From Skagway: White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour

Introduction

If you’re visiting Skagway and want to combine history, jaw-dropping scenery, and a touch of adventure, the White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour is a fantastic option. This 3-hour excursion takes you up the Klondike Highway, crossing into Canada, with a knowledgeable guide, small group intimacy, and plenty of photo-worthy stops.

What we particularly love about this tour is how it balances storytelling with scenery, allowing you to appreciate the gold rush era while admiring glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains. A potential consideration is the altitude and heights involved—if you’re uneasy about heights or altitude sickness, this might not be your best pick.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy small-group experiences, love nature, and want a well-rounded taste of Skagway’s history and natural beauty in just a few hours.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances personalization and comfort.
• Expert guides share engaging stories about Skagway’s gold rush past.
• Multiple scenic stops provide ample opportunities for photographs.
• Wildlife sightings like mountain goats or marmots are common along the way.
• Waterfalls and glaciers make this a visually stunning journey.
• Great for history buffs and nature lovers seeking authentic experiences.

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

This tour begins in Skagway, with easy pickup at the cruise docks or the tour provider’s office on 3rd Ave. Expect a cozy 14 to 24-passenger mini-bus — perfect for small groups wanting an intimate experience without feeling lost in a crowd. The vehicle features large windows, ensuring everyone gets a good view during the scenic drive. The guide, often a local with enthusiastic storytelling skills, greets you with warmth, setting the tone for the next three hours.

Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gold Rush Cemetery and Reid Falls

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Gold Rush Cemetery, where your guide will share stories about the stampede of fortune seekers who flocked to Skagway during the gold rush. It’s a fascinating peek into the town’s past, with stories of hope, hardship, and perseverance.

Adjacent to the cemetery, a short hike leads to Reid Falls, a 300-foot glacier-fed waterfall. This spot is often highlighted as a favorite for visitors — and it’s easy to see why. The waterfall’s roar provides a dramatic backdrop for photos, and reviewers mention it as a “beautiful” and “great backdrop for family pictures.” One guest noted the “rainforest hike” up to Reid Falls as an additional, optional 10-minute adventure, giving those who love exploring a chance to stretch their legs.

Authentic insight from reviews: Guests appreciated the personal storytelling from guides like Denise, who made the history come alive, and the opportunity to get close to Bridal Veil Falls, where you can even put your hands in the water.

Scenic Drive and Waterfalls

The journey continues over the rugged coastal mountain range, with glacier-fed waterfalls cascading alongside the road. Expect to see Pitch Fork Falls, the second-largest waterfall in Southeast Alaska, which looks especially striking against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

The guide will point out other notable spots, such as the Captain William Moore Bridge, a recently opened pedestrian walkway, and various waterfalls that dot the pass. These stops aren’t just pretty—they’re carefully selected for their photo potential and their storytelling value.

Reviewers’ perspective: Many mention the “gorgeous views” and the “opportunity to take multiple photos,” emphasizing that this part of the tour really captures Alaska’s raw natural beauty.

White Pass Summit

The highlight of the trip is reaching the White Pass Summit, sitting at 3,922 feet above sea level. Here, you’ll have roughly two hours for exploration and photography. You can stand at the Alaska sign for that quintessential shot, with the dramatic mountain backdrop behind you.

Guests often comment on how stunning the views are, with some mentioning the chance to see glaciers and snowfields even in summer. The summit is a perfect spot to appreciate the scale of the landscape and to soak in the fresh mountain air.

Authentic review insight: One guest noted that the summit area is ideal for family and group photos, thanks to the panoramic vistas.

Skagway Overlook and Wildlife

Back down from the summit, the tour makes a quick stop at the Skagway Overlook, where you can gaze out over the town, the inlet, and the passing ships. This is a favorite for capturing those postcard-perfect pictures of your cruise ship with the town and surrounding mountains in the background.

Wildlife can also be spotted along the route — look out for mountain goats, black bears, marmots, or ptarmigan. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the frequent wildlife presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the journey.

Reviewers say: Guides are attentive and often point out wildlife or interesting features along the way, making it a more engaging experience.

Additional Waterfall Stops

As a bonus, this tour includes a waterfall tour, with stops at Bridal Veil Falls, Pitch Fork Falls, and Reid Falls. These stops are well-placed for quick photos and appreciating the lush local scenery. Guests can get close enough to feel the spray from Bridal Veil Falls—an experience that often earns praise for its immediacy and beauty.

Unique detail: The tour’s water stops are within the town, making them accessible and convenient, even for those with limited time.

Summary of the Experience

The tour offers a carefully curated mix of history, natural beauty, and photo opportunities. The small-group setting ensures you feel engaged and can ask questions, while the guide’s knowledge makes the stories come alive.

Guests consistently mention the friendly, informative guides—such as Chris or Denise—who boost the experience with personal stories and helpful advice (like the best photo spots). The tour’s duration and stops are well-balanced, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Value for Money

At $60 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded experience packed with scenic stops, storytelling, and wildlife viewing. Considering the small-group format, expert guides, and the stunning locations visited, the price is quite reasonable. Many reviews highlight the quality of the guide and the beauty of the scenery, making it a worthwhile investment for travelers seeking an authentic and intimate look at Skagway’s highlights.

The tour also includes transportation from the docks, removing logistical worries, and the large windows ensure you won’t miss a thing.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This guided bus tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers. Those who appreciate guided commentary and small-group intimacy will find it particularly enjoyable. Families with kids who are comfortable with heights and outdoor walking will love the waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, but travelers with mobility concerns or fear of heights may want to consider other options.

If you’re keen on learning about the Gold Rush, seeing glaciers, or capturing incredible photos of mountains and waterfalls, this trip hits all those marks. It also suits cruise passengers with limited time but who want a comprehensive taste of Skagway’s natural wonders and history.

The Sum Up

The White Pass Summit Guided Bus Tour offers a rich, authentic taste of what makes Skagway special. From the stories of the gold rush at the cemetery to panoramic views from the summit, every moment is designed to be memorable. The small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery make it a fantastic choice for travelers who crave a mix of education, adventure, and photo ops.

While it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or strong aversions to heights, most adventurers will find this tour to be a highlight of their Skagway visit. It delivers value through a well-paced itinerary, expert storytelling, and breathtaking views—all within a manageable timeframe and budget.

If you want a genuine, engaging experience that captures the essence of Alaska’s history and rugged beauty, this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a shuttle bus ride from the dock to the activity provider’s office and the guided bus tour itself.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, with scheduled stops and sightseeing along the way.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport for border crossing, along with food and drinks as they are not included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but be aware that it involves heights and outdoor walking, so consider your child’s comfort with these.

Are there any age restrictions?
The data doesn’t specify age limits, but the tour is not recommended for those with mobility issues or afraid of heights.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot, especially during peak cruise season.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it possible to be dropped off at the cruise port?
Yes, after the tour, guides offer to drop you off back at your ship or in town.

Are the waterfalls accessible?
Stops at waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls are easily accessible for most, with options for short hikes.

Will I see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed. Guides are attentive and point things out as they occur.

This tour packs a punch for anyone wanting a fun, scenic, and informative day out in Skagway. Expect stunning vistas, engaging storytelling, and a genuine dive into Alaska’s gold rush roots—all wrapped into one memorable trip.