Local Connections: White Pass Rail Bennett Lake & Yukon Adventure Created by Train Historian

Description

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

What You Will Visit:

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Built in 1898 as a way to expedite travel during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a three-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 two tunnels and travels over sky-high trestles and bridges. Considered an impossible feat, the railway was completed in 26 months by blasting through the mountains with 450 tons of explosives. The 110-mile railroad was officially completed when a final golden spike was hammered into place on July 29, 1900, in Carcross, Yukon. Fully restored, the comfortable passenger coaches feature large picture windows and are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives.

Bennett Lake/ White Pass Museum
Accessible only by train, Bennett, British Columbia, is an abandoned town next to scenic Bennett Lake. Constructed during the gold rush and located at the end of the White Pass and Chilkoot Trails, it was a vital stop for prospectors. After carrying supplies over the Coast Mountains via the trails, the stampeders stopped here to build or purchase rafts before the trip across the lake and down the Yukon River to the gold fields. Here, the White Pass & Yukon Route historic depot museum chronicles the transportation history of the North. Historian and anthropologist Doreen Cooper's knowledge and love of the region helped create the content for this unique journey into the past.

What You See Along The Way:
The railway excursion is enhanced by the breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and unforgettable Klondike Trail of '98, a tribute to the optimistic prospectors in search of their fortune. The fully restored cars, pulled by vintage diesel locomotives, climb nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and around cliff-hanging turns. You'll retrace the original route to the White Pass Summit, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. Take in the majestic panorama and historic sites from your large picture windows.

From Carcross, travel by motorcoach along the historic Klondike Highway on your return to Skagway. Along the way, see Brackett's Wagon Road, Pitchfork Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and the infamous Tormented Valley.

Photo Opportunities:
Be sure to grab your camera, as the train winds its way along jaw-dropping hairpin curves, over amazing plunging gorges, past sparkling waterfalls and sky-high trestles. You'll even see the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a permanent tribute to the thousands of gold seekers who passed this way in search of fortune.

Shopping:
You'll find artisan crafts and locally made souvenirs in the unique retail shops and galleries in the Native American town of Carcross. In the gift shop, you will find such items as handmade leather crafts, soapstone carvings and native masks, which make wonderful treasures to bring home.

Lunch:
Enjoy a hearty lunch on board as you travel the rails to the shores of beautiful Lake Bennett. The menu selection includes caribou sausage pasta salad, a hearty sandwich and a dessert option.

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 upon request. Please notify Tour Office at least 24 hours prior to tour. Tour may operate in reverse order.

Provided: All Aboard souvenir magazine and bottled water on train

Meal: Deli selection to include caribou sausage pasta salad, hearty sandwich & a dessert option

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.