One of the most picturesque railway routes in the world. Not in Switzerland at all
This time it’s not about Switzerland or Japan. In summer you can count on the unique White Pass & Yukon railway route again. This is what it offers.
We are talking about a global hit, traveling around the picturesque pearls of North America. The White Pass & Yukon Route has been in existence since 1989 and has already gained a cult following. It is also an International Civil Engineering Monument, just like the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Are you looking for inspiration for an extraordinary journey? This one won’t disappoint you.
White Pass & Yukon Rail Trail for the summer
You will travel by train on this route from Skagway, Alaska to British Columbia and Canada Carcross on Yukon Territory. This is a mountain pass with some of the most beautiful views in the world. The 177-kilometer line is narrow-gauge and runs through steep terrain, several tunnels and wooden viaducts.
During the trip, it is worth focusing not only on the visual but also historical aspects. The White Pass & Yukon Route was a major route during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, as thousands of prospectors headed toward the Yukon gold fields. Today, the railway regularly transports tourists, but only during designated periods – it returned in summer 2026.
Travelers who reach their destination will be in the far west of Canada and close to Alaska. They will be able to admire, among others: Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak, the world’s largest non-polar ice fields in Kluane National Park and Reserve, and the world’s smallest desert.
This awaits tourists on their way to Carcross
When traveling by train on the White Pass & Yukon Route, you can take advantage of many excursions, including: to the top of White Pass, which takes about two and a half to three hours. A full-day trip to the Yukon Territory is also possible. Longer routes to Carcross take around five hours each way.
For the popular Summit Excursion, interested tourists must pay between $155 (for adults) and $77.50 (for children). A one-way trip to Carcross Summit costs $210. It’s best to buy seats through the official website: wpyr.com. Importantly, the journey is also available to people in wheelchairs, but the number of places is limited.
