Skagway: Yukon Discovery Tour

Explore the Stunning White Pass and Yukon on a 6-Hour Day Trip

The Skagway: Yukon Discovery Tour offers a captivating journey into the rugged beauty of the Yukon Territory with a 6-hour itinerary priced at $188 per person. This tour, operated by Southeast Tours, is ideal for travelers eager to see iconic sights such as the Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, and Bridal Veil and Pitchfork Falls.

The trip includes visits to remarkable natural landmarks, a delicious lunch at a dog mushing camp, and the chance to pet adorable puppies. While the tour has a solid reputation with a 4.7 out of 5 rating from 3 reviews, it’s worth noting that wildlife spotting isn’t guaranteed. Still, the highlights, especially the scenic landscape and puppy interactions, make for a memorable experience for most visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, usually in the morning
• Price: $188 per person
• Highlights: White Pass drive, Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, Falls, Yukon lunch
• Includes: Lunch, puppy petting, wildlife museum access, petting farm
• Guide: Live English-speaking guide with practical, calm storytelling
• Meeting Point: Inside Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store in Skagway, about 10-minute walk from cruise ships

Scenic Drive through the White Pass into the Yukon

This tour begins with a drive through the iconic White Pass, which offers sweeping views of mountains and wilderness. The White Pass is celebrated for its dramatic scenery, making it a favorite highlight for guests seeking spectacular vistas. The drive continues into Canada and the Yukon Territory, providing a taste of the rugged landscape that characterizes this remote region.

Traveling along this route allows for ample photo stops and opportunities to appreciate the vast wilderness. The guide explains local history and natural features, adding context to the views, making the drive as informative as it is visually impressive. The White Pass Summit is a notable point where travelers can pause and take in the mountain scenery.

Visiting the Carcross Desert – The Smallest Desert in the World

One of the most unusual stops on this tour is the Carcross Desert. Despite its name, it’s known as the smallest desert in the world, covering just a few sand dunes. Visitors walk along the dunes and learn about how this unique landscape formed, which adds a fascinating element to the trip.

The sand dunes at Carcross Desert are a striking contrast to the lush forests surrounding them. Spending time here offers great opportunities for photography and simply soaking in the unusual scenery. The tour allows for a brief walk but keeps a relaxed pace, so travelers have time to appreciate this distinctive environment without feeling rushed.

Emerald Lake – A Jewel of the Yukon

The tour makes a stop at Emerald Lake, renowned for its vibrant, turquoise waters. Visitors get a chance to snap photos of this stunning lake, framed by mountain peaks. The color and clarity of Emerald Lake make it one of the most memorable sights of the trip.

This stop offers a brief but impactful glimpse of the Yukon’s natural beauty. The backdrop of snow-capped mountains and forested shores enhances the lake’s dreamlike appearance, making it an ideal spot for a quick walk and picture-taking. The focus remains on enjoying the scenery with plenty of space for photos.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Bridal Veil and Pitchfork Falls

A key part of the journey is the visit to the Bridal Veil and Pitchfork Falls. These waterfalls are situated along the route and provide a dramatic display of rushing water cascading down rugged terrain. The Bridal Veil Falls is especially noted for its misty spray and scenic setting.

Guests have opportunities to view and photograph these waterfalls. The guide shares details about the waterfalls’ formation and local significance, enriching the experience. These stops are brief but give a refreshing break from the drive while showcasing some of the area’s finest natural features.

Lunch and Puppy Play at a Yukon Dog Mushing Camp

The tour’s highlight for many is the lunch at a dog mushing camp in the Yukon. The camp offers a delicious meal, typically with hearty options suited to the outdoor setting. After lunch, visitors get to interact with adorable puppies and pet the dog sledding dogs.

This stop provides a hands-on experience with puppies that are friendly and eager to play. Visitors enjoy the chance to pet and hold the pups, which adds a charming and light-hearted element to the tour. The dog mushing camp also offers a glimpse into the life and work of sled dog teams, enhancing understanding of local culture and traditions.

Photo Opportunities at Emerald Lake and the “Welcome to Alaska” Sign

Post-lunch, the tour includes a visit to Emerald Lake once again for more photos, emphasizing the scenery’s visual impact. A quick stop at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign provides a classic photo opportunity to mark the border crossing from Yukon into Alaska.

These stops are designed for quick but effective shots, helping travelers capture memorable souvenirs of their trip. The beautiful landscape views and border sign shots are perfect for sharing and keeping as travel mementos.

Watching for Wildlife in the Yukon Wilderness

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the tour notes the possibility of seeing bears, moose, mountain goats, and caribou along the route. The guide keeps an eye out for these animals, but visitors should not rely solely on spotting wildlife during this trip.

The chance to observe native animals in their natural habitat adds an element of excitement. The landscape itself, with its mountain and forest scenery, offers ample opportunities to appreciate the Yukon’s wilderness environment.

Practical Details and Logistics

The meeting point for the tour is inside the Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store, approximately a 10-minute walk from Skagway’s cruise ships. The tour is operated by Southeast Tours and includes lunch, a wildlife museum entry, petting farm access, and puppy interaction.

The tour guide is an English-speaking professional who provides clear explanations and a relaxed, friendly demeanor. The tour’s pace is designed to balance sightseeing with opportunities for photos and interaction, making it suitable for most visitors capable of walking short distances.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour is not suitable for individuals with animal allergies due to the puppy interaction. Comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather are recommended, as some stops involve walking on uneven terrain.

The wildlife viewing remains unpredictable, but the scenery and activities compensate for that possibility. The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility for travelers.

The Sum Up: A Scenic Yukon Adventure with Playful Touches

The Yukon Discovery Tour from Skagway offers an engaging mix of breathtaking scenery, cultural insights, and fun puppy interactions. The drive along the White Pass provides stunning mountain views, while stops at the Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, and Falls showcase the region’s diverse landscapes.

The lunch at the dog mushing camp and puppy petting make this trip particularly appealing to families and animal lovers. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, the overall experience delivers a vivid taste of the Yukon’s natural beauty and local traditions.

Designed for those seeking a well-rounded, scenic day trip with opportunities to relax, take photos, and enjoy playful interactions, this tour maintains a warm, practical vibe. Its affordability and inclusion of key highlights make it a solid choice for cruise passengers and day-trippers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes, passports are required as the tour crosses from the United States into Canada and the Yukon.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is 6 hours, typically scheduled in the morning.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes lunch, wildlife museum entry, petting farm access, and puppy interactions.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is inside Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store, about 10 minutes walk from Skagway cruise ships.

Is wildlife spotting guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

What should I bring?
Bring passport and comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially for those interested in animals and scenery, but be mindful of animal allergies.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

What language is the guide in?
The guide speaks English.

Is there free time for photos?
Yes, the stops at scenic locations like Emerald Lake and photo opportunities at the border are suitable for capturing lasting memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby