*Passports required for this tour
At the dock in Skagway, you’ll meet up with your tour guide, and be escorted to our 15-passenger van. Your excursion will begin with a drive through historic downtown Skagway which is a part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. You’ll learn about the town’s gold rush history and enjoy stories about the stampeders who passed through town in hopes of striking it rich in the Yukon.
From town we’ll head up to the town overlook to get a different perspective on present day Skagway. Once you’ve had a chance to take photos your tour will continue north up the Klondike Highway toward the summit of the White Pass. On the way we will pass through lush rainforest and drive by multiple waterfalls. There are many photo opportunities of beautiful alpine lakes, hanging glaciers, and towering snow-capped peaks on this excursion.
At the summit you’ll be able to get out and stretch your legs and take in the dramatic alpine landscape. Our ride then continues through Canadian customs into British Columbia. We’ll make multiple tour stops throughout the ride ensuring ample photo opportunities including the “Yukon Territory” sign.
After about an hour on the road we’ll reach Carcross, Yukon on the banks of Lake Bennett, and a highlight of the tour. Here you’ll have free time to explore the small local shops and enjoy great view of the lake made famous by the Klondike Gold Rush. From Carcross, we’ll start our journey back south toward Skagway. We’ll make a stop at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign for photos and then return through the U.S. Border station on our way back to Skagway. *Passports required for this tour
(~15 min) – Driving town tour of Skagway and visit to Skagway overlook.
(~10 min) – Photo opportunities at the Skagway overlook (10 minutes).
(~35 min) – Tour up the Klondike highway to White Pass summit and the “Welcome to Alaska” sign (5-10 minutes at the sign).
(~2 hours) – Drive to Carcross, Yukon stopping along the way for photo opportunities at Tutshi Lake, the “Welcome to the Yukon” sign, and the Bove Island overlook – Stops vary depending on group goals and changing photo opportunities as they present themselves.
(~30 min) – Free time in Carcross, Yukon and Lake Bennett (20-30 minutes).
(~1.5 hours) – Drive back to Skagway stopping along the way for photo opportunities
Where will I meet my tour guide?
Your guide will meet you 15 minutes prior to the tour start time to make sure all necessary paperwork is completed. If you are arriving by cruise ship, your guide will meet you at the end of the pier that your ship docks at. Otherwise the meeting location is the Small Boat Harbor sign. CLICK HERE to see a map detailing these locations in Skagway. Your guide will be holding a sign that says with the name of you tour.
Who are my guides?
Your tour guides are experts in the industry. They are fun, well-trained and passionate about guiding and sharing their expert knowledge about the history and natural wonder of Haines and Skagway, Alaska with you! Our staff all go through extensive training and hold current first-aid (mostly WFR and WEMT) certification. Many of our guides also lead courses and guided expedition trips and excursions for us both in Alaska and throughout the world.
Is there a bathroom?
Yes – Restrooms are located throughout the trip. Flush toilets available in Skagway and Carcross, primitive toilets available every 20-30 minutes along the drive.
Do you cancel due to weather?
Our tours embrace Southeast Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Our tours run rain or shine. If in a rare instance weather does cause us to cancel the tour you will be refunded in full and provided with assistance with finding an alternative activity for the day.
What wildlife will I see?
Though wildlife can never be guaranteed, bald eagles, ravens, squirrels and harbor seals are frequently seen in Skagway. In the Yukon there is a possibility of seeing larger mammals such as the occasional black bear or coastal brown bear, or possibly moose.
