All aboard for one of the world’s most famous scenic train journeys! Travel the same route that the Klondike stampeders used during the gold rush of 1898 aboard the historic White Pass train! You’ll travel in a vintage carriage from Skagway all the way to Canada’s Yukon Territory on the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. Your route on this classic Skagway train journey covers 67.5 miles to the town of Carcross in the Yukon, passing through a wonderland of snow-capped peaks, towering forests, crystal lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way you’ll stop off at the 1903 Bennett Station for a browse through the historic White Pass Museum and a walking tour of the historic gold rush townsite, followed by a hearty lunch back on-board as the train travels beside the placid beauty of Lake Bennett toward Carcross. Meet your guide at the Carcross train depot to continue along the scenic Klondike Highway for a different viewpoint on your return journey! Visit sights not accessible from the railroad such as Emerald Lake and Carcross Desert before returning to Skagway.
Looking for an even more private and customizable extended tour? You may want to explore our Private Bennett Lake Scenic Journey or Private Emerald Lake Tour.
8 Hours Duration
Ventures further along the track
White Pass Railroad
Rich history paired with scenic views
Food Provided
Lunch served on board the train
Passports Required
Enters beautiful Yukon Territory, CA
Stan
Amazing SceneryThe train was in excellent condition and a lot of fun. The journey up to the Whitepass summit was excellent.
The scenery throughout the journey was amazing. It would be good if the train had speakers out on the platforms as well. Had to choose between hearing the commentary, or being outside to take better pictures.
Bennett Lake was a wonderful extension from what the summit trip would have provided. Would have preferred a bit longer in Carcross (at least another 15 minutes). The time provided was inadequate to do anything. Only managed to stick my head in one shop. We got back almost a half hour early, so wondered if the bus driver rushed the departure.
Stephanie
A Don't Miss!Excellent tour of scenic beauty and historic events. The train is comfortable and relaxing and there isn't a bad seat. The box lunch provided on the 8 hour bus/train trip was very good! Ample amounts of bottled water provided. Great way to spend a day in Skagway.
Jean G
Simply Amazing!I would recommend this train trip to anyone. We had so much fun. The people were so knowledgeable and friendly. We saw wild life, waterfalls, and traveling into the Yukon was great! Go you won't be disappointed.
Susan
White Pass Yukon tripWe enjoyed this trip very much. We were a little cramped all into one train compartment even though another one was completely empty . Not sure why?
The scenery was spectacular & the history lesson was informative. If doing it again, I would sit on the left-hand side as that was where all the views were. On the right side was mostly up close and personal with the rock faces - and I do mean very close - sometimes within inches! hahaha
The box lunch unfortunately would have been pretty good, except the tomatoes were still frozen in the sandwich and the pasta salad was hard, probably still frozen too, but it was palatable. Lots of choices of food in my box lunch though.
The stops made on the journey were a bit too short - Bennett Lake - the highlight - was only 30 mins long and that wasn't enough to go for the walk that was described to us that we could do - it was a 45 min walk so that was out.
The coach ride back was very nice and the driver gave us lots of info along the way which made it go by quickly as well as picture taking opportunities!
Would I recommend this trip - probably, but I felt it was a bit pricey for what it was. Considering the economy and this excursion only runs for a short period of time during the year, I understand the company needs to cover all costs, but we don't normally spend that kind of money for scenery opportunities, but then again it's Alaska!
Sarah Floyd
Bennett Lake TripAlthough we had some clouds and poor visibility at times, the views opened up and it was gorgeous. So many different kinds of terrain as we progressed! The information shared about the making of the railway and the Goldrush was just enough. The lunch was very good (and a lot). Be advised that if you get a little motion sick, sit facing forward. This is a bumpy ride. I enjoyed our stops and the bus ride back was also enjoyable. We saw Emerald Lake and the desert, the Welcome to Yukon and Welcome to Alaska signs. Our driver even took photos for us. We learned more about living in Alaska from our driver than any other place on our trip. Carcross was small but a nice stop. The whole trip was a winner. My 16 year old son enjoyed it as well, and he's not big on scenery.
Jeff Powell
Wonderful time..just make sure you prepare yourself for an all day adventure.
Donna Jacobs
Views were amazingThe Bennett Lake trip to Carcross was wonderful. The views were amazing and the lunch served was great. The two attendants on the train were very personable and we enjoyed their narrative and conversation.
I would recommend this tour.
Meredith S
Bennett Lake trip - amazing viewsThe train to Carcross, with the stop at Bennett Lake, was fantastic. We were in the last car and the views from the platform were incredible. The only "complaint" would be that we wished that we had a longer stay in Bennett Lake - we could have explored the area for much longer.
The service on the train was great, the views incredible, the bus ride back from Carcross was entertaining with multiple stops for views, pictures and more information and history from our driver.
I would strongly recommend the trip that includes Bennett Lake. Eating your lunch with these amazing views and the ability to see some of the Yukon made for a great day.
