This All-Day Train Excursion In Alaska Will Take You To Canada And Back
By Megan McDonald|Published June 15, 2019
×
Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
A trip to Skagway is an incredible adventure from start to finish. But add in a train to Canada? The experience just got a whole lot better! In Skagway, Alaska you can take one of the most scenic railroad excursions in the world. Learn about the local history and spend your day taking in the breathtaking sights!
In Skagway, Alaska there is a gorgeous railroad called the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.
The railroad made its first competed trip to Canada in 1899! This route was built due to the population explosion from the gold rush, when miners needed to get up the pass safely and far more quickly than climbing.
Nicknamed "The Most Scenic Railroad In The World," this is a narrow gauge railroad and an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
The stunning tracks rise 3,000 feet in only 20 miles! Expect to pass through tunnels, and over bridges and trestles. In fact, when the steel cantilever bridge was finished in 1901, it was considered the tallest in the entire world!
Advertisement
The Bennet Scenic Journey is one of many excursions the railroad offers.
You travel from Skagway, Alaska all the way to Carcross, Canada. It's 67.5 miles of stunning scenery, following the same trail the Klondike gold miners did when they hiked out to the gold fields.
You will stop in Bennet, British Columbia, which is only accessible by this train! There are no other roads leading to it, although you can hike in via the Chilkoot Trail if you like!
You will have 45 minutes to explore this old historic gold rush town, so make sure to see the old 1903 Bennet Train Station, or the museum they have to showcase the history of the era.
After the 45 minutes, you will re-board the train to continue on to Carcross.
Lunch will be served on the train, a hearty option of turkey sandwiches, chips, a side, and dessert. There are also gluten free and vegetarian options available if preferred! Each train car has their own private bathroom, and the tour guide will give you an excellent overview of the history of the area!
You have your choice of taking the train from Skagway to Canada, or Canada to Skagway.
There are two times available for you to ride. Taking the train to Carcross Canada, and then the motor coach back, is available at 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. If you take the motor coach to Carcross and then the train back to Skagway, those trips leave at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Want to find out more about this and many other train routes? Check out White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad’s website here.
Have you ever ridden the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad out of Skagway? What about any of the many train to Canada excursions? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!
