White Pass & Yukon Route Railway Reviews

The scenery is nice, the history interesting, but for the most part it was pretty boring. You could definitely find more scenic hikes and all if the historic facts they gave were found in the pamphlet they hand out. Very underwhelming.

For a relaxing three-hour train ride through some of the most incredible mountains, this is it. Going from sea level to about 3,000 feet, the climb is steep, narrow, and winding that runs 110 miles from Skagway, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The views of the gorges and forests make one wonder how it was ever built. Of course, the narration on the ride fills in the exciting history of the gold rush days and construction of this incredible train system. The photo opportunities were limitless.

Our second time on this rail ride. Very mush worth the ride. Spectacular views and you can see the actual trail when you reach the summit. The collapsed bridge looks like a Hollywood set and a kid pleaser.

What a wonderful tour , it’s 3 hours long , very informative and beautiful scenery, fun trip on the train .
We booked this with our cruise company and was very well organised
Highly recommend anyone to do this .

Booked this through the cruise line. The 2-3 hour long train ride into Canada (no disembarking, no passport needed) and back was well worth it. The guide/narrator was knowledgeable and especially helpful with the wheel chair. To think that this railroad was built by hand over a 100 years ago is breathtaking. The broken bridge (which is not in use) made me a bit uneasy thinking about the state of the bridge we were traversing. We boarded the train right at the dock

Boarding the train right at the dock was an unexpected convenience

A wonderful train ride that takes you just over the Canadian border and loops back down to Sitka. Not cheap but well worth it, a real highlight. You are able to stand on the plate between the carriages so you can some really good photos. You rise about 800 metres over the journey so you can see other trains below you. They do make bottles water available to you but there are no refreshments so take them with you.

The highlight of our Alaska trip so far. Took the 3 hour ride into British Columbia and came back on a bus. It was worth every penny. Well run and the people were nice.

Stand on the outside platform once you are allowed. If you are taking the train from Skagway first stay on the left side. Some people did the opposite trip and took the bus first. If that’s the case, sit to the right heading back to town.

The White Pass and Yukon Route is a 3-foot narrow gauge railroad. It goes from Skagway up to Canadian Yukon Territory. The train ride was approximately three hours and has a 24-mile route from Skagway into the outback and return. It doesn’t stop and let you off once you leave Skagway. Each car has a guide. Watch you footing and hold on to something while in motion. You may pass another train while in route and there are lots of open country views. Note: US standard gauge is 4 foot 8 ½ inches. One I returned to Skagway, there was still time available to tour the small town of Skagway and get your National Park stamps.

Great train to experience. It is old school charm, with modern doors and facilities. Every car had its own bathroom and heating system. Seats were comfy. Had the option of going out on the back of the car. The views are stunning. Lots of hidden gems and historic tales told along the way. The staff are super friendly. If you have the time, and like out of the norm experiences, this is a must!

Amazing way to spend three hours with beautiful views and a great commentary. Wouldn’t have missed this
Was a little pricey at about $150 each.

A nice old train going over the White pass. Along the way you will encounter various beautiful things but unfortunately you can’t get out anywhere so you can hope you can shoot some pictures outside in time. Train then runs a bit slower but does not stop. I thought there would be several stations where you could get out but unfortunately

The absolute reason to go to Skagway!!! An incredible experience with unforgettable views. The guide was knowledgeable as well. Sit on the left going up and the right going down for the best views.

It's a beautiful panoramic train that climbs across the US border to Canada.
and goes right into the center of Skagwy on the way back.

We enjoyed the scenery on this trip--we had a great sunny day to enjoy the beauty. Great photo ops along the way. Be sure and go to the back of your car for a view out the side. The best view (IMO) is on the left side going up. However, be sure to look for the many small waterfalls which you quickly get a glimpse of on the right side (we were there at the beginning of June--so the snow runoff was in good form).

Had an excellent trip on the White Pass Railway! Would recommend booking ahead, as the trains were sold out on the day of our visit. Booked as part of a tour via the cruise line, but the whole experience onboard was excellent. We had a wonderful guide who was narrating the scenery as we ascended. I would also recommend standing at the back and front of the carriage to get some awesome shots outside!

For those who have the opportunity to be in Skagway this is a tour of those considered indispensable.
The train goes up to White Pass through a beautiful valley that can only be seen from the railway. The trail taken by thousands of garimpeers in the Alaska Gold Race to the Klondike River through the Yukon River can be seen in a magnificent historical record.
The tour leaves the center and takes 3 hours to return to the starting point, on a route of about 30 km to White Pass, from where you return.
There is no food on the journey, only water and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on board.

Our excursion in Skagway was The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, the 2:45 hour round trip train ride. This trip turned around at White Pass Summit at 2,888 ft. There is no opportunity to leave the train anywhere.
The cruise ship docked at the Railroad Dock by The Ship Signature Wall, and we had a ship’s tender ride to the slip in town. From there, it was a short walk to the train depot, where we waited to board the train. It was windy, misty, and cold, and there was no shelter. There are heated, indoor restrooms at the depot. Once aboard, there is open seating with restrooms in each car. One is not allowed to move between cars and there is no food service aboard. There is also a viewing platform at the end of each car, for photos.
At 6.9 Miles and at 637 feet elevation, is Rocky Point. There is an excellent view down the lower valley to Skagway. Mt. Jarding and Harding Glaciers form the backdrop.
A bridge at an unidentified place on the route. I liked the view of the train going across the greenish sediment-filled glacial river.
At 11.5 Miles and 1334 feet is Bridal Veil Falls, created by waters from the glaciers on Mount Cleveland and Mount Clifton, plummeting 6000 feet to the river below.
This brilliant yellow plant is Caribou Lichen. It is common along the train route.
One of my favorite views was the train curving around itself.
This is Bridge 15C. The train is crossing the bridge and entering
Tunnel 16A. It’s 250-feet long as it runs through Tunnel Mountain. At 16.0 Miles and 2275 feet, Tunnel Mountain is 1000 feet above the valley floor.
At 18.6 Miles and 2613 feet is the Old Steel Bridge or Bridge 18A. This cantilevered bridge was constructed in 1901, because without crossing the canyon below, [which was over 1000 feet wide and several hundred feet deep], the railroad could not reach the Summit. It was the highest bridge of its kind in North America when it was built. It was used from 1901 until 1969, when it was retired. New tracks were laid in 1969, and a new bridge with a 670-foot tunnel was blasted from the rock.
The visible remains of the Trail of 1898, used by the Stampeders, at 19.3 Miles and 2730 feet.
At 20.4 Miles and 2888 feet, we have reached White Pass Summit. Nearby is The International Border and the Continental Divide are marked by a bronze obelisk. Just past the international border, is a replica of the original Northwest Mounted Police station used by the Mounties during the gold rush.
Our train went just past the summit and turned around near Summit Lake.
Another of my favorite photos was where the train tracks were over the river and we looked down at the river flowing with rapids and greenish white in color from the glacial sediment in it.
Back in Skagway now, going past the WP&YR railroad maintenance yards at 2.0 Miles.
After we disembarked, I walked along the tracks to take a photo of Engine 3005, which pulled our train.
We enjoyed this train trip very much. It is fairly common to have mist and rain at higher elevations, especially in the shoulder seasons. Dress accordingly for the outside wait. Inside, the train cars are heated.

The views on this tour are amazing. The guides explanation of the history of the area and the opening up of the railway to the Yukon and the search for gold was excellent.

I was told as we were planning this trip that this was a "must see" experience. It absolutely was ! Our tour guide Rhonda was great( she had a red scarf on the bus so we always knew where she was). The scenery was breath taking- the history was incredible. Thinking about how this railroad was built, you can feel what the workers must have felt. This summer is the 100th anniversary of the railroad- make sure to buy the special souvenir available only on the train. When we got to the top, Canadian Customs agents got on and checked our passports. Off we went to explore the Yukon. Rhonda was a great tour guide and pointed out many spots of interest. We stopped at the border and got great pictures of the Welcome to Alaska sign. The lunch at Caribou Crossing. This stop was definitely very touristy. After lunch, we explored the gift shop, the museum, the dog sled rides and the petting zoo. If you want to do a dog sled ride, do it with another group. I was a little disappointed. Back on the bus to Carcross- do not miss the ice cream!!!
This was a great day.

We took the White Pass and Yukon Rail from Skagway to Carcross. Breathtaking views. Beautiful scenery. Bus tour into the Yukon and back to Skagway was very informative and fun. Our guide Davis did an outstanding job explaining everything, joking with the passengers, and just making sure the experience was great for everyone. Well done Davis.

September in Alaska cool and rainy, not a Surprise. So why couldn't this rail excursion use some RainX on the glass so passengers actually could see out. Inside glass was totally fogged over....Probably lovely in summer, but do something to actually make fall tours much better at not much cost or effort.

We took this rail trip in Sept 2025. We boarded the train at the cruise terminal and the boarding was quite ordered bearing in mind how many were there. Our carriage was heated and quite comfortable. We were given a complimentary carton of water each and a souvenier guide. We travelled 20.6 miles up to the White Pass summit...... border between America and Canada whilst experiencing great views along the way. Passport was not required as we did not get off the train at the Pass. We passed over the iconic tressle bridge and manage to capture a similar photo of the tressle and White Pass engine that you see on many photos. At the summit the train crosses into Canada, travels around a loop and returns down the same route back to the cruise terminal. During travel you can move around the carriage and there are small outside platforms at each end of the carriage where you can take photos without windows. The platforms only hold 4 or 5 people but as the views are on one side only, viewing is limited to 2 at a time. It really needs respectful passengers to avoid hogging the best view points so all get a chance. Throughout the journey there was a humourus narration.
In summary this was an enjoyable, scenic train ride covering a total distance of 41 miles, but it was expensive for what it was... so not good value for money.

An amazing scenic trip taking in wonderful sights on a lovely old train.
Train guards gave us information as well as commentary overall on key sights.we were even lucky enough to spot a black bear!

When in Skagway you must take the White scenic pass train ride! It is an unbelievable feast of beauty for your eyes!! So much he fun, so beautiful! Words do not describe! Just do it, you will not be disappointed!

This excursion in Skagway was unbelieveable. We booked the VIP or Luxury car and we highly recommend it. First, our host Chandler, was excellent and provided 1st class service. He was very knowledgable about the points of interest, very attentive to our needs, provided comic relief, and was very personable.

Second,it has 14 comfortable swivel seats, beer & wine, comfortable bathroom, and access to the back of the train car with outdoor views.

Third, the history and sites and explanation of what the explorers and gold rush folks did back in the late 1890's is crazy and you get to see it close and upfront.

This excursion is not to be missed and again, booking the last car on the train or the VIP car is well worth every penny spent. Enjoy!!

Disappointed for the $300 my husband & I spent on this 2 hour excursion. Not at all what we expected. We must have wild imaginations. Most everyone was talking in the train car, including an employee of the train while the "tour guide" was explaining history over the speaker. The loud chatter was both disrespectful and annoying and made it difficult to hear the guide. Some people were not even looking out the window. Ugh, I wish we would have spent our $300 elsewhere.

Very nice experience. Pretty scenery. Very friendly staff. Doesn’t take a long time so worth doing at least once. We did this in the morning then had plenty of time to explore Skagway. Do the Yukatania trail for an easy hike in a rainforest. Very pretty

I would have given this five stars but we were originally scheduled to go on a 11:30 am ride to White Pass but after sitting in the train for nearly an an hour, our tour was cancelled because another engine had been disabled and they could not get it moved. We were fortunate to have gotten on the 4:00 pm train and we are glad that we did. This ride is definite must do in Skagway. The iWeb’s are incredible and the narrow bridges at very high heights make anyone nervous. We had an excellent conductor/narrator who was very helpful to people taking pictures. Although we did not get to go on the first train, I am glad we decided to take the second otherwise we would have missed out on the highlight of Skagway.

Absolutely fantastic trip, made so wonderful by the tour rep, so knowledgeable and such good fun. Earle E Bird was definitely the best guide we have ever had, he really made the trip for us. The scenery is absolutely stunning and definitely worth going on it, I would highly recommend it, especially if you are fortunate enough to have Earle E Bird as your guide! Thanks for a wonderful trip EarleE Bird!

Ok, but not much to see for over 4 hours of time. Train itself is comfortable with a bathroom and room (our whole train was full). Train moves very slow on the way down.

We enjoyed a great ride on this iconic railway line. The views throughout were stunning. The guide and the Guide were great. The outside platform was terrific for photos.

Tumbleweed our tour guide (aka Leonard) on the White Pass/Dogsledding/Gold
Panning excursion was the bomb diggity!!!
He was very personable and knowledgeable about the history of Skagway, AK and shared fun facts of Skagway with us!! We were all also impressed with the fact that he had snacks prepared for us! We also toasted with apple cider when we reached the summit which added a memorable touch to the experience! He made the train ride the highlight of the tour and congratulate him on a job well done being that was only the third train trip he had done. Thank you Tumbleweed! ❤️

I can see the frustration of people who unfortunately get stuck on this excursion during bad weather. We were blessed with a sunny day, and even the staff on the train said it was the first time they'd seen the sun in 10 days. The rest is self-explanatory- great views, gorgeous scenery. Though the large picture windows of the train are dirty and not good for taking pictures through. I stepped out on the platform between the cars multiple times and took some great pics and video from there. You can see out the windows perfectly, but cameras/cell phones are going to pick up dirt and grime on the glass, just saying. Well worth the trip on a good day.

Incredible views. If you like to ride trains, this is a great experience. We did this while on an excursion from our cruise ship. It is a must-do while in Skagway.

This was one of the options for an excursion from our cruise ship and was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. The train was comfortable and provided great visibility. The staff was great. The narration provided plenty of information, but also allowed times of just being able to take in the beauty of the area. There were people of all ages on board and everyone seemed to enjoy their time. There were also opportunities to walk around and step out on the platforms between cars to enjoy the scenery. The train boarded and unloaded right at the pier near our ship, so it was just a short walk. A special treat for train enthusiasts.

I hate to use the term, "life changing", but this excursion, was that for me. The scenery was so awe-inspiring. I can't believe what God has created for us to enjoy. This trip was in a sense, "spiritual." Calming, centering, quiet, reflection-inspiring...this was absolutely, a trip that I would like to repeat again.

The scenery is beautiful but the service is poor. We were subjected to open doors to keep the windows from fogging. The heat source at the back of the train car was turned so low as to not be affective at keeping us warm or keeping the windows clear. It was brought to the attention of the staff there are only suggestion was to keep the doors open. Hardly appropriate when the temperature outside was in the low 40s.

