Skagway & Yukon: Suspension Bridge, Husky Puppies & Summit Tour

Summary

Skagway to yukon day trip with puppies bridge and gold rush stops

You’ll ride from Skagway up into the Yukon, stopping for wild mountain views, walking across the Yukon Suspension Bridge, and meeting real sled dog mushers (plus their puppies). Expect border crossings with your passport ready, photo stops at Gold Rush landmarks, and time with locals who know these roads by heart. The feeling of holding a husky pup or standing above rushing water might just stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

You know that weird silence right before a bus pulls away? That’s how our Skagway & Yukon triple combo started — just a bunch of us blinking at the misty green hills, half-awake. Our guide, Jen (she grew up here), pointed out old Gold Rush buildings as we rolled through town. I kept catching whiffs of spruce through the cracked window. It’s funny how quickly Alaska feels both huge and close — like you’re in on some secret, even though there are other tourists around.

The road up toward White Pass is all switchbacks and sudden views — snow patches clinging to black rock, clouds moving fast overhead. Jen stopped for photos at the summit; I fumbled my phone because my hands were still cold from outside. There was this moment where the wind cut through everyone’s chatter and all you could hear was water rushing somewhere below (Pitchfork Falls maybe?). We crossed into Canada after that — border guards checking passports with that polite Canadian seriousness. I didn’t expect to feel so far from home just by crossing a line.

At Tutshi Lake Sled Dog Camp, it smelled like wet fur and woodsmoke. The musher let us hold a puppy — warm little heartbeat in my hands, honestly made my day. Li laughed when I tried to say “hello” in Mandarin to another traveler; probably butchered it but she grinned anyway. Some folks did the mushing trek while we wandered over to the big “Welcome to Yukon” sign (there were First Nations crafts for sale — bright beadwork I wish I’d bought). The Yukon Suspension Bridge was next; standing over that river made my knees wobble more than I’d admit out loud. Lunch wasn’t included but there was coffee at the café, which tasted better than usual after all that wind.

I still think about those mountains — how they looked different every time the sun broke through or vanished again behind clouds. Hard to explain but it sticks with you longer than any photo does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skagway to Yukon and British Columbia

• Tour downtown Skagway
• Pass Canada Customs and passport check
• Stop at Pitchfork Falls viewpoint
• Visit White Pass summit photo stop
• See Klondike Gold Rush buildings and scenic points
• Meet mushers and huskies at Tutshi Sled Dog camp
• Photo stop at Welcome to the Yukon sign
• Explore Yukon Suspension Bridge and boardwalk

Top questions

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

Yes, you’ll be crossing into Canada and back—bring a valid passport.

Are husky puppies included on this day trip?

Yes! You’ll visit Tutshi Lake Sled Dog Camp where you can meet mushers and play with husky puppies.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s a café at the Yukon Suspension Bridge stop where you can buy food or coffee.

How long is the drive from Skagway to Yukon?

The drive includes several scenic stops along the Klondike Highway; total duration varies but plan for most of your day.

What kind of vehicle is used for this tour?

You’ll travel by van or touring bus depending on group size.

Is pickup included from cruise ship docks?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at Skagway cruise ship docks is part of your booking.

Are there restroom facilities along the route?

Yes—restrooms are available at major stops like Tutshi Lake Sled Dog Camp and the suspension bridge café.

Will we see wildlife on this tour?

You have more chances than most tours—keep an eye out as you drive through mountain areas!

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at the cruise ship docks in Skagway, guided narration along twisting mountain roads with plenty of photo stops (think waterfalls and Gold Rush sites), entry to both Tutshi Lake Sled Dog Camp—with time to meet mushers and play with husky puppies—and access to all parts of the Yukon Suspension Bridge site including viewpoints, boardwalks, restrooms, gift shop, and café before heading back down toward town again.