Wild Adventure Yukon Tour into Canada including City and Summit

Exploring the Wild Side of Yukon: A Honest Look at the Skagway Yukon Tour

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska and looking for an experience that balances scenery, culture, and wildlife, the Wild Adventure Yukon Tour might catch your eye. This tour promises to take you from the comfort of Skagway right into the heart of Yukon and British Columbia, with plenty of stops for photos and exploration along the way. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

Two things we particularly like? First, the stunning scenery—Emerald Lake, the Carcross Desert, and panoramic mountain views make this a visual feast. Second, the knowledgeable guides seem to make a real difference, enriching the experience with stories, history, and local insights. That said, the tour is quite long—about 6.5 hours—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic outing that includes cultural touches and wildlife spotting, this tour could be a great fit.

One potential consideration is the weather dependency, especially since some of the stops are outdoors and weather can impact visibility or accessibility. Also, the lunch stop, while generous and accommodating dietary needs, has received mixed reviews for staff helpfulness, so keep that in mind if you’re particular about food quality.

This tour seems designed for curious travelers who love scenic drives, want to learn a bit about the area, and enjoy a well-rounded day out. It’s especially suited to cruise passengers who want to maximize their time and see a broad swath of Yukon’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.

Key Points

• Stunning scenic stops like Emerald Lake and Carcross Desert make for memorable photos.
• Expert guides provide engaging narration and local insights, enhancing the experience.
• Flexible stops for wildlife sightings, photo ops, and cultural interactions.
• All-in-one day with transportation, meals, and entry fees included, offering good value.
• Weather-dependent stops may affect the experience if conditions are poor.
• Family-friendly with options catering to dietary restrictions, though long hours may be tiring for younger children.

A Deep Dive into the Yukon Adventure

If you’re wondering what this tour actually involves, let’s unpack the itinerary and see what each part offers. Starting from Skagway’s cruise terminal, the journey quickly switches gears from the hustle of the cruise port to the serene wilderness of the Yukon and BC. The tour’s main draw is the variety of stops, each offering its own unique flavor, from breathtaking landscapes to cultural encounters.

Start at the White Pass and Klondike Highway Summit

Your adventure kicks off with a visit to the Welcome to Alaska sign, perched at the summit of the White Pass and Klondike Highway. It’s a 15-minute photo op, and according to reviews, it’s an unforgettable way to start the day. The views here are excellent, and the photo opportunities plentiful. Plus, you get a sense of being at a geographical crossroads—literally.

Exploring Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush

Next, your guide will take you through downtown Skagway, giving you a taste of the town’s history before heading into Canada. Stops at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center are insightful, especially if you enjoy learning about the gold rush era. These stops are free and packed with scenic points along the highway, offering a good mix of history and nature.

Canadian Border and Yukon Sign

Crossing into British Columbia and then the Yukon, you’ll visit the Welcome to Yukon sign, a popular photo spot. It’s also interesting because some in your group might participate in a dog sled mushing expedition at this point, adding a bit of local culture. The sign itself is lively, with First Nations vendors selling authentic goods—an authentic touch that appeals to those interested in indigenous culture.

Emerald Lake: A Highlight

One of the most praised stops is Emerald Lake, just 10 minutes north of Carcross. The lake’s vibrant turquoise hue, created by glacial flour, makes for stunning photos, and folks often comment on how magical it looks. The 15-minute stop is enough to snap some pictures but not long enough to do a full hike, so plan accordingly.

The Unique Carcross Desert

Depending on weather and timing, your tour may include a quick stop at Carcross Desert, the world’s smallest inland desert. It’s a quirky sight—sand dunes formed from receding glaciers, offering a surreal landscape. Reviewers find this stop charming and unusual, a perfect quick photo and exploration spot.

Lunch and the Yukon Wildlife Museum

The tour’s lunch stop at Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossing) is often a highlight. They serve a barbecue chicken meal with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available. Reviewers say the food is tasty and plentiful, making it a good value considering the meal, transportation, and entry to the wildlife museum are included.

The Yukon Wildlife Museum and petting zoo add a fun element. Many reviews mention the surprise of seeing puppies and animals, which appeals to animal lovers. The tour’s pace allows about an hour and 15 minutes here—enough to enjoy the exhibits and eat comfortably.

