White Pass & Yukon Route Depot
Ride a historic narrow-gauge railway through Alaska's stunning gold rush territory, past glaciers and waterfalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best weather for views
White Pass & Yukon Route Depot
Best Time
Best weather for views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a historic narrow-gauge railway through Alaska's stunning gold rush territory, past glaciers and waterfalls.
"Absolutely worth every penny and a must-do experience!"
Book Combo Tours
Combine train and bus for more stops & value. Drivers are great guides!
Scenic Views from Road
Driving offers similar views to the train, with more flexibility to stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Skagway, Alaska
A historic narrow-gauge railway journey through stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and waterfalls.
Yukon Suspension Bridge
Along the route
Experience breathtaking views from this impressive bridge suspended over a deep gorge.
Fraser, British Columbia
Border crossing
A key stop on many tours, offering a glimpse of the border and often featuring other trains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets Early
Consider Your Itinerary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Combo Tours
Combine train and bus for more stops & value. Drivers are great guides!
Scenic Views from Road
Driving offers similar views to the train, with more flexibility to stop.
Advance Booking Essential
Popular tours sell out fast, especially for cruise passengers. Book ahead!
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temps.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Combo Tours
Combine train and bus for more stops & value. Drivers are great guides!
Scenic Views from Road
Driving offers similar views to the train, with more flexibility to stop.
Advance Booking Essential
Popular tours sell out fast, especially for cruise passengers. Book ahead!
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Be prepared for sun, wind, and cooler temps.
Capture the Tunnel Bridge
Don't miss the iconic tunnel bridge, a favorite photo spot for rail enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers overwhelmingly praise the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway as a must-do experience, highlighting its breathtaking scenery and historical significance. Many recommend combo tours for added value and exploration, with positive remarks for friendly guides and scenic stops. Some note that driving offers similar views, but the train journey is considered iconic.
"Absolutely worth every penny and a must-do experience! The Whitehorse-Skagway one day combo must be booked in advance and is very good value. The train ride itself is incredible, but the bus driver was also extremely friendly and a great guide, and the trip including many bonus scenic stops along the way. Cannot recommend this trip enough!"
A A
"My family and I had a wonderful time taking the WPYR day trip to Skagway, Alaska. Our journey consisted of riding a bus to Fraser, BC, before catching a train to Skagway, where we saw some breathtaking views on our train ride. After spending a couple of hours in Alaska, our bus driver drove us back to Whitehorse.
While the day was full, I highly recommend this trip, as the gorgeous views of the train ride alone make the voyage more than worth it.
Note: The video of the train was taken at the border crossing at Fraser. It shows another train that was headed to Carcross."
James C
"It’s really nice ! But if you are driving you can get the same views driving!"
Diana Burden
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The depot is located in Skagway, Alaska. Most visitors arrive via cruise ship, which docks nearby. You can also fly into Juneau and take a ferry or drive to Skagway.
Yes, you can drive the same scenic route as the train. Some travelers find that driving offers similar views and more flexibility for stops.
Arriving by cruise ship is the most common and convenient method for accessing Skagway and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
Yes, the route extends into Canada, with Fraser, British Columbia, being a significant stop and border crossing point for many tours.
From Skagway, you can take the train, a bus tour, or drive yourself. Many cruise excursions depart directly from the port.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book tickets well in advance, especially during the peak cruise season (May-September), as popular tours sell out quickly.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway website or through your cruise line. Some travelers have also bought tickets shortly before departure.
Yes, there are various options including round-trip train rides, and longer combo tours that combine train and bus travel to destinations like the Yukon Suspension Bridge or Bennett.
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour duration and type. Combo tours are often considered good value. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
While some travelers have been able to purchase tickets on the day of departure, booking in advance is strongly advised to guarantee availability.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The entire journey offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and historic gold rush sites. The ascent to the summit is particularly dramatic. 
Expect stunning natural landscapes, historical commentary, and a comfortable ride on a historic narrow-gauge railway. Many tours include stops at scenic points.
Yes, many tours, especially the combo bus and train options, include stops at various scenic viewpoints and attractions like the Yukon Suspension Bridge.
Train rides can range from a few hours for a round trip to a full day for combo tours that include bus travel and extended exploration.
Absolutely! The scenery is incredibly photogenic, with dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and historic railway infrastructure.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for glaciers, waterfalls, historic trestle bridges (like the tunnel bridge), and panoramic mountain vistas. The ascent offers dramatic changes in scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can capture distant details. Consider a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
Yes, many tours stop at designated viewpoints. The Yukon Suspension Bridge and areas around Fraser, BC, offer excellent photographic potential.
Early morning or late afternoon light can provide softer, more dramatic lighting for landscape photography. However, the views are stunning throughout the day.
Yes, you can take photos from the train windows, but be mindful of reflections and the speed of the train. Some tours offer opportunities to disembark for better shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a shorter round-trip option if you have very young children, to avoid potential restlessness on longer excursions. Combo tours that include bus segments with stops can also be beneficial, allowing kids to stretch their legs and explore at different points. Pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for varying weather conditions by dressing children in layers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Prioritize tours that allow for stops at key viewpoints, such as the Yukon Suspension Bridge, for the best photographic opportunities. Consider bringing a range of lenses, from wide-angle for expansive vistas to telephoto for capturing details. Be prepared for changing light conditions and pack your gear securely for the journey.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
+1It's highly recommended to book your excursion through your cruise line for convenience and to ensure you don't miss your ship. However, compare prices and options with independent tour operators, as they sometimes offer more comprehensive or unique itineraries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
The railway operates primarily as a tourist attraction, offering various excursions that showcase the region's rugged beauty. Visitors can expect to see towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, pristine glaciers, and remnants of the gold rush era. The journey is often described as stepping back in time, with vintage locomotives and carriages adding to the authentic experience.
+1Many tours include commentary on the history of the railway and the gold rush, providing context to the stunning scenery. The route traverses through Alaska and into Canada's Yukon territory, offering a unique international travel experience. It's a popular excursion for cruise ship passengers visiting Skagway, making advance booking highly recommended.
+1Exploring Beyond the Train: Combo Tours
A popular option is the Whitehorse-Skagway one-day combo, which typically involves a bus ride to Fraser, BC, followed by a train journey back to Skagway, and then a bus return to Whitehorse. This format is praised for its value and the opportunity to see a wider array of landscapes, including the impressive Yukon Suspension Bridge.
These extended tours provide more opportunities to disembark and experience the environment firsthand, rather than just viewing it from the train. Travelers who choose these options often report a richer and more varied experience, making the most of their time in the region.
Photography Opportunities
+1When riding the train, try to secure a window seat for unobstructed views. However, be aware of potential reflections. For those on combo tours, the stops at scenic viewpoints are prime locations for capturing the grandeur of the landscape. The Yukon Suspension Bridge is a particularly dramatic spot, offering panoramic views and a sense of scale.
Consider bringing a versatile lens, such as a wide-angle for sweeping vistas and a telephoto for capturing details of the rugged terrain or distant wildlife. The changing light throughout the day can create magical moments, so be prepared to shoot in various conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit