If your Alaskan cruise makes a stop in Skagway, the White Pass Railroad is one excursion you don’t want to miss. While many travelers opt for the famous 8-hour round-trip ride deep into the Yukon, there’s also a fantastic shorter option: a 1.5-hour one-way train ride into Canada, followed by a visit to the Yukon Suspension Bridge and several breathtaking scenic stops on the shuttle ride back to Skagway.
This shorter version turned out to be the perfect balance — I still experienced the historic train ride, had time to enjoy the suspension bridge (and their delicious bison chili), and returned early enough to wander the charming streets of Skagway before heading back to the ship.
Boarding the White Pass Railroad- What to Expect
Our adventure began aboard the Discovery Princess, where a quick shuttle transported us into town. (Due to a recent rock slide, all cruise ships now shuttle guests just 1–2 minutes from the dock.) From there, we easily located our Chilkoot Charter & Tours excursion group and boarded a small van with about 20–30 other travelers. In just five minutes, we arrived at the White Pass Railroad station.
Pro Tip: The train doesn’t serve food or beverages, aside from bottled water. There is a little coffee shop in the terminal where you can grab a latte or snack before boarding. With about 10 minutes to spare, I made a quick run for a coffee and pretzels to enjoy on the ride. If you’re doing the full 8-hour journey, I definitely recommend packing a sandwich and drink for lunch.
The Scenic White Pass Train Ride
Once on board, we settled into our seats as the conductor shared fascinating stories about the railroad’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush. Soon, we were rolling past lush Alaskan forests, sparkling rivers, and rugged cliffsides.
One of the highlights of the ride is the ability to step out onto the open-air platforms, perfect for taking photos and soaking in the mountain air. From there, I captured sweeping views of lakes, waterfalls, and even distant glaciers with their shimmering blue tint. At one point, I stood outside as the train rumbled through a pitch-black tunnel — a thrill in itself!
As we neared the end of the line, the train crossed the US–Canada border, marked by the American, Alaskan, and Canadian flags. Train staff handed out simple customs forms, and once we arrived, a Canadian border official came aboard to collect paperwork and check passports.
Walking the Yukon Suspension Bridge
Our shuttle driver was waiting as we exited the train, ready to take us to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Being one of the first off the van, I had the bridge entirely to myself — just me and the bridge swaying gently over the thunder of rapids 65 feet below, and the snow-capped mountains beyond.
After crossing, I wandered into the small gift shop stocked with Canadian treats (don’t miss the Coffee Crisp, a tasty wafer chocolate bar with coffee flavor). Be sure to also get a warm bowl of their hearty bison chili with a cup of hot chocolate — the perfect mountain meal.
We spent about 45 minutes here, plenty of time to walk the bridge, snap photos, and enjoy lunch before moving on.
Scenic Stops on the Return to Skagway
The ride back to town was just as beautiful as the train ride itself. Along the way, our driver made several scenic stops for photos.
Interesting Fact: During our tour, we learned that the reason the water in the above photo is such a vibrant turquoise color is due to the silt runoff from the glaciers.
One of my favorites was a glacier-fed waterfall, so pure you could drink from it — truly some of the purest water I’ve ever tasted. I even filled my flask to bring a little piece of Alaska back with me.
We also stopped at the famous Welcome to Alaska sign, framed by towering mountains, for the perfect souvenir photo.
Finally, the shuttle dropped us right in downtown Skagway at 8th Street and Main.
Exploring Downtown Skagway
Skagway is a charming little town, with wooden boardwalks and rows of shops selling everything from trinkets to locally brewed spruce-tip ales. I always collect ornaments as my travel souvenirs, so I couldn’t resist picking up an adorable train ornament from the White Pass Railroad gift shop, which will hang proudly on my Christmas tree among memories of past adventures.
Getting back to the cruise trams was only a short 10-minute walk through town. Since I had chosen the shorter excursion, I still had plenty of time to wander town, peek into shops, and make it back to the ship without rushing. It was the perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation. The total time of this excursion was about 4.5 hours.
Tips for Visiting the White Pass Railroad & Yukon Suspension Bridge
- Book early: Book early through the Shore Excursions Group as this is one of the most popular excursions in Skagway. It sells out fast.
- Bring snacks or a light lunch if you’re taking the full-day train ride.
- Have your passport ready: You’ll be crossing into Canada.
- Wear layers: The weather in Skagway and Canada can change quickly. It was chilli enough that I had to wear a hat.
- Don’t skip the outdoor platform: It offers the best photo opportunities, and it makes the train ride even more amazing!
- Bison Chili: Definitely order the Bison Chill at the Yukon Suspension Bridge shop.
- Canadian Treat: Pick up some Candy & Chips you cannot find in the US.
Final Thoughts
The White Pass Railroad & Yukon Suspension Bridge excursion is one of the best ways to experience both the history and natural beauty of Skagway. With its mix of train travel, adventure, and scenic stops, it’s an unforgettable highlight of any Alaskan cruise.
For me, the shorter tour struck the perfect balance — just enough adventure while still leaving time to explore Skagway itself. Whether you choose the half-day or full-day version, this is one excursion you’ll be talking about long after your cruise ends.
Sondra Barker
