Yukon & Skagway: Day Tour with Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake & BBQ Lunch

Summary

From Skagway to Yukon’s wild edge—deserts, lakes, laughter and local stories

You’ll ride from Skagway up through White Pass into Canada’s Yukon Territory, stopping for photos at waterfalls and mountain overlooks before wandering Carcross Desert’s strange sands. Meet locals at the Yukon sign, enjoy a family-style BBQ lunch (with veggie options), and stand awestruck at Emerald Lake’s surreal colors—then head home with new stories stuck to your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re gonna want your camera out for this bit,” our guide grinned as we rattled up the Klondike Highway out of Skagway. I remember the windows fogging slightly from all our chatter—someone kept pointing at waterfalls that seemed to spill right out of the clouds. Pitchfork Falls was loud even from the van, but it was the way Li (our guide) talked about gold rush ghosts that got me. He’d pause mid-story whenever an eagle swooped by or a patch of sunlight hit the mossy rocks just right. I tried to catch the smell of spruce in my jacket later—still can’t describe it.

Crossing into Canada felt like a blink—you barely notice until you see that big “Welcome to Yukon” sign (and yeah, we all did the cheesy group photo thing). There were First Nations folks selling beadwork nearby; I bought a tiny caribou charm after fumbling over my change. The Carcross Desert was next—a patch of sand so out-of-place it almost feels like a joke. Sand between my fingers, icy wind in my face. Someone said it’s the world’s smallest desert; I still don’t know if that’s true but it looked like something from another planet.

Lunch at Wild Adventure Yukon (Li still calls it Caribou Crossing) was smoky BBQ chicken and bread that tasted like someone’s grandma made it—vegetarian options too, if you ask ahead. There were kids petting goats outside and a little wildlife museum with old sleds and stories pinned to the walls. Emerald Lake came last; honestly, I didn’t expect those colors—like someone dropped turquoise ink in glacier water. We stood there quiet for a minute before piling back in for Skagway. The silence stuck with me longer than I thought it would.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skagway to Yukon and British Columbia

• Tour downtown Skagway
• Drive along Klondike Highway
• View Pitchfork Falls from highway
• Stop at White Pass summit photo spot
• Visit Welcome to Yukon sign
• Explore Carcross Desert (weather permitting)
• See Emerald Lake near Carcross
• Lunch at Yukon Wildlife Museum and petting zoo

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this Yukon day tour from Skagway?

Yes, since you cross into Canada from Alaska, most travelers need a valid passport for this tour.

Is lunch included on the Yukon & Skagway day trip?

Yes, there’s a BBQ chicken lunch included at Wild Adventure Yukon (vegetarian and other dietary options available if requested).

What are some stops on this tour?

The tour includes photo stops at Pitchfork Falls, White Pass Summit, Welcome to Yukon sign, Carcross Desert, Emerald Lake, and Carcross village.

How long does the whole tour take?

The total duration covers travel time plus stops; you’ll be picked up and dropped off at your cruise ship dock or downtown Skagway.

Can kids join this day trip to Yukon?

Yes! Infants can sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller; suitable for all fitness levels.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included from cruise ship docks or downtown Skagway—just let them know which ship you’re on.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at your cruise ship dock or downtown Skagway, entry fees for Wild Adventure Yukon (Caribou Crossing), narrated touring by local guides with plenty of photo stops along Klondike Highway—from waterfalls to mountain passes—and a family-style BBQ lunch with vegetarian options if you ask ahead before heading back across the border in time for your evening plans.