Self-Guided Yukon Driving Tour: Emerald Lake & Carcross

Drive the White Pass, the Carcross Desert and Emerald Lake at your own speed

A self-guided driving tour of the Yukon where you rent a Jeep Wrangler, follow a fully narrated audio guide, and choose your own stops along the Klondike Highway. The route runs from the historic town through White Pass to Emerald Lake, passing waterfalls, glacially carved valleys, the Carcross Desert and the village of Carcross on Lake Bennett. You control the pace, the stops and the day: no guide, no group, no fixed schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Yukon Territory4h
2. Carcross30m
3. Emerald Lake15m

Self-guided Yukon scenic drive

• Drive through historic town
• Stop for snack, shopping, or museums
• Drive White Pass, see waterfalls and valleys
• Enter Canada, drive Klondike Highway
• Watch for wildlife, lakes, rivers, mountains
• Visit Carcross village, have coffee or shop
• Walk Carcross Desert sand dunes
• Reach Emerald Lake turnaround point

The experience

You pick up your Jeep Wrangler and a GPS-coordinated iPad loaded with the narrated tour, then drive at whatever pace suits you. The audio guide walks you through each section as you go, so you hear the story of the White Pass, the wildlife and landscape you're moving through, and why each stop matters. Stop for a snack in town, linger at a viewpoint, skip ahead if you want. The day is yours to build.

The route takes you through the White Pass to see waterfalls and overlooks carved by glaciers, then across the border into Canada on the Klondike Highway where you watch for wildlife, lakes and rugged mountain peaks. You'll pass through Carcross, a historic village on Lake Bennett where you can grab coffee or browse the Carcross Commons, then drive a few minutes to the Carcross Desert: a rare sand dune landscape where you can get out and walk around. About 10 miles further is Emerald Lake, a green lake ringed by mountains and the turnaround point of the recommended route. The whole day can run anywhere from a couple of hours to a full 10 hours depending on how many stops you make and how long you stay at each one.

You'll need a valid driver's license and a passport for the Canada crossing, plus proof of auto insurance that covers rental vehicles. If you don't have it, you can buy a policy for an additional $50. The Jeep seats five, so you can bring passengers along. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. Food and drinks are available in Skagway and Carcross if you want to eat along the way, and you can request lunch arrangements when you book.

What’s included

• The Jeep Wrangler rental with seating for five.
• a fully narrated audio guide on a GPS-coordinated iPad.
• an Alaska Murrays Guide Binder.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Information

Lasts 1h–10h, from US$ 555 per group, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 30 Apr 2027

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tru North Enterprises, LLC DBA Southeast Tours

Is this one for you?The route unfolds over your own timeline. You can drive it in a couple of hours or take a full day, stopping to walk the Carcross Desert, watch for wildlife along the Klondike Highway, or linger at Emerald Lake. This works best if you have a valid driver's license, a passport for the Canada crossing, and proof of auto insurance (or $50 to buy coverage on the spot).

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What do I actually see on the Yukon self-guided driving tour?

The route covers the White Pass with its waterfalls and glacially carved valleys, the Klondike Highway through Canada where wildlife and mountain peaks are visible, the historic village of Carcross on Lake Bennett, the Carcross Desert with its sand dunes, and Emerald Lake, a green lake surrounded by mountains that marks the end of the recommended route.

Do I need to bring my own vehicle or is one included?

A Jeep Wrangler is included with the tour and seats up to five people. You'll need a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance that covers rental vehicles. If you don't have coverage, you can purchase an insurance policy for $50.

Can I stop whenever I want or is the route fixed?

You control the stops and the pace entirely. The narrated audio guide plays as you drive, but you decide when to pull over, how long to stay at each spot, and which attractions to visit. The day can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full 10 hours depending on your choices.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes, you'll need a valid passport because the route crosses the border into Canada on the Klondike Highway. Bring it along with your driver's license and camera or binoculars if you want to watch for wildlife.

What's included in the tour price?

The Jeep Wrangler, the narrated audio guide on a GPS-coordinated iPad, an Alaska Murrays Guide Binder, all taxes and fees are included. Food and drinks are available for purchase in Skagway and Carcross, and lunch can be arranged upon request.