Totally worth paying extra for the luxury train experience. Better views, snacks and drinks and most importantly less lines and more comfortable seats.

Katie, our guide, was amazing.

We came off of a Princess cruise. This is also the second time taking the train. We paid $150.00 through Princess per person. It is about 2 1/2 hour ride. I recommend doing it in May while there is still snow. The train is comfortable and heated. There is a bathroom in the car and they offer free bottled water. The views are incredible. They are narrated. You can also step outside the car in the front and back while the train is moving for better views. Wheelchair friendly. There is a lift. If you’re in Skagway do it, you won’t regret it.

This is a great way to take in Alaska scenery. The train turns around so if you're on the wrong side to see something on the way up, you'll be on the correct side going down. There were some small screams on the way down as the brakes were being applied but this was totally unnecessary. The train assistants gave wonderful information on the Yukon Gold Rush and the history of the train.

We saw the pictures and heard the hype. The actual trip just didn't measure up. The pictures are accurate, but are most likely the best of the best pics. I'm glad we did it. Kind of like visiting the Alamo in San Antonio, we have been there and done that. It's an expensive check. But, for a family of 4 or a larger group, I advise to definitely find a better way to better spend the money. I got bored and tired on the way up and was ready to come back. A couple of us (group of 8) actually fell asleep. The scenery is pretty, but we have been so many more places with better scenes of evergreens and snow on top of mountains. We paid for this excursion on the NCL Encore. Way over priced for the experience.

This was a 3 hour train ride that ascended up the mountain and then back down. Comfortable but not luxurious, friendly staff and very informative. This was definitely enjoyable and I would recommend it if you are in the area.

Booked through Princess Cruise Lines, this experience was amazing. We were SO glad we did this. Lots of history was explained by the narrator which has quite entertaining. We were lucky to be able to sit on the left side of the train which gives the best views going up. We spent most of the trip on the platform between cars which is the best place for photos. Incredible views, even a bear! Well worth it.

This was worth every penny and an unforgettable experience. We lucked out and the sun was shining and no cloud coverage. The employees on the train were even commenting on the visibility as it uncommon to have such a spectacular day. Sit on the left side and/or go to the viewing platforms.

Scenery, history, views, with an excellent commentary along the way. Doesn't stop, but advises when the train will slow for photo opportunities. Pleased we had views, despite it being a bit cloudy.
It was by far the best excursion from our Alaska Cruise.

What a train ride!!!fantastic scenery, great narration as we travelled up to the White Pass and dipped briefly into Canada!! Tunnels, wooden bridges, waterfalls, rivers and trains crossing each other! Vintage carriages with balconies at each end that you could stand out on and friendly staff. A great afternoon even though it was very cold when we stood outside- September!

This is well worth the time and money. We purchased VIP seating. Very comfortable chairs and we had our own tour guide for the VIP car. We could go to the back platform which was open so you could take pictures. They provided food, water, beer, and wine. There were 14 in our car, so small group. No kids are allowed which kept it calm.

we booked this from the ship during our cruise.

There was a lot of waiting in line to board the train. It was nice out so no big deal, but if it had been raining or cold it would have been a pain.

The train is an old style with bench seats. but they were comfortable enough.

the ride was excellent. lots of scenery and interesting commentary.

there is a small outdoor viewing area at the end of the car.

yes, there is a bathroom on the train.

it would have been nice to be able to get out and walk around at the top, but due to US border rules we could not.

on the way back the train will drop you off in town rather than the cruise ship dock if you want.

I would recommend this tour in Skagway.

Having done this excursion in the past, it's always been one we've recommended to others as a "must do" in Skagway. Sadly, our experience on May 30 changes our impression simply because of the communication and greed shown by WP&YR.

Our 9 a.m. train made it as far as mile 14.0 Glacier Station when it was announced that the train would not be able to continue the route because of a broken down train on the tracks ahead. We would not see any of the tunnels, trestles, Trail of '98, snow, or White Pass Summit. It was just a slow ride through the woods (and a lot of time just sitting on a non-moving train) without the jaw-dropping scenery we had experienced in the past.

Guests onboard began questioning what time the train had broken down, and discovered that it was known long before our train ride began. They didn't tell us obviously because we might not want to go on the ride if we missed what we had come to see. On the way down, guests throughout the train were upset that nothing was communicated until the predetermined turn-around point. The announcers on board expected the reaction, saying, "remember, we're just employees of the company ourselves" and "if you want to express your feelings to management, the best way to do that is with a comment card located at the end of each car, but we don't supply pens so you'll have to find someone with a pen to fill it out." We never saw any comment cards.

What shocked us the most was returning to town and seeing hundreds lined up for the next train ride, and train after train of guests from each of the docks to take passengers up - all just to Mile 14, though none of them knew it. Some people standing in line asked us how we enjoyed the trip, and we told them. By evening everyone on the ship was talking about the horrible way it was handled.

The cruise line refunded us 50% of our excursion automatically the next morning, which we appreciated. However, we felt that it would have been more honest and less greedy if we had been told ahead of time that the train was not going to make it up to the most scenic areas and given us the decision whether to skip the excursion and get a full refund (which would have been my preference).

We understand that breakdowns happen and routes can't always happen as desired, but when the company knowingly takes hundreds of people up with a plan to not announce it until Mile 14, that's unacceptable.

Took a day trip with the White Pass & Yukon Route railway. We were in Skagway for a cruise stopover and booked the railroad trip in advance.

We left Skagway bus bus and travelled from Alaska, through British Columbia ending up in Carcross Yukon. After a short visit in twin and some photos, we boarded the train for the trip back to Skagway.

It was a wonder trip with a really nice stopover at Bennett Lake BC. We had a chance to walk up to to end of the Chilcoot trail, see some buildings left over from the late 1800s and get a feel for what the gold rush looked like.

The White Pass Railroad follows close to the White Pass trail which was longer than the Chilcoot trail but reportedly not as steep. As we road by on the train the part I could see looked terrible so I couldn’t imagine how hard the Chilcoot trail would heave been!

The cars were warm and comfortable and I loved being able to get out to the end of car platforms to take a few photos.

We loved the trip and it was a fantastic experience.

We booked the train tour with our cruise ship. Cruise ship informed us to meet 15 minutes before the tour but the tour operator told us to line up about 30 mins before. Good thing we did because the lineup quickly wrapped around the whole dock.

The train ride is kinda neat on the way up, very beautiful scenery. There was an avalanche the day before near the summit so the trip was cut short to half-way up the mountain. We did not see any animals, not even birds, which was odd to us although the train is fairly noisy.

Once we got halfway, we sat there for about half hour as they switched the engine car to the front. The ride down was really boring and long-we were ready to get off at that point.

Not enough narration- would love to hear more about the area of Skagway. They just point out some points of interest along the way.

Train ride is very expensive for what it is.
Too many people hog the platform too.

Next time we come to Skagway, we will rent a car to travel the Klondike hwy instead.

This was one of the highlights of our Alaskan trip. The views were breathtaking. All the staff were fantastic and they were provided great information along the way.

We opted for the ride in a luxurious carriage with catering. Each seat is by a window and you can enjoy the view. The story surrounding the construction of the railway during and shortly after the gold rush is interesting and shows how the workers had to blast their way through the rock around 125 years ago.

Travelled on June 7th 2023 as a cruise ship excursion. Very informative commentary provided by Stef during the trip. We were blessed with a very clear day so the views were amazing! This would be a different experience on a foggy day.

The ability to go out onto the front or back of each car, so that you can take unobstructed photos is great. If you want to take 'that' photo so that you can get the front or back of the train in your picture, then sit in one of the first or last cars, otherwise, it doesn't matter.

This was an excursion through Norwegian Cruises. The train was comfortable. Great views. The narrator provide wonderful information. It was amazing to see the sites and hear about how it was built. We got off at Fraser where we met our guide for the bus tour.

We went on the White Pass Summit excursion. We rode in the VIP Parlor Car, which was rather expensive, but in my opinion, an instance worth splurging on. It didn't sound like all the trains had a parlor car, but they really should as they are most definitely worth it. There were approximately a dozen passengers in the parlor car. The seating was very comfortable and spacious. The chairs swiveled so you could easily look in all directions. My only complaint about the car was that the tables were too small. They were really only big enough for one tray and were difficult for two to share when the food was served. Parlor fare included all the drinks you wanted and an appetizer tray. The morning trains served fruit kabobs, yogurt parfait with berries, mini muffins, mini quiches, smoked salmon spread on a bagel, and cream puffs. I don't know if the afternoon trains had a different menu.
My advice is to try to get the last seat in the back so you can have a clear view out of the rear of the train and easy access to the viewing platform, as it is difficult to walk while the train is moving. The platform was big enough for about half of the car's passengers to be on comfortably at once, and there were outdoor speakers so you could continue to hear the narration. We probably spent close to half of the trip on the platform.
We had the 9 AM departure. It was the only option offered by our cruise ship. Note, all the passengers on the train were from the same ship, which in a way was a good thing, but gave you no options to choose other times. We would have much preferred to take the late afternoon summit train or a longer full day excursion, but you are no longer able to book on your own through the train themselves. ( we had originally booked this trip before covid hit and at that time you could select which trip and time you wanted to take on the train's website ) Now, all trains are assigned to specific cruise ships.
The scenery was breathtaking! In May, there was still snow on the mountaintops, enhancing the beauty. You travel past the Canadian border at the summit and they have built a loop track for easy turn around. You do not need a passport on this excursion as you do not get off the train. The narration story of the Gold Rush and the history of the miners who traveled this route was very interesting and educational.
The only damper on my experience was a VERY rude passenger. Upon boarding, he complained to the attendant that he had to sit his drink on a shared table with someone else. So then, he spent over 90% of the trip on the platform, hogging the best photo positions both ways. He actually shoved me while I was taking a picture, so he could take over that spot. I should have reported this to the attendant, but doubted they'd do anything about it. What would they do, move him to coach, make him stay inside off the platform?
The train picked us up right at the end of the pier. Boarding began long before departure. The only reason to board early was to get the rear seat. At the conclusion of the tour, you are dropped at the train station so you could explore town. It was actually only a few blocks from the dock. The only problem was that several trains were arriving close together, so they would not allow you to cross the tracks to get to the depot. You had to walk around the trains to get to the Main Street.
Aside from the rude passenger I had to deal with, I enjoyed the excursion very much. We take all the train rides we get a chance to and highly suggest traveling in the parlor car. I couldn't imagine how uncomfortable and miserably crowded it would have been in the general seating cars. It would have been completely different and not nearly as enjoyable an experience.
Tip - if you are only taking the train one way, sit on the left side going up for the best views, if riding round trip, it won't matter where you sit as you will get to view both sides

A fantastic experience! The train was punctual to the minute, the staff great - very good and also for non-native speakers everything good to understand. You can take pictures on the platforms between the individual cars; although everything is a bit tight and also wobbly, but great for taking pictures. However, I have to say that we had the most beautiful summer weather - temperature around 20 degrees with blue skies. The ride offers breathtaking views in clear weather; however, if you are not dizzy, you are better off staying in your seat in some places;-)

In short: I can only recommend the ride!

This is the most boring ride ever. You spend 2.5 hours on a ride to nowhere. You go out about 20 miles, loop around and head back without leaving your seat. We were lucky to see a bear bedide track. But for $150 this felt more like a scam. $600 for our party of 4,

We recently experienced WhitePass Railway when visiting Skagway on a cruise and very much enjoyed the tour.

We booked through our cruise and they pull a train near the ship to board, which is a little cumbersome as there are so many people getting on at once but the rail staff keep it moving and organized. As we went in early May it was a very cool experience because as you climb the pass you get to experience the greenery of the first to some deep snow. The scenery is beautiful, with some information provided by the tour guides.

The trains have aisles of 4 people so two on each side of the aisle, the cars do have a heater so they are not cold as well as a bathroom in each car. There is a small viewing platform on the front and back of each car to allow for you to step out and get a picture or just some fresh air. The train goes up the mountain pass and then does a loop around and then back down the mountain. As it is a mountain pass one side of the train will be on the side that has more of a rock face, but you will be on the other side on the way down so stay in your seat and you will get both views.

This is a longer experience, the train does go relatively slow because it is going up/down a mountain but it is very relaxing and enjoyable.

We took a small group bus tour up to Frasier Canada and caught the train back to Skagway. The train ride goes along the mountain side on it's way back to Skagway. The scenery reminded us of the train in Durango Colorado. You saw evidence of rockslides and they pointed out an avalanche which had occurred a few days ago.

We had excellent weather on this round trip to the Yukon via White Pass. We had a bus ride up and a train ride back down to Skagway. Both ways we had narrators telling us about the history and sights we were seeing. We had several picture stops during our bus ride up. We crossed into Canada (bring your passport) and stopped in the little town of Carcross before boarding the train. The scenery is gorgeous with views of alpine meadows, lakes, forests and waterfalls. Our trip included a box lunch as well. We enjoyed the sights and the stories about the gold rush.

I can't rave about this excursion enough. We sailed on Princess cruise lines inner passage with a stop in Skagway. Booked this excursion through the cruise line (which seemed to be the same price as booking it direct on the railway website but we had free vouchers to use from the cruiseline, otherwise I would normally buy direct from the railway - of note you can also buy passes in person at the rail depot in skagway, but on a busy day they might be sold out so idk if I'd recommend waiting til the day of). It's a very long train with lots of cars so a lot of other people will be on the excursion with you. This railway was built in 1899, it goes through canyons with very steep ravines. If you are afraid of heights this may not be for you but I soooo encourage you to try it because it is so amazingly, terrifyingly beautiful and really kind of a once in a lifetime experience. We saw a bear towards the end, no threat to the train. To get to the train is only a short walk from where the ships dock (though when we were there we couldn't dock right next to the port due to a previous rock slide, so we take a life boat over to the pier). But this activity can be done by anyone in any physical condition of health, has restrooms on board, can look in between and behind cars at the views, it's just truly amazing that words won't every fully describe. Do it!

We were on the Grand Princess cruise. Skagway and the station were an easy 5 min walk from where the tenders docked. The train was beautiful with big windows to view the stunning scenery, and to learn about the gold rush in the Yukon. It was round trip, so either side of the train was good for viewing. The tour guide was informative and knowledgeable. You could go outside of each train car to take photos. Our tour offered water. There is a bathroom in each train car. I felt it was the best way to view the Yukon trail!

