Skagway & Yukon: Day Trip with Dog Mushing Camp & Lunch

Summary

White Pass drive, Yukon border crossing, dog mushing camp lunch

You’ll cross White Pass from Skagway into Yukon with a local guide who brings history to life, stop for photos at waterfalls and lakes, meet sled dogs and playful puppies at a mushing camp (with lunch included), and walk through Carcross Desert’s unexpected sand—all before heading back with new stories stuck in your head.

What’s the experience like?

I almost forgot my passport—classic me. The woman at the meeting point just grinned and said, “Happens every day.” So there we were, shuffling onto the bus in Skagway with coffee still warming our hands, about to cross into Canada and the Yukon. Our guide, Mark (he’s lived here forever), started pointing out old telegraph poles and told us how the Gold Rush folks did this on foot. I tried to picture that as we wound up through White Pass—clouds hanging so low you could almost touch them if you leaned out the window.

There was this stop at a waterfall where everyone went a little quiet. You could hear water pounding over rocks and nothing else—except maybe someone’s camera clicking. The air smelled sharp, like wet stone and pine needles. Mark told us stories about the border towns changing flags overnight back in the day. He had a way of making history sound like gossip. I liked that.

Lunch came at this dog mushing camp (I didn’t expect puppies—I mean, actual wriggling sled dog puppies). The food was simple—chicken or veggie stuff—but honestly I barely noticed because I was too busy letting one of the pups chew on my sleeve. Li from our group tried to say “hello” in Tlingit; she got it wrong but made everyone laugh anyway. There was a tiny wildlife museum too—taxidermy bears staring at you while you eat is a weird vibe but kind of memorable.

The Carcross Desert isn’t really a desert but it looks like one, all pale sand under wild Yukon sky. Emerald Lake glowed green even though clouds kept drifting over it. On the way back I watched raindrops chase each other down the window and thought about those old prospectors again—how hard it must’ve been for them compared to us just rolling along in a warm bus with hot tea in hand. Sometimes travel feels like time travel, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Yukon Discovery Tour and Lunch

• Depart Skagway for White Pass
• Drive into Canada and Yukon Territory
• Stop for photos of waterfalls and mountains
• Enjoy lunch at dog mushing camp
• Visit dog mushing camp and pet puppies
• Explore wildlife museum and petting farm

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this Skagway Yukon tour?

Yes, passports or approved documents are required for crossing into Canada and returning to the US.

Is lunch included on the Yukon Discovery Tour?

Yes, lunch is included at the dog mushing camp with options for chicken or vegetarian meals.

Where does the tour depart from in Skagway?

Tours depart from your dock for 8 a.m. departures or from Yukon Heath's Popcorn Emporium at 485 Broadway Avenue for later times.

Are there stops for photos during the day trip?

Yes, there are stops at waterfalls, lakes, overlooks, and rugged mountain peaks along the route.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may ride on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

What should I wear for this day trip from Skagway?

The weather varies greatly; dress in layers as conditions can change quickly between locations.

Is pickup included with this Skagway & Yukon tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from designated meeting points.

Are vegan meals available on this tour?

Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available; your guide will ask before departure.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central meeting points in Skagway, guided transport across White Pass into Canada and Yukon Territory with stops for photos at natural sights along the way, entry to a dog mushing camp (with time to meet sled dogs and puppies), admission to a wildlife museum and petting farm, plus lunch with coffee or tea before heading back toward town.