Wednesday, April 24, 2024

White Pass & Yukon Railroad: Skagway Train Review

skagway train tour from cruise ship

Each heated passenger coach has large viewing windows and a restroom. Experience one of the engineering marvels of the world; the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad! Built in 1898, the scenic railroad travels up the Coastal Mountain’s White Pass, into the wilderness of Canada’s British Columbia & the Yukon Territory. It would contain train inspection staff who would ride in the car and look for fire or other problems in other cars on the train. They were made obsolete about 30 years ago by improved technology that was installed on the train. The White Pass train excursion is pretty spectacular if you have good weather.

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion & Train Tour

One of Skagway’s highlights is the Skagway Train Tour, a journey that connects the present to the past. Originating from the heart of the town, this tour is a favorite for cruise ship visitors, offering an easy and accessible way to explore Alaska’s interior. If you have only one day in Skagway, make sure to add this tour to your itinerary. Before traveling to Skagway, you should take some time to get your bearings. If you’re taking a Skagway excursion while in port, you will first want to know where your cruise ship is berthing. There are three cruise ship docks in Skagway, so depending on where your cruise ship berths, you will have a different route to Downtown Skagway.

Town

I recommend bringing binoculars and a high-quality camera to enjoy Skagway’s stunning natural beauty. Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp offers the opportunity to try your luck panning for gold. No visit to Alaska is complete without immersing yourself in the excitement and history of the Gold Rush era. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is perfect for gathering with friends, sharing stories, and making new memories.

Skagway Summit Lake Canoe Adventure

If you’re traveling with little ones, this family-friendly Skagway tour requires little walking. Known as a gateway town to the Yukon gold rush, it was on August 17, 1896, when gold was first discovered 600 miles from Skagway in the Klondike region of Canada’s Yukon Territory. The following year, hundreds of gold-seekers flocked to Skagway to begin their journeys North. The path the miners took to seek gold would eventually create the foundation for one of the most popular Skagway shore excursions – the White Pass Yukon Railroad Summit Excursion.

Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit Tour

Travel: Which cruise-ship excursions are worth the money and time? - OCRegister

Travel: Which cruise-ship excursions are worth the money and time?.

Posted: Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Skagway’s trails invite adventurers of all skill levels to explore the breathtaking vistas, pristine forests, clear blue waterfalls, and the historical remnants that dot the landscape. Start your amazing visit in Skagway by enjoying our most popular train and bus combination tour! If you’re traveling to Alaska on a budget, consider taking a bus excursion that travels a similar route by road. This 3-hour ride from Skagway picks you up from your cruise port.

Activity Guide & Map

Layered clothing is recommended, it is possible for slight temperature drops due to elevation however the train cars are heated. This tour has limited wheelchair accessible seating available upon request. The Klondike Gold Rush National Park spans parts of downtown Skagway, Dyea, the Yukon, and even Seattle, Washington. In Skagway, you can visit park headquarters on 2nd and Broadway, and then head across the street to check out Soapy Smith's Parlour, which was restored in 2015. Another highlight is The Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which is the driftwood-covered building on Broadway and the most photographed structure in all of Alaska. At M&M Tours, we are proud to be locally owned and operated by year-round Skagway residents.

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Skagway Chilkoot Trail Hike, Float & Summit Drive

Alaska is known for its majestic wildlife and wilderness experiences. But imagine having a bird’ s-eye view of Skagway’s lush rainforests and waterfalls. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway connects passengers to the history and adventure of the Gold Rush era and showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the North in a way that’s accessible to all.

Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. Broadway, Skagway’s main artery, is where the heart of the town beats loudest. Nestled among stunning natural beauty, you’ll discover an array of shops, historic sites, and dining establishments. This thoroughfare encapsulates the essence of Skagway, offering a direct pathway to understanding its storied past and vibrant present. A photography tour in Skagway isn’t just about snapping pictures; it’s an immersive experience that guides you through the art of seeing. Embarking on a photography tour in Skagway, Alaska, is like stepping into a living postcard.

In essence, the Skagway Train Tour encapsulates the spirit of exploration and the timeless allure of Alaska’s wild beauty. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars for capturing the stunning scenery and wildlife. For more comprehensive guidance, make sure to check our detailed packing list for an Alaskan cruise on our blog, which covers all the essentials for your Alaskan adventure. The Skagway Alaska Train, officially known as the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, is not just a means of transportation; it’s a journey through history.

The weather is also more favorable, with milder temperatures and less likelihood of snow obstructing the views. You can book this tour directly through your cruise line, either before your trip via the cruise line’s website or onboard at the excursion desk. This method ensures seamless coordination between your cruise schedule and the train tour timings. Along this journey, travelers are treated to views of majestic mountains, deep gorges, and waterfalls, showcasing Alaska’s pristine wilderness. The train itself, with its vintage carriages and diesel locomotives, adds to the charm of the experience. With a population of around 1,000, the Skagway Historic District swells with visitors drawn by its rich heritage and stunning natural beauty during the cruise season.

skagway train tour from cruise ship

Most passengers on a shore excursion will begin their journey with a bus trip to the station in Fraser, British Columbia and head about 28 miles south into Skagway (or reverse). The Gold Rush Cemetery is located along the tracks of the famous White Pass & Yukon Route, so if you're on the Skagway train tour, you will get a brief glimpse of this historical landmark. Not only is this cemetery the last resting place of Soapy Smith and Frank Reid, but it is also the point of access for Lower Reid Falls, which is a stunning 100- foot-high waterfall. Yakutania Point is another popular local hangout, and part of a larger hike to Smuggler's Cove.

One of the most popular tours in Skagway, the White Pass Railroad summit tour isn't one to miss. This fully narrated excursion will take you by train up to the summit of the White Pass which is 2,888-feet in elevation! The train itself, steeped in historical significance, offers comfortable and immersive travel, complete with informative narration and essential amenities. Whether seeking a brief escapade to the White Pass Summit or an extended exploration of Bennett Lake, the tour caters to all desires. During our recent 10-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise on the Norwegian Sun, Chris and I eagerly booked the Skagway Train Tour.

All of our employees are year-round residents, and many grew up and went to school in Skagway. When you purchase your tour with us not only are you saving money, but you're also supporting our local economy. Shgagei is also the nickname of Kanagu, who is a mythical woman who transformed herself into stone along Skagway's shore. According to legend, it is Kanagu who causes the strong winds that blow toward Haines, Alaska to the south, where Tlingit people lived for millennia. Parson's Peak, which is colloquially called "Face Mountain" in Skagway, is likely the Kanagu stone formation of legend. Face Mountain is a prominent Skagway landmark and a highlight of many tours that originate in Skagway.

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