White Pass and Yukon Route

The White Pass and Yukon Route appeals to history enthusiasts and travelers cruising the Alaskan coast. Built in 1898, the railroad originally transported prospectors seeking their fortunes in the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it operates as a tourist railway from May to September.

This narrow gauge mountain railway is designated as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. The trains are timed to accommodate passengers arriving on cruise ships in Skagway. It offers a rugged mountain experience suitable for most ages. If you are planning train travel with kids, this ride provides plenty of visual interest without requiring long hikes. The route offers a glimpse into the late nineteenth century while climbing steep grades into the northern wilderness.

The ride

The journey on the White Pass and Yukon Route begins at sea level in Skagway, Alaska. From there, the narrow gauge train climbs nearly 3,000 feet in about 20 miles to reach the White Pass summit. The ascent involves navigating steep grades and tight curves carved into the mountainside.

Passengers travel over wooden trestles and through dark tunnels blasted through solid rock. The track clings to cliffside ledges, offering expansive views of the deep gorges and valleys below. You will see the harsh, rocky landscape that challenged the original gold prospectors in 1898.

At the summit, the train reaches the international border between the United States and Canada. While many trips turn around at this point, some itineraries continue past the summit. These longer excursions cross into British Columbia and the Yukon toward Carcross. The extended route takes you further into the remote northern terrain, passing alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks. The scenery transitions from coastal rainforest to sparse alpine tundra as the elevation increases.

Planning your visit

The White Pass and Yukon Route operates seasonally from May to September. Because the schedule is closely tied to cruise ship arrivals, tickets often sell out well in advance. You should book your seats early through the railroad or your cruise operator.

Weather in Alaska changes rapidly, especially as the train climbs nearly 3,000 feet. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket. If you are considering the best time of year for train travel, summer offers the most reliable conditions for this northern route.

If you choose a trip that continues into British Columbia and the Yukon toward Carcross, a passport is required. Border agents will check documents during the journey. The vintage railcars have limited accessibility for wheelchairs, so check the railroad's website for specific boarding procedures and current schedules.

Getting there without a car

There are no Amtrak or VIA Rail stations near Skagway, Alaska. The White Pass and Yukon Route operates in a remote region completely isolated from the North American mainline rail network.

To reach Skagway, most visitors arrive by cruise ship via the Inside Passage. You can also drive to Skagway by taking the Klondike Highway, which connects to the Alaska Highway in the Yukon. If you are traveling independently, you will need to arrange a car rental, take a regional flight, or book a ferry to reach the departure point.