A Magical Skagway Train Tour | What to Expect & More

While it might be a tiny town on the northernmost point of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Skagway is a vibrant reminder of America’s gold rush heyday. These days, the city sees thousands of tourists visit during summer to experience the magic of a Skagway train tour.

Embarking on a captivating journey that delivers an extravagant display of Alaska’s untamed beauty sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Now, picture that same spectacular panoramic beauty but viewed from the comfort of vintage diesel locomotives.

Clearly, this isn’t just another ordinary train ride, but what exactly do you need to know to prepare for one of the most scenic excursions Alaska has to offer? Stick around to find out.

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Experience the Skagway White Pass Scenic Railway

As the boomtown gateway to the legendary Trail of ‘98 and Klondike gold fields, Skagway might fly under the radar of most. Trust me, though, the White Pass Summit and Yukon Route railroad have more than enough reason to be on yours.

What Makes a Skagway Train Ride Special?

Dubbed “The Scenic Railway of the World”, the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway date all the way back to 1898. This might only be a bit of trivia to some, but it also means that this railroad has seen many years of history, and that’s where the magic starts.

Declared an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, this narrow gauge railroad is framed by a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, and tunnels. Hands down, the best way to immerse yourself in all of this is on a White Pass train tour.

Fun fact: Some other famous International Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks include the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

How to Get a Spot on a Skagway Train Journey?

You’ll be happy to find out that there are a few ways to go about seeing the White Pass summit. Solo adventurers can book a spot on any of the replica passenger coaches by visiting the official website ahead of time. 

Alternatively, you can snag a spot on a Skagway excursion that includes sightseeing along the famous White Pass through tour operators like GetYourGuide. Keep in mind, though, that these tours include a bus tour instead of a train ride.

Last but certainly not least is booking your train tickets as part of a shore excursion offered through cruise ship operators. These allow you to add a level of adventure to your sea voyage when docked in Skagway. Additionally, some companies offer a train and bus combination tour. 

These would typically include a bus ride from the cruise ship docks through downtown Skagway to Fraser Train Depot. From there, you’ll hop aboard train cars plucked directly from the Klondike Gold Rush and head out.

What to Expect on Your Skagway Train Excursion

One thing is absolutely guaranteed for any trip along the original Klondike trail – you’re in for a visual feast. But what else should you expect? 

Stretching across captivating landscapes, the White Pass Railway & Yukon Route Railway is a historic relic and an active hub for adventure and exploration. Reaching an elevation of roughly 2,888 feet, this 40-mile roundtrip is pure eye candy.

Before ascending to the summit, though, this trip starts in the heart of Skagway.

Unassuming Skagway is blessed with an abundance of historic sites, including some snapshot-worthy Gold Rush-era buildings. Before kicking off an amazing visit, it’s a good idea to grab a few snaps from the dock. 

Starting in town, you’ll trade tidewater for train tracks and climb aboard vintage passenger coaches departing from the city’s train depot. 

As the narrated tour begins, sit back and listen as your guides are a wealth of historical train information. The vintage carriages and diesel locomotives undoubtedly add charm to the journey.

Now, as exciting as trains can be (which, in this case, they are), this outing is made even more fantastic by the pristine Alaskan wilderness surrounding it. 

Must-See Sights Along the Famous White Pass Summit Excursion

Crossing 20.4 miles, from majestic mountains to deep gorges and cascading waterfalls, let’s dive into the highlights of this popular train route.

Rocky Point

The first few miles offer a fabulous sneak peek, but the first major attraction to get your camera ready for is Rocky Point. Sitting at the 6.9-mile marker, the rail car skirts an imposing cliffside with ample opportunities for gorgeous landscape shots.

Fun fact: Construction of this section was so dangerous that an on-site field hospital was erected to treat injured workers.

Bridal Veil Falls

A standout attraction of this train tour is the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls. As the train snakes its way through Tongass National Forest, prepare yourself for a most extravagant display. Dropping more than 5,000 feet into the Skagway River, the falls become visible at 11.5 miles into your journey.

Fun fact: These falls originate in the Carmack Glacier, one of the many massive glaciers feeding the roaring rivers below.

Glacier Station

After passing Bridal Veil Falls, the next iconic sight awaits at 14 miles—Glacier Station. This part of the White Pass Trail is popular with hikers and photo enthusiasts, courtesy of the Laughton Glacier continuously filling the valley thousands of years ago.

Fun fact: Due to water recession, the glacier is no longer visible today apart from an overlook viewpoint after a short 1.5-mile hike through the forest.

Tunnel Mountain

Coming up after Glacier Station are Slippery Rock and Tunnel Mountain. Hugging the mountainside, Slippery Rock is a sheer rockface that leads to the first bridge built here with sky-high trestles. Keep your camera ready as the approach to Tunnel Mountain brims with spectacular scenery.

Fun fact: The final blast on the 250-foot-long tunnel happened on 26 January 1899.

Inspiration Point

At mile 17, the train reaches Inspiration Point. Named after the Inspiration Point Mine, located across the valley, there’s plenty to see. Eagle-eye photographers should keep watch on a clear day to see Skagway in the distance, the Lynn Canal, and other breathtaking vistas.

