One of the most highly-recommended and eagerly anticipated shore excursions on our Alaskan cruise was the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Tour. Beginning in Skagaway, there are several different types of tours that you can take along this scenic line that was built in 1898 as transportation for tens of thousands of men and women on the hunt for gold in the Canadian Klondike.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Tour
The tour begins with a train ride in old-fashioned parlor cars that take you up 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass. At Fraser, BC, you transfer into a deluxe motor coach and travel along the historic trail of ’98 to the White Pass summit and into the Yukon.
The Yukon Suspension Bridge
One of the highlights of the tour is a stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge that rises 57 feet above the Tutshi River Canyon and is 200 feet across. I was only expecting a quick stop and walk across the bridge, but there is so much more at the bridge to see.
There is a restaurant where we were treated to a bowl of bison chili as part of our tour (nothing to write home about). If you don’t like the chili, there are hamburgers and sandwiches you can order, but it is very expensive. I recommend packing a snack.
The walk across the bridge was fun and the views of the Tutshi River and mountains were breathtaking. I am usually afraid of heights, but the walk across this bridge was exhilarating and breathtaking. It was totally secure and fenced in – nothing to be afraid of.  I loved looking down at the rapids of the river and the scenic mountains in the distance.
This attraction also includes large, detailed, 3-D exhibits with information on:
- The trails, geology, glaciers and traditional life of the area from Skagaway to Whitehorse.
- Human History including First Nations and stories of the gold rush.
- The natural history of the area and how High Country nature at 3,000 feet above sea level varies from the coastal environment at Skagway.
- A walking trail that leads to an authentic trapper’s cabin.
There are beautiful flowers throughout the area, most of which is wheelchair accessible. There ARE parts that ARE NOT wheelchair accessible, but beautiful views can be enjoyed at every part of this great attraction.
After our time at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, we took our deluxe motor coach back down the highway to Skagway. We had a wonderful tour guide, many scenic views and time to stop for more photos.
This tour was one of the highlights of our trip! I Â highly recommend it!
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This is one thing we didn’t do on our cruise. I’ve heard of some cruises that offer this, but ours didn’t. We still loved what we did see and do in Alaska though.
Carol- there were so many choices. You’d have to take several Alaskan cruises to get them all in!
I am going in May and booked the White Pass Highway and Skagway Highlights instead because was worried wouldn’t make back to ship in time since you have to be back 1hr before sail and the Yukon one was 7 hrs. Think it still will be fun though.
It looks amazing! I have yet to get to Alaska! It is absolutely on my wish list!
Tam – you would LOVE it!
Suspension bridges. Hmm. Not sure I’d be all that comfy crossing one!
I surprised myself, Carol!
That sounds like something I’d love to do and it’s on my list. I just don’t have anyone to go with me.
Glad it’s on your list – you never know….
How cool that you visited the Yukon! I’m Canadian and I’ve never even been. It looks spectacular and the Rockies in Alberta (where I am) are just as gorgeous.
Too funny, Michelle! I know there are so many wonderful places in the States that I’ve never been to either. Would love to see more of Canada!
Looks and sounds like a wonderful vacation to take before the holiday rush.
It was fabulous to get out of the Texas heat this summer, Celeste!
Beautiful! My husband and I love to travel especially to areas where connecting with nature is so easy. I’m a little leary of the suspension bridge too! You look so happy in your pictures. Thank you for sharing with us!
If you like connecting with nature, then going to Alaska would be a great trip, Jennifer!
This is so on my bucket list after reading your post Cathy. Gorgeous photos and scenery and just everything.
Thanks, Michelle! I think everyone should take this trip some day!
I was so ignorant of what Alaska was truly like. I thought there was snow all the time. DUH! You trip has shown me a realistic image of Alaska, and it is such a gorgeous place. The scenery is so beautiful. And look at those flowers! You are so brave to cross the bridge, not sure I could have done it, but it’s an experience of a lifetime. What a cool sidetrip, the Yukon Railway. Amazing to travel along the same route as so many in the past. This year 3 bloggers that I read have traveled to Alaska, through… Read more »
I had several friends and then bloggers do the Alaska cruise this summer too. It’s nothing like you would imagine. You would spend the entire time taking pictures of flowers! LOL!
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Thanks for sharing and those are great pics.
Haven’t been to Alaska yet; but this definitely on my wish list..Just love places where nature is showed really beautiful
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Hi,
Thank you for bringing your post to last week’s Pit Stop.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew
Such gorgeous scenery. I need to put going to Alaska onto my bucket list.
Karen – DO IT – it’s the trip of a lifetime!
What company did u use for ur white.pass and yukon tour
I don’t remember. It was the one that was contracted with the cruise line. We booked through them.