White Pass Rail, Bennett Lake & Yukon

Question

Hello, we arrive in Skagway on Jul 9th at 05.30 and depart at 21.00. Looking at the Chilkoot Tours Bennett Scenic Journey tour. Train first leaves at 07.30 and bus first leaves at 09.30. We can make both times, but was wondering which is best for scenic views and photo opportunities.

Many thanks.

Answer

The Chilkoot Tours Bennett Scenic Journey offers a spectacular combination of the White Pass & Yukon Route train and bus travel along Bennett Lake, making it a popular choice for day visitors to Skagway. Since your arrival is early (05:30) and you have a full day until your 21:00 departure, you have flexibility to choose between the 07:30 train or the 09:30 bus departure. Each option offers slightly different experiences for scenery and photography.

Here are the considerations for each departure time:

07:30 Train Departure:
- This is the first train of the day, so you will experience the crisp morning light, which can enhance the colors of the mountains, valleys, and rivers—ideal for photography.
- Fewer passengers may be on board compared to later departures, giving you more freedom to move around and get unobstructed views.
- Cooler morning temperatures and potentially less haze can make distant vistas clearer.
- Because it’s an early start, your day will feel longer, allowing for a relaxed pace at Bennett Lake and on the return bus journey.
09:30 Bus Departure:
- Later departure means slightly higher sun, which reduces shadows but can sometimes flatten mountain textures in photos.
- You may encounter more passengers on the bus, which can limit some photo angles.
- The bus portion offers flexibility for stops along the lake and scenic viewpoints.
- If you prefer a more leisurely morning in Skagway before starting the tour, this option allows for breakfast or a short walk in town.

Additional Tips for Photography and Scenic Enjoyment:

Sit on the right side of the train heading out of Skagway for better views of the mountains and waterfalls; the left side often has more forested scenery.
Bring layers as temperatures can be cooler in the morning, especially on the train or near water.
Use a camera strap or secure your device; some sections of the route may be bumpy.
Plan to have lunch or snacks handy if you choose the early train, as the journey is long and scenic stops may be limited.

Recommendation: If your goal is to maximize scenic views and photography, the 07:30 train departure is generally preferred. Early morning light enhances the landscape, and fewer crowds make it easier to move around and capture the iconic vistas of the White Pass and Bennett Lake area. The later 09:30 bus can be chosen for a more relaxed start, but it may offer slightly less dramatic lighting for photos.