is captured during each ride along the historic line and we hope to inspire each passenger to learn more about the Klondike Gold Rush, while sharing stories of the men and women that conquered the mountains. Click here to learn more about our excursion offerings.