Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour (From Skagway)

Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour (From Skagway): An Honest Look

If you’re visiting Skagway and want to see more of the Yukon without spending days on the road, this Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour could be just the ticket. It promises a compact yet comprehensive trip through some of the most scenic spots of the Yukon Territory in about five hours. We’ve looked into what travelers are experiencing and what you can expect, so you can decide if it matches what you’re after.

What we like about this tour is how it offers a chance to see rainforests, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and hanging glaciers—not to mention the opportunity for some great photos at key spots like the Welcome signs and Summit Lake. Plus, it comes with a light picnic lunch, which is a nice touch that keeps things simple and relaxed. On the flip side, the price might seem a bit steep for some, especially considering the mixed reviews about organization and the small group size.

This tour is most suitable if you’re a cruise passenger with limited time in Skagway, or if you’re someone eager to experience the Yukon’s highlights with a knowledgeable guide. Keep in mind, it’s a fairly short trip, so if you’re craving an in-depth exploration or off-the-beaten-path stops, you might need to look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Compact but scenic: The tour covers key sights in roughly five hours, making it great for quick explorers.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine landscapes that are truly memorable.
• Small group experience: Limited to 12 travelers, which can make for a more intimate and comfortable ride.
• Guides matter: Many reviews praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Limited stops: While there are several photo opportunities, some travelers felt the stops could be more frequent.
• Price point: At around $153 per person, it’s a bit of an investment for the short duration, but the scenery and guides add value.

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Intro

The tour kicks off around 1:00 pm in Skagway, with the option for pickup, though hotel pickup isn’t included. As you hop into the van, you’ll quickly notice that the group size is kept small—max 12 people—which helps keep the experience personal and relaxed.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First stop: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Even though the main focus is on the scenic drive, this stop introduces you to Skagway’s gold rush roots. The park encompasses historic downtown Skagway and the famous Chilkoot Trail. While not filled with extensive sightseeing, it sets the tone by giving some context to the area’s past. One review mentions that the guides are knowledgeable, making this a nice quick intro.

Overlook with Hanging Denver Glacier
One of the most striking sights is the Denver Glacier, visible from an overlook. The scenery here is postcard-perfect, with old-growth forests surrounding Summit Lake, which you’ll also visit. Expect to take some photos, perhaps of the glacier hanging above, while listening to your guide describe the landscape. The glacier and lake area offer a peaceful, stunning view that makes the drive worthwhile.

Crossing into British Columbia and visiting Tagish Lake
Traveling through a portion of British Columbia, you’ll pass by towering peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers. This stretch highlights just how rugged and wild the scenery gets. It’s a quick glimpse but impactful, especially if you’re into mountain vistas.

Bridal Veil Falls
Stopping here for photos, you’ll see the cascading waters that earn the falls their name. Many travelers appreciate these moments of stopping to really take in the natural beauty as the guide points out interesting facts.

Summit Lake and Carcross
The tour’s highlight is the visit to Carcross, a First Nations community at the edge of Lake Bennett. This spot is a favorite for many, especially because it offers a chance to see the “smallest desert in the world” — the Carcross Desert. The town itself is charming, and some reviews mention that guides are very informative, making the visit both scenic and educational.

Additional Stops
You’ll also see Bove Island, which offers a historic reminder of the gold rush era, and have a chance to get some photos. The scenery remains captivating, with wildflowers, glaciers, and lakes dotted along the route.

The Lunch

A simple picnic-style lunch—sandwich and chips—comes included. It’s straightforward but enough to keep you energized without feeling heavy. Bottled water is also provided, which is appreciated on a day of sightseeing.

Ending the Day

The tour wraps up in the late afternoon, back in Skagway. It’s a compact experience, ideal if you’re looking to maximize your limited time or want a quick Yukon fix without a multi-day commitment.

Real Traveler Insights

Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. One reviewer raved about Sidney, saying she made the journey “absolutely comfortable and fun.” Others appreciated the small-group atmosphere, noting that it made the trip more personal and less rushed.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A common complaint is poor communication and organization, with at least one person waiting 45 minutes without notice and feeling let down, especially since this is one of the few wheelchair-accessible excursions. Another reviewer wished for more stops or less highway driving, feeling the trip was somewhat rushed or lacked depth.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The scenery and guides stand out as the tour’s biggest strengths. If you’re after stunning views and informative commentary in a small-group setting, this tour offers that. Yet, it’s worth noting that some travelers find the itinerary somewhat limited, and the value for the price could vary depending on your expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits cruise passengers, or anyone with a tight schedule wanting a taste of the Yukon’s highlights. If you enjoy guided driving tours with scenic stops and don’t mind the price, you’ll likely find this satisfying. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration or more frequent stops, you might want to explore other options. Also, be aware of the organizational hiccups reported by a few travelers, so patience and clear communication are helpful.

Final Thoughts

The Yukon Extended Summit Drive Tour offers a taste of the rugged beauty and history of the Yukon in a manageable, half-day format. The views of glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes are genuine highlights, and guides seem to make the experience engaging and informative. It’s a good choice if you’re in Skagway, short on time, and want a straightforward way to see the Yukon’s top sights.

That said, the experience might feel a bit rushed or sparse to some, and the price isn’t insignificant for what’s included. Still, if the scenery and a knowledgeable guide appeal to you, this tour could be worth considering—just keep your expectations aligned with the short duration.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup is not included. You will need to meet at the designated starting point in Skagway. Some tours offer pickup, but confirm this during booking.

What’s the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, giving you a quick but comprehensive look at the Yukon’s highlights.

Is there a minimum number of participants?
Yes, a minimum of 2 people is required to run the tour, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience.

What should I bring?
Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as temperatures can vary. Bring your passport, as border crossings are involved, and any personal necessities.

Are meals included?
Yes, a light picnic-style lunch with a sandwich and chips is included, along with bottled water.

Can I book this tour if I have specific accessibility needs?
Some travelers with wheelchair needs expressed disappointment, as the tour does not specify wheelchair accommodations. Check with the provider beforehand.

What sights will I see?
Expect to see waterfalls, glaciers, alpine lakes, and the First Nations town of Carcross. Stops are made at scenic spots for photos and brief explorations.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the small-group nature and scenic stops could appeal to older children. Infants and toddlers are not provided with car seats, so plan accordingly.

What is the refund policy?
This tour is non-refundable if canceled within 96 hours of departure. Cancellations made more than 14 days in advance are fully refundable.

If you enjoy scenic drives with knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a quick glimpse of the Yukon, this tour could be a good pick. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews about organization and stops, and weigh these factors against what matters most to your trip.