Skagway is a popular cruise port of call on numerous sailings of the Inside Passage. Its location and history make for tons of great onshore activities for those spending the day in this idyllic Alaska town. Among the best things to do in Skagway is ride the White Pass Railway, a historic train route that covers some of the most scenic territory in all of Alaska.
A legacy of the Gold Rush era, this engineering marvel produced one of Alaska's most scenic modes of transportation, a delight for cruisers wanting to see the region’s incredible landscape and learn more about the area’s famous past.
A top-rated excursion among cruisers and general tourists, it is best to plan ahead so as not to miss out on this unique opportunity to see the epic views of the original Klondike Trail from the comfort of a vintage railway coach, befitting its historic past.
Here is everything you need to know about this popular train excursion when visiting Skgway on your Alaska cruise.
Overview of White Pass Railway
For cruisers looking for a little adventure with some incredible sights, the White Pass Railway in Skagway is an excellent option. As the most northeastern area of the Alaska Panhandle, Skagway was born from the frenzy of the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 19th century. The area was flooded by thousands of prospectors headed to the region in search of fortune. With a great deal of difficulty, a train was constructed over this rugged terrain which still operates today as the White Pass & Yukon Railroad.
Visitors love this historical experience, and there is no better way to see the stunning landscape of this area as it passes forests, glaciers, waterfalls, and, if you are lucky, the occasional bear. This is the ultimate train excursion when visiting Skagway, and it requires no passport as the train stops prior to the British Columbia border.
A fantastic excursion for a fun day in Skagway, the train ride is a family-friendly cruise activity that makes the most of a day in port. Soaring up to 2,000 feet in elevation, guests are treated to amazing views while learning about the region's famous past.
White Pass Railway Route
The winding path of this train ride begins in Skagway, passing the mountains of the Tongass National Forest, Rocky Point, and heading to Glacier Station at 1,817 feet. Onboard guides provide insight along the way, pointing out areas of interest, such as the ominously named Dead Horse Gulch, with the bleached bones of perished gold-rush pack animals scattered below.
As the train snakes further inland, past Inspiration Point, Carntiliver Bridge, and a tunnel, the train reaches the White Pass Summit at a staggering 2,888 feet. Although the train does not stop, there are ample opportunities to take pictures. Guests are welcome to enjoy platforms at the ends of the railcars, a perfect stop to take photos.
The construction of this extremely narrow train path is considered an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation that includes the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty.
History of the White Pass Railway
Why was this route so important to Alaska? In 1896, the first gold flakes were found, laying the groundwork for the influx of thousands of people in search of fortune in the Last Frontier. The treacherous route to the Klondike was nearly impassable at times, made even more difficult by prospectors hauling their supplies for mining gold.
As Skagway transformed into a boomtown, it became apparent that a train would be the best way to transport the newcomers across the land to the gold fields. The railroad project began in 1898 and opened in 1900. Later, the railway evolved and began moving ore, among other things. As metal prices collapsed, the railway shut down in 1982.
After much commercial use, the railroad reopened in 1988 as a tourist attraction, continuing its 125-year journey as a key transportation to the interior.
What’s it like onboard the White Pass?
Although this is a historic train ride, the amenities onboard are much more modern than those experienced by workers in the early 20th century. Once on the train, guests can relax in spacious seats in a vintage passenger coach. As the train heads into the wilderness on this 2.5-hour roundtrip, they are welcomed by expert guides. This fully narrated tour features panoramic views of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, and historic sites. It is extremely popular among tourists.
The forty-mile roundtrip train ride takes under three hours, covering a lot of ground, and is ideal for cruise ship passengers who only have a day in port. The White Pass route has a train that runs daily during Alaska cruise season, with both morning and afternoon departures.
While some cruisers may try the excursion on their own, the railway company notes that these tours are available for passengers arriving via cruise ship through the Shore Excursion Department. An advantage of booking via cruise line is the dockside service and the ability to board the train on the pier alongside your ship. Given the time frames for the railway, it would be the best way to go.
Important information for the White Pass Railway excursion
As noted, this is a very popular excursion and should be booked early so as not to be disappointed. Important details include:
• The price is $146 per adult, $73 for children 3-12, and free for babies 2 and under
• Cars are wheelchair accessible, and a bottle of water is provided
• There are bathrooms in each train car
• No food is available onboard, and there are no stops
• The total duration: 2.5 – 2.75 hours and is 40 miles round trip
• Tickets can be purchased online, by calling the company, or through the cruise line
• No passport is required for this specific train route
