Tags
Alaska, Canada, Carcross, cariboo crossing, Dead Horse Trail, Klondike Gold Rush, Photography, Skagway, travel, White Pass, Yukon
When I was booking our cruise from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska, I knew that the excursion that I wanted to do from Skagway was the coach trip up to Fraser and then the White Pass railway from Fraser back to Skagway.
It was not just for the scenery (which was incredible) it was also for the history. We booked this bus tour and train ride with Chilkoots Charters and Tours.
After disembarking from the ship we were directed to the waiting area where the bus would pick us up. It was not a long wait at all and the coach trip was fantastic. We had a fun, interesting and helpful coach driver who made sure that we had the best time.
We stopped many times along the way for wonderful photo opportunities and passed by many lakes. We stopped for lunch at Cariboo crossing. We then spent time at Carcross before heading to Fraser where we connected with the Scenic train for our wonderful train trip back to Skagway.
This excellent tour with amazing views was Spectacular. Heralded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, this trip did not disappoint me. We experienced the spectacular views of the unbelievable trail that early gold rushers made by foot to the gold fields in the Yukon.
The train ride down was thrilling. Perhaps it was better that you could not always see how close you were to the edges of the mountains or the river passes so far below. The two tunnels and wooden overpasses are stunning and a feat of engineering you can not imagine, given when they were built.
The joys of the excursion are many: including riding a heritage train, beautiful scenery, and lots of frontier history. There are gorgeous photo opportunities at every bend in the tracks. Each train car has a toilet at one end and complimentary water at the other. I spent a good part of the train trip down to Skagway standing on some of the outside platforms enjoying the stunning views and taking dozens of photos. It was just the most fun day.
This spectacular railroad was built thanks to the Klondike Gold Rush as a means of getting prospectors to the goldfields. With its completion in 1900, the train served commercial interests until 1982. Apparently its narrow-gauge track was necessary due to the steep grade of the slope and very tight corners. The railroad later reopened as a heritage railway, which now services tourists and tourists only. The trip is so fun and the vistas so stunning that it is hard to keep in mind all who died traversing White Pass (or Dead Horse Trail as it is also known).
We arrived back in Skagway about 5pm giving me enough time to pop in to the Bonanza Bar and Grill for a glass of vino and use of their Wi-Fi.
This amazing day, with the coach trip up the mountains, the spectacular train ride with its glorious views and the many stops along the way was just outstanding. For me, it was Unforgettable.
Wonderful photos and enjoyed your story.
Thanks Linda. It was such an enjoyable day, Lyn
You did it well Lyn, I almost feel like I was there. I got excited just reading about it with this post and amazing pictures. It had to be a great trip. Thank you for sharing 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋
Thanks Mark. It is more exciting to be there, wonderful day. Lyn
Looks like a great trip with beautiful scenery. I love the color of the turquoise/Jade lakes. Lovely photos.
I’ve been wanting to take the train trip from Vancouver to Banff and Calgary, but I’m sure the historical train and trail had its own history and beauty.
Thanks Katelon. It was such an exciting fun day. The train is designed to have wonderful vistas the entire trip. Lyn
That’s a beautiful trip.
Stay safe and well. :)
Thanks Lynette. It was a simply fabulous day. Lyn
Great work, good morning from Kenya
Thank you and good afternoon from Australia
Fabulous photos, gorgeous scenery – great day out Lyn. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks Sheree. It is always fun to share a great adventure. Lyn
And you have some great ones!
Your enjoyment of this whole experience really shines through. Looks fabulous!
Beautiful photos thank you yet again. Hope you are well and happy. Xx
Thanks Leah, it was a fabulous day as was the entire trip. All good here. Just returned from 2 weeks down south with Mum and then my brother and sil. Hope all good with you and Paul. xx
Excellent photos, Lyn and loved your story. Too good.
Thanks Kamal, it was an excellent day. Lyn
You are always welcome dear Lyn 💓💓💓
Looks (and sounds) amazing – I’ve always wanted to take a cruise up around that area!
Thanks. I had wanted to do it for many years. It was spectacular. Lyn
Wow! What a ride!! In my opinion, nothing beats a train trip and this is one I would love to do one day..thanks Lyn
Thanks Mary. Yes I know that you enjoy train trips and yes you would love this one. Lyn 💕
My parents did this trip also and it tempted me when they talked about it. Now it is tempting me again. I loved your photos and bridging in between. Thank you.
It is so worth it, fabulous trip into a unique and wonderful country. thanks David, Lyn
On the bucket list!! Thanks for sharing your incredible experiences Lyn!!
Thanks for reading. It truly was a wonderful experience and a pleasure to share. Lyn
Gorgeous views!
Thanks Mitch, it is a gorgeous location. Lyn
Sounds like fun. I’ve only ever done the up and back to the summit on the train – which is fun, but you never get out so you saw a lot more. The train doesn’t turn around at the top. You just flip all the seats over so they face the other way. Something I thought was pretty trick as I hadn’t seen it before my first trip on that train. It would probably be old hat to you though since there are trains in Australia with seats that do that.
It was such a great day. I really do favour train travel especially when I am away. Yes, I am familiar with the seat backs moving, I am surprised that you noticed and remembered that from here. Thanks, Lyn
amazing work
It sure was. Amazing place and amazing experience. Thanks, Lyn
These are the memories we relish. Good to see you in some shots. xx
Thanks Gail, I did this trip with Trish from Perth, and Ruth and Jackie from Brisbane. It was so wonderful. Lyn
I used to think about taking an Alaskan Cruise, and someday I may, but this train excursion sounds really fun. (What’s not to love about a train?) Someday, if things get more or less back to normal, I may copy you. ;)
I thought about this cruise for many years but did not think it would ever happen and then last year when I was going to Canada a friend suggested that we add on the cruise. Best decision although I am not a big fan of cruises it was still fabulous. Thanks for following me, Lyn
Simply gorgeous photos of fabulous scenery Lyn
Thanks Sheree. It was a gorgeous place. Lyn
This is a splendid travel post. Thank you for sharing your trip with us.
Thanks Geri, it was so much fun, I loved every minute of that day. Lyn