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!

Recently my family of four embarked on an eight day Alaskan cruise on board 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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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