Wild Adventure Yukon + Summit Tour

If you’re looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Yukon and White Pass from Skagway, the Wild Adventure Yukon + Summit Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into this stunning region. This 6.5-hour guided journey combines scenic drives, wildlife sightings, cultural lessons, and a lively visit to the Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossing). It’s a well-rounded option for travelers eager to see waterfalls, glaciers, and learn about First Nations and the Gold Rush—without the hassle of planning intricate logistics.

One of the standout features of this tour is its balanced itinerary, which blends scenic stops with engaging attractions and a good dose of local storytelling. We also love the way it includes a delicious barbecue lunch, giving us a chance to refuel before more sightseeing. However, with a packed schedule and some drives lasting up to an hour, it’s best suited for those comfortable with light walking and a full day on the road. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a mix of nature, history, and fun in one package.

For those who thrive on wildlife encounters, stunning vistas, and cultural insights, this tour hits many marks. But if you prefer more intimate, in-depth exploration or are sensitive to long bus rides, you might want to consider other options. Still, for value and diversity of experiences, it’s hard to beat.

Key Points

• Scenic journey along the historic Klondike Highway with multiple photo stops.
• Wildlife spotting on the Tutshi River, with knowledgeable guides sharing local stories.
• Cultural insights about First Nations and the Gold Rush history.
• Family-friendly with interactive exhibits and petting zoo at Wild Adventure Yukon.
• Includes a hearty BBQ lunch with vegetarian options.
• Comfortable transport in a van or bus, with pickup and drop-off from your accommodation or cruise port.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Early Morning Prep

The tour begins at 101 Broadway in Skagway, a central location easy to reach whether you’re staying nearby or arriving via cruise ship. The group departs with a friendly guide and a well-organized schedule. It’s important to note that all guests, including children, must bring valid passports or appropriate identification—a critical detail for crossing into Canada. The tour provider emphasizes punctuality due to the tight schedule, so arriving a few minutes early ensures a smooth start.

Scenic Drive Along the Klondike Highway

The journey kicks off with a 30-minute coach ride that gets you out of Skagway and into the wilderness. During this ride, you’ll start soaking in the scenery—lush forests, waterfalls, and the first hints of mountain grandeur. The highlight here is the White Pass Railroad, which you can glimpse along the way, and the chance to breathe in fresh mountain air.

Next, you’ll make your first significant stop at the Welcome to Alaska Sign, perfect for snapping photos and stretching your legs. Reviewers have appreciated the friendly guide, like Monica, who expertly found wildlife such as bears, making the experience more personal and memorable. This stop typically lasts about 15 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the border-crossing vibe and some fantastic photo opportunities.

Crossing Into Canada and the Subarctic Tundra

As the coach moves into Canada’s Fraser, the scenery shifts into the subarctic alpine tundra of the Tormented Valley. This area is known for its stark, rugged beauty and views of Summit Lake. The drive continues through British Columbia and into the Yukon, with a 20-minute stop at Fraser for photos and a quick look at the border. Guests love the chance to stand by the British Columbia and Yukon signs, marking the geographic transition.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty on the Road

One of the big draws of this tour is the chance to spot wild animals in their natural habitat. The guide often shares interesting facts about local wildlife, and reviews mention the driver, Daniel, who provides plentiful stops to enjoy the scenery and spot animals. The Tutshi River stop is an exciting moment to look out for wildlife—some guests have even seen bears, thanks to the attentive guides.

The Highlight: Wild Adventure Yukon (Caribou Crossing)

The actual visit to Wild Adventure Yukon is a highlight for many. Formerly known as Caribou Crossing, this location offers a family-friendly mix of attractions such as a petting zoo with puppies, a Yukon museum detailing gold rush stories, and a lively gift shop. It’s a chance to get up close with animals and learn about the region’s history.

Guests generally find the entry and the BBQ lunch included here to be excellent value. The lunch features hearty, family-style barbecue, with vegetarian options available, which is appreciated by those with dietary preferences. Several reviewers have mentioned that the lunch was good, though some found it a bit touristy—yet it’s plentiful and satisfying after a busy morning.

