Skagway: Yukon Discovery Tour

Skagway: Yukon Discovery Tour

If you’re heading to Skagway and craving a glimpse of some of the most striking natural sights in the Yukon, the Yukon Discovery Tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and authentic local charm. For $188 per person, this 6-hour journey takes you across the border into Canada, through the historic White Pass, and into the heart of the Yukon Territory. Along the way, you’ll get to see the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world, and the vividly beautiful Emerald Lake. Plus, a highlight for animal lovers: a stop at a dog mushing camp where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and get up close with adorable puppies.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it combines spectacular scenery with intimate, hands-on experiences. Watching the rugged mountains and rushing waterfalls from the bus is impressive enough, but the chance to pet puppies and learn about dog mushing adds a delightful, personal touch. Plus, the tour’s inclusion of a wildlife museum and time spent at scenic stops makes it feel well-rounded and thoughtfully curated.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the border crossing—you’ll need your passport and should be prepared for a quick, controlled entry into Canada. If you’re not comfortable with a somewhat structured day that’s heavily focused on scenery and animals, this might feel a bit limited. But if you’re after a family-friendly, scenic adventure with opportunities for great photos and some adorable animal interaction, this trip is a solid choice.

This tour suits travelers who love nature and wildlife, enjoy short day trips, and prefer a professional guide who can enrich the experience with local insights. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of the Yukon’s rugged landscapes without committing to a longer, more intense trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Expect breathtaking views of waterfalls, lakes, and mountain passes.
• Unique stops: Visit the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world, and Emerald Lake’s vibrant waters.
• Animal encounters: Enjoy petting adorable puppies and visiting a petting farm, perfect for animal lovers.
• Cultural insight: Learn about the Yukon’s history at the wildlife museum.
• Convenient and flexible: Includes lunch and all major stops, with optional purchase of souvenirs.
• Border crossing: Requires your passport; a simple but necessary step for entering Canada.

An In-Depth Look at the Yukon Discovery Tour

Starting the Day: From Skagway to the White Pass

The journey begins at the southeast Tour desk, conveniently located inside Richter’s Souvenir and Popcorn store. It’s about a ten-minute walk from cruise ships, making it accessible even after a quick morning stroll. Once aboard, the bus takes you on a scenic drive through the White Pass, a historic route built during the Klondike Gold Rush. The drive is the highlight for many, as you wind past rugged mountains, rushing waterfalls, and lush forests. The White Pass is renowned for its dramatic vistas, and your guide will share engaging stories about its history and geology.

Scenic Stops and Photo Opportunities

Two standout stops are Bridal Veil Falls and Pitchfork Falls. Both waterfalls cascade over rugged cliffs, and you’ll want to have your camera ready. Reviewers mention how well-spaced the stops are, giving you plenty of time for photos without feeling rushed. One guest, Michael from Germany, praised their guide Clay for sharing detailed information and giving him enough time at each stop to really take in the views.

Next, the bus takes you to Tormented Valley at the mountain summit, a stark, windswept landscape that offers a different kind of beauty. You’ll also walk along the shore of Tutshi Lake, a peaceful spot with a stunning backdrop of mountains reflected in the water. These stops aren’t just pretty—they give you a sense of the raw, untouched wilderness that makes the Yukon so special.

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The Carcross Desert and Emerald Lake

One of the most intriguing sights is the Carcross Desert, often called the smallest desert in the world. You might find the idea of a desert in Canada surprising, but it’s a fascinating landscape of sand dunes surrounded by lush forests. Walking through this area offers a unique experience, and the wide-open space is perfect for photos.

Next, the tour visits Emerald Lake, famous for its vivid, almost unreal turquoise waters. The color is due to mineral deposits, and it’s a true visual treat. You can walk along the shoreline, take photos, and simply enjoy the serenity of this pristine spot.

Lunch and Puppy Cuddling at the Dog Mushing Camp

The highlight for many animal lovers is the lunch stop at a dog mushing camp. The camp offers a hearty meal, often featuring local ingredients, and a chance to meet puppies—a hit with kids and adults alike. As one reviewer noted, you’ll love the interaction with the puppies, as well as the relaxed atmosphere.

While dog mushing itself isn’t included in the price, you can enjoy petting and playing with puppies, which makes this a memorable part of the day. It’s a chance to connect with the Yukon’s famous sled dogs and learn about the vital role they’ve played in the region’s history.

Wildlife Museum and Final Stops

After lunch, you’ll visit a wildlife museum showcasing local animals like bears, moose, and mountain goats. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, your guide will point out signs of animals in the area and share stories about Yukon wildlife.

The trip concludes with a photo opportunity at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign, a perfect way to mark your cross-border journey. The entire experience wraps up within your scheduled 6 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore Skagway afterward or head back to your ship.

The Guide and Group Experience

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Clay, who bring a calm, knowledgeable presence. Their stories and patience at stops enhance the journey, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Price and Value

For $188, this tour covers a lot of ground—stunning scenery, wildlife insights, and hands-on puppy time—making it a good value for a half-day adventure. It’s not just about getting from point A to B but about experiencing the landscape’s beauty and local culture in an accessible way.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature enthusiasts, animal lovers, and history buffs interested in the Yukon’s rugged environment. It’s suitable for families, given the presence of puppies and manageable duration. If you enjoy photo opportunities and want a comfortable, guided experience that touches on many highlights, this tour will suit you.

However, travelers seeking longer wilderness adventures or extensive wildlife viewing might find this tour a bit limited in scope.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For those visiting Skagway with only a day to explore, this Yukon Discovery Tour offers a well-balanced glimpse of what makes the region special. The scenic drives, waterfalls, and lakes will satisfy anyone looking for impressive views, while the puppy interaction adds a delightful, personal touch that makes the day memorable.

It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with children or simply want a relaxed, manageable adventure that combines nature, wildlife, and a taste of Yukon culture. The inclusion of a wildlife museum and photo stops enhances the value, ensuring you return with plenty of great pictures and stories.

While it doesn’t go deep into Yukon’s adventure sports or remote wilderness, it provides a solid, enjoyable snapshot of the region’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want a taste of the north without the logistics of a longer trip.

FAQs

Do I need a passport for this tour?
Yes, a passport is required as the tour crosses the border into Canada. Make sure to bring it with you for smooth border crossing.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is about 6 hours, making it a manageable half-day outing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a guided bus ride through the White Pass and into the Yukon Territory.

Are meals included?
Lunch is provided at the dog mushing camp, giving you a hearty meal and a chance to interact with puppies.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
Wildlife spotting is possible but not guaranteed. Your guide will point out signs of animals and share interesting facts about local fauna.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, comfortable shoes, and clothing suitable for the weather. A camera is also recommended for all the scenic stops.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, especially for animal-loving children, thanks to the puppy interactions and scenic outdoor stops.

Whether you’re after stunning vistas, adorable puppies, or a taste of the Yukon wilderness, the Skagway Yukon Discovery Tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience the region’s highlights. It’s a thoughtfully arranged adventure perfect for those eager to see the best of this rugged frontier while traveling comfortably and at a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: