Day trips

Day trip to Skagway from Yukon

5 min read

The historic downtown of Skagway, Alaska

The drive over White Pass

Take the Alaska Highway south to Highway 2, then continue past Carcross. The road climbs to White Pass summit (879 m) and drops steeply 1,000 m in 20 km to sea level in Skagway. This stretch is one of the most dramatic drives in North America. Border crossing at Fraser is usually 5 to 20 minutes — closed midnight to 8am. Have passports, vehicle registration, and know your accommodation address for the return.

In Skagway

Park along State Street or Broadway ($10 USD flat rate daily). The downtown is a preserved 1898 Klondike gold rush town — walk Broadway between 1st and 7th for the boardwalks. Visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor centre (free, at 2nd and Broadway) for the excellent 30-minute film. The White Pass and Yukon Route railway does 3-hour round trips to White Pass Summit for $138 USD — book online. Skip the jewelry shops, all cruise-ship tourist bait.

Food and heading back

Skagway Brewing on 7th and Broadway does spruce-tip ale ($8 USD) and halibut tacos ($22 USD). Skagway Fish Company on Congress Way is the town's serious seafood, plates $28 to $36 USD. Grab groceries at Fairway Market on State St — 40% cheaper than Whitehorse for produce. Leave Skagway by 5pm to make Whitehorse before dark. Fuel up in Skagway; gas is 30% cheaper than Yukon. Declare all groceries at the Canadian border.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport to drive to Skagway?

Yes. Passport or NEXUS card required at both the US and Canadian border stations. Enhanced driver's licenses from certain states also work.

Is Skagway open in winter?

The town largely shuts October to April. Most restaurants and shops close, though the border and highway stay open with periodic closures during storms. Not worth the drive in winter.

Can I bring alcohol back from Skagway?

Yes — 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of spirits duty-free after 48 hours out of Canada. Day-trippers pay a small duty but can bring some. Declare everything.

How much do I save on gas in Skagway?

Usually 25 to 35 cents per litre less than Yukon prices. Filling a 60-litre tank saves around $18 CAD. Worth topping up before the drive back.