White Pass and Yukon Rail

[lcccbeloeil]

Thanks so much, Yukon! I'll look into this company and then give the info to the others travelling with us.

 

We're Canadian, too. Why can't we rent a car in Skagway?

[Yukon]

We're Canadian, too. Why can't we rent a car in Skagway?

 

Canadians can't rent a US-plated car in the States and drive it into Canada - it's a Canada Customs regulation.

[lcccbeloeil]

Ah! I get it now. Thanks!

[Putterdude]

We're Canadian, too. Why can't we rent a car in Skagway?

 

It has been forever thus and few Canadians realize it until they go to rent that US registered car. CBS can make an exception in the case of hardship but to take a tour from Skagway into the Yukon doesn't quite cut it. The way around this is to find some American people on your roll call who might like to share a car and be sure that they are driving when crossing the border.

[KerbyTex]

Try doing the tour via van/bus. There is a ship excursion that is about $35pp that will give you the same basic tour, but on the opposite side of the ravine. In fact, we were able to go even farther into the Yukon than the train. We were also able to stop for photo ops along the way. I would definitely do this tour again.

We saved $50pp by doing the same tour through Cholkoot Charters 9 hr. tour. Same train, different bus back that includes a side trip to Emerald Lake. See:

 

http://www.chilkootcharters.com/yukonrail.htm

[lcccbeloeil]

Thanks Putterdude and KerbyTex. Not sure yet which tour we'll take but I'm sure we're going to let someone else do the driving!

[Ron AKA]

This seems to have been thrashed already. However, we rented a car. It is probably the least expensive way, and gives you the most freedom. There are some disadvantages. First if you are Canadian, then you cannot get technically into Canada. However, practically they don't really stop you until you get to Canadian customs which is well inside Canada where the White Summit train stops.

 

Less obvious, you are traveling North and look across the valley East if you go by road, while the rail is on the other side. If traveling in the AM you will be looking and shooting photos into the sun in the AM from the highway.

 

The view especially in the summit pass is probably better from the highway.

 

Also with a car you have the freedom to poke around other areas like Dyea, and the graveyards.

[Querkyquilter]

We are planning on taking the ,"Fast Ferry" to Haines. Small town AK should be a real treat.

[SisterSam]

Thanks for all the information. I'm so happy that others are sharing the information with us!