Best for History and Culture

In an article in the AAA magazine this month, it rates the Skagway White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad as the Best for History and Culture of the land excursions available during the Inside Passage trip.

It reads:
From 1897 to 1899, Skagway boomed with prospectors trekking to the Klondike gold fields.  Today, historic buildings, including rehabilitated storefronts painted in Victorian rainbow hues, line the town's wooden boardwalks.

Ranger-led walking tours of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical park explore the Skagway founding family's 1887 frontier cabin and exhibits of 1890s life. The Skagway Museum reveals tales of the town's infamous bully and con man, "Soapy" Smith.

Skagway's must-do treat is a ride on the 19th-century White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, climbing 2,865 feet above sea level.  Sit inside vintage cars or stand on outside platforms as the train slices through glistening snowfields before crossing dizzying trestle bridges and isolated mountain passes. The narrow-gauge train once transported miners from Skagway to Bennett. Visitors can learn more about them in the tiny but intriguing Trail of '98 Museum.

Source:  AAALiving, March/April 2012, pg. 29.

White Pass Scenic Railway - SK01

Shore Excursions  - White Pass Scenic Railway - SK01

Not just another train ride! Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass. Against all odds, this iron trail was built through some of the North's most ruggedly beautiful terrain and more than 110 years later, is still in operation. Ride in a comfortable vintage rail car to the White Pass Summit through two tunnels, over sky high trestles, and remote valleys. Pass Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration point and Dead Horse Gulch as your guide announces points of interest and tells the tale of the Klondike Gold Rush and building of the railway. Reaching the White Pass Summit at 2,865 feet, a seat exchange will occur, allowing everyone to experience the excellent views during this round trip rail journey. This narrow gauge railroad is an International historic Civil Engineering Landmark, sharing the honor with the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Panama Canal. Experience this unique railroad that symbolizes accomplishment in the adventure of pioneering - triumph over challenge.

3 hours, 15 minutes
Pricing: $120.00 adults; $60.00 children

Time: 12:40 - 3:55 p.m.

One of the land excursions we plan to take on our Alaskan Cruise.  It has gotten very good reviews from others who have taken it.

View short video

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise website

Skagway and White Pass Land Tour

Skagway City and White Pass Summit 

The highlight of your Alaskan experience will begin with a guided mini-coach tour of Skagway’s Historic District. Your guide will explain why Skagway was known as the toughest town on earth during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-99. You will visit historic points of interest such as the Klondike Gold Rush Cemetery (AKA Skagway's Boot Hill), where you will learn of the gunfight between Frank Reid and Soapy Smith, the most famous shootout since the OK Corral.

A stop will also be made at the Scenic Skagway Overlook where your guide will take your picture with the town below, the mountains in the background, and your cruise ship in the harbor.

As you journey up the scenic Klondike Highway you will parallel to the historic White Pass Trail much of the way to the 3,292 foot summit. Along this glacier carved valley are glaciers, thundering waterfalls, majestic mountain vistas and pristine wilderness. Once at the summit, you will descend into the daunting Tormented Valley in British Columbia, Canada. It is this area which inspired the classic authors Robert Service and Jack London. The Tormented Valley is an eco-tone; here two separate ecosystems transform to become the other. After visiting this area of 300 - 400 year old trees known as “Krummholz,” many of which are no taller than chest-high, you will return to Skagway.

During your tour various photo stops will be made to help you maximize your Alaskan experience. Please Note: This tour will be crossing the Canadian border and then back across the US border. As of June 1, 2009 all U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 16 and older traveling between the U.S. and Canada by land, will be required to present a valid passport (or government authorized "enhanced" drivers license.) We recommend you bring a photo I.D. as well. U.S. and Canadian citizens who are 15 years old or younger may travel with a certified birth certificate. People of all other citizenships are required to have a photo I.D., a passport, and visa (If required). All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Cost: $52.00 per person, tour not available on Sunday.

Source: Cruise Excursions Group