Scenic Stops and Wildlife Spotting

Throughout the trip, your guide’s narration is a big part of the experience. Reviews consistently rave about guides like Connor and Monica, who bring history, wildlife info, and humor into their storytelling. Travelers note sightings of bears and other wildlife, although some mention that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up with a return to Skagway, dropping you off at the cruise terminal or downtown if you prefer. The entire loop offers a well-rounded taste of Yukon’s natural beauty, history, and local culture—all within a manageable day.

What We Think About the Value

For $169 per person, this tour packs quite a punch. It covers transportation, multiple scenic stops, a hearty lunch, and entry to a wildlife museum—all in 6.5 hours. Reviewers consistently comment on the good value, especially since guides make the experience engaging and informative. The included lunch, with dietary accommodations, adds to the convenience.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves several outdoor stops and a long bus ride, so it’s best if you’re comfortable sitting for extended periods. The weather can impact your experience—clear days will reveal all the beauty, while rain or fog might obscure views, but the guides seem prepared for such contingencies.

Transportation and Group Size

The land tour takes place via van or touring bus, with a maximum of around 40 travelers. Many reviews highlight the comfort of the bus and the friendliness of guides, which makes the long drive more enjoyable. Smaller groups allow for better interaction and personalized attention.

Timing and Flexibility

Most travelers book this about three months in advance, which suggests good planning. The tour starts at the cruise terminal, making it an easy add-on for cruise passengers. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, so you can plan with some peace of mind.

What the Reviews Say: Honest Feedback

Reviewers love the expert guides who make the scenery come alive. Many highlight guides like Connor and Monica, who mix humor, local knowledge, and storytelling.

The scenery consistently earns praise. Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, and mountain vistas are described as breathtaking. One reviewer called it “the most beautiful scenery they’ve seen on the cruise,” which says a lot.

Food and the petting zoo receive positive mentions, especially the surprise of puppies. But some mention that the lunch staff at Wild Yukon was less helpful, so if you’re particular about dining experiences, keep that in mind.

Wildlife sightings are a bonus but aren’t guaranteed. Several reviews mention bears being seen along the route, but the focus remains on scenic and cultural highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for cruise travelers who want an immersive Yukon experience without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal if you love nature, photography, and learning about local culture. The tour is suited for those comfortable with a full day of outdoor exploration—long but rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking a leisurely, short outing or those with mobility issues, due to the duration and outdoor stops. Family-friendly? Yes, especially if your kids are used to bus trips and outdoor adventures, but the long hours require some stamina.

Final Thoughts

The Wild Adventure Yukon Tour from Skagway offers a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and cultural insight, all delivered by guides who seem passionate and knowledgeable. The stops at Emerald Lake and the Yukon Sign are especially memorable, and the inclusion of a substantial lunch and wildlife museum visit adds value.

If you’re craving a full-day, scenic excursion that takes you deep into the Yukon’s wild side, this tour is likely to satisfy. It’s well-organized, full of photo-worthy moments, and praised consistently for its guides’ enthusiasm. Just remember to dress for the weather, bring your camera, and be ready for a day full of natural beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, especially if your kids enjoy outdoor trips and scenic drives. Just keep in mind the full duration, which can be tiring for very young children.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport for Canada entry, layers of clothing for variable weather, a camera, and some snacks or water for the bus ride. If you have dietary restrictions, the lunch options cater to many needs.

Will I see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are possible, with many reviews mentioning bears and other animals. However, sightings are not guaranteed, so don’t rely solely on this.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation and stops. It’s a full-day adventure, so plan accordingly.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, all stops, entry to the Wild Yukon wildlife museum, and a BBQ lunch with special dietary options.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, if weather conditions are poor, some stops might be affected or canceled, but a full refund or alternative date is offered if the experience is canceled.

What is the group size?
The maximum is around 40 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.

Do guides provide narration?
Absolutely. Most reviews highlight guides like Connor and Monica for their engaging storytelling and local insights, making the trip informative and fun.

If you’re eager to explore the Yukon’s natural beauty, this tour offers a well-rounded, scenic, and culturally enriching day—worth considering if you want more than just a quick glimpse.