White Pass & Yukon Route
Ride a historic narrow-gauge railway through stunning Alaskan and Canadian Gold Rush landscapes, witnessing glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
White Pass & Yukon Route
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic narrow-gauge railway through stunning Alaskan and Canadian Gold Rush landscapes, witnessing glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls.
"The White Pass & Yukon Route offers unbelievable views and breathtaking memories – a truly magical Alaskan experience!"
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a guided tour for more photo stops.
🎟️ Book in Advance
Tickets sell out fast, especially for cruise passengers. Book your White Pass train tickets early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Gold Rush Scenery
Skagway to White Pass Summit
Journey through breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, retracing the steps of gold rush stampeders.
The World Famous Tunnel Bridge
MP 16
Witness the engineering marvel of this iconic tunnel bridge, a must-see for photographers and train enthusiasts.
Summit Views and Glaciers
White Pass Summit
Reach the summit for panoramic vistas and stunning views of glaciers, a truly unforgettable Alaskan spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your White Pass Train Ride Early
Consider Alternative Excursions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a guided tour for more photo stops.
🎟️ Book in Advance
Tickets sell out fast, especially for cruise passengers. Book your White Pass train tickets early!
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alaska's weather can change quickly. Pack layers for comfort on your scenic train ride.
💰 Consider Tour Options
The train is popular, but driving tours offer more exploration time at scenic spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The scenery is incredible. Consider a guided tour for more photo stops.
🎟️ Book in Advance
Tickets sell out fast, especially for cruise passengers. Book your White Pass train tickets early!
🧥 Dress in Layers
Alaska's weather can change quickly. Pack layers for comfort on your scenic train ride.
💰 Consider Tour Options
The train is popular, but driving tours offer more exploration time at scenic spots.
🚂 Train Enthusiast? Ask About Charters
For unique photo opportunities, inquire about special photo charters for dedicated railfans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the White Pass & Yukon Route for its breathtaking scenery, historic significance, and the overall magical experience of riding a vintage train through the Alaskan wilderness. The journey is often described as a highlight of an Alaskan cruise, offering unparalleled views of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. Some find the price steep, and a few suggest alternative driving tours offer more exploration.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The White Pass & Yukon Route is primarily accessed from Skagway, Alaska. Most visitors arrive in Skagway via cruise ship. If you're not on a cruise, you can fly into Juneau and take a ferry, or drive the scenic route.
The White Pass & Yukon Route railroad starts in Skagway, Alaska, and travels up to the White Pass Summit, crossing into Canada's Yukon Territory. 
Some travelers recommend guided driving tours, such as the Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit Tour, which follow a similar route and allow for more stops and exploration.
Yes, Skagway is accessible by car via the Klondike Highway. The drive itself offers stunning Alaskan scenery.
While the route extends into Canada, the primary departure point for the scenic train ride is Skagway, Alaska.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the White Pass train ride can vary, but expect them to be around $150 for a 3-hour round trip. Booking in advance is highly recommended as tours can sell out.
Tickets can be purchased directly through the official White Pass & Yukon Route website, or through your cruise line if you are arriving by ship. Booking early is advised.
The most popular White Pass train ride is a 3-hour round trip excursion from Skagway to the White Pass Summit and back.
Yes, besides the classic train ride, there are also bus and rail excursions, as well as tours that combine train travel with other activities.
It is highly recommended to book your White Pass train tickets in advance, as they are very popular and often sell out, especially during peak cruise season.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
Summer mornings often offer the best light for photography, but can be crowded. Late spring and early fall may have fewer crowds and beautiful foliage.
Expect stunning views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and historic gold rush sites. The route is incredibly scenic and often described as magical.
Yes, the White Pass train ride is generally suitable for all ages. It's a seated excursion, making it accessible for most.
It's advisable to dress in layers as the weather in Alaska can change rapidly. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.
Absolutely! The White Pass & Yukon Route offers incredible photo opportunities. Many passengers capture breathtaking shots of the landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the tunnel bridge at MP 16, trestle 15A, and the summit views. Many travelers find the entire journey offers spectacular photographic moments.
Yes, for dedicated railfans, special photo charters are sometimes available, offering unique opportunities like 'dirty stack' shots.
Summer mornings often provide the best light for capturing the dramatic Alaskan scenery. However, any time of day offers stunning views.
Yes, the locomotives themselves are part of the historic charm. You can capture images of both diesel-electric and steam engines.
While not always advertised as 'photography tours,' many excursions allow ample time for photos. Some specialized photography charters exist for enthusiasts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking more active exploration, consider tours that offer stops at key viewpoints like the Yukon Suspension Bridge. This allows kids to stretch their legs and experience the environment more directly. Ensure any tour you choose is family-friendly and offers opportunities for children to enjoy the journey.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Consider if a shorter train excursion or a driving tour might fit your budget better. Even if you don't take the train, exploring Skagway itself offers a glimpse into the Gold Rush era and can be done for free or with minimal cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2For those serious about train photography, inquire about special photo charters. These events often allow for unique perspectives and controlled 'action' shots, like the famous 'dirty stack' effect. Even on standard tours, the views from the train windows are exceptional, so keep your camera ready!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the White Pass & Yukon Route
+1Today, the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad operates as a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to experience the same breathtaking scenery and historical significance that drew gold seekers over a century ago. The narrow-gauge railway, with its 36-inch track width, is a testament to its original construction. The route travels from Skagway, Alaska, up to the White Pass Summit, crossing the border into British Columbia, Canada, and then into the Yukon Territory.
+1Travelers often marvel at the stories of the railway's construction and its impact on the Gold Rush era. The White Pass train ride provides a unique opportunity to learn about this fascinating history while enjoying unparalleled views of glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. It's a journey that connects the past with the present, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in North American history.
Experiencing the White Pass: Train vs. Driving Tours
+1However, some travelers find that driving tours offer a different, perhaps more immersive, experience. Tours like the Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit Tour allow you to follow a similar scenic path but with the added benefit of stopping at various points of interest. This means more time to explore, take photos, and truly soak in the surroundings at your own pace. This option can be particularly appealing for those who want more flexibility and hands-on exploration.
When deciding, consider your priorities. If you value comfort and the classic train experience, the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad is ideal. If you prefer more stops, flexibility, and a chance to get out and explore at each location, a guided driving tour might be a better fit. Both offer incredible views and a memorable Alaskan adventure.
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