White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — Skagway

What to Expect

The White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR) is one of the great railroad engineering feats in North American history. Built in 1898 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railway (with rails just 36 inches apart) was blasted through rugged mountains to replace the treacherous foot trails used by prospectors. Today, it operates as a heritage railway utilizing original locomotives and beautifully restored vintage passenger cars.

Your journey begins right at sea level in Skagway. Over the course of the trip, the train steadily climbs to the White Pass Summit at an elevation of 2,865 feet. The standard summit excursion is a roundtrip journey that takes between 3.0 and 4.0 hours. You do not get off the train at the top; instead, the locomotive detaches, runs along a side track to the opposite end of the train cars, and pulls you back down the mountain.

The scenery along the route is nothing short of spectacular. As you ascend, you will look down 1,000-foot sheer cliffs and pass notable historic landmarks like Dead Horse Gulch and the ruins of the Brackett Wagon Road. In many sections, you can still clearly see the worn path of the original stampeders’ trail winding through the rocks. The turnaround point sits directly at the International Boundary between the United States and Canada. During the ride, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park rangers occasionally join the train to provide historical commentary over the PA system.

Pro Tip: For the absolute best views on the ascent, sit on the left side of the train (facing forward). This side hugs the cliff edges and offers sweeping views of the valley below. On the way down, you will switch seats with the passengers on the opposite side so everyone gets a chance to see the valley views.

Who This Is For

The White Pass Railway is universally appealing, making it the perfect excursion for multi-generational families, history buffs, and photography enthusiasts.

Because the entire experience involves sitting in comfortable passenger cars with large viewing windows, it is an incredibly easy, low-impact activity. There is no strenuous walking or physical exertion required. This makes it a premier choice for seniors, families with young children, and travelers with mobility restrictions. The railway is wheelchair accessible, though you must communicate your needs at the time of booking so they can prepare a car with a specialized wheelchair lift.

If you are looking for an active, high-adrenaline adventure (like hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining), you should look elsewhere. This excursion is entirely passive and focused on scenery and storytelling.

Ship vs. Independent Booking

When it comes to the White Pass Railway excursion, the decision between booking through your cruise line or booking independently directly with WP&YR comes down to convenience versus flexibility.

Prices are virtually identical either way, ranging from $130 to $180 per person depending on the time of year.

Booking Through the Cruise Ship: The primary advantage of booking through your cruise line is unparalleled convenience. On many sailings, the WP&YR train cars pull directly onto the cruise ship pier. You can walk straight down the gangway, take fifty steps, and board the train.

Booking Independently: If you book directly through the railway, you will need to walk from the cruise dock to the main train depot in town. Fortunately, Skagway is tiny, and the station is a very easy 5- to 10-minute flat walk from most cruise docks (no shuttle transfer needed). Booking independently allows you to pick exact departure times that might not be offered by the ship. Additionally, independent travelers can opt for the Vintage Parlor Car upgrade. This premium ticket puts you in a highly upgraded, luxurious train car complete with plush seating, complimentary beverages, and an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. For those looking for extra ambiance, the upgrade is well worth the extra cost.

What to Bring

• Layers: Even on sunny July days, the 2,865-foot White Pass Summit is noticeably colder than sea level in Skagway. Bring a fleece jacket or a warm sweater.
• Camera and Polarized Filter: You will be taking many photos through the train windows. A polarized lens filter for your camera or smartphone can help cut the glare from the glass.
• Passport (Only if Extending): If you are taking the standard 3-4 hour Summit roundtrip, you do not need a passport. However, if you book one of the longer 8-hour tours that extends past the summit and into Carcross, Yukon, you must have your passport, as you will formally cross the Canadian border.
• Sunglasses: The glare off the mountain snowpack and surrounding glaciers can be intense.

How to Book

Because this is the single most popular shore excursion in Skagway, it sells out rapidly. If you are cruising during the peak season of June, July, or August, you should aim to secure your tickets at least 60 days before your arrival.

To book the standard dock-side departure, use your cruise line’s shore excursion portal. If you prefer to book independently, secure a specific departure time, or upgrade to the Vintage Parlor Car, you can purchase tickets directly from the operator’s official website at wpyr.com. Ensure you check your ship’s specific arrival and all-aboard times before finalizing an independent booking to guarantee you make it back to port with time to spare.