Scenic Stops and Local Towns

After Wild Adventure Yukon, the tour continues with stops at places like Carcross, a charming town where you can do some quick shopping and enjoy scenic views. The 75-minute stop here includes wildlife viewing, exploring shops, and soaking in the local atmosphere. Travelers love the opportunity to pick up local-made products like maple butter and syrup.

The journey then proceeds to Emerald Lake, an iconic spot for photos and a brief scenic break. The short 10-minute stop is perfect for capturing the lake’s vivid hues and imagining how it inspired countless travelers.

Return Journey and Final Highlights

On the way back, the coach makes a 10-minute stop at Emerald Lake, allowing for one last look at this picturesque spot. The route then takes you through more scenic landscapes before returning to Skagway’s Broadway at the original meeting point.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour is priced at $143 per person, and considering the inclusion of transportation, guided commentary, entry to Wild Adventure Yukon, and a generous lunch, it represents good value. The duration of 6.5 hours means you’ll spend a good part of the day exploring, so packing comfortable shoes and layers is advised—weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Transportation is in a cozy van or bus, with multiple scenic stops that break up the drive. The group size appears moderate, and reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Monica and Daniel—their insights add depth to the experience.

The tour is not suitable for guests with mobility issues or those requiring service animals, due to the walking involved and the logistical constraints of crossing into Canada. It also requires light walking, so keep that in mind if you’re planning to bring children or have mobility considerations.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour: hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off, a guided Skagway city tour, scenic stops, entry to Wild Adventure Yukon, and the BBQ lunch. Not included are activities such as dog mushing or gold panning, which you might find at other attractions.

Booking and Cancellation

Flexibility is offered with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk option if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Wild Adventure Yukon + Summit Tour offers a well-rounded day trip packed with scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. It’s a particularly good choice for families, first-time visitors, or anyone looking to experience the highlights of the Yukon and White Pass without the hassle of independent planning. The knowledgeable guides, like Monica, help turn a scenic drive into an engaging educational experience, adding value beyond just the sights.

Travelers who appreciate a balanced itinerary—with sightseeing, wildlife, and local history—will find this tour rewarding. If you’re open to some bus time and enjoy guided storytelling, it’s a fantastic way to see the region’s most iconic spots. The included lunch and entry fee make it a cost-effective day out, especially considering the quality of the scenery and the fun attractions at Wild Adventure Yukon.

That said, if your priority is more in-depth exploration or less time on the bus, you might consider other options. But for those seeking a memorable, scenic, and culturally rich adventure, this tour hits many key notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, a valid original passport is required for this tour, as it involves crossing into Canada. Photocopies are not accepted, and U.S. or Canadian citizens can use a birth certificate with a photo ID.

How long is the drive between stops?
Most drives are between 15 and 30 minutes, with some longer stretches of about an hour. The schedule includes multiple scenic stops to break up the journey.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, especially with the petting zoo at Wild Adventure Yukon and the general relaxed pace. Just remember, all guests need to bring valid ID.

What should I wear?
Layers are recommended as mountain weather can change quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially if you plan to explore Wild Adventure Yukon or the shops in Carcross.

Can I participate in activities like dog mushing or gold panning?
No, these are not included at this time. The tour focuses on the scenic drive, wildlife viewing, and the attractions at Wild Adventure Yukon.

What is the lunch like?
The BBQ lunch is served family-style, with vegetarian options available. Reviewers say it’s hearty and satisfying after a morning of sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, no. The tour involves some light walking and crossing into Canada, which may not be accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges.

In brief, the Wild Adventure Yukon + Summit Tour offers a thoughtful blend of scenery, wildlife, and cultural history, all wrapped in a comfortable, guided experience. Perfect for travelers eager to see the best of the Yukon and White Pass in a single day, with plenty of photo opportunities and engaging stops along the way.