I could not post this comment at the Norwegian Cruise Line website as it would not load a form for me to do so. We booked this as an excursion in addition to two others at others ports. This excursion was well worth the money! The train is clean and comfortable, the staff was pleasant and knowledgeable, they provide bottled water, and the views are spectacular! We bought the souvenir hat for $10 onboard which was a good price for a decent quality hat, but then found a hat in the Skagway White Pass Train souvenir shop for $2.99 for a previous year.

Amazing railroad. Fantastic views. Well run. Good narration. We were fortunate to enjoy it on a sunny day which enhanced the views. All staff were professional and welcoming.

This train ride was a highlight in my Alaskan cruise. Our guide, Chris Chocian, was wonderful! She is well informed, excited and evidently in love with her work! Her enthusiasm was contagious. We were fortunate to have had her as our guide. Full points for Chris! Thank you!

Took train ride w family (2 teens). Had a great time. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Awesome sights. Take time to stand outside for a few minutes. Every seat is good.

Great trip with lots of information shared! Beautiful scenery and many photo pops! The ride was very comfortable and all of the staff were great!

...a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

Fun, scenic, well-organized ~ 3 hour trip. Excellent narration from Mike. We initially thought the narration was taped, but when Mike pointed out a hovering helicopter, we figured out it was live commentary ;)

Booked direct to save some $ vs. thru the cruise ship. Other than a short walk and shuttle ride, we all got the same views and experience. You don't need to be a train buff to enjoy. Our morning weather was partly cloudy - no issues seeing the sights.

Wow...
I did not want to leave.
Such an awesome; inspiring; well-narrated train ride.
Every Naturalist should experience this!

We were on one of the first train rides of the season and it was so beautiful with the snow all around the tracks and background mountains. We’ve done this journey before in the summer and both rides were amazing yet with different scenery. The historical narration was excellent!

This was a fantastic train ride! It is almost impossible to describe the beauty from the trip up the mountain! In addition, the information on the history about the railroad was invaluable I highly recommend this train ride!!

The experience was amazing. The history, the views...it was quite exciting! And getting to see the glaciers so up close. Crayola just can't make colors that beautiful!! Highly recommend

The entire tour was about three hours. The views were amazing. It was fully narrated so you could further appreciate the experience. We took the 1:00 p.m. tour. The light was good for photos. I would choose to sit on the left side of the train given a choice but the train does a full turn at the top so if you’re on the right side you’ll get good views coming back. There’s a toilet on each car. Drinking water is avatar free. You may bring food aboard if you wish.

We took this ride at 3:45pm from the cruise dock. The train was full, but everyone still had great time. As the train got up in the mountains, you can go outside of cars and get very clear pics. On my car we all did a great job of making sure each go time up on the rails to get pics. Staff was outstanding on giving information on railroads history. This is a great trip for any size group, couple, or even solo.

We were delighted to visit Skagway via the Alaska Marine Highway (ferry) on May 7, 2024. We were to stay overnight leaving on May 8. After four failed attempts at docking, the MV Hubbard left. We were "stranded" in Skagway until the afternoon of May 10. We were thrilled because we now had the opportunity to ride the White Pass & Yukon train on the morning of May 10. Since we didn't have passports, there was only one ride we could take. It was FABULOUS! We learned much history about Skagway, the quest for gold in 1897-98, the route the stampeders took, those who died attempting to make it to the gold fields in Canada, and many other historical facts related to gold mining. This trip was a delight! It was the highlight of our Skagway visit. Be certain to visit the museums for a video and more historical information about this time period in AK's history.

The Skagway train ride is a must-do! The views are incredible, and the history is fascinating. It's a bit touristy, but totally worth it for the experience. Don't forget your camera!

This was truly the highlight of my Alaska cruise (first time cruising) and too think I originally wasn't going to do it. To see the snow, rich blue water from the snow at the top and the scenery was spectacular.

I would suggest going early in the season so you see all the snow and the small waterfalls etc

Anyone going to Skagway, highly recommend doing this and then take a walk through town. The train was in brilliant condition and the commentary A1

This is a fabulous trip except for one of the tour guides.
She spent a considerable amount of time bad-mouthing the company, saying it wasn't very good to work for, didn't pay well and had no sense of community.
She was loud and obnoxious throughout the entire trip.
She made matters worse by interfering when the American customs agent came on board to check passports at the end of the trip.
The border guard said my wife and I were good to go, but Quincey (sp?) made rude gestures to us to sit down as if we were pets and then told us we would get into trouble if we didn't obey her instructions.
My wife suggested she not talk to us, and she responded by saying we were rude.
It would also help if the White Pass did a better job vetting that cruise ship passengers had the proper paperwork before allowing people on the train.

It's impossible to always accurately predict the weather, but if you luck out with clear skies, this will be one of the most spectacular trips you will make in Alaska. Although people who were unfortunate to book the train in the morning of the day we went (they said the didn't see anything!), in the afternoon the weather was perfect and the views were supendous! We took the train up the mountain and back down, taking about three hours total. Every minute was amazing! They will tell you that it doesn't matter which side you sit on if you ride up and down the mountain, but actually the left side going up has definite advantages. For the best veiws though (and especially the best photo shots), get up and move the viewing platforms at the end of each carriage. It is here that you will get unobstructed views and photos with no reflections off the windows as when sitting inside. There are two tunnels along the route, some impressive tressles, and an amazing dilapidated now-abandoned bridge, in addition to traversing the U.S.-Canadian border.

Loved this trip. Views were amazing and lots of information on what we were seeing and the history as we rode. The platform at the front and back of each car is a good spot for pictures but there is not a lot of room for more than 2-3 people. Also be aware that if you stay on the platform to take pictures you are not able to hear the narration provided inside the cars. One fun thing I noticed was that on the way back I was standing on the back platform as we entered one of the tunnels. There was a little statue of a yeti with a stick of dynamite. It would have been a funny picture but did not know it was there until too late.

What a wonderful train ride on a beautiful day in Alaska Mountains!!
Got off our cruise ship onto the pretty and unassuming, Skagway, AK.
Train is super clean, bright, comfortable and staff was super nice and welcoming. The narrator was knowledgeable, funny and took the time to visit with all passengers as the trip came to an end. The 2.5 hour trip had spectacular mountain views worth every Penny we spent and all went like a charm…
I could not help but compare that to our disappointing trip 10 years ago on the Fancy and Unreliable Canadian Rocky Mountaineer Train to Banff, Alberta!!
Paid a whooping $2400 per passenger for a train trip that failed 40 miles before we got to Banff, got bussed the rest of the way with little apology or compensation for its failure!!!

We did the White Pass Railway Scenic Railway tour combined with panning for gold and sled dog visit. We were fortunate to have Klondike Mike as our host. The whole trip was great and the scenery was magnificent and Klondike Mike may have been the best part of the trip. He was engaging, funny and very knowledgeable. His stories were great.

In 2022 I took this excursion and was so delighted by the narrator. He told us all about the history, the men who built it, how much they earned, the weather back then. I couldn’t wait to take this trip again.

The trip I just took was the opposite. The narration was a complete failure. There were minimal details, nothing historical, nothing miners, nothing about how dead horse canyon got its name. I was very disappointed. Yes, the scenery was spectacular but that’s nature. The narration? That’s White Pass.

We booked the train through Celebrity cruises when there was a sale on excursions and the price was pretty much equal to what the train’s website was offering. I had high hopes for the train ride because I had read so many people recommended the cruise. It’s definitely recommended if you’re a nature lover and have an interest in the type of scenery Alaska has to offer. I did expect a little more to be honest, only because I read so many positive things and maybe had too high of an expectation. The views on the train were nice though but it was rainy and cloudy the higher we got so it was difficult to see some of the views. I had read people comment that if you book through the cruise lines, you will be jammed pack in a car, but the train car we were in was not completely packed and there were still a few empty seats and a few empty rows. The aisle between the rows is spacious and there’s plenty of legroom between the seats in front of you. There’s a bathroom in the back that was very clean.

We did the round trip , the weather was great so we got to see all the mountains etc. this is really a must do if you are in Skagway .

My friend and I took this excursion from our cruise ship. Our guide was Reagan. We loaded on a tour bus from the end of the pier. She drove us over to the train in Skagway. The scenery is breathtaking and lasts about 2 hours to get up to the Canadian border. You must have your passport with you. Then you get off train and get back on bus. Reagan then drove us back down to Skagway. She pointed out various places and told funny stories about the history of the areas. We stopped at a Gold mining place to try our luck. Everyone had a lot of fun and laughs. A great trip.

During our one day in Skagway we rode the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway train. Earlier we had visited the Yukon Gold Rush NHP site in town and the park film was a really excellent way to add context to this train trip and the overall area of Skagway. When starting the trip you will want to be on the left side of the train. Going back everything will be out the right side so both sides get great views but I liked seeing everything on the way up and being able to relax more on the way down. We frequently went on the outside viewing areas for a different perspective. This was a fantastic way to spend our day in Skagway and I would highly recommended it to anyone visiting the area.

Travelling on an historic train through the White Pass was excellent, made better by the fact that we were following the route taken by expeditions during the Goldrush.
The commentary was excellent and the scenery stunning. The route was absolutely amazing and seeing wildlife all around really made this an awesome experience.

I experienced the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway on July 30, 2024 with my mom. We booked our tour direct through our cruise on Holland America Line.

The staff were very friendly and informative, especially our guide Emily. She pointed out numerous points of interest along our train journey and gave excellent explanation about what we were seeing. She also informed us of the history of the area and what the gold rushers experienced when they were taking this route by foot. We were even lucky enough to see a very clear sight of the Carmack Glacier on our journey.

We didn’t take the train into the Yukon, so next time I would definitely make sure to do that.

Overall I would say this was a great experience. I got tons of beautiful photos and videos from my seat as well as from the outside standing area at the front of the train car.

We loved this train ride! We got so lucky with the weather. With the sun shining down, you can truly appreciate the beautiful views of not just the surrounding mountains and valleys but also the train winding ahead and behind you.
The guide narrating shared lots of interesting info about the area and the history of the Pass. My husband loves the Gold Rush era, so he was in his element!
This was easily one of the highlights of our entire 3-week trip to Alaska.

Thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The train was great, comfortable seats with observation platforms. The commentary was excellent- very informative and interesting. The views were spectacular and crossing the bridges very exciting. I would definitely recommend this trip

A rolling history lesson with awesome views. Train cars are reasonably comfortable with restrooms in each car. A must do!!

We were glad we only did the two hour excursion. Overall a very boring excursion. Some good scenery and good customer service.

I will stonrgly suggest you take the 8 hours tour to Yukon, do the train first and then the bus, both are great and different experience. I know 8 hours is long, but our whole family never feel boring in any minutes, bring your passport and arross the boarder to Canada. I know there is a turn ahout point so the train will take you back, it is still worth to go but I'd say it is only 30% of the whole trip. The scen start to change when the train cross the boarder and climb up to the hill until we stopped at Bennett lake and stay there for 30 mins, a little bit rush on time but you need to take your time have a short 5 mins hike to the top and the view is so amazing then you will. After that the train drove along the lake for another 30 minute which is fantastic until we reach CarCross and get off from the train, after we took a small break in Carcross town center, our bus driver took us to go back to Skagway, if you think your trip is finished and the view is the same when back, you are wrong, our guide/driver Mike took us to Emerald Lake and a few beautiful lakes, as well as falls and islands. All of them are breathtaking and different. Mike told us informations that only local people know all the way, very informative. Take the 8 hours tour and your won't regret.

Excellent, our bus driver was Elias, he was sincere and so fun to visit with!! The train ride back was beautiful and scenic and relaxing. Elias our bus driver made it very easy and clear to understand each step of the excursion, great!!!

Great excursion from our cruise ship. The left side has the best views going up and right side going down. I would have gone 5 stars but our "host" made a pass through the whole train for the express purpose of getting tips. This was unprofessional and left me with a very bad impression of this entire operation.

This was an adventure that took practically the entire day we were in port. We met the bus on the dock at around 7:15 AM, which drove us the five minutes over to the train depot, where we loaded up.

A few minutes after we started up the White Pass, the platforms between the cars and on the back of the train were opened up for viewing. Passengers are forbidden to use the platforms between cars to switch which car they are assigned. As we were placed in the final car, we had both the between-car platform, and the platform at the rear of the train to stand, if we desired. The train ride is narrated, with particular points of interest and their historical context explained. Be aware that you cannot hear these soundbites if you exit to the platforms.

Our trip included crossing the border into Canada, at Fraser, where Customs officials came on board to check everyone's passports.

After passing through Fraser, the train continued on up into Yukon Territory, to the old town of Bennett, BC. Here, we had a 45-minute layover, just enough time to site-see. The schedule was very tight, with barely enough time to visit the 1903 train station, take in the historic museum, or take the self-guided walk along the trails and tour the gold rush town site.

Upon reboarding the train, we were served a generous box lunch (turkey sandwich, a bag of potato chips, a handful of grapes and cubes of cheese, and a chocolate chip brownie), while we continued the journey up to Carcross. Bottle of water were available in a cooler in each train car.

After a short while in Carcross, we then loaded up on our bus for the return trip down the Klondike Highway. This was on your typical tour-type bus with big comfortable and roomy seats. On our particular bus, the front seating area normally reserved for those with mobility issues were made available to anyone who wanted to jump up front for a few minutes to capture a picture through the windshield, or chat with the driver. While taking the highway back to Skagway, the driver stopped at multiple scenic overlooks (the "Welcome To Alaska" and "Yukon" sites for sure) for us to stretch our legs, get our pictures taken, and take some of our own photos.

Bennett was ridiculously scenic. That area, alone, made the excursion worth it. I would have loved to have been provided more time to explore this gorgeous area. My only other complaint has nothing to do with White Pass Rail, but with the some other passengers who were on the same tour. There were several on my particular tour who had no problem with getting in the way of other guests on the trip. This ranged from taking my seat on the train when I got up to check out one of the viewing platforms, loudly talking after being instructed for quiet when Customs came on board, and running to the front of the bus whenever we stopped at a location before anyone else could get up. This is a tour we are all on together -- be more courteous to your fellow travelers. We're all going to the same place, and will have the same amount of time there.

What a wonderful 2.5-hour trip! With stunning scenery and incredible views of mountains, glaciers and gorges, it is definitely worth taking. The commentary was good, giving an insight into the area and the building of the railway. And it was fantastic to be able to also move to the front or back of each car (outside), so that you can take unobstructed photos! When in Skagway, this is a MUST DO!!

