White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Scenic Journey

This scenic route has beautiful views. I loved this experience. It is the opposite side of the valley from the road...and we decided to also take the bus to see it from a different viewpoint. The air was chilly so the we went out in the viewing deck from short bursts. The train announcer and the attendants were very friendly. We booked this while on the cruise so we didn't know if it was hyped up or not but we really enjoyed it. The White Pass route would have taken dedicated and a drive for gold. Those men were not quitters. I am not saying that gold was worth striving for but it was admirable what they did. We were on a comfortable train pulling up the mountain. They were on the ground. It was neat to see it all.

Absolutely stunning views! We did the luxury car and would absolutely recommend this! The car only held 14 people, chairs were very comfy, and food and beverages were included. We appreciated the history of the railway with stories of how the pass came to be. Beautiful waterfalls, wildlife, and some bridges that made for great pictures!

An excursion I have done twice at different times of the season; once was a bright sunny day and the other had us travelling through clouds and finding snow at the summit as we approached the Canadian border. This is a great excursion, whether you take the glass of champagne approach or not. There are many viewpoints throughout the trip, which are well described by overhead speakers in each carriage. You get less information if you stand outside (platforms at the end of each car) but less obstructed views and totally worth doing when the opportunity arises. It can be busy so if being outside (in the potential cold) is your thing, stake out a spot early and don't move. Although the glass on the carriages was clean, I still wanted no reflections between me and the pictures I was taking so I opted for outside for most of the downward trip and some of the upwards. A long trip up because it is climbing about 14km in distance but quite an elevation change. Much faster on the way down when the diesels are slowing your descent rather than climbing. Because of the speed difference you can get better pictures on the ascent because the train is moving slower. Some trestle bridges on the way which allow dizzying views of the chasms you are crossing. You can see the original trail that the gold miners used to climb, in winter. A must do at least once for the scenic and historic value.

Booked as an excursion on NCL. Beautiful views the entire ride. Way better on the train than it was on the bus. Stopped for a minute to drop off hikers. Careful leaning out to look. Standing outside trumps viewing through a window all day. Seats were comfortable enough. Car was assigned but not seats. Does have a restroom per car. Sit left side going up right side coming down. Bus is the opposite. If you are doing both train and bus, sit the same side both vehicles.

We only did the short excursion up to the Yukon but it was well worth it! We got snow while up there but also had plenty on glacial ice up there and waterfalls from the snow and ice melting. Absolutely gorgeous views and well commentated experience. Would definitely recommend to anyone in the area or booking tours coming off the cruises!