Ultimate Gold Panning, Sled Dogs & Scenic Railway - a Discovery Exclusive

Description

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

Your adventure begins as you board your motorcoach with a costumed guide who "lives" in 1898 for a ride through the historic streets of downtown Skagway past wooden walkways to Dredge Town.

Once there, learn about the state sport of dog mushing and its origins as an early and vital transport system in Alaska, before enjoying a sled dog demonstration. You'll get to meet, and interact with, the Iditarod sled dogs and their puppies, stopping first by the checkpoint tent with your musher. Inside, you'll be introduced to all the gear a musher and dog team takes with them on a long distance race like the Iditarod. Finally, your musher will introduce you to the team and then hook the dogs to a sled so you can watch a demonstration run.

Experience gold fever firsthand as you enter the Gold Rush Training Camp. At the General Store you will receive your ton of goods, some Klondike Cash and a taste of hand-crafted sodas to start your journey. Learn to extract paydirt, help sluice it and assay the results. Interact with entertaining costumed townsfolk and see the Sixty Mile Dredge - one of the last rescued gold dredges used for mining in the Yukon.

But it's gold you need to cure the fever and claim your fortune. You'll learn the art of panning for gold with a humorous and educational show while you practice your technique in warm-water troughs. You can count on striking gold. After you've hauled your treasure into the Assayers' Office and had it weighed, you'll have leisure time to shop for Alaska souvenirs or grab a snack and beverage. Stroll the grounds and view displays and exhibits or just relax along the river enjoying the mountain views.

Then it's on to the White Pass Train Depot, where you'll board your private rail car with your guide to entertain and inform you throughout your tour. The train ride follows the same route that thousands of prospectors endured on foot in search of gold. The White Pass & Yukon Route is unlike any other railroad. Against all odds, the iron trail was carved through some of the North's most rugged terrain in 1898. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, this engineering wonder is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Onboard, you'll climb nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns. Delight in the breathtaking views from the large picture windows passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch en route to the summit. Along the way, you'll be treated to a snack of cheese and crackers, cookies and candy.

When you reach the White Pass Summit, a traditional "Klondike" toast is made and you'll lift your glass of sparkling cider in celebration of your memorable day. On the trip back to Skagway, your guide will treat you to a rollicking good time.

Special Notes:

Tour order may vary. No passport required as you do not disembark the train at the summit.

Snack: Cheese, crackers, cookie, candy, sparkling cider

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