Bennett journey vs "white pass summit rail & Yukon suspensio

Question

Hi, we have a cruise next week and will be at skagway whole day. We love wildlife and scenic views. Of the 2 tours from Chilkoot, which one you recommend? Thanks for any advice!

Answer

If you have a full day in Skagway and are trying to decide between the Bennett Journey and the White Pass Summit Rail & Yukon Suspension Bridge tours, it largely depends on your interests — specifically whether you prioritize scenic views, historical context, or wildlife spotting.

The Bennett Journey is a guided bus tour along part of the historic Chilkoot Trail route and into the Yukon. It tends to be more of a nature and wildlife-oriented tour, with chances to see bears, moose, and other Alaskan wildlife, as well as sweeping mountain and river landscapes. Guides also provide historical context about the gold rush and early settlers, but the focus is more on the scenery and animals along the route rather than a rail experience.

The White Pass Summit Rail & Yukon Suspension Bridge tour is more engineering and history-focused, combining the famous narrow-gauge White Pass Railway with a visit to the suspension bridge. You get dramatic mountain and waterfall views along the train route, and the suspension bridge offers a unique vantage point over a river gorge. Wildlife sightings are less common on this tour, as the train follows a specific route and schedule, though you can still enjoy the scenery.

Choose Bennett Journey if your priority is wildlife, outdoor scenery, and a more “off-the-beaten-path” feel.
Choose White Pass Summit Rail & Suspension Bridge if you want a historic engineering experience, stunning train views, and an iconic Skagway attraction that’s easier to walk and photograph.
If time allows, some travelers combine both in half-day segments, but check your cruise schedule carefully as both tours can take several hours.

Additional tips:

Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting if doing the Bennett Journey.
Dress in layers; even in summer, temperatures at higher elevations can be cool and windy.
Book in advance through reputable local operators — both tours can sell out during cruise season.
If you’re on a cruise schedule, consider transportation logistics; some tours pick up near the port, while others may require a short transfer.

Overall, for wildlife and scenery, Bennett Journey wins. For historic views, train enthusiasts, or photo opportunities of the bridge, the White Pass Summit Rail & Suspension Bridge is ideal. Either way, you’re guaranteed spectacular Alaskan vistas from Chilkoot’s surrounding mountains.

Bennett journey vs "white pass summit rail & Yukon suspensio

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