Board this narrow-gauge railway from Skagway to Yukon for alpine scenery, steep climbs, and a journey through rugged northern terrain.
The White Pass and Yukon is the busiest tourist railroad in North America. Over 600,000 passengers a year board the train in Skagway, Alaska for the scenic journey over the Coastal Mountains and into Canada. While steam locomotives once ruled the rails on this picturesque narrow gauge railway, diesel-electric units are now the main form of motive power for the White Pass and Yukon. In this video, we will take a look at the three different types of diesel locomotives used on the railroad and then we will go trackside for a look at several of them in action in September of 2024.
The White Pass & Yukon Route offers one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys, combining spectacular mountain vistas with authentic Gold Rush history. It has become Alaska’s most popular shore excursion, a must-do for cruise passengers and railfans alike. Nowhere else can you ride vintage trains up nearly treeless alpine heights while retracing the footsteps of 1890s prospectors. The journey delivers dramatic views of towering peaks, plunging gorges and historic sites only accessible by rail, making it a favorite on many Alaska-Yukon travel itineraries. For railway enthusiasts, the WP&YR’s rare narrow-gauge equipment, historic locomotives, and status as an engineering landmark add extra appeal. In short, visiting White Pass is an immersive trip back in time through awe-inspiring wilderness, offering both a visual spectacle and a deeper appreciation of the region’s frontier heritage.
On a White Pass & Yukon Route excursion, expect a relaxed yet thrilling ride through pristine mountain scenery. Trains consist of restored early-20th-century passenger coaches with large windows and outdoor platforms, allowing riders to soak in the views and snap photos. The classic green-and-yellow diesel locomotives (and occasionally a steam engine on special departures) pull the train up the steep grade toward White Pass. As you climb from tidewater to the alpine summit, you’ll pass by cascading waterfalls and clifftop overlooks: the route crosses trestle bridges by Bridal Veil Falls, curves around Inspiration Point with its panoramic valley views, and skirts the edge of Dead Horse Gulch – a deep chasm with an eerie Gold Rush story. Tunnels and wooden trestles appear along the track, eliciting gasps as the train chugs through rock cuts and over high spans. Onboard, knowledgeable guides narrate the history and point out landmarks, such as the remnants of the 1898 Klondike Trail still visible etched into the mountainside. The air grows cooler and the terrain more rugged as the train reaches the White Pass summit at the U.S.–Canada border (elevation ~2,865 ft). After pausing to take in the subarctic landscape – often marked by swirling clouds or even snow patches – the train engine switches ends for the downhill return journey. Throughout the trip (typically about 2–3 hours round-trip for the summit excursion), you can move between cars, step onto the vestibule platforms for fresh mountain air, and enjoy endless photo opportunities of glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and the very rails clinging to cliff sides. It’s a journey that is at once scenic, historic, and unforgettable for any trainspotter or nature lover.
For a faster trip, you can fly into Skagway’s small airport. There are no direct large jet flights, but you can fly to Juneau (the regional hub) and then take a 45-minute commuter flight on a local airline into Skagway. Alternatively, from Whitehorse you can fly from Vancouver and then drive or take a shuttle down to Skagway. Once in Skagway, the WP&YR train depot is centrally located – just a short walk from the cruise docks and ferry terminal, and a few blocks from where the highway enters town.
Reaching this remote gold-rush town (the base for WP&YR) can be an adventure in itself. Many visitors arrive by cruise ship, as virtually all major Alaska cruises include Skagway on their summer itineraries. If you prefer to travel independently, you can drive the South Klondike Highway from Whitehorse, Yukon to Skagway – a scenic 2-hour drive through the same mountains the train traverses. Skagway is one of the few Southeast Alaska communities connected to the road system, so you can even road-trip from the Lower 48 via the Alaska Highway and then south to Skagway. Another option is the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, which runs up the Inside Passage; the voyage from Bellingham, Washington to Skagway takes about three days (with shorter ferry routes connecting Skagway to Juneau and other towns). The ferry journey offers incredible coastal scenery and the chance to mingle with locals and campers en route.
Alaska, United States
Stagway
201 2nd Ave, Skagway, AK 99840, États-Unis
The White Pass & Yukon Route operates seasonally, with trains running from early May through late September (aligned with the region’s summer tourist season). The best time to visit is during the mid-summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is mildest, days are long, and the alpine scenery is typically free of snow. July in particular offers lush green landscapes and wildflowers in bloom along the route, while early fall (September) brings golden foliage for a different but equally stunning backdrop. Do note that even in summer, mountain weather can be unpredictable – some mornings at White Pass may be shrouded in mist or see a dusting of snow, especially in May or September. By October, regular excursions wind down as winter conditions return (the railroad does not operate full service in winter due to heavy snowfall and safety concerns). In short, plan your trip between late spring and early fall, with July–August being ideal for the warmest temperatures and clearest views.