Fun fact: From Inspiration Point, you can gaze almost 3,400 feet into the snowy valley below.

Dead Horse Gulch

Local lore gave the White Pass Trail a very intimidating reputation of “being unfit for man and beast,” and Dead Horse Gulch is a testimony to this. Sitting 17.5 miles into your trip, this memorial is a somber reminder of the harsh conditions workers and animals faced during the trail’s construction.

Unfortunate fact: More than 3,000 horses were estimated to have lost their lives working on the trail during the Gold Rush.

Cantilever Bridge

Following Dead Horse Gulch, the next highlight is 18.6 miles into the trip. The Cantilever Bridge is another excellent example of engineering genius, spanning a chasm more than 1,000 feet wide. The ride across the bridge is beyond beautiful, offering ideal chances to grab snaps of the Yukon territory.

Fun fact: After construction, the bridge was the highest of its kind in North America and was in use from 1901 to 1969.

Trail of ‘98

In a blink and you’ll miss the moment, at the 19.3-mile marker is the last remnant of the infamous Dead Horse Trail, or as it is known today, the Trail of ‘98. This narrow pathway is where long lines of men and horses strenuously made their way to the summit.

Fun fact: The trail and the many Gold Rush artifacts still lining the path form part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

White Pass Summit

Finally, the train breaches the treeline, reaching an elevation gain of more than 3,000 feet, and you’ll officially enter the sub-Alpine tundra. Welcome to White Pass Summit. As you approach, you’ll quickly spot the border crossing between Alaska and British Columbia. 

Fun fact: Because of harsh weather conditions, the fir trees leading to the summit grow very slowly. Thanks to this, many of the trees you’ll see have been around since before the Gold Rush.

Preparing for Your Scenic Skagway Train Ride

Captivating stories. Check. Entertaining guides. Check. Narrated commentary. Check. Time to have a closer look at the finer details of your ride.

How Long Is the Tour?

Encompassing a 40-mile roundtrip, the tour lasts roughly two hours and 45 minutes to three hours. This makes it easy to fit the White Pass Summit train excursion into half a day.

What to Wear for the Tour?

Thankfully, you won’t need to overthink packing for the tour. The golden rule is to dress comfortably but practically. These are some recommendations:

• Layered clothing: This one is a no-brainer. Start with a bottom layer like this top, then add a mid-layer jacket. Finally, finish with a top-layer coat.

• Comfortable shoes: These can be either hiking shoes, trainers, or boots.

• Hats and beanies: Choose a beanie to add some warmth and prevent any potential headaches due to the cold weather.

Onboard Amenities and Services

Alongside it being a fantastic journey, the White Pass Summit excursion is also supremely comfortable. Here’s what to expect:

• Comfortable seating: Each heated passenger coach is well-maintained and wheelchair accessible.

• Large viewing windows: Tour vehicles have large windows, giving you unobstructed views.

• Narration and guides: These knowledgeable and entertaining guides amuse with fascinating insights about the area’s and railway’s history.

• Restrooms: Available on each carriage, restrooms are kept clean and are well-maintained.

• Gift shop: Some trains include a gift shop carriage for the perfect souvenir or memorabilia of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions | Skagway, Alaska Train Tours

When all is said and done, you may still have some pressing queries. Below are answers to the most popular questions about this permanent tribute to modern ingenuity.

What Is the Best Time to Take the White Pass Scenic Railway?

When it comes to this train tour, timing is everything. May to December is the perfect time to consider this onshore trip, as it coincides with cruise ship season in Alaska. These months feature typical Alaskan summer weather with longer daylight hours and more favorable, milder temperatures.

Do You Need a Passport to Ride the Train in Skagway, Alaska?

This all depends on which train tour you choose. The most popular ride ends before reaching Canadian customs and does not require a passport. However, if you’re extending your tour further into Yukon territory, you will cross borders and need your passport.

Is Skagway Walkable From a Cruise Ship?

Historic Skagway brims with outstanding sights, and the best part is that the town is very walkable. Whether your ship docks at the Broadway, Railroad, or Ore docks, downtown Skagway is only a short walk away.

Is the Skagway Railroad Worth It?

A million times, the answer would be a yes, especially for families. If the chance to photograph cascading waterfalls, imposing cliffsides, and epic landscapes sounds good to you, then you simply can’t skip a Skagway, Alaska, train ride.

How Expensive Is the White Pass Summit Train Ride?

Witnessing the marvels of the White Pass Summit, luckily, doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Depending on your chosen tour operator, adult tickets average roughly $200, while children’s tickets average out at $110. You can also book tickets directly through their official site; be sure to check for any price changes. 

Final Thoughts | Climb Aboard a Memorable Skagway Train Adventure

An authentic voyage through time, a White Pass Summit excursion is more than just an average train trip. From the thrill of seeing a parade of phenomenal scenery to the excitement of sightseeing aboard a genuine American legend, you’re bound to fall head over heels.

With this guide by your side, prepare yourself for the most memorable train ride of your life. All aboard!

Planning your Alaskan cruise? Don’t forget to check out these Alaskan cruise tips and insights.

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