We walked from the pier to the train station to buy tickets the morning of for the 8am train. The window opened at 7:15 and we got there right then and had no problem getting a ticket. There were about 20 people who got tickets in the station that morning and we had a whole rail car to ourselves which allowed plenty of space for us to spread out and switch sides to take in the views. We bought packaged breakfast pastries from the train station and enjoyed them on the ride. It was a beautiful ride up and back and the whole family enjoyed the stories and views. Very scenic Alaskan landscape! We were back by 10:45ish which allowed plenty of time to walk back to the pier to catch our next excursion at 11:15. A great way to start the day in Skagway and worth missing breakfast on the ship!

The scenic railway lasts about 3 hours and goes on the same track both to the end and back, a little over 20 miles each way. Along the way are many gorgeous views of nature. I saw forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and valleys. Highly recommend to anyone who loves beautiful views.

Had mixed feelings on this one. Everyone was friendly and nice sunny day. Some very nice views but some of the views were very quick and a lot was in the woods.

We were taken to Fraser to board the train, which is beautiful, with a proper old fashioned Conductor, who looks like he should be in the Polar Express.
The trip through the pass is amazing, so much to see, the guides kept everyone informed the whole time,

Klondike Mike was an absolutely AMAZING tour guide!! The magnificent views on this historic train ride were bought to life by Mike's detailed retellings of the Yukon Gold Rush and deep knowledge about the history of Skagway (as well as his very cute puns and hats haha). My family and I felt thoroughly engaged by his narration and the breathtaking views of majestic snowcaps, forests, and waterfalls. It was for sure a highlight of our trip to Alaska, and an appropriate occasion for Canada Day!

The Lake Bennett Steam Excursion is a must do upgrade for travellers visiting Skagway. The staff were fantastic. The additional section of the route to Lake Bennett behind an authentic steam engine is well worth the extra fare and time on the train.

Relaxing and enjoyable but it gets long. We were on the left side, which meant we saw sites going up the mountain, and the trip back was a bit boring. We got really sleepy! 😬 Overall, a good way to spend some time here if you’re mainly wanting to see scenery, which is breathtaking.

This ride is amazing. You get to see the natural beauty this part of Alaska has to offer while sitting in a warm train with narration by a knowledgeable guide. Definitely a must if in Skagway.

We tried to use the online service to book but we only get the confirmation nothing further you have to call or go in. We left from Whitehorse and we did go into the office and made our booking but the price on the website is $160 however this is USD. We purchased our paper ticket and we were told to be at the station for 0730 to check in. we were their for 1 hour before we got on the bus to Fraser. My hand writing ticket had the wrong date on it. Luckily it was caught by the person during checkin. This could be avoided with electronic tickets vs hand written. We were not told there would be two other pick up stops. The bus driver was very nice however if you are sitting mid bus or further we couldnt hear him and the bus PA was working only on the driver side. The bus had a strong toilet smell as well until the AC was turned on but that worked only the driver side. the total time is 12 hours.
the train ride was SPECTACULAR, wonderful beautiful and worth every minute. The views and vista are so extremely awesome. the narrators were informative and interesting. if you are leaving from anywhere outside the US bring US cash as the items for purchase is US Cash only. They provide water on the train as well.

We booked our tour through our cruise line and it included the train ride up to Fraser, BC, a pancake and bison sausage brunch, exploring the Yukon Suspension Bridge, and visiting Reid Falls in Skagway. Beautiful scenery, brunch was ok nothing exciting and bridge was fun to cross over. The best part of it all was the amazing bus driver Rhonda. She was excellent and just fun to ride with!

The trip is so worth every cent. Klondike Mike was a very entertaining guide and knowledgeable. Amazing view from the train and lovely pictures of the puppies.

Been 3x Excursions were Klondike Summit,Liarsville Experience & Gold Panning, White Pass Scenic Railway and White Pass/Yukon scenic drive.
Gold panning was a fun experience rate it 4 of 5: both the train and drive were pretty - liked the scenery of train over scenic drive - On the return train ride lots of people were asleep. Sit on left side of train going.
Recommend The Skagway Brewing Co for fresh Fish and Chips (cheaper than excursions that include meal of fish)

This is a great experience for young and old, easy to everyone to do. We were late getting to the train depot to get a earlier ride, $150.00 per person was our cost. Ours was at 4:00pm and they said they would get us back in time for our ships departure. Views were fantastic, the history they told along the route was informative, but sometimes hard to hear. Would recommend the trip if your in town.

Road the narrow gauge train about 1 1/2 hours out and 1 1/2 hours back into Skagway. Beautiful views. Interesting points of view along the way. Matthew was our tour guide and he was hysterical and entertaining. Every window had a great view.

This was a fantastic experience. The tour takes you by bus into the Yukon Territory and the White Pass railway back to Skagway! You can also do it the other way around. The scenic views are breathtaking! The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining! It is well worth the price and a fantastic view into the past!

Book early to get railroad tickets. Rail much better tour than in a van. Relaxing. Stand outside when allowed to take in better views

The views were spectacular but the best part was being able to actually see the route taken by the Yukon gold miners and get a better idea of the hardships they faced. Did I mention the spectacular views?

We enjoyed this excursion. The area is very scenic and the conductors are very knowledgeable about the history of the area. Well worth the trip

This train ride through the White Pass was gorgeous. We loved every minute of it and was happy we picked it as an excursion for our time in Skagway.

Once you are able, I recommend going out to stand on the platforms. The pictures are amazing and the fresh air was so great.

Our tour started at the top and traveled back into Skagway. I would recommend the left side of the train as the views were better!

We appreciated the bottled water they provided!

We paired this with a stop at a Dog Sled tour and loved the combination of activities.

This was our second time to do this excursion, having previously done this trip in May 2012. We were not disappointed. The train was waiting for us at the cruise ship dock, and being towards the end of the boarding line we were able to get in one of the last cars and have plenty of space to move around in. The views up from sea level to the summit and the Canadian border are breathtaking. Stunning scenery awaits every turn of the train. Passports for this journey are not needed as the train turns around at the top and you make your way back to port. The weather was perfect the day of our trip. I spent a lot of time on the space between the cars to get the best unobstructed pictures.

What a magnificent ride! The scenery is breathtaking. Our tour guide "Tumbleweed" provided a light hearted but very informational commentary all along the route. He is very knowledgeable and fun - made it a greater trip that it would have been without him. Can't say enough good things about him or about this tour.

Did this tour today in combo with a dog sled demo and gold panning. Great day and lots of fun. We toured with Roxanne Quartz who had a bunch of great information and was helpful and easy to listen to. Great story teller. The views were amazing, stunning, the whole thing was super cool.

Great train experience with beautiful nature to capture. Enjoyed the Salmon baked in Liarsville. All the staff were entertaining and knowledgeable. Highly recommend! Took a tour at a brothel in Town and enjoyed the entire day.

We hit the perfect day and views from this ride were spectacular!!! Booked via the cruise ship (Celebrity Edge) and it was an easy walk to board the train. Live commentary on the history of the area was provided along the way. I would highly recommend this ride.

Roughly 2.5 hours roundtrip ride up the mountain into British Columbia and back down. The scenery was spectacular. The rail cars were original and refurbished. This was an extremely popular trip with probably 10 rail cars on each train. Folks were able to book the day of.

Stunning. Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Simply the must-do way to experience Skagway (and the Stampeders’ horrific journey). Do yourself a favor and buy the $5 guide they sell during the ride as a nice keepsake, too.

P.S. Start your ride in the LEFT seats.

The trains are awe-inspiring, some passenger coaches built in the late 1800s! One engine pulls 19 passenger coaches up to White Pass Summit, 2,888 ft! They've built a Canadian loop so, when they get to the summit, they don't have to disconnect the engine - can't push 19 coaches down that hill! Their narrator is quite knowledgable of the history of the Gold Rush out of Skagway circa 1896, the building of the narrow-gauge railway from 1898-1900 - designated a Civil Engineering Landmark in 1994, the scenery on the way up and back, and the restoration of the passenger coaches.

This was such a fun experience. The train was very quaint and the staff were very attentive. The views are spectacular! We were able to see waterfalls with the melting snow along the mountain sides. Sit on the left side of the train for the best views.

Historic train ride on the White Pass trail. Beautiful scenery of mountains. Do not expect to see animals though. (The train noise deters them)

We booked this railway excursion with Alaska 360 thru our NCL cruise ship. (It also included panning for gold and a visit to a dog mushing presentation. While both of these were also excellent, I won't review here.)
The railway ride up and back was a little over two hours. We had a dedicated guide for our car who provided information and stories throughout the entire trip. Beautiful scenery. Well worth it.

Around 1:45hrs trip of scenic railroad up through the mountains. It's fun to do but expensive for such a short trip. The best views are on the left side as you face the front of the train. There's lots of grand scenes so take your camera and be ready to snap some pics

This was so much fun. A bit reminiscent of the train from Durango to Silverton in Colorado. The excellent guide explained the history of the area and the railroad and pointed out interesting views in time for people to take photos. The other guide and the brakeman were friendly and informative too. Each car had a restroom and there were free bottles of water.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway dates back to 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, when construction started. It was intended as the best way to reaching the gold fields. After its completion in 1900, it was the way to the interior of the Yukon. The service continued until 1982. Today it’s a tourist attraction and a means to showing visitors the beauty of the surrounding area. There is no shortage of passengers as the cruise ships keep coming and thousands like us line up for long periods to buy tickets and waiting to get on board the train. The ticket fare is very expensive but the short journey is wonderful providing amazing views.

Our party of 23 booked this excursion thru NCL. We all boarded a cart and away we went! No food or alcohol in the regular carts, but they do offer free water and there is a bathroom in each rail car. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking! Waterfalls, rushing rivers, and nature at its finest! The history of the gold rush and the rail was fascinating! We all truly enjoyed our trip!

Such a nice train ride! The views were gorgeous and the train had a lot of room inside, along with heating and a nice bathroom.

We took the train to access the Laughton Glacier trail. I had it in my head that the train was a means to the end, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fun the ride was in and of itself. There were so many incredible views along the way--a great place to enjoy morning coffee before the hike. I'd love to come back sometime and take the train along its whole course.

We took this as an excursion with our cruise ship. It cost over $400 for the two of us to be packed like sardines on uncomfortable bench seats for the nearly 3 hour ride. The scenery was nice but by no means spectacular compared to other travel experiences we’ve had. Definitely not worth the money when there are so many other cool options in Skagway. I’d assign a value of no more than $40 per person and that is being generous!

Booked via our cruse ship on a package that involved a scenic coach ride up to Carcross with return via the White Pass train (could also do train first with coach back but definitely recommend train back as finish on a high; or train both ways but with the coach you get to see a lot of scenery not visible from the train).

Train element is a couple of hours on a single track, mountain hugging line. Incredible landscape of mountains, valleys/gulches, rivers, lakes, etc. Get a commentary throughout which ranges from interesting to annoying. Can stand on the front or rear platform of each carriage to take photos.

Passes into Canada so passport required and there are customs checks each way (one friendlier than the other).

A unique experience following the old prospectors route, a “must do” if visiting Skagway.

This narrow gauge railway trip takes about three full hours ascending about 3000 feet from Skagway at the base to the White pass tracing a historical route taken by gold prospectors in the mid 19th century. I can’t imagine more harrowing way to spend your time in unforgiving terrain, and probably horrible weather most of the year.
We enjoyed the trip a lot in July, booked through the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, I think the two teenagers were sufficiently impressed, but the route along the deepest chasm in North America was worth the price of admission.
We would recommend the upgraded ticket for or a slightly more comfortable and less crowded seating.
Try to get “Goldy Rush” a.k.a. Grace for an exceptional tour guide narrator and charge up the camera!

It looked a little dismal in Skagway when we departed, and we did move through some broken clouds, but the pass is only 2888 feet so you may not be entirely socked in. We were one of the last to board the train and ended up in the caboose. That was a win. You can step out on the car platforms (but you can’t cross between cars) while the train is moving. The caboose was only about half full and the ability to stand on the very back platform was neat. The train times can be restrictive if you are trying to do other things. We didn’t really see any notable wildlife but we saw plenty of vistas and waterfalls. The seats are padded both bottom and back so they were a bit more comfortable than I expected. I was afraid it would be old wooden seats on an old train, but it was better than that.

About 400 people on the train. Long walk for handicapped guests to and from the ship to the train. No handicapped services to the train and on 8 passenger cart on return At least 40 elderly and handicapped needed help

I have to say this right here was such a great place and the staff are really welcoming. They were so very nice by all means. And also the bestest part of it all is they had remarkable service there. It was really helpful on like getting two in front of the railroad because once you guys got on and tried to find a tour provider that made it really difficult. But like you're not, there were poor people inside the port. That really did help us out which I I recommend this one really much if you guys would like to learn in a relax and do much more

Although it was a little foggy we still had a GREAT train ride up and back. Very scenic and historic. A "Must Do"" when visiting Skagway Alaska.

We went on this tour as an excursion on a Princess cruise. The tour was fine but the idiots on Princess made the process very complex, lengthy and painful.
We were made to gather together in the theater like cattle, while the fat, bald itialian crew member criticized the entire crowd for not following directions. Once they had jammed 500 passengers into a small area they walked us off the boat and down the gangway and onto busses to the end of the walkway. Once at the end of walkway we exitedthe bus, we then stacked up again to board the train. This was the most complicate process for boarding a paid excursion I have ever been involved in. The walkway was only accessible to vehicles because of a recent rock fall, so I understand the bus but not the Princess jerk and his histrionics.

If you want to see the scenery of Alaska, this is it! Took the approximately 2.5 hour trip in August. Spectacular! The train car was a reproduction of a vintage railway car. Basic but comfortable. The was a restroom available. Small children may be bored but this is a must for adults.

This was an excellent trip onboard the White Pass and Yukon train.
The carriages are fairly comfortable, but obviously you need to ensure you wear warm clothing.
There are small outside viewing platforms that are accessible for photos during the journey.
There is also a restroom in each carriage.
We were fortunate enough to have Jeff as our tour guide and narrator during the train ride...he was both informative and amusing. All staff were friendly and helpful.
The train ride takes approximately 3 hours and is well worth it.

