White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: A Historic Journey

If you’re looking to take a step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era while experiencing awe-inspiring landscapes, there’s no better place to start than the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Stretching from the coast of Alaska inland to Canada’s Yukon Territory,  this wilderness railway is more than a scenic train ride. It’s a breathtaking exploration of history, mountains, and the spirit of adventure that defines this rugged land.

A Brief History of the White Pass & Yukon Route

Known as the “Scenic Railway of the World," the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush to serve as a transportation route into the Yukon Territory and an entryway for those headed for the Klondike gold fields. Collaborating over two years, American engineers and Canadian contractors marshaled the efforts of more than 30,000 men to construct the challenging 110-mile narrow gauge railway connecting Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, often battling severe conditions. Women also played vital supporting roles by establishing essential businesses and providing crucial services within the burgeoning communities along the route.

Against all odds, the railroad was completed without the use of heavy machinery, relying only on black blasting powder, crude tools, and the determination of the workers. Completed in 1900, the railway was commemorated with the ceremonial Golden Spike driven in Carcross, Yukon. While the gold rush eventually faded, the railway endured, transitioning from freight and passenger service to one of the region’s most beloved and iconic visitor attractions.

Notably, over a century later, the White Pass & Yukon Route made history in October 2024 with its first all-female train crew, highlighting the evolving role of women in the railway's operations.

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How to Get There

Begin your  journey aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway, a small port town located at the northern tip of the Inside Passage. Skagway is a popular stop for cruise ships sailing to Alaska. The White Pass & Yukon Railroad station is just a short walk from the cruise dock, perfect for travelers seeking a quick day trip.

If you’re not arriving by cruise ship or the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system, you can drive to Skagway via the Klondike Highway, as it's one of the only Inside Passage communities accessible by road. Additionally, you can fly into Skagway from Juneau or other nearby cities using a small plane air-taxi service.

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Types of Trips on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad offers a variety of routes and tour experiences tailored to accommodate different interests and timeframes. 

• White Pass Summit Excursion: One of the most iconic experiences, this trip is perfect if you have limited time. It’s a 2.5 to 3-hour round trip from Skagway to the White Pass Summit, passing sights including Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. See the original Klondike Trail of ‘98 while enjoying narration about the railroad’s rich history.
• Bennett Scenic Journey: Don’t forget your passport! For a deeper dive into gold rush history, the Bennett Scenic Journey takes you to Bennett, British Columbia, where stampeders once camped before heading to the Klondike. This full-day adventure includes stops at Lake Bennett and the historic Bennett Station, and returns to Skagway via a  motor coach tour along the scenic Klondike Highway.
• Lake Bennet Steam Excursion: Traveling aboard the restored White Pass Steam Engine #73, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that transports passengers back to the golden age of rail travel. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the historic Bennett station house or take a hike along the Chilkoot Trail.

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Landmarks and Highlights Along the Way

Every White Pass & Yukon Railway journey is packed with natural wonders and historic landmarks, offering an extraordinary visual experience that combines breathtaking landscapes with rich stories from the past.

• Dead Horse Gulch: Named for the countless remains of horses left behind by stampeders, this ravine is a somber reminder of the harsh conditions faced during the gold rush.
• Trail of '98: Visible from several areas on the train, this historic footpath was once the primary route over the White Pass mountains for stampeders on their way to the gold fields.
• Cantilever Bridge: Completed in the winter of 1901, this steel bridge was once the tallest of its kind in the world. Though no longer in use, it remains a striking example of early 20th-century engineering.
• Inspiration Point: Once a key vantage point for stampeders, this overlook offers panoramic views of glacier-carved cliffs and endless wilderness and is now one of the railway’s most photographed spots.
• Bridal Veil Falls: Named for its delicate, veil-like appearance, this waterfall cascades down the mountainside and has been a favorite amongst visitors since the earliest days of the route.

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The White Pass & Yukon Route isn’t just a train ride, it’s a time machine, a history lesson and a front-row seat to some of the most remarkable sights in the region. If the call of the past and the allure of wild landscapes resonate within you, or if you simply seek an adventure that transcends the ordinary, this legendary railway awaits.

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