Skagway, Alaska: White Pass & Yukon Route Historic Train Ride

A recap of our White Pass Scenic Railway excursion in Skagway, Alaska. An absolute must on your next Alaskan cruise!

Skagway Alaska Travel Guide

Recently my family of four embarked on an eight-day Alaskan cruise onboard the Ruby Princess. If you’re just tuning in, be sure to start with my first post: Five Reasons to Cruise Alaska with Small Children

Skagway Train Ride

If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise – either with or without kids – I can’t recommend the Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Train Ride in Skagway enough! Hands down, one of our most favorite excursions of the entire trip.

Skagway Asher on Train

The 40-mile round-trip train ride is fully narrated along the historic, narrow gauge railroad. Lasting a little over 3 hours in length, it is one of the most beautiful and relaxing experiences we’ve shared as a family.

Skagway Trainride Scenery

As you ascend higher and higher into the mountains, the landscape changes from lush green to snow-capped.

Skagway Train Tracks

The surroundings were so beautiful, our boys were mesmerized and relaxed the entire time. A huge win for anyone who has “vacationed” with small kids.

Skagway Train Ride Bridges

If you’re not familiar, The White Pass & Yukon Route is an iron trail that was carved through some of the North’s most rugged terrain in 1898. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, this engineering wonder is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, an honor shared with the Eiffel Tower, the Panama Canal and the Statue of Liberty.

Skagway Train Ride View

For all of you photo enthusiasts, you’ll be happy to know that there are little standing areas outside of each train car for you to step out and capture as many photos as you wish.

Skagway Train Ride Scenery 2

Just be sure to hold on tight to your lens cap. I speak from experience…

Skagway Downtown Red Onion Saloon

At the end of the train ride we still had a few hours to explore downtown Skagway. A quaint little village town, we enjoyed grabbing lunch and browsing the shops downtown.

Skagway Downtown Rich and Kids e1498164560500

Truly a once in a lifetime experience, I can’t recommend the White Pass Scenic Railway excursion enough!

Asher Overlooking Balcony

Stay tuned for more about our recent Alaskan cruise. In the meantime, keep the questions coming – I’m happy to answer any you may have about cruising with little ones.

Your passport is waiting.

Disclosure: Princess Cruise Line hosted me and my family during our recent Alaskan cruise. I have not been compensated to write this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Lemon Bowl possible. All thoughts are my own.

Check out my other travel destinations on my Pinterest board!

10 thoughts on “Skagway, Alaska: White Pass & Yukon Route Historic Train Ride”

  1. We’re planning to go on a cruise this May to Alaska with our ALMOST 2 year old. We have this exact excursion booked! Can you tell me if you’re allowed to bring snacks on board (3 hours with no snacks for a toddler sounds rough). Also, we have a small stroller that folds up into a backpack. Do you know if there’s an area to stow this onboard? Thanks in advance!

  2. I loved watching your stories when you were on your trip! I just got back from Alaska, although I visited different areas. I grew up there, but the parts you visited are places I have never been! I will need to put them on my “next time” list! Pinned!

  3. The excursion look awesome! It seems absolutely beautiful up there. I’m not a fan of the cold myself, but I’m sure I could deal with it given all the beautiful places!

  4. This train excursion does look great. The views are really spectacular and I love how they change through the journey, plus providing space where you can easily take photos without dirty windows ruining the shot is helpful. Skagway looks as I remember it from 30+ years ago!!!

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