We took the white pass Yukon train ride in June, 2024 as part of a cruise excursion. The train ride was a three hour up and back trip, no stops. Our train ride was scheduled from 10:30 AM to 1 PM.
Although it was not raining the day we went, it was cloudy. We were fortunate to sit on the left-hand side of the train going up to the Pass. Unfortunately, there was not much to see. On occasion, we could see the front part of the train as we were rounding some curves, and in one instance, we saw a train coming in the opposite direction. The history about the gold rush route was interesting and the fellow who narrated our trip did a good job.
We stayed in our seats the entire trip. There was a restroom on our train car, but the only other place we could go was the area between the two cars, in case we wanted to make photographs.
When we got to the top, it was cloudy and we did not see any of the spectacular vistas that people talk about.
I think in order for this trip to be outstanding and worth the money, the weather needs to be clear. It is possible to book the train on the day you arrive in Skagway, at least it was on the day that we were there in the middle of June. I don’t think that I will ever take this trip again, but if I did, I would buy my tickets on the day of, and only if it was sunny.
There is no way that this is the best excursion in Skagway. There are other things to do and other ways to see the route that are much less costly and more flexible.

This was a must on our recent stop in Skagway. Even though the weather didn't cooperate...it was cloudy & cool, but no rain...the trip up to the pass was breathtaking! So many photo opportunities, so much history, and so many interesting facts about the railroad and those who built it and preceeded it. This excursion has several options, but we did the round trip version.

Wonderful scenery alone the approximately 25 mile route. Sheer canyons at the side of the tracks. Interesting tunnels. Going down hill and back to Skagway is probably more exciting than uphill. Best views are from the porch at the end of the car. Saw no bears or other big animals. Best excursion of the Alaska cruise.

This is a great experience for travellers of all ages. We were a multi-generational family group and we all enjoyed it. The views of the mountains, rivers and small lakes were spectacular. And the window into the history of the gold rushes in the area, and the lengths to which people went to reach the gold fields, was fascinating. The construction of the train itself was an amazing feat of engineering. The train crew were knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this experience.

We took the small tour bus up the Yukon Highway and then rode the White Pass Train down the mountain to Skagway. The scenery was breathtaking, absolutely beautiful. The driver/guide on the tour bus is a lifelong resident of Skagway so is very familiar with the area and history. The guide on the train likewise lives in Skagway. Both of them were very knowledgeable and had lots of stories to share. The tour was both entertaining and full of history.

We thoroughly enjoyed the White Pass Railroad. Have your camera ready for all of the beautiful sites. We took a coach bus up and the train down.

We took the train trip to the summit, and didn’t go all the way to the Yukon. This was booked through Holland America.
— The seating was hard, uncomfortable benches. The scenery was pretty, but not amazing. It’s important to know that we had recently ridden the lovely train from Denali to Anchorage, where we had beautiful and diverse scenery. Maybe we just weren’t ready for a far less comfortable and less scenic train ride. Our opinion may have been different had we been on a cruise that didn’t include a land tour. Honestly, I think we would have preferred having a more relaxing morning on the ship, followed by a bit of shopping in Skagway.
— This trip might be for you if you are interested in the incredible engineering required to build the railroad - or if you like riding in old (not terribly comfortable) trains - or if you have an interest in gold mining - or if the McKinley Explorer train trip isn’t part of your Alaska tour experience.

We took the last train of the season in October 2023. To say it was amazing is an understatement. It has just snowed a few days before we got to Skagway and at the higher elevations there was a few feet on the ground. The narration and wandering guides going throughout the train giving facts and history of the railway and Alaska was invaluable. Gorgeous scenery! The train is very close to the edge for a lot of the trip so if this makes you nervous know that beforehand as it's about a 2hr journey. Well worth our time and money.

We purchased the railroad excursion on our cruise ship. The train was actually just a short walk from our ship. We went there immediately and got in line. The attendant told us to pick any of the cars except the last one. We got our seats and we were off.

The 2.5 hour trip to the top and back is narrated. They offer boxed water for anyone who is thirsty. You can get up and go outside on the small platform. We were luck and it was a clear, sunny day. The views were spectacular. This was my favorite excursion of our cruise. I would do it again!!!

This was a beautiful train ride through the mountains that included history about the Klondike gold rush. Some people believe that the views are better if you sit on one side or the other. However what you don’t get a close view of going up, you will see better on the way down. I.e. there is no “better” side to be on.

We did the train ride independently from the cruise ship excursion. Had a nice time.

This tour was one of the highlights of our entire trip! The views are incredible. Be sure to walk the trail at the first stop!

This was certainly a highlight for us during our Alaska Cruise port stop in Skagway. We loved the experience! Fantastic

This was a perfect way to see Alaska (and Canada!) in a big group that was easily accessible. I want to give a special shout out to Mariah, our bus driver and guide, who was so friendly, informative, and went out of her way to make our team comfortable. We highly recommend it!

Spectacular scenery! It was so much fun taking a train ride to see where the Yukon gold miners went to dig for their fortunes! The territory is so rugged. I cannot imagine how they survived the rugged winter weather! The horses had to carry a year’s worth of supplies on their backs-through this treacherous terrain. It’s incomprehensible how the miners and pack animals survived in this region of Alaska!

I cruised with a group of friends on a Wednesday in October. We booked “online” a month early. We paid $135 dollars approx c/u for the White Pass & Yukon ticket. For a little more $ you can board the train from the cruise port. They also have other options for assistance with prior coordination. Our boat arrived at 7am and we wanted to walk and explore the area. Walking from the port to the station is about 10 mins approx and the area is quiet and safe. Once you validate your e-ticket, they give you the printed ticket. Don't forget your passport. They have to show it to redeem the ticket. The station is full. We arrived about half an hour early and avoided the bustle. The process of tackling is random but very orderly. Stay with your group. In each car there is a bathroom and it fits about 50 people. Each carriage has a small balcony. You have to rotate so that others can leave but they can lower the windows and also see from the inside. The tour takes about 3 hours. The views are extraordinary. It is a relaxing and amazing experience. It doesn't matter where you sit because it goes up and down the same route. My advice is to sit to the right when you return and go to the balcony in the tunnel. So you can experience and record that magical moment I share in the video. Definitive a “must do”

Our initial tour was through the Suspended Bridge of Yukon, but as we entered Canada (Vancouver) by air, the visa was not required.
But we were not allowed to board this train because in some sections it enters Canada and in this case the visa is required.
Tip: The Canadian visa is only required when entering Canada by land, so it is good to get the visa to be able to walk in attractions like this one.
I rated the attraction as reasonable because at no time was mentioned the visa mandatory, but outside that, the tour was amazing
They managed to fit us in another train that had a similar ride, but that did not pass through the Suspended Bridge of Yukon.

I sent this in an email but never heard back..

I am writing to share a serious concern from our recent experience on your railroad that I believe requires immediate attention for the safety and well-being of future passengers.

After arriving by cruise ship, we took the train to the Denver stop on Monday 8/18, and the train attendant informed us there were only two trains back—one at 11:25 a.m. (and she asked us to be there by 11:15) and another at 4:30 p.m. We made sure to hike as fast as possible and were back to the stop by 11:00 a.m. and waited.

To our surprise, when the 11:25 train came, it did not stop, it passed right by us. Cold, wet, and in the middle of nowhere without cell service, we were left wondering what to do. Being that we were told it would be another 4 hours until the next train, we were quite concerned and also in complete shock that the train that was supposed to pick us up, didn't stop.

We were surprised, yet thrilled, when we heard another train come just a few minutes later. But it also did not stop. At that point, we felt our only option was to walk back on the train tracks or attempt to hike until we could find cell service. We were too shocked to move and while we stood there gathering our thoughts and trying to make phone calls with no service.... about 15 minutes later, a third train came by, and this one did stop.

We were put in a cart with one other hiker on the train who had the exact same experience several stops back. She told us she even began running after the train, trying to run up to it and jump on. This is not only extremely frustrating, it is dangerous. Someone will inevitably get hurt or killed trying to either walk back on the tracks because like us, they think they missed their train, OR trying to run after the train.

Clear communication on which trains stop at Denver, and how hikers should identify them, is critical. Telling passengers there are only two trains and not clarifying that multiple trains pass through without stopping creates serious risk and unnecessary distress, especially for those of us from out of town who do not know the area.

Additionally, while it may be outside your direct control, I want to note that the “trail” we hiked from Denver was, in fact, not a trail for the second half. It was completely overgrown and essentially impassable. We have hiked all over the world and have never experienced something so poorly maintained without prior notice. This should be clearly stated on your website or materials so hikers can make an informed choice. If we had known, we would not have attempted it.

Please understand this feedback comes from a place of valuing safety, communication, and expectations. Your railroad is a beautiful experience, but this situation revealed a serious gap that could have ended very differently had we tried to hike back on the tracks. I hope you will consider ways to improve communication for passengers at Denver and ensure accurate information about trails is shared with your guests.

The White Pass & Yukon Route is all about the sweep of the mountains, the cliffs, and the valleys that spill open without warning. And once you’re on the train, the scenery truly does the talking although the historical tidbits are a welcome narration. It’s the getting on train that feels like a prelude in need of rehearsal.

Boarding from the Skagway ticket office was confusing at best. We were told simply to wait outside, with no clear direction on what came next. Eventually a group coordinator appeared and marched everyone about a hundred yards toward the loading area. He seemed to be offering instructions or maybe even bits of history, but without a megaphone, no one beyond a five-foot radius could hear a word. There were no queues, no signs, just a loose crowd gathering around the train tracks. When the moment came to board, people surged toward whichever train car they hoped to claim. It was more scramble than system.

Once aboard, the tone shifts. The cars themselves are comfortable, the massive windows framing a landscape that does most of the work. The open-air platforms in the front and back of each car are the prime spots for photography, though they’re tiny—only a handful of people can stand safely at the railing facing the views. Even if you work out a good system of taking turns with your fellow passengers, the train moves quickly, and if you’re not first out the door, the perfect shot often whisks past. There are also no speakers outside, so you miss whatever storytelling is being broadcast inside the train car. The route doesn’t slow for landmarks either, which keeps the ride feeling brisk and exciting but makes it tricky to fully absorb the historical points being mentioned.

Even with these quirks, the scenery is undeniably spectacular even on a cloudy/foggy day. It’s worth the trip for the views but keep in mind if you are looking for something more active or immersive, this is not the excursion for you.

Very unorganized. Staff didn't know what was going on. We were given misinformation about boarding with a scooter and when to get off the train. We were told to leave the scooter and it would be there when we got off but then we're dropped off at a completely different spot and made to walk a good distance. Hard wooden seats made the ride extremely uncomfortable. A lot more could be done to cushion them it was a long trip. Views of waterfalls were so fast you couldn't enjoy and were the same sights as the waterfall tour which was way way better. Wish I never did it

This is simply a must do when visiting Skagway. The scenery is stunning as the train moves along the narrow gauge railway to the 2000ft summit at White Pass.

Having travelled the world this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Breathtaking scenery around every turn.

Great experience for travelers of all ages. Sit on either side, the train turns around at the top. Narrator does a great job explaining the relevance of what we are passing. Breathtaking views and dozens of waterfalls. Complimentary water on the train car. You can take on snacks if needed. After leaving Skagway city limits, they will open the outside platforms at the front and back of the cars for an even more invigorating experience and unobstructed photos (just don't hog the area and views the whole time). Overall, a better experience than I was expecting (I always expect touristy schlock for cruise excursions) and I would highly recommend it!

My husband and I went on a cruise excursion that included the railway and other points of interest including lunch - this is the second time we did this excursion - well worth the price and the views were amazing

We were cruising Alaska and booked this historical train trip. It was a drizzly day which the train cannot control of course, but as a result the windows were steamed up and people were continually wiping them down to have a good view. They did allow us to step out on the platform at the end of the car for a better view and photos, which I took advantage of. They had a nice brochure on each seat and a very good narration during the trip. It was a bout a 3 hour round trip, comfortable enough for old restored cars. There was a restroom in each car which several passengers did use during the trip. The highlight is the scenery, so we liked it but just wished for a nicer day.

Went on the train on June 21st, had great guides with interesting facts, beautiful scenery, and it was really cool to stand on the outside platform as the train went along! Only bump in the road was that I accidentally left my water bottle on the train, and it wasn't brought to the lost and found by the end of the day (we were on a cruise and had to leave)... but I filled out the lost and found form with a promise that they would mail it back to me if they found it, and wouldn't you know it, just under a month later (with all hope lost) I've just received it in the mail! Great staff, incredible experience, would highly recommend the White Pass Railway for anyone!

We did the up and return trip from the ship and back to town. It was a longer ride than I had initially expected. The views were great and we were told a great deal about the Yukon pass, but the return trip wasn't as satisfying, we even witnessed several fellow travelers fall asleep! If you're looking for something to do that allows you to relax this is a good option, but if you looking for something more, I think I'd suggest hiking some of the area trails instead.

Great views. Excellent tour guide who was very informational. Views from rear of caboose car were stunning. We lucked out with awesome weather

What an awesome experience! Views are breathtaking and the commentary is really informative. One of the largest and oldest narrow gauge railway lines in the world. Both historically significant and so unique. Select any one of the tours available and I don’t think you could possibly be disappointed.

What a way to travel! We really enjoyed this trip. The scenery was spectacular and I was glued to the window. The on board lunch was adequate. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I particularly enjoyed the stop at Bennett and the walk up to St Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Quite a sense of history. Well worth the time and cost.

This was an amazing shore excursion during our port day in Skagway. Would highly recommend. Traveling up into the Yukon thinking about how different ones did the same by foot in search of Gold.

White Pass Scenic Railway - Fantastic scenic train ride from Skagway, AK up 3,00 feet into the Alaskan mountains. Every seat is a good one (two on each side of the car) with very large windows. You can even ride outside between cars during the trip, which is highly advised. See mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and potentially wildlife. Sit on either side because the train turns around at the top and you will see the other side coming back. They even provide free water on the trip. A great use of 2.5 hours.

We had a great time on this train ride. The train itself was noting special- just average seats and kind of boring narration. We liked that you could stand outside in the back/front of each compartment. We got lucky and had a lot of empty seats around us, but I would imagine that it’s usually pretty busy. The views were amazing. We did not go all the way to the Yukon, but I do think that would've made the ride a little too long.

Funny engaging bus driver that took us up through the Yukon and then to the train. Spectacular views. Train ride was amazing.

Fun train ride, beautiful views. We took the train up and the bus down. Small bus and the driver was super informed and interesting. We stopped about 5 places on the way down for pictures of water falls, scenery, etc. Pick up and delivery back to cruise ship was easy and on time.

Rode this train and enjoyed the scenic views and interesting history of this iconic piece of Alaskan history. With over 5,000 photo's posted here I can honestly say that in my opinion as good as they are they do not capture the splendor of this ride. We had perfect weather for this trip and were able to stand outside on the platform for the entire 2+ hours of this trip.

