Best of Skagway: Rail, Salmon Bake & Saloon

Description

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

Get ready for adventure in the Last Frontier as you depart from the White Pass Depot for a thrilling train ride from Skagway to Fraser, British Columbia.

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, an honor shared with the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal and the Statue of Liberty. Considered an impossible feat, the railway was completed in 26 months by literally blasting through the mountains with 450 tons of explosives.

Onboard, you'll climb nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns. Relax in vintage railcars as your train agent retraces the original route to the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of souls who passed this way in search of fortune.

From the depot in Fraser, British Columbia, board a motorcoach and travel the spectacular Klondike Highway to see the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls. Hear the tales of hardship that earlier travelers endured in their quest to reach the interior. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers may be captured during photo stops.

By now you've worked up an appetite, and the hearty salmon bake buffet at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp is sure to tame even the hungriest beast. Savor wild Alaskan salmon grilled over an open alder wood fire, baked chicken, a variety of salads, beans, rice pilaf, cornbread and dessert while stepping back in time in a recreation of a tent city from 1898.

So named for the tall-tales that journalists reported from the area during the excitement of the Klondike Gold Rush, Liarsville is a recreation of a tent city from 1898, complete with all the fun and excitement of the Gold Rush days. Gather under the Hippodrome, where a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls entertain and teach you the art of gold panning. Then you're set free in the Liarsville gold fields, guaranteed to find that precious metal. Once you've made your fortune, wander through the camp and visit the Fancy Goods Gift Shop and other historic buildings.

The grand finale of your adventure is a visit to the world-famous Red Onion Saloon. The "madams" fill your glass with champagne and invite you to a private party in the museum-quality brothel. Hear incredible tales of the girls who worked in these historic rooms, see historic artifacts left behind by travelers and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Lydia, the resident ghost.

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. Please bring photo ID to enjoy champagne at the saloon (beer may be substituted.) Tour order may vary. Portion of tour contains stories related to historic brothel which parents should consider when bringing children.

Provided: All Aboard souvenir magazine and bottled water on train, guaranteed gold, souvenir garter

Meal: Wild Alaska salmon, chicken, baked beans, salads, rice pilaf, cornbread, dessert, coffee, lemonade

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Guests under the age of 21 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.