Reg A
It as one of three highlights of our recent camping trip to Alaska. Without question I would recommend the Bennett Train - 8 hour trip. The scenery can only be seen with this way of travel, the commentary was excellent and even the food served was very good. While it appears expensive when first reading of the trip I can only say that it was worth every penny. Highly recommend this trip
Massimo M
Great scenic railwayGreat scenic railway and wonderful drive back to Skagway. The bus driver Larry was really nice.
Jack L
Beautiful TripThe train ride was absolutely wonderful. We had perfect weather. The scenery was fantastic. Leaving from Skagway, you will get better scenery on the left side of the train (facing forward) than the right, as the left side is mostly valley facing and the right side mostly faces the side of the mountain. The narration on the train ride is informative and helpful. We are very happy we took this tour rather than the excursion through our cruise ship, as this tour took us into the Yukon Territory - another check off our travel bucket list. The coach ride back was very comfortable, with a knowledgeable and funny driver. Very happy we chose this tour!!!
Chuck L
Breathtaking
My family and I were planning a trip to Alaska, and one of the things I knew we needed to do was take a trip on the railroad. Boy was it worth it.
The staff at the station were very courteous and helpful. We boarded our train right on time and were on our way.
The view all along the rail was breathtaking. It was great to hear the history and some of the facts.
Lunch was great, and the views at Lake Bennett were spectacular.
The real surprise was the bus ride back. Our driver was so personable, helpful, and even stopped a few times along the way at scenic spots. We even got to see a momma bear and her two cubs on the way back!
It was also nice knowing we were supporting the history of the region.
Donna R
Train up, lunch and then bus back was the best!We really enjoyed the historic train trip up to Lake Bennett. "Josh" was great at giving up "minute-by-minute" information on the sites and history of the route and train. Lunch at the Lake was awesome (hearty beef stew, bread, cole slaw, home-made apply pie). Then we hopped on a bus with "Brian" to continue on to Carcross and saw Emerald Lake, Bridal Veil Falls, the summit landscape, glaciers, "Welcome to" Yukon and "Alaska" roadside stops. So glad we didn't go train round-trip! This was the way to go. Highly recommended it for a Skagway day trip. So much to see, we didn't want to miss a minute of it.
Ian
Great trip
Great excursion with an awesome beef stew served at Bennett. Train trip is a little long for the 67.5 miles but very beautiful along the way.
Jim S
Breath Taking Views
We booked this excursion on our own prior to our cruise which saved us $20 total. However, it took us farther than the cruise line tour. The views were breath taking and nothing that I have ever seen before (remember, I live in the AZ desert :) ). We saw a grizzly with her two cubs munching on berries close to the road on our way to Emerald Lake. Our tour guide (Kevin) was full of interesting facts.
Now the train ride was a different story and one that my husband will never live down. At the first stop (Fraser BC) out of Skagway, my husband got off the train to visit the depots facilities. Being the great train conductor he was, I'm sorry his name slips my mind, he kept the train on time. Sadly, my husband was still in the depot when the engineer received the "lets go" call and down the track we headed, minus one person. They were happy to back up the train and pick up Jim. All this took less then 10 min's. The Conductor was a cheerful gentleman and told Jim he had joined an exclusive club that day. He was happy to have his picture taken with Jim and offered to take pictures of us.
We would recommend this excursion to anyone and will take it again on our next visit to Skagway.
Thank you for making our 30th wedding anniversary trip memorable.
R, L
Fantastic Bennet Lake
What a fantastic day. Starting with our bus ride with lots of viewing / photo stops and then onto the train for the journey back to Skagway. It was great to get the different perspectives with knowledgeable guides in both directions. Lunch at Bennet Lake was actually quite tasty. We would definitely recommend this excursion.
Barbara O
Fabulous Tour to the Yukon!
Overall, this is a great tour. The first part, on the White Pass Railway, is a thrilling ride on a narrow gauge railway. It follows the trail of the gold rush with lots of history. The stop in Bennett Lake allows you to put your feet on the end of the Chilkoot Trail. A delightful day in Alaska AND Canada!
Andrea S
Relaxing and beautiful journey to Bennett Lake
The scenery is just gorgeous and we enjoyed the stops on the bus ride back to Skagway. It got a little boring for the young adults in our family, plus we were all tired from traveling and the early start of this excursion but not the tours fault for that! Snacks might have made it a little better since there was no time to eat before we headed into town from the ship. Overall a nice trip that went off without a hitch.
Kenn H
Sheer delight
A train buff friend recommended we take the Bennett Lake trip this June. It was a beautiful ride and lovely experience. We learned a great deal about its history and the territory involved. Our guide, David, had just the right blend of doling out information without burying you in too much forgettable stuff. The train itself is romantically old-time -- although one might complain that the diesel engines don't make a good choo-choo sound! Lunch at Bennett Lake was a good and great surprise. Highly recommend!
Dennis H
Fabulous tour