White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
the basics
The White Pass Summit Excursion is a 40 mile round trip excursion that takes a little under 3 hours to complete. You don’t need a passport as this particular trip does not actually enter or let you off in Canada. The train travels up 2,888 feet in elevation to White Pass Summit before it loops around for the return trip. You’ll pass through 2 rocky, pitch black tunnels and get to see 10 other points of interest on the trip. There is a narrator on board so you won’t miss things as they come up.
If you can, sit on the left side of the train going up, and the right side of the train going back down. You can only swap sides of the train if there are open seats in your car/ the availability to do so. If you can’t swap sides it comes down to when you’d like to see everything in full, on the way up, or on the way back? You’re also allowed to stand outside in the front or the back of the railcar, but always be courteous of others because others will most likely want to take a turn outside as well.
The season and time of day that you choose to do your excursion may (or may not) effect how much you’re able to see. In the off season and early mornings when it is still foggy will limit the dramatic views of the valley. During the summer this may not be a problem and it will most likely boil down to the weather forecast. If you book directly with the railway you may be able to get a later departure time if you go to the ticket counter and ask. We did this and got on an earlier train.
booking directly vs. with the cruise line
There are some benefits and some downfalls to booking directly through the Railway’s website or through your cruise line as an excursion. Booking directly is a little bit cheaper, and they have a decent cancellation policy. If you cancel up to 24 hours before your departure time you will receive all but $10 back (per person) of your reservation. The downside is that you will need to board the train at the actual train depot, and if you go in the middle of the day all of the cruise ship passengers have already boarded at the ship docks, making you the last ones to board.
Booking through your cruise line is more expensive, however, you get the peace of mind that the cruise line will handle delays, cancellations, etc. You will also be able to board the train right next to the cruise ship dock instead of walking into town. This gets you first choice seating on the train-minus the people on the cruise ship.
a short history
The White Pass and Yukon Route is a narrow gauge railroad that was built to connect the Port town of Skagway to Whitehorse, Canada. Construction of the railroad began as a result of the Yukon Gold Rush. Before the railway was put in, prospectors would take the Chilkoot Trail, known for its dangerous terrain and bad weather. Unfortunately the gold rush came to a quick end right before the railway was completed in 1900. The use of the trains has changed over the years from carrying goods to becoming a heritage railway.
The White Pass Summit excursion is a must do excursion in Skagway. The length of the excursion allows you to explore town and do other activities during your port day. The beautiful scenery is something you can’t find anywhere else and it comes along with a history lesson.