The narration provided by the train crew is informative and helps bring into perspective the effort it took to hunt for gold back in 1896. The train ride is an up and back ride so you can alternate sides and catch views of the miners cemetery, the original pass, the Canadian outpost and so much more

One of the best scenic views I have ever seen, just wonderful, gorgeous, we took a tour in the Cruise ship, it was a 90 minutes of fantástic views, the White Pass Railway it is something you must do

Very good. Great commentary and history. Amazing engineering. Some beautiful pics. A bit boring, especially on the way down, but overall very good.

Ride was great!! Had PA explaining different sites and telling story of gold rush miners trip up mountain. Was cold in our car had to ask twice to get heat working. Many water falls!!
This System wouldn't allow my photos.

We booked the train/hike to Laughton and so glad we did. It was a beautiful hike with a view of Laughton Glacier. We got in the train at 12:45, rode up for about 45 minutes. Got off and hiked for 2 hours and 15 minutes and then caught the train on the way back down.

I wasn’t sure at first but BB was a great tour guide and made the trip fun and educational! The views were awesome and the train ride back gave us a totally different view. It is all day but time goes fast! We stopped at Carcross and bought local jewelry and of course ice cream :). It is worth every dollar!

Our guide Karat Top, Michael was amazing. I highly recommend the gold panning, dog sled experience, and the train ride.

All in all it was OK. I guess it is a "must see" but if we would have missed it it would not have been the end of the world. 1 cruise ship was in town ... so train was packed. Weather sucked and windows kept fogging over which didn't help things. Crew was friendly.

This was part of our alaska cruisetour had read the reviews but had no idea what to expect. Way beyond anything i could've expected. Some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen. We only went one way but sit on the left going up.

This excursion was absolutely amazing! The scenery was so incredible, I couldn’t stop taking pictures and I was in awe the entire time. I’ve uploaded some of my favorite pictures but they don’t capture the true beauty and awe that you experience in person. All pictures were captured from the train while moving. The train was fun and very comfortable and it’s about a 3 hour trip in total and it’s jam packed with sights and history. We did this with our Alaskan cruise trip along with the gold panning and sleigh dogs tour. We had a tour guide Klondike Mike and he was an absolute blast. He made the whole excursion! I loved his silly jokes and his genuine love of Skagway and its beautiful scenery was very evident. I couldn’t imagine the tour without him. Try your best to get the tour with Klondike Mike, he makes all the difference.

Fantastic experience ,seats and carriages were warm and comfortable ,with a knowledgeable and friendly live commentary.You could get up and go and stand between the carriages so wrap up warm if you want to do this as it gets cold on the snow covered tops . The scenery is breathtaking and just gets better and better as you climb up .Maybe stay away from the windows as you go over the bridges if you are scared of heights ! Would definitely recommend a trip here if visiting Skagway .

We initially had to wait prior to boarding the train, but once released we were advised which carriage to get into, my wife and I along with another couple off our cruise changed carriage and had it to ourselves. The commentary was very good and quite amusing. The scenery was fantastic and to see what the poor prospectors had gone through to try and find gold in the Klondike was enlightening. Poor souls. We managed to spot some brown bears on the way up and also on the return so that was an added bonus. Well worth the trip..

Dress warm and stabd outside for the full experience. Stay on the left going up and the right going down for the best views

The train ride is a ride on a vintage train to the 2800 foot White Pass summit. It's one of beautiful scenery but, unfortuately, on my trip the weather did not cooperate and it was cloudy and overcast. Our guide/narrator was full of interesting information but between the poor visibility and the windows which fogged up, we missed a lot. It was a nice ride up the mountain and then back down again. The train was built in the late 1890s and there was an informative booklet about building it at each seat. When we got to the top, the train turned around and we started back down. We booked through NCL and paid $199; I understand it might be cheaper booking directly through White Pass. There were about 460 passengers on our ride; capacity is about 600. We did visit the depot after the train ride and walked around in Skagway.

We were advised by several friends to take this excursion, which included Liarsville, The Red Onion saloon and a ride on this historic narrow rail train. Everything was very entertaining and informative. Perhaps the high point of the excursion was Jimmy the Marine, our bus driver and tour guide who gave excellent insight Skagway and its history. Would gladly take this tour again!

Wow! This really was fantastic. Our guide Eureka Joe (aka Wyatt) was phenomenal! They way he presented the facts of the railway was not just informative but fun. The scenery was breathtaking. Truly a great experience! So grateful my husband and I got to experience it.

I can take or leave some train trips but read a lot of positive reviews of this excursion, so decided to do. Absolutely incredible. Not a dull moment. The train climbed up around the mountains, I believe about 3000 feet. The views were so incredible, I spent the most of the trip on the outside platform, with other passengers taking photos,. That day, the temp was about 55 to 60 degrees, so we were comfortable in just hoodies, even as the altitude increased. There was detailed, humorous narration, that everyone could hear.(except outside).He sincerely cared about our experience to the degree of meeting everyone car to car at the end of the trip. We ate before the trip and the employees offered us bottled water. There is a restroom on each car, but you cannot pass between cars. Completely recommend!!!

We had the best day with our driver/guide, Jenny. The meet up was easy and on time. Our tour was the bus up and the train back. The bus holds about 30 people. There are plenty of stops for pictures and leg stretching. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. We stopped for a bear sightseeing that a big bus passed on by.

Jenny is extremely knowledgeable and outrageously funny. I enjoyed her narrative far more than the train.

Lunch is bbq chicken with side salads and donuts.

We undertook a really enjoyable train trip to the top of the mountains and return in a well maintained rolling stock . You could not get any closer to the snow, mountains or great scenery than we did on this journey.

The train proceeded to the top of the mountain in an easy fashion and the return journey was just as good..........and what views we had - absolutely great.

This attraction is Highly Recommended.

July 2025
Great experience. It was beautiful and unique. So pretty and the train ride was great. Glad we decided to do this excursion. I was debating about this but it was so worth it. This excursion lasted a few hours in the morning and then after we spent some time strolling Skygway and later hiked the Lower Dewey Lake Trail and finished with a reindeer fart shot at The Red Onion Saloon.

It had breath taking views. Beautiful scenery. Nice, even comfortable ride. Truly enjoyable experience. We enjoyed it.

The views were unbelievable. It was the best day of our Alaskan cruise. The crew aboard the train was fantastic, informative and well organized. This is a must do on your trip to Skagway!

Very cool adventure. Must warn though they only go half way if there’s an avalanche warning which sucks but it was a cool view up to half way. All around would recommend even if they only go half way up.

We booked this excursion through our cruise ship, Norwegian Sun. This was one of my favorites, you see so much! Beautiful country! The bus driver , Carter was fantastic as well as all the crew members of the train! The lunch at Carcross was great ! This place had all sorts of animals along with Iditarod dogs with puppies! Definitely worth doing , it’s a long 8 hrs of travel but goes so fast with all the beauty to see!

We did this train ride as an excursion from our Holland America Cruise. Our departure time was 2:15pm. It was an absolutely beautiful day too. The train was fairly full. We were seated on the right side of the train, so going up on your side you get side of Mountain scenery. The best viewing going up is the left side. No matter, because at the turn around point of the trip the train makes a big loop, then you get the mountain and valley views. So it’s all good. And you can stand outside the train, on the small viewing platforms between the cars. The ride was comfortable. It was a really warm day, so it was refreshing going up into the cooler air. And the scenery was beautiful. I had a great time, and thought it was well worth the time and money. I would do it again.

LOVE this place. Friendly locals and the food options are nothing short of incredible. Highly recommend the seafood of course. There are several great restaurants to choose from.

We booked this train excursion from the cruise line at the last minutes because our train excursion was cancelled. This is a very nice and comfortable ride to the peak and back. There is tour guide who tells you the history of the area you're in on the trains PA system. There is no food and only bottled water on this ride. Would recommend.

This was a very scenic train ride. The employees provide great narration, and you have excellent views along the way. Don’t miss the gift shop at the depot when you return, they have some nice souvenirs.

Of all our shore excursions, this was our groups least favorite activity. If you're a big train fanatic, then go for it. Otherwise, there was nothing terribly impressive about this experience. No amazing views, just ok ones. No wildlife to see. A few waterfalls, but it was 3 hours of not much, stuffed in a hot, stuffy, and crowded train car. If you do book this, DO NOT book through the cruise line. We lined up at 12:30 for our 1pm excursion and we were some of the last to board and had to break up our group of 3 to sit in different locations because seats were that limited. It was overly stuffed crowded and felt overwhelming. Plus it was very hot in the train cab and the staff were not very kind or accommodating. We did notice the trains we passed that were not with the cruise line were not crowded at all. We would not recommend, and especially not through a booking with the cruise line. That was our big mistake.

Bought ticket in town. Would go EARLY to do so as they sell out. Might be worth buying it ahead of time. Especially in peak season. Ride is awesome. Not wanting to take pix through the windows? They let you go out in between the cars or you can open the upper part of the window and take from there. yes, they have restrooms on board. They also had heat in October. Seats flip over so on the way back you can sit facing forward. You will be asked to trade sides with those opposite of you at the top. This way you will get the full experience no matter what side you sit on. You can get off in town so you can shop. Lots of neat shops and food joints.

Spectacular views, combined with an excellent commentary made this trip awesome. Even in the rain. Heating the stories of pioneers made it memorable.

We booked the train tour during our stay in Skagway & we’re not disappointed. Fun adventure into the mountains enjoying the views. Great staff members assisted with answering all of our questions. The sounds & motion of the 🚂 train ride makes this experience a must do experience when in Skagway. Don’t forget your passport as you are stopping in Canada 🇨🇦

Our guide/driver Amber was great. The tour was beautiful. Great scenery. Would highly recommend for everyone. Very accessible for all ages.

A most enjoyable experience, great scenery, comfortable seating and good narration of the various sights. Highly recommended.

Fantastic train ride! Loved the spectacular scenery. It was just jaw droppingly beautiful. Good commentary and efficient service.

Absolutely loved this excursion. We had booked an afternoon ticket so was able to explore the town and shops in the morning.
If you book through the ships excursions then you board just next to the ship if you book at ticket office around 200 metres away then that is where you board.
The guides and the running commentary was exceptional. The scenery beautiful you could just imagine the old time gold hunters having to walk up the mountains.
On each train carriage there is a viewing platform you can stand one at front and one at back but yes it is small so everyone has to be courteous and go take pics and move away to let others do the same.
This is a must do trip .loved it

My multigenerational family and I went on the railway while in Skagway for the day Aug 13, 2024 from the Discovery Princess. This is a great trip for all ages, beautiful views, and a good trip through history. If you're headed to Skagway, absolutely do this! Two things were somewhat disappointing - it isn't a steam locomotive (minor), and there are only very small viewing areas outside and people will monopolize them which makes it harder to get nice photos. There is also a better side to sit (left hand side while going up). I'm not a big souvenir person, however, you can get a baseball cap for $10 and that was great for several family members!

Rain, wind, sun - it doesn't matter - this trip is the best thing in all of Alaska short of flying on a glacier!!!!!! For the money, time and effort - THIS TRIP IS AMAZING. I've done it 3 times and experienced the weather in all it's glory and there's never a bad view on this. Try to get the back car, as you're able to go on the platforms and no one's behind the last car so you have the best views. It does go in a loop so no need o switch sides but --- the right side on the way up is closer to the mountain side so you see random waterfalls, the left side is the open valley side. You get to see both as it makes a circle, but if you aren't watching for waterfalls on the way up you miss them if you're on the side.

The Staff was great, Everything was on time and very convenient to get to from the ship just a short walk. Speaker System on the train was great and you could hear and understand they lady talking she kept you looking out the windows, Lots to see

We had been to Skagway many times and taken the highway into the Yukon twice. We finally booked the train return trip with the cruise line. Cruise ship passengers have dedicated cars. The round trip goes into Canada but because you don't get off the train, you don't need your passport. The advantage of the round trip is that you will see things from both sides of the railway without changing seats. The return trip takes 2 hr 45 min. The slow speed of the train gives lots of time to take pictures.. A route map is provided on each seat.

May and early June is a great time to take the train as there is still snow in the mountains to enhance the experience. Our car was not full which provided space to spread out. There is a stove on each car providing heat on cold days. A narrator provides commentary through the trip. The conductor and a guide move through the cars answering any questions. You can take pictures through the windows but the best pictures are taken from the open air platform at both ends of each car. (You cannot move between cars).

As 2025 is the 125th anniversary of the railway, commemorative ball caps are sold only on the train. At $15 each they are an inexpensive souvenir.

When booking this excursion as a cruise ship passenger, absolutely book through the white pass website and NOT through the cruise line. First, booking through their website will save you a bit of money. Second, those who book through their website are in separate cars than those who booked with the cruise line. Once you are in the cars, you cannot move to another car. Therefore we saw the train cars that came from the cruise ship docks and they were full to the brim. Our car had 2 other parties in it so we basically had the car to ourselves and were able to move around to the different sides to see the views. I will say that when you book through the cruise line you get to board your train right at the dock. Since we booked independently, we did have to walk into town to check in at the actual train depot. The walk was about 10-15 minutes but it wasn’t bad at all. In the train depot they have a coffee shop, a gift shop, and restrooms. The woman who checked us in at the ticket counter was very friendly and explained everything clearly. We boarded 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time so be sure to get there early. The best views are on the left side going up and on the right side going down. The seats do have the ability to switch direction if needed. We flipped them to have more room by our feet. Since our trip was just the summit and back down, we actually did a loop at the top so the train kept going the same direction, so there was no need to flip the seat direction. They have clear narration throughout the trip on history, landmarks, and stories. The narration only plays inside though and not on the outside balcony. Each car has a front and back outside balcony that you are able to stand on to get better views or some fresh air. Since our car had few people it was easy to pop out and pop back in to take photos of landmarks or the train coming in or out of the tunnel. I did bring a microfiber rag/towel with because previous reviews mentioned that if the weather gets bad the windows will fog up and you can’t see out. However our day was clear and slightly overcast so there was no need. The cars also each have a heater and a bathroom on them. You do get a booklet on your seat that shows you the map, as well as some more history too. Overall it is a very cool scenic train ride up and down the mountains. If you can, try and get the caboose car, then when you stand out the back there will be no other cars to obstruct your view. However since we booked independently, our choice of cars was towards the front. We chose the very first car behind the engine and it worked out because your field of vision was only blocked a tiny bit by the engine and you could turn back and watch the entire train follow you. At the end the narrators/tour guides come through the cars and basically that is the time to tip them if you so choose. Overall everyone in our party really enjoyed this excursion. You have to really be in to just looking out at the scenery and taking in the beauty. I would recommend this as the main thing to do in Skagway.

