Yukon Expedition & White Pass Scenic Railway

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, Skagway holds a unique place in Alaskan history. Known as the "Gateway to the Yukon," it played a key role in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898. Your tour begins when you board your motorcoach at port and drive through the boardwalk-lined streets and false-front buildings on an epic journey that takes you 65 miles through Alaska and into Canada's Yukon.

A scenic ride along the Klondike Highway parallels the route used by prospectors during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. Ascend the 3,290-foot White Pass Summit while your knowledgeable guide regales you with tales of the hardships endured by earlier travelers in their quest to reach the interior. At the top, you'll marvel at the breathtaking views of majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls and epic glaciers.

Once over the White Pass, the lush growth of the coast gives way to Canada's rugged wilderness. Travel through the glaciated area known as Tormented Valley and along the string of lakes that make up the headwaters of the Yukon River. A number of photo stops are included so you can document this epic journey.

At the Caribou Crossing Trading Post satisfy your wilderness appetite with a delicious chicken barbecue lunch complete with all-you-can-eat homemade donuts. After your meal, tour Yukon's most extensive Wildlife Museum, Stroll among creatures of Yukon's past and present, with favorites including steppe bison, grizzly bears, monster moose, woolly mammoth and the world's largest mounted polar bear. Absorb some authentic Canadian culture at the at Caribou Crossing's newest exhibit, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police heritage center. This interpretive display focuses on the history of Canada's "Mounties" and highlights their role during the Klondike Gold Rush. Visit the Dog Musher's Village where you can visit with Iditarod dog mushers and take pictures with the sled dogs and husky puppies. For an extra fee, you may join them for a dog cart ride. Kids and adults alike will also enjoy the petting farm.

Then, stop to explore the Native village of Carcross, idyllically situated beside Lake Bennett, once known as Caribou Crossing. You can spend some time shopping and sightseeing in the area. In the gift shop you will find unique pieces of art and authentic gifts made locally. Handmade leather crafts, soap stone carvings and native masks make wonderful treasures to bring home. Continue on to Fraser, British Columbia to board the historic, White Pass Scenic Railway for your return trip to Skagway.

Built in 1898 as a way to expedite travel during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a 3-foot wide Narrow Gauge Railroad that climbs from sea level to almost 3,000 feet in the first 20 miles. An engineering marvel, it features 2 tunnels and travels over sky-high trestles and bridges. Fully restored, the comfortable passenger coaches feature large picture windows and are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives. Your 27-mile excursion is enhanced by the breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and the unforgettable Klondike Trail of '98, a tribute to the optimistic prospectors in search of their fortune.

Special Notes:

Since this tour enters Canada, all guests must carry a passport or other WHTI compliant document. For U.S. citizens these documents include: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License, Trusted Traveler Card and Military ID Card (for U.S. armed forces members on official orders). Citizens of certain countries need a visa to visit Canada – visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp to see if this applies. Written consent is required for children traveling into Canada without both parents. Vegetarian lunch available. Please notify Tour Office at least 24 hours prior to tour. Tour order may vary.

Provided: All Aboard souvenir magazine and bottled water on train

Meal: Barbecue chicken, baked potato, dinner roll, homemade doughnuts, coffee & tea. Indian dahl soup available for vegetarians.

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Passport Requirements:

Since this tour enters Canada, all guests must carry a passport or other WHTI compliant document. Notarized written consent is required for children traveling into Canada without both parents.