Linking Skagway on the Alaska coast to Carcross in Canada's Yukon, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a historic railroad built during the Klondike gold rush. Its narrow-gauge track traverses mountain passes and canyons along steep hillsides, and stands today as one of the most documented railway excursions in North America's far north.

Why take this train

Three elements distinguish this line. First, its historical significance: it was built in 1898 to transport prospectors to the Klondike goldfields, and its route follows the passes that gold seekers once trekked by foot. Next, its engineering feat: recognized as an international historic monument of civil engineering, it ranks alongside the Eiffel Tower and the Panama Canal in this category. Finally, its journey combines feats of engineering—bridges, tunnels, viaducts—with mountain landscapes, hanging glaciers and waterfalls, all on a narrow-gauge track with steep elevation gains.

A line born from the gold rush

Construction began in 1898 to meet a specific need: to transport men and supplies to the Klondike without relying on the Chilkoot Trail, then crossed on foot. Entrepreneur Michael J. Heney oversaw the work, carried out at high altitude over rocky terrain and in a hostile climate. More than 30,000 men were mobilized and 450 tons of explosives used, half of it alone to blast through Rocky Point. The final spike was driven at Carcross on July 29, 1900.

The line subsequently served mining operations, then played a logistics role during World War II. It closed in 1982 as metal prices collapsed, before reopening six years later, in 1988, as a tourist railway fueled by the growth of Alaska cruises. It now serves Skagway to Carcross along much of the original route, with period parlor cars and a steam locomotive still in service.

Routes and points of interest

The White Pass Summit excursion

Departing from Skagway, the train climbs nearly 900 meters over roughly twenty kilometers, hugging steep slopes and sharp curves. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the round trip. Early morning or late afternoon departures typically offer lighter crowds and favorable light.

The Bennett Scenic Journey

This 109 km route connects Skagway to Carcross via the historic Bennett station, accessible only by train or the Chilkoot Trail. A packed lunch is served during the journey. From Carcross, you can return to Skagway by train or continue to Whitehorse by coach.

The steam train excursion

Departing from Fraser, locomotive number 73 crosses White Pass over roughly ten kilometers before turning back. The steam traction, its sounds and atmosphere lend this journey a special quality, appreciated by historic railway enthusiasts.

Remarkable sites along the route

• The 1898 Trail (Chilkoot): the old prospector route through the mountains of White Pass, still visible from several points along the journey.
• Inspiration Point: a viewpoint overlooking Skagway harbor and the Sawtooth range, one of the rare spots where the valley view opens fully.
• Dead Horse Gulch: a ravine whose name recalls the harsh conditions of the gold rush. Nearby stands a cantilever bridge completed in 1901, considered at the time one of the highest in its class worldwide.
• Bridal Veil Falls: located shortly before the pass summit, they cascade down the rocky wall and form a visual highlight cherished since the line's earliest days.

Practical information

Booking is strongly recommended during peak season. Cruise ship passengers can purchase tickets directly from their cruise line and board from the dock. For passengers with reduced mobility, it is important to specify your needs at the time of booking: not all cars have wheelchair lifts. Regarding formalities, a passport is required for all excursions except the round-trip journey to the White Pass summit.

When to visit

The White Pass & Yukon Route operates during the summer season, typically from May through late September, when the track is clear and the passes passable. July and August offer the most stable conditions and the longest operating hours, but also the heaviest crowds, particularly on cruise ship days. May-June and September generally allow for less crowded trains, with snow-covered landscapes in spring or autumn colors at season's end. Evening trains are sometimes offered mid-week; check with the operator for availability.

How to reach Skagway

• By cruise: Skagway is a regular stop for ships traveling the Inside Passage to Alaska. The White Pass & Yukon Route station is just steps from the dock.
• By ferry: the Alaska Marine Highway system connects Skagway from several coastal ports in Alaska and British Columbia.
• By car: Skagway is one of the few Inside Passage communities accessible by road, via the Klondike Highway from the Yukon. A passport is required to cross the Canada-US border.

To plan your stay here, consult our guide to Skagway.

See also in the region and Canada

If your itinerary continues in Canada, several national parks offer complementary landscapes: Banff National Park in the Rockies, Gros-Morne National Park in Newfoundland, or Bic National Park in Quebec.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

The White Pass & Yukon Route fits naturally into an itinerary combining Alaska and Yukon, with the possibility of extending into Canada's great outdoors. To build a custom stay, explore our Canada travel packages.