From Skagway: White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour

Explore Skagway’s Gold Rush Past and Scenic Wonders

The From Skagway: White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour offers a compelling mix of history, natural beauty, and photo opportunities, all for $60 per person. With a duration of 3 hours, this tour departs from the docks and takes you up the Klondike Highway in a comfortable mini-bus that seats 24 passengers and features large windows. The tour is led by a live guide who shares engaging stories, making this a lively, informative experience perfect for travelers wanting a blend of scenery and history.

This tour is especially well suited for those interested in the gold rush era as it visits the famous Gold Rush Cemetery and the Alaska Sign. While weather conditions can affect visibility, the route offers many scenic stops, waterfalls, and chances to spot wildlife like mountain goats and black bears. Just remember, this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so guests should meet at the dock or the tour office on 3rd Ave. and State St..

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Key Points

• Affordable at $60 per person for a 3-hour guided experience
• Impressive views from large windows aboard a 24-passenger mini-bus
• Stops at historic sites, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks
• Wildlife sightings are common, including mountain goats and bears
• Visit the White Pass Summit at 3,922 feet above sea level
• Multiple photo stops, especially at the Alaska Sign and Skagway Overlook

Departing from Skagway Docks for a Scenic Ascent

The tour begins at the Skagway docks, where an employee or driver waits 30 minutes before departure with a Klondike Tours sign. Guests should bring passports for the border crossing into Canada, as this is part of the route. The shuttle bus transports travelers to the starting point of the Klondike Highway, where the actual sightseeing begins.

This setup allows for a relaxed start, with easy pickup directly at the cruise terminal. The buses are marked with “Klondike Tours” and are suitable for small groups, making the experience feel personalized without the crowds of larger coaches.

Visiting the Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery, where a guide recounts stories of the fortune seekers who flocked to Skagway during the gold rush. From here, a short hike leads to Reid Falls, a 300-foot glacier-fed waterfall. This spot is one of the most picturesque stops, perfect for family photos or just soaking in the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Travelers should note that the hike to Reid Falls takes about 10 minutes, and the waterfall’s location makes it an excellent photo backdrop. The guide provides informative commentary throughout, helping visitors understand the history and natural significance of each stop.

Summiting White Pass at 3,922 Feet

The main goal of this tour is reaching the White Pass Summit, which peaks at 3,922 feet above sea level. The ascent offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, glacier-fed waterfalls, and the Dewey Peaks. The large windows on the mini-bus make it easy to admire these sights comfortably, even with limited time.

At the summit, the Alaska sign provides a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the moment with the mountain backdrop. The summit stop is ideal for family and group photos, giving a tangible sense of the journey into the heart of Alaska’s rugged landscape.

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Skagway Overlook and the Inlet Vista

Another key stop is the Skagway Overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the town, the Skagway inlet, and the ships docked in the harbor. From this vantage point, travelers get a special photo opportunity of the big city (which is just a mile long) along with the Dewey Peaks and the long fjord.

This viewpoint offers a chance to see Skagway’s charming layout and the surrounding wilderness, making it a highlight for photographers and those wanting a broader perspective of the area.

Waterfalls and Scenic Stops Along the Highway

Throughout the journey, the tour makes several stops at spectacular waterfalls, each with its own appeal. Bridal Veil Falls is particularly engaging as you can reach out and touch the water, thanks to its close proximity. Pitch Fork Falls is noted as the second-largest waterfall in Southeast Alaska, adding to the impressive list.

The tour includes a bonus waterfall tour with stops at Reid Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Pitch Fork Falls, making it a full immersion into Alaska’s waterfall scenery. Each stop features viewing platforms for photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the power of nature.

The Historic Captain William Moore Bridge and Town Viewpoints

Other notable stops include the Captain William Moore Bridge, which opened in 2020 as a new pedestrian walkway, and the Skagway City Overlook. The latter offers a view of the town, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains, providing a photo-rich environment for visitors.

These stops give a sense of local history and modern infrastructure, blending natural scenery with cultural context.

Wildlife and Nature Sightings During the Tour

Wildlife sightings are a common feature of this tour, with the guide often pointing out mountain goats, bears, marmots, and ptarmigans along the pass. These opportunities for wildlife watching add a spontaneous element, especially during clear days.

Because wildlife can be unpredictable, travelers should keep their eyes peeled throughout the trip, especially at scenic overlooks and stops.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Accessibility

The tour includes a guide, bus transportation, and the shuttle to and from the activity provider’s office. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, but the meeting point is conveniently at the dock or the office on 3rd Ave. and State St.

Guests should bring passports, food, and drinks. Weather conditions can impact visibility, so timing can influence the experience; many reviews recommend scheduling the tour later in the morning for clearer skies.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with height or motion sickness, as it involves a bus ride up mountain roads and some standing stops.

Final Thoughts on the White Pass Guided Bus Tour

The White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of Skagway’s natural beauty and history in just 3 hours. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledgeable, engaging, and fun personalities—notably Chris and Tyler—which enhances the overall experience.

While weather can affect visibility, especially for distant vistas, the tour’s many stops at waterfalls, viewpoints, and historic sites make it a great value. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic, and informative outing without the need to hike or spend a full day.

This tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and wildlife opportunities at a competitive price. If you’re looking for a comfortable way to see the highlights of White Pass, this guided bus tour delivers on both spectacular views and engaging storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at the docks or the tour office on 3rd Ave. and State St. Guests need to arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests should bring passports for the border crossing, plus food and drinks, as these are not included. A camera or phone for photos is highly recommended.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, wildlife such as mountain goats, black bears, marmots, and ptarmigans are often spotted along the route, especially at scenic stops.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it suitable for travelers with limited time.

Is this tour accessible for everyone?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with height or motion sickness due to the mountain roads and bus ride.

What happens if the weather is foggy or rainy?
Visibility depends on weather conditions. Fog or rain may limit views but the stops at waterfalls and historic sites still provide interesting scenery and photo opportunities.

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