Planning a visit to Skagway and wondering what tour will give you a real taste of its rugged beauty and historic charm? The White Pass Deluxe Tour from Klondike Tours is a popular choice, rated highly by travelers for its engaging guides and breathtaking scenery. While it isn’t the only way to see the area—many opt for the train ride—it offers a more flexible and arguably more personal experience.
What we really love about this tour is how it combines informative narration with stunning vistas—think glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks—plus the chance to explore key historic sites. Another plus? The price point of $60 per person makes it an accessible way to see a lot in just three hours. The only consideration is you’ll need your passport at the ready, as the tour crosses into Canada, and some stops involve walking and photo-taking, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
This experience is ideal for those who value scenic drives, local history, and flexibility. If you prefer a more active or extensive experience, or are traveling with very young children, you might want to weigh other options. But if you’re after a balanced mix of scenery, stories, and photo ops, this tour could be just right.
Key Points
- Comfortable transportation with large windows for easy viewing.
- Informative guides who share engaging tales about Skagway’s gold rush past.
- Flexible stops for photos and wildlife viewing.
- Stunning landscapes including mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and Tormented Valley.
- Historic sites like the Gold Rush Cemetery and Klondike Tours Gifts and Gold.
- Passport required for crossing into Canada during the tour.
An In-Depth Look at the Tour
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Starting Point and Booking
The tour begins at the Skagway cruise terminal, making it super convenient if you’re arriving on a cruise ship. You’ll want to book about 51 days in advance on average, which isn’t too early considering how popular this tour is. The price is $60 per person, and booking includes pickup service and a mobile ticket, simplifying the logistics.
What’s Included
The tour comes with a driver-guide who’s responsible for both navigation and storytelling. They’re often praised for their knowledge and personable approach. The tour is limited to a maximum of 50 travelers, keeping it more intimate than big bus charters.
The Itinerary: Step-by-Step
Stop 1: Klondike Tours Gifts and Gold
This is a fun, quick introduction to gold panning. For just $30, you get a chance to try your hand at panning for gold—either with a simple Cheechako pan or a sourdough pan filled with pay dirt. It’s a lighthearted way to get a feel for what gold miners experienced. Reviews highlight this as a great way to start the tour, especially if you’re curious about gold prospecting.
Stop 2: Gold Rush Cemetery
A short walk from the gift shop, this cemetery offers a vivid glimpse into Skagway’s past. Here, you’ll hear stories about infamous figures like Soapy Smith and learn about early pioneers. Visitors consistently mention the enthralling stories that bring the history to life, with some reviewers noting how their guide’s storytelling made the past feel very real.
The Scenic Drive: White Pass Summit and Beyond
Boarding a comfortable mini-bus with large windows, your ride begins along the historic White Pass route. The drive is about three hours total, but the time actually flies by because of the spectacular scenery. You’ll pass Frazier Valley, Bridal Vail Falls, Moore Bridge, and stop frequently for photos and wildlife sightings.
Highlights along the way:
– Tormented Valley — a surreal landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
– Trail of 98 — a historic route linked to the Klondike Gold Rush.
– Multiple stops for stretching, photos, and soaking in the views.
The Views: Mountains, Glaciers, Waterfalls
Traveling along the White Pass, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views—towering mountains, rushing waterfalls like Bridal Vail, and even glaciers peeking through the clouds. Many reviews mention how the scenery is just as spectacular as on the famous train ride, but with the added bonus of stopping to take pictures.
The Guide: Knowledgeable and Entertaining
Reviewers rave about the guide, Chris, who is described as hilarious, engaging, and full of stories. His narration isn’t just fact-filled but delivered with humor, which keeps the mood light and fun. They also appreciate that he takes time at each stop for photos, making sure everyone gets the shot they want.
The Value: Price versus Experience
At $60, this tour is considered very good value. Comparatively, many folks find it offers the same scenic and historic experience as the train ride but at a lower cost and with more flexibility. Several reviews mention how the tour is faster and more customizable—and you can get off to take pictures, which isn’t possible on the train.
Group Size and Comfort
With an upper limit of 50 travelers, the group feels manageable but still lively. The mini-bus is praised for being comfortable and well-equipped, with large windows providing excellent views throughout. The tour length of about three hours is perfect for those who want a substantial overview without taking up too much of their day.
Practical Tips
- Bring your passport, especially since crossing into Canada is part of the route.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the stops and short walks.
- Sunglasses and layered clothing are advised, as mountain weather can be unpredictable.
- Photographers will love the frequent stops—don’t forget your camera or phone with extra batteries.
- Book early to secure your spot, especially if traveling in peak season.
What the Reviews Say
Most feedback is glowing, praising guides like Chris for their knowledge, humor, and friendliness. Travelers enjoy the ability to get out for photos and find the scenery absolutely stunning. One reviewer pointed out that this tour showed more of Skagway than the train, making it a “much better” option for those who want to see more.
However, some mention the loud children on the bus, which can hamper the narration at times. Also, since the tour involves crossing into Canada, having your passport ready is a non-negotiable.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour suits travelers who value scenery and history but prefer a more flexible, less structured experience than the train. It’s great for those who want to capture photos along the way and enjoy informative storytelling. If you’re traveling with adults or older children, this is a fantastic option; younger kids might find some stops slow or less engaging.
It’s also ideal for travelers who want to maximize their limited time in Skagway without sacrificing meaningful views or stories.
Final Thoughts
The White Pass Deluxe Tour from Skagway strikes a good balance between scenic beauty, historical storytelling, and comfort. It’s especially valued for its knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and value for money. The combination of frequent stops, engaging narration, and breathtaking landscapes makes it a memorable experience—one that many reviewers say is among the highlights of their visit.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded, scenic tour that offers insights into Skagway’s past without the rigidity of a train ride, this tour might be just what you need. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see a lot, learn a little, and take plenty of photos without breaking the bank.
White Pass Deluxe Tour from Skagway
“We were most fortunate to have Chris as our most knowledgeable and entertaining guide/driver. So much better than taking the train ride as several…”
FAQs
Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes, you’ll need your passport because the tour crosses into Canada, and it’s required for all travelers to re-enter the US.
How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 3 hours, including stops for photos and sightseeing.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation on a mini-bus with large windows and an experienced driver-guide who shares stories and insights.
Can I get off the bus to take pictures?
Absolutely. Many stops are designed for photo opportunities and wildlife viewing, and guides encourage guests to step out and enjoy the scenery.
Is it suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those who prefer more active or extended tours might find it a bit short. Kids who enjoy scenery and stories tend to like this, but very young children might find the stops less engaging.
What should I wear?
Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are best, as mountain weather can change quickly and there are brief walks and stops.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations less than that aren’t refunded.
The White Pass Deluxe Tour offers a reliable, scenic, and educational way to experience the best of Skagway’s mountain scenery and historic sites. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of stunning landscapes, or just looking for a practical way to see the area, this tour is worth considering.