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 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.
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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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!
Oh I’m so excited for you!!! You’re going to have an amazing time!!!! Yes you can bring snacks. :) Yes I believe there is an area for that. Have fun!
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!
Awww I loved watching your trip as well!! Isn’t Alaska magical?
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!
It was so gorgeous I couldn’t believe it!
This looks like a nice way to make the little ones explore the world! The scenery is breath taking up there for sure! On my bucket list!
It really is!!
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!!!
It was so magical!! I hope to go back before 30 years!