Skagway to Yukon Border: Suspension Bridge & White Pass Tour

Summary

Skagway’s wild borderlands, waterfalls and that Yukon sign photo

You’ll ride from Skagway up through White Pass into Canada’s legendary north country — pausing for waterfalls, mountain views, and that classic Yukon border photo. Walk across the suspension bridge over Tutshi canyon (brace yourself), warm up with coffee at their snack bar, and hear stories from your local guide along every twist of Klondike Highway.

What’s the experience like?

"That’s Canada, right there," our guide Jim said, pointing past a line of scraggly pines where the road just seemed to disappear into mist. I was still clutching my passport like a nervous kid on their first school trip — you really do need it for this day trip from Skagway to the Yukon border (they’ll check). The minibus windows were fogged up from everyone’s breath; outside, everything looked washed in that pale northern light. We’d barely left town when someone spotted a waterfall tumbling down black rock — Jim just pulled over with a shrug and said, “We’ve got time.” I stuck my head out and caught that cold mineral smell you only get up here. My fingers went numb in about two minutes but it was worth it.

The Klondike Highway climbs fast. There’s this point where the trees thin out and suddenly you’re in what they call Tormented Valley — which sounds dramatic but honestly fits. It’s all wind-bent trees and lichen clinging to stone. Jim told us stories about gold rushers who tried crossing these mountains with nothing but hope and mules (I can’t even imagine). We stopped at the “Welcome to the Yukon” sign for photos; someone tried to balance on top of a snowbank for their shot and nearly wiped out. I still laugh thinking about it. The air felt thinner up there — or maybe I was just excited.

I didn’t expect much from the Yukon Suspension Bridge, but walking across it over the Tutshi river canyon made my stomach drop in a good way. The boards creaked underfoot and you could hear water rushing below if you paused long enough (which I did, mostly because my legs got wobbly). There’s a snack bar if you want something warm — I grabbed coffee because my hands were freezing by then. They’ve got clean restrooms too, which sounds boring until you realize they’re basically the only ones for miles around.

On the way back toward Skagway we stopped at Summit Lake — glassy water reflecting jagged peaks, so quiet except for wind rattling through dwarf pines. Jim pointed out where Alaska ends and Canada begins; no fence or anything, just an invisible line across all that wild space. I kept thinking how strange borders are out here — so much land, so few people, just stories layered on rock and ice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day tour to Yukon border

• View roadside waterfalls
• Stop at mountain overlook
• Photo at Welcome to Yukon sign
• See Summit Lake and Tormented Valley
• Photo stop at Lake Tutshi
• Cross and view Suspension Bridge
• Photo at White Pass Summit

Top questions

Do I need my passport for this Skagway to Yukon tour?

Yes, you must bring your original valid passport (no copies) for this tour as you cross into Canada.

Is pickup included from my cruise ship in Skagway?

Yes, port pickup and drop off are included; look for a representative holding a FRONTIER EXCURSIONS sign near your dock.

How long is the drive from Skagway to the Yukon border?

The drive takes about 1–1.5 hours each way with scenic stops along Klondike Highway.

Are restrooms available during the tour?

The only flush restrooms are at the Yukon Suspension Bridge stop along the route.

Is food included on this half-day tour?

No meals are included but there is a snack bar at the suspension bridge where you can buy food or drinks.

Can children join this day trip from Skagway?

Yes, children can join but must have proper travel documents as required by nationality.

Will we see wildlife on this tour?

You might spot native wildlife along the route but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

Collapsible wheelchairs or walkers can be accommodated if accompanied by someone able to assist boarding/disembarking; some walking is required.

What’s included

Your half-day includes roundtrip minibus transport from your cruise port in Skagway with a friendly local guide leading stops at waterfalls, scenic overlooks like White Pass Summit and Tormented Valley, photo ops at both Alaska and Yukon signs, entry to cross the Yukon Suspension Bridge over Tutshi canyon (with access to clean restrooms), plus time at their snack bar and gift shop before returning back down Klondike Highway.