A Day Trip into the Yukon

By Greg Peters, editor · Updated October 2026

The South Klondike Highway climbs from sea level to the White Pass summit in about 14 miles, then rolls through alpine lakes into British Columbia and the Yukon. The Yukon government estimates about 309,000 cruise passengers crossed into the territory in 2025.

Stops along the way

How to go

• Guided van or coach. The simplest way on a port day; the guide handles the timing and the border.
• Train one way, coach the other. The White Pass railroad's Carcross trips combine the rail line and the highway.
• Rent a car. Possible on a long port day, but border waits vary. Check that your rental allows travel into Canada.

Mind the clock

Yukon clocks are an hour ahead of Alaska in summer. Keep your watch on ship time so you don't miss all-aboard.

Klondike Highway details · Compare excursions

Sources

• Bell's Alaska: South Klondike Highway, Skagway to Fraser
• Eye on the Arctic (RCI): record Yukon cruise traffic in 2025