What an amazing time this was. We started off on a bus tour, which was fantastic!!! Samuel was our tour guide, and he really made the difference on this part of the tour. He told jokes, he interacted with us, he asked questions as well as answered all of ours. He gave us so much historical information about the area. He took us to amazing stops for pictures. Went up the Yukon Pass and on to Carcross. That was a fun little stop in Canada. We had lunch afterward and were able to visit the animals and pet some sled dogs. Finally, we took the train down the pass and back to Skagway. This part of the trip was truly beautiful. We took so many pictures. This is a must do in Skagway.

Some of the best views you’ll get in Alaska without leaving the ground. The trip takes you through areas impossible to reach other than by train. We did the 20ish mile trip, and it took about three hours in total. The train loops just across the Canadian border, so whatever you don’t see going up, you’ll see going back down. The vestibules are open outside of Skagway city limits, so you’ll be able to use your camera with no glare. Chatted with Brakeman Ken for awhile, he was great to talk with. The tour guides on board are very knowledgable, and point out a lot of great things along the way. Would recommend to anyone.

This was one of our excursions through Princess cruises, so we actually loaded down by the docks and not the main loading place further in to town. It was a 3 hour ride, so be prepared for that. No snacks served on board, but they do provide water and a restroom.

Amazing scenery from both sides of the train. Don't worry if you think the views are better on one side and not the other - you can catch it on the way back down from the other side. I wanted to go further in to Yukon territory, but the train makes a loop and comes back down soon after entering Canada.

I think this is a must see on a trip. I do regret not having more time to visit the town proper and other things but maybe on a future trip?

Such an incredible way to see the beauty and epic grandeur of this hidden gem of the world. The tour takes you up to the very top of the pass and then just over the border into Canada before a loop takes you back down the mountain. My wife and I did the last car in the train and had food and drinks provided to us, along with a guide who helped explain to us what we were seeing. It was a very fun time and had many great picture taking opportunities. Definitely a hidden gem and one that I would highly recommend, especially for any train lover.

In what must continue to rank as one of the most amazing engineering triumphs, the White Pass to the Klondike offers travel on a narrow gauge railroad and amazing scenery. Returning to Skagway, you are left less than 20 feet from the office of the National Park Service. This is a must for anyone visiting Alaska.

We took the one-way tour from Skagway to Carcross in the Yukon. You do need a passport for this spectacular ride. You see waterfalls and beautiful scenery of mountains. The tour is fully narrated. A box lunch with a map was included in our price. The left side of the train you get the best views. The train takes narrow-gauge path of the Klondike gold seekers. A nice experience.

Beautiful trip through the mountains! My first time on a scenic train and I fear I will be disappointed by the next one. All of the employees were very kind and knowledgeable of the area. A must do in Skagway to get a feel for the gold rush!

Horribly long and hot inside the car. There were windows to open up above, they had only one partway opened. They sold this as a train and wildlife excursion and we saw no animals. The landscape was pretty, but not worth the money. The entire ride was 3+ hours. Very expensive at $200 a person.

We were on day four on our Alaskan cruise that had departed from Seattle. We went on a tour on the White Pass and Yukon Railway.

We were with a small group of about 8 people. We took a van ride to the board the train. Our guide, Amber. was an excellent narrator, and provided us with very interesting information.

She volunteered to take photos, of which she took several.

The train covered a lot of distance on the way back to the town of Skagway. The train slowed down at several locations so that we could get out and take photos in the space between train cars.

This was truly one of the best tours we had ever taken. This should be a mandatory excursion you to consider when planning your cruise. We highly recommend it.

This was such a pleasant and scenic option. The big PLUS! is going into the Yukon. Got to experience mountains, beach, dessert, and Tundra all in one place. Last time when I was in Alaska too the train up White Pass and that was nice but this was so much better to get out stop and take pictures and go into BC. Whether you can't always predict but after the fog cleared on the way up, coming back down was just perfect and our bus driver gave us our money's worth. And if you are cleaver, I used a Trip advisor coupon, even got a little savings.

Was a lovely scenic trip, unfortunately the weather didn't help,cold and rainy so come prepared.Brrr still cold 🥶🥶🥶

This trip was as both spectacular as it was fascinating!! The scenery as the train climbs up through the mountains is wild, rugged and awesomely beautiful!! Then to learn the history of how it was built, how long it took to build and the severe hardship experienced by those who built the railway was absolutely fascinating! Highly recommend doing this trip.

The train and railroad are an added bonus to Alaska travel and so glad we knew in advance to do the White Pass and Yukon Route. The train and staff are excellent and the sights on the railway are spectacular. This is a must experience.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this excursion, as due to the incompetence of the Railway staff and Princess Cruise Line, I was not able to enjoy this experience. I had booked this excursion through Princess Cruises, paying $559.95 for a luxury class experience. This particular excursion was important to me, and I definitely splurged paying that price, but it was to be the main excursion during my Alaskan cruise. As I disembarked the ship, I showed my ticket to a Princess representative, inquiring where I should report to for the train ride. She barely glanced at the ticket and motioned me past her, telling me to "wait in the pavilion with the others". I joined the large group of passengers, with railway staff members yelling out where to line up for the next train; it was very unorganized. While waiting for boarding, I showed my ticket, which noted luxury class, to three different train staff agents, with each of them telling me that I would be on "the next train". When the next train was boarding, I once again showed my ticket to an agent and was told that I should have been on the previous train and that there were no more trains for the rest of the day that had a luxury class. It is important to mention that I was not the only one that this happened to, there was another couple from the same Princess ship that experienced the exact same treatment. The railway agent referred us back to the Princess Excursion Agent, who tried to argue with us that we were in the wrong place at the wrong time and it was our fault that we missed our train. I had the names of the original Princess Agent that misdirected me, as well as the names of the Railway Agents who had checked my ticket and not directed me to the proper location for the luxury train ride. After some arguing, the Princess Excursion Agent eventually told the three of us that we would be issued a refund for the excursion. So, after waiting in the pavilion for two hours and not being able to board my train, I spent the remainder of the day walking around Skagway. Immediately upon boarding the Ruby Princess, I reported to the Excursion desk and was assured that I would receive a full refund. That was 8 days ago and I have yet to receive a refund.

We went in May and the second half of the train ride felt like the polar express! Amazing! So much snow it was blinding! It’s really fun that they let you step outside on the platform. There are restrooms on the train cars but the toilets can be annoying to flush since it’s a hand pump so not sure how well they work.

Excellent tour and a train ride. I have read many books about the history of the White Pass and Yukon Railway; to get to see it in real life really meant something to me.
We took the Summit loop, little less than 3 hours to travel to the summit, turn around and come back.
Scenery was wonderful.
Construction of that railway was a major feat of engineering and the fact they they still maintain the railway is simply wonderful.
We travelled in May, there was still snow up there and there were recent snow avalanches that had to be cleared off the tracks.
Thank you to the crew for the great tour.

This train ride is one the prettiest you could possibly imagine. The windows were good to take pictures out of but we could stay on the outside and take pictures too. We even saw a bear! What a great train ride.

For stunning scenery and a dramatic rail journey this excursion is a must, taking you deep into Alaska and the Yukon Territory. We were with Rhona our outstanding coach driver and guide. The first section of the excursion was by coach with Rhona giving us a running commentary. This was on one of the main routes during the Goldrush and it was a bleak trail for the fortune hunters as only a small percentage reached their destination and even fewer found riches. Lunch at the remote town of Caribou Crossing and a short stop in Frasier. The return journey was on the train with viewing platforms on a track carved out of the sides of mountains and through deep valleys. Spectacular and exhillerating.An 8 hour day passed so quickly but memories will stay forever. Thank you Rhona.

Klondike Mike did an amazing job on our tour. Very knowledgeable and made the trip fun by being very approachable.
Klondike Mike has the best bag of dad jokes ever.

We were so lucky to have perfect weather. It’s a beautiful journey - plus we saw bears! It’s definitely worth doing this return rail journey- most enjoyable. Amazing views.

Based on all the reviews we went on the rail tour while our cruise ship was in port. The narration while traveling on the train was very interesting and made the journey much better. I would not take the tour again after doing it the first time but it is worthwhile. Depending on where the ship is docked the train can load and unload right at the cruise dock so it was simple to get on the train. The rail cars are refurbished but old so they don't ride like a modern car so you will notice the movements of the cars while traveling. You can stand on the platform at the end of each car to take photos but you cannot pass between the cars once the train is moving. Overall an interesting tour as it highlighted the very difficult journey of people during the gold rush.

The train ride was included with our cruise tour package and I am very glad it was. This was the most scenic train ride that I have ever experienced. We caught a clear weather day so the views were spectacular in every direction. There were dozens of waterfalls, gorges, tunnels, bridges and glaciers with every turn. I took over 100 pictures but wanted clearer pictures so I stood on the outdoor platform at the end over our rail car for the entire trip. The sheer mountain walls were only feet from the train and some of the waterfalls actually splashed onto my arms as I stood outside.
The train takes you from sea level to over 3,000 feet in elevation while following the slopes of the mountains. It gets to the top and makes a loop to return down the mountain on the same tracks.
Our assigned car had nice bench seats and a restroom in each car. The round trip journey was about 3 hours.
This was one of the highlights of the entire vacation for me.
A ten star railroad journey.

The train ride was fun. Good views and you could go out on the platform to take pictures. The tour guide was clearly reading from a prepared script. That was a turn off for me, and then he came through the train to collect gratuities for reading his prepared script. What about the engineers and the other staff? Why does Isaiah the tour guide get a tip for reading?

The ride in a vintage railcar through the mountains from Skagway and back is a picturesque and informative experience that’s worth the time. As the train makes its way along the path of the nineteenth century trail travelled by prospectors there’s regular narration of what passengers are seeing as well as the history of the trail and the building of the railway. The tour was a bit more than two hours and the train does not stop, turning around just over the Canadian border (you don’t need your passport since you don’t leave the train in Canada). There are washrooms on the train and there are open platforms to take pictures. A number of passengers were repeat visitors. We took the ten o’clock tour and were back in Skagway for lunch. Enjoyable activity.

A very cool mid-October morning at the White Pass & Yukon Scenic Railway. Two tours today; one morning, one afternoon. The rail cars were somewhat warm but you still needed your coat on. Windows were getting fogged up a bit. Tour runs to the summit and back, just under 3 hrs total. The train excursion that runs to Carcross, Yukon runs only to mid-September. Nice period set train station. Narration boards with displays presented around the station. Tickets staff (and all staff) very friendly, answered all questions. A nice tour, lots to see in terms of scenery. Glad it wasn’t snowing this late in the season.

If you are visiting Skagway, this is a must do attraction. Very well organized tour on a restored narrow rail line. Lots of scenic views, tunnels and up hill climbs to the summit. Very good narration by guides to point out views and historic facts.

Although we could only go to Glacier Station the trip was beautiful! You switch seats on way back so both sides see all the points of interest.
Once we returned we walk Broadway to see the town unfortunately the nation park office was closed so couldn’t get a stamp in pass book so use a train sticker instead!

They made people stand outside for a 1/2 hour before letting them board when train sat empty. They were 22 minutes past the time they said they would be back by.

We arrived in Skagway aboard the Norwegian Encore on June 25,2025. After the first part of excursion, gold panning, was a let down, we were nervous on how the train ride would be. I’m happy to say it was a huge success, and definitely a highlight of the trip. We saw many pretty sights and wildlife, including Caribou once we crossed into Canada! As we did the gold panning at the beginning, we had a shorter train ride, only going to Fraser, but I know people who have done the same cruise and gone further. If you are traveling to Skagway via NCL, make sure to book the train ride only excursion, otherwise you’ll be disappointed.

From boarding to sitting it was a complete fiasco! Very disorganized, ppl pushing and running to get on first no one to ensure safe loading! Once on board we were crammed into seats that were narrow and not suitable for 2 large adults! I tried to
explain that we were sitting on top
of each other and circulation was an issue... the conductor would not acknowledge our concerns! We rode for almost 4 hours on too
of each other while the train car ahead of us was completely empty.... not one person on it! We were truly treated like cattle! I have called, emailed and made my voice heard in every way possible only to be completely ignored! I talked to several folks on our ship and many said they did not take the ride because they heard the seats were uncomfortable and that they crammed the cars full! SAVE YOUR 280.00 and your legs and do something else! AVOID THIS Bumpy cattle hauler!

Impressive infrastructure! Worth taking the ride. Bathrooms in every cart amd they give you water bottles. It is a bumpy ride, but you can go outside to take pictures and is safe. The tour guides were great at telling anecdotes and the history behind it. It is long and it doesn't matter where you sit. If you dont see the scenery going up, you will see it going down.

The train was comfortable and we had lots of room on our car. I chose the ship excursion because it was easy and included the Red Onion and Skagway. The ride was beautiful though I did hate hearing about Dead Horse Trail. Humans can really be awful. The scenery and bit of history they provided was beautiful and interesting. I'm sure it is all weather dependent but take it in the dead of winter. During a sunny day or maybe just foggy, it was lovely.

No one loves a train ride more than this guy. The scenery was gorgeous, the weather was about as good as it gets in Alaska was clear on the way up the mountain then foggy and rain on the way down. Zero complaints though I had a blast.

Earl E Bird It's phenomenal!
I highly recommend this tour.
Our tour included the Iditarod dogs explanation, gold painting and railway

Pictures and words just can't cover everything you see. The train ride itself is an adventure, but you add in all of the views too, well, it's just hard to describe. There are water falls from multiple mountain tops covered in snow everywhere. Rivers, valleys, mountains, trains, and tunnels. This is a must do in Skagway Alaska.

I took my 3 sons on this tour ages 17. 20 and 22. We all enjoyed it but compared to other excursions this was our least favorite. We went first thing in the morning and it was overcast but warm enough to stand on the outside platforms. It was fun to stand out there and get pictures. Unfortunately we didn't see any wildlife. My youngest fell asleep and I saw quite a few people of all ages dozing on the ride back. It just gets a little boring after you have been to the top and turned around to see it all again. I am sure my parents would have loved it, but just a little to mild to really wow my kids.

Earl E. Bird straight from 1898 was informative and entertaining. His stories were factual and interesting. He had tons of energy. The train ride was beautiful with so much history.

The highlight of my travels in Alaska was this train ride through sublime, ethereal mountains, enriched by the knowledge shared by the guides. I had the pleasure of having Jonathan from California/West Virginia as my guide, who taught me about caribou moss and glaciers. Jonathan was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind and fun to be around. I would love to experience this journey again. Thank you, Johnny!

