Skagway & Yukon: Sled Dog Ride, Waterfalls & Gold Panning Tour

Summary

Sled dogs, waterfalls and gold panning in the wild Yukon

You’ll meet real mushers and playful sled dog puppies before racing through alpine trails in the Yukon wilderness. Feel icy spray at roaring waterfalls near White Pass, then try your luck panning for actual gold—yes, you get to keep what you find! This tour includes pickup in Skagway or right at your ship for an easy start.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, had this way of telling gold rush stories that made me forget we were on a mini coach at all. She pointed out a waterfall tumbling down what looked like a sheer wall—honestly, it was so loud when we stepped out I could barely hear myself think. The air up there near White Pass (she said it’s 3,292 feet) felt sharp and cold on my face. I tried to take a photo but mostly just ended up with blurry mist and my own thumb.

The drive from Skagway into the Yukon was longer than I expected, but not in a bad way—it’s just every time you look out the window there’s something new: blue glaciers, huge lakes with that weird glassy stillness, patches of snow even though it’s June. Li kept pointing out places where bears sometimes show up (no luck for us), and she laughed when I tried to say “Yukon” in her accent. Probably butchered it.

Meeting the sled dogs was honestly the part I’d been waiting for. There were puppies—tiny paws everywhere—and then the older dogs who just wanted to run. When they hooked them up for our ride through the alpine woods, you could feel their excitement vibrating through the ground. The sled jerked forward and suddenly we were flying along this dirt trail with pine needles whipping past. It’s loud and kind of wild but also weirdly peaceful at times—I still think about that feeling.

Panning for gold was messier than I thought (my hands got freezing!), but when those little flecks showed up in my pan it felt like winning some tiny lottery. There’s something about holding real Yukon gold that makes you grin like an idiot—even if it’s just enough to fill a thimble. We finished muddy and tired, but happy. If you’re thinking about doing a day trip from Skagway to the Yukon with sled dogs and gold panning… well, I’d do it again just for those moments alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — White Pass and Yukon wilderness tour

• Start in town or at ship
• Board 15-25 passenger mini coach
• Explore White Pass to Yukon
• Stop to see waterfalls and glaciers
• View alpine valleys and mountain lakes
• Listen to gold rush stories and history
• Watch for wildlife in Skagway
• Enter Canada; show passports
• Play with sled dog puppies
• Take 20-minute sled dog ride
• Pan for real gold pieces

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this Skagway & Yukon sled dog tour?

Yes, since you cross into Canada during the tour, a valid passport is required on the day of travel.

How long does the sled dog ride last?

The sled dog ride is about 20 minutes and covers roughly 1.3 miles through alpine terrain.

Is hotel or cruise ship pickup included?

Yes, pickup is available from town or directly from your ship in Skagway.

Can children join this day trip to the Yukon?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What should I wear for this tour?

The tour operates in all weather conditions—dress warmly and bring layers as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The vehicles are collapsible wheelchair accessible; passengers must navigate three steps with handrails but driver assistance isn’t available due to insurance regulations.

Will we see wildlife on this Skagway day trip?

This route offers good chances for wildlife viewing but sightings are not guaranteed.

How long is the total tour from Skagway?

The full adventure lasts approximately 4.5 hours including all stops and activities.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from downtown Skagway or your cruise ship dock, comfortable mini coach transport across White Pass into Canada with storytelling by your local guide, stops at waterfalls and scenic overlooks along the way, an authentic sled dog ride plus time to play with puppies, hands-on gold panning (you keep what you find), and return transport back to town—all running rain or shine so come prepared for mountain weather.