Skagway, Alaska

A 2 hour, 15 minute drive and 109 miles south from Whitehorse, Yukon will bring you to the gateway to the Klondike - Skagway, Alaska.  Skagway is only 110 miles south from the Alaska Highway, via the South Klondike Highway.

 

In the summer months, take in the scenic route between Whitehorse and Skagway on the historic Yukon Railway, in operation since 1900.  This 110 mile (176 km) route joins the United States and Canada, with 20 miles (32km) in Alaska, 32 miles (51km) in British Columbia, and 58 miles 93km) in the Yukon. 

 

The discovery of gold in August 1896 at Bonanza Creek in the Yukon, started the Klondike gold rush of 1897.  In its heyday, Skagway was the boomtown gateway to the Klondike gold fields.  On July 17, 1898, the "Portland" steamed into Seattle with "a  ton of gold" from the Klondike. The news spread quickly, and sparked the most fantastic gold rush ever known.

 

In 1899, news of another gold discovery on the Bering Sea started a second stampede to Nome, Alaska, and the Gold Rush in Skagway died almost as suddenly as it had begun. Skagway's population dwindled to 800. The town lay dormant for almost half a century until the Second World War saw the building of the Alaska Highway. Once again Skagway sprang to life, this time as the terminus of the historic White Pass & Yukon Railway, which supplied the materials to build a highway.

 

Gold seekers have long since been replaced by tourists. Skagway's spectacular natural setting provides unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities.  Enjoy all the local and guided adventure tours, historical sights, and culinary delights she has to offer. 

 

A perfect day trip from Whitehorse, YT.