We booked this excursion through Vacations to Go. We had Matt as our guide to and from the train ride and he was very entertaining and informative. We took the train up to the summit and then the mini bus back to the town. The scenery is amazing and the commentary along the way was well done and interesting. Tip- sit on the left hand side of the train car (if you are facing the front if the train) as you’ll see more scenery. Don’t hesitate to go out of the car and take pictures from the landings.

Our excursion had about a dozen folk and we had a train car to ourselves. On the way up to the pass most of the sights were on the left side of the train. With warm gear including gloves, there are great views from the platform between the cars.

We took the White Pass in B.C. backdown to Skagway. It is a beautiful ride through the Yukon. It takes about 90 minutes which was just long enough. Going both ways I feel would of been to much and got boring. They do a running commentary with interesting facts about the area. Overall it was a good excursion well worth the money. Only thing that could make it better is if the windows opened.

My husband and I took this train 2 years ago and loved it. We decided to take our family of 18 on it during our cruise, which included 8 adults and 12 grandchildren (ages 1-20). We were placed in the front car directly behind the engine. The noise from the engine made it impossible to hear anything. We could not hear the narration over the loud speaker and it was impossible to have any kind of conversation with one another. We were hopeful the noise would lessen once the train turned around and started downhill, but the brakes were even louder. The ringing in our ears lasted for hours after the end of the ride. The noise ruined the trip and makes me feel like I wasted over $2000. What a disappointment.

We rode this train as it was one of the excursion on our cruise stop. It was a real enjoyable train ride up to the top, turn around then head back down. You could stand in between the train cars if you wanted to.

We loved this so much. It was relaxing not a bad seat on the train. You can get up and walk out in the platform, bring a coat…it’s cold out there. Our guide was awesome. The speaker was great we could hear everything that was said. She gave plenty of warning when a photo opp was coming up. The train goes up to the top into Canada a round a loop and back down. No matter which side you sit on you’ll see the same coming or going. It does not stop at the top. You never exit the train. The scenery is breathtaking.

We did this trip in the Luxury rail car and glad we did. It had few guests, very comfortable and intimate. Private toilet on board. Best of all the deck out back was unobstructed and great views unlike the smaller cars. The deck on the luxury rail car can hold everyone comfortably and allow for each to still take photos. There were 12-14 guest all in their own comfortable chair which rotated for ease of looking out windows. Nibbles were ok but nothing to brag about and unfortunately on our trip the tea bags run out just as we left the station, so many tea drinkers. Something management need to take into consideration for the price paid.
This is an amazing railroad, with fantastic views. The tour is well run with good narration. The excellent guide explained the history of the area and the railroad and pointed out interesting views in time for people to take photos. We were fortunate to enjoy it on a sunny day which enhanced the views. All staff were professional and welcoming.
We found the return trip back to the station was so much better than going up for the views. Told the left side was the best side, but really either side has its advantages and if your going out the back it doesn't really matter in the luxury car.
This tour in Skagway is highly recommended, a must do.

We did the White Pass Summit Rail & Yukon Suspension Bridge tour from Chillkoot. The Chillkoot bus departed Skagway at 1p. Sit on the right side. Bus stops for several viewing spots for photo opportunities. Driver was extremely entertaining and knowledgable. The Suspension bridge at the top allows for more scenic views. The train ride down the mountain was relaxing and allowed you to see new scenery than you saw on the bus. This tour was a huge hit.

Our tour guide Klondike Mike was the best guide. Very knowledgeable. He made the trip extra enjoyable.
A must do event to understand what those endured during the gold rush.

We took the train ride as part of an excursion from a cruise ship. The round trip was about three hours long. The train was very comfortable and well appointed. It was a very picturesque journey. The trip was narrated pointing out the various points of interest along the way. At the top of the mountain we crossed into Canada then immediately made a u-turn and returned down the mountain. Overall a very enjoyable and educational couple of hours.

The views were amazing! Chandler, the person providing information along the route, was excellent! The train takes you through the mountains. We saw a bear cub very close to the tracks.

Great ride, beautiful views. Waterfalls, snow covered mountains, history lesson, what more could you ask for. Worth the money. This is a must do in Skagway.

Epic views. Amazing experience. Would definitely recommend as an excursion. You will not be disappointed. One word of advice, make sure to bring a snack with you since there is no food on the train.

We took this train ride (second time for us) as part of a package from Celebrity Cruises. The train ride is very nice......lots of amazing scenery. There are a lot of people on the train, which makes the bathroom at the top end (Canada) as disaster. This is probably made worse by the fact that the bathrooms on the train are not nice. Every time someone opens the door, half the car gets to smell it.

Were it not for the bathroom issues, this would be 5 stars.

I don't like heights and reluctantly went on this trip with my wife. It was terrifyingly beautiful and I would do it again. Imagine the labor and courage of building this railroad in the late 1890s in that climate. Everything about the trip impressed me. The narrator did a great job filling in the history and pointing out things of interest. We spotted a brown bear ambling up the mountainside near the track. It looked like a brown Volkswagen. Take the trip for the history or take it for the amazing scenery. Just take it.

This is the one activity during our entire 11 day Alaskan vacation that I’m not sure was worth the time or money. The views are pretty, but we saw views even prettier just driving around in our rental car!

They tell you there is not a bad seat and that there is open air viewing available to everyone as well. What they DON’T tell you in advance is that there is not enough room outside for everyone who wants to use the open air viewing. PLUS when you are outside you cannot hear any of the commentary about what you are viewing. Considering how expensive the tickets are, you’d think they would put some speakers outside.

We visited as part of a cruise tour at the beginning of September 2024. By far, this was our favorite excursion. It's no secret that you'll get to see spectacular and stunning beauty, but actually doing it gave us the surprise of a lifetime. We were overwhelmed with emotion as we passed the waterfalls and valleys. It was truly a spiritual and moving experience.

A spectacular train ride with amazing views. We travelled the whole 67 miles from Carcross to Skagway. Amazing views, especially over the last 25 miles.

Stunning views and amazing history. I would go on it again when in Skagway. Very friendly and competent staff. I bought my tickets with the cruise ship, HAL's "Noordam".

This is a wonderful and relaxing train ride and so beautiful!!!! Our attendant was named Matt and he was fun and very personable. Thank you to Matt who did something for my friend's birthday it was really nice. We didn't want to get off!!!! Bought some souvenirs in the train depot gift shop and really enjoyed it. This I would do again!!!!!! Very interesting history about the struggles of people who came to find the gold and Dead Horse Gulch.

Don’t miss this opportunity while in Skagway. Seriously one of the most amazing experiences! I’m a casual narrow gauge rail fan, so this excursion was a good match, but even my wife and relatives all loved our trip. We visited Skagway on a cruise. The rail equipment is in amazing condition and very comfortable. Employees and facilities top notch. I stood on the coach platform most of the trip in awe. Thank you for keeping this priceless railway alive in such style.

“Taylor” was our guide and never have I met a more sweet bubbly person. She made the trip so much more enjoyable with her knowledge and humor. If you decide on this trip make sure you get Taylor!

Skagway was our favorite stop on our Alaskan cruise. The train ride offers a scenic view of the area. There are platforms behind each rain car when 2-4 people can stand to take photos and enjoy the view. Just note that if you stand outside, you cannot hear the intercom very well and could miss out of some of the history and other information being shared. The train makes a full loop at the halfway point- so it does not matter what side you sit on. I would recommend just checking your seats window as some of them can be dirty and harder to see out of.

This was part of a combined tour of White Pass & Yukon Railway, Alaskan Sled Dogs, and Gold Fever.

This tour was the absolute highlight of our Alaska Cruise. The train is vintage, and we were fortunate enough to be in first car. There are stands in the front and rear of each car that allow you to view the beauty from outside.

The 21 mile journey takes about one hour to the summit. The narration along the way is one of the best ever. Our guide never missed a viewing point either way, most amazing.

You go from the lush green forests to barren snow capped summit, ours was even more astounding as we entered clouds and gave us a magical experience.

Don't miss this experience!

This was the one tour that was a non- negotiable when we planned our vacation and it did not disappoint. We had Dianna on the train and Scotty as our bus driver. Both were fun, knowledgeable and a joy all around. We took so many photos, seen plenty of wild life and views that were stunning.

We boarded the train from Fraser to travel back to Skagway, after visiting Yukon Suspension Bridge.
The White Pass Railway journey was a highlight of our Alaskan trip. The views all thorough the route are very very scenic. Sharing some pictures here!

Fantastic shore excursion! This is the Full Day, not the half-day. The difference? Going the full length of the scenic railway, into Yukon Territory, and seeing truly unspoiled beauties that will make you want to homestead there!
Two options:
Early birds: train up, shuttle down.
Mid-AM: shuttle up, train down.
Guides meet you right off the ship, and take you the short distance to the train station, where you board for a stunning trip up to majestic wonders.
The meal sounds basic, but is plenty.
Pro tip: Go direct with WPYR to get a full day rail & shuttle excursion for the price of the half day outing (which enters Canada, but not Yukon…and no lunch) offered on the cruise ship!
Whether full or half-day, do this!!!

Must do if visiting Skagway. Train ride up the mountain, turns around in Canada. We got off in Canada and did a 10 mile bike trip back. Views were amazing on train. The conductor gave information on different things we were passing. Be sure and go outside and take pictures. The bike ride was Al little scary to me. It’s mostly downhill and you end up going pretty fast. It’s on the road so you have to watch out for cars. There was just 1 hill. I would recommend sitting on the left hand side of the train going up the mountain.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the White Pass Scenic Railway in May, and it was an unforgettable adventure. Recommended by a few friends who know my love for trains and breathtaking landscapes, this trip exceeded all my expectations.

The morning tour was nothing short of magical. The pass was blanketed with snow, and we were even treated to some delicate snowflakes drifting down during our journey. Although there were moments when fog obscured the view, these only added to the mystique of the landscape. Whenever the fog lifted, the sights were absolutely stunning.

The commentary provided in the compartment coach was informative and engaging, but I chose to spend most of my time outside on the balcony, soaking in the fresh air and capturing photos of the beautiful scenery. This meant I missed some of the commentary, but the trade-off for the crisp air and perfect photo opportunities was well worth it.

The staff on board were incredibly friendly and added to the overall positive experience. The round trip was straightforward but filled with remarkable views, and reaching the snow-covered peak was a highlight.

If you have a passion for old trains and scenic vistas, the White Pass Scenic Railway is a must-do. This trip offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure that makes it an absolute delight

Start your morning off in Skagway with a 2 1/2 hour train ride thru the White Pass and learn about the Klondike and gold rush. It was cloudy and foggy, but the views were still spectacular. Such a fun family activity.

Chris was a fabulous tour guide. Really informative and pleasant. I would thoroughly recommend this tour. He knew some hidden gems also!!

Went to the depot for our tickets. Had no idea how fast 3 hours can go bye. Learned so much about the history of Alaska and Yukon . The 1 pm train was perfect for us. Spent the morning in town! Enjoy!

My wife and I were in a 7 night cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. There were 3 stops: Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Juneau was underwhelming and I cannot find much to say about it; Ketchikan could have been charming - especially the Creek Area - but was heavily rain affected; Skagway, however, was charming ( it having never burned down and having new building restricted) and pretty much in its original late 18th/early 20th state. The best trip was this railway journey. As an engineering feat it is extraordinary, as a piece of ‘living history’ it is fascinating and the views are truly spectacular. It’s approx 90 minutes and it’s excellent. There is a commentary which is good and an opportunity to stand outside on a very small area at the end of the carriage - whether you see anything depends upon the courtesy of others on this area. There are also toilets on board. Highly recommended.

I can't say enough positive about this venue. We were on an Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruise Lines and this was an organized shore excursion while in Skagway. This was our first time in Alaska, so definitely wanted to take in some of the beautiful scenery. This railway delivered. It was absolutely breathtaking!

The Railway trip was well worth the money. The scenery is beautiful, the commentary great.
We saw bears…..👏👏👏
The town is pleasant. Grab some lunch or a drink in a bar.
A bit touristy but that’s to be expected. Steer clear of the diamond stores….they are not owned by locals and I think a rip off! A pair of earrings I liked went from $18,000.00 down to $8,000.00……see what I mean.
The town is great, meet the locals, they are really friendly.

Brian our guide would stop at specific scenic locations. He also was very knowledgeable of the locations. We rode the bus all the way to Carcross and Emerald lake stopping along the way for magnificent views. He took us back to the Canadian border where we met the White Pass Train and he even met us at the train station to get us back to the ship. The ride on the train was believable, words cannot do it justice. When in Skagway, I would highly recommend this excursion.

You cannot come to Skagway and not take advantage of this 40 mile experience from Alaska in northern British Colombia. Experience old style rail cars while taking in the scenery and history of the Klondike gold rush. The crew are fantastic and knowledgeable. The scenery is by far breathtaking. See Alaska from high elevations from with the mountains. And if you are lucky you may spot a bear. Our train saw 2. Don’t miss out because you think it’s expensive. It was worth the spend.

Do not miss! Unless you're an avid (and fast) hiker, you're not going to see views like you will on this train ride. It's going to soak up half your day at Skagway, so be prepared to do some brisk walking once you're back in town if you still have some shopping to do. Friendly staff, lots of information given while on board, and the seats weren't half bad :) Picturesque the whole ride up and back down, I recommend to all, especially if you have family members that want to enjoy the sights up aren't able to walk as much as the others.

I was not expecting this train ride to be so spectacular. Total trip up to Canada and back in 2 hours and 45 minutes. The views were breathtaking. It doesn’t matter which side of the train you are on. The train makes a loop in Canada so you get to see both sides. No need to have your passport as you don’t eat off the train in Canada.

This route is simply impressive, travel in the month of September 2024 and made us a good weather throughout the route. The carriages are comfortable and have their own bathroom. As for the views it is difficult to describe the beauty of the scenery.I recommend going in the spaces outside the cars to enjoy the view and take videos and photographs, when leaving the best views come from the left side, and on the return to the right.

This was exciting and relaxing at the same time. So much to see. This is a good experience for all ages.. including toddlers. Tom was amazing, a warm smile, attentive to passengers and explaining areas of interest, offering free water. There’s so much to see, seating and cabin temperature were comfortable, and the guide could clearly be heard. I really enjoyed this trip.

The views were incredible! I don’t think a camera exists that could do it justice! For us the train ride was part of a day long excursion that included panning for gold, sled dogs, and the train ride. Our guide “Klondike Mike” was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. We felt very welcome and included during the day’s activity’s. There was a little walking, but nothing too taxing, with lots of places to sit when necessary.