Why I Finally Rode the White Pass Railway After Five Visits to Skagway
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Sometimes the most obvious excursion is the one you keep putting off.
The funny part?
My husband loves trains.
The less funny part?
My husband is also afraid of heights.
If you've ever seen photos of the White Pass Railway clinging to steep mountainsides and crossing bridges high above the valley below, you'll probably understand why he has never volunteered to join me.
Over the years I've chosen other excursions instead.
This time, however, I was traveling without him and had the perfect opportunity to finally see what all the hype was about.
And as it turns out, the hype is justified.
First Impressions:
The railway departs directly from Skagway, making it an easy excursion for cruise passengers.
One tip: if you're able, sit near the end of the railcar. It gives you quicker access to the outdoor viewing platform when scenery or photography opportunities appear.
You'll probably find yourself stepping outside frequently as the train climbs higher into the mountains.
The Views Just Keep Getting Better
The scenery starts slowly, and the most impressive views came higher up the route near White Pass itself.
As the train climbs, the landscape begins to feel larger, more dramatic, and more remote. The steep mountainsides, waterfalls, glaciers, valleys, and evidence of Gold Rush history combine to create a journey that's about far more than transportation.
I found myself spending less time looking inside the train and more time staring out the window.
That's usually a good sign.
Why It Took Me So Long
One thing I love about Alaska is that there is no shortage of worthwhile excursions.
On previous visits to Skagway, I'd chosen other experiences. Every cruise port visit involves tradeoffs, and there are only so many hours in a day.
But sometimes an excursion becomes popular for a reason.
The White Pass Railway isn't overrated. It's simply one of the classic Alaska experiences.
More Than One Way to Experience White Pass
One thing I didn't fully appreciate before taking the excursion is that there are several ways to experience the White Pass route.
I chose the classic roundtrip railway excursion, which allowed me to simply sit back, enjoy the scenery, and spend way too much time taking photos.
However, there are also one-way railway excursions that combine the train with other experiences on the return journey. Depending on the excursion, that might include motorcoach transportation, outdoor activities, or even a visit to Alaska sled dog puppies.
One of the reasons I enjoy helping travelers choose excursions is that the "best" excursion is often highly personal. Some travelers want the classic train experience. Others want to add a little more adventure to the day.
One Unexpected Highlight
The scenery was fantastic, the history was interesting, and the views absolutely lived up to expectations.
But one unexpected highlight was the people.
Cruises have a funny way of bringing together complete strangers who would probably never have crossed paths otherwise.
During the excursion I met some wonderful fellow travelers, and they were every bit as memorable as the scenery.
So if Mimi, Karen, or Bob ever happen to stumble across this article, thank you for making a great excursion even more enjoyable. I'd be happy to run into any of you again, on a cruise ship, a train, or somewhere completely unexpected.
I assumed our paths would separate once we stepped off the train.
Apparently, I was wrong.
Later that afternoon, our agency group was invited to observe sailaway from the Sanctuary Club. Most of us were not staying in the Sanctuary, so this was a very generous arrangement by our Princess Business Development Manager.
I was standing with my back to the entrance when I suddenly heard someone call my name.
"Pascale!"
I turned around and there were Mimi, Karen, and Bob.
Out of an entire cruise ship carrying thousands of passengers, we somehow ended up in the same place again.
Before I knew it, Mimi had wrapped me in a big hug.
That's one of the things I love about travel. Sometimes the excursions are memorable because of the scenery. Sometimes they're memorable because of the people. Occasionally, if you're lucky, you get both.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely.
Particularly for:
First-time Alaska visitors
History enthusiasts
Scenic photographers
Travelers who prefer sightseeing over high-adrenaline activities
That said, if you're looking for maximum adventure, Skagway offers plenty of other options as well.
In fact, my personal favorite Skagway excursion remains the trip that drives passengers to the top of White Pass and then lets them bike (or coast, in my case) back down toward town.
Both are excellent experiences. They simply appeal to different travelers.
Final Thoughts
One of the advantages of visiting Alaska multiple times is that I get to keep discovering experiences that I haven't tried yet.
The White Pass Railway was a reminder that even after several visits, there are still iconic sights and excursions waiting for me.
Apparently I only needed five trips to Skagway to finally get around to one of Alaska's most famous attractions.
Better late than never.
