Skagway, Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon were the twin cities of the Klondike Gold Rush. Over 100,000 prospectors passed through these towns chasing fortune in 1898. Today, you can retrace their footsteps — not by foot and packhorse, but by rail and road. This modern Gold Rush road trip begins in the port town of Skagway, climbs the White Pass by train or car, winds through the Yukon capital of Whitehorse and ends in historic Dawson City.
Start in Skagway: The Gold Rush Gateway
Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Reinhard Pantke
Tucked between dramatic fjords and mountain peaks, Skagway looks like an era-perfect movie set. Wooden boardwalks, false-front saloons and restored 1890s buildings line the streets, most of them part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Spend a day here and you’ll walk the same streets as thousands of hopeful stampeders. Visit the Arctic Brotherhood Hall (a building famously covered in driftwood), learn about shady con artist Soapy Smith and take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, which climbs the same mountain pass those early prospectors trudged up by foot.
Essential Skagway Experiences:
- Climb Lower Dewey Lake Trail for a moderate hike just steps from downtown.
- Have a pint at the Red Onion Saloon, a former brothel turned bar.
- Check out the nearby ghost town of Dyea, a gold rush hot spot.
- Stop by local shops selling handcrafted jewelry, art and souvenirs made by Alaskans.
Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Reinhard Pantke
Looking for even more to do in Skagway? Check out our blog on the best things to do in Skagway here.
Where to Stay: The Holland America Skagway Inn places you right in the historic district with cozy, gold-rush-inspired lodging. It’s a perfect overnight option for those who want more than a day trip — or anyone exploring Southeast Alaska by land and sea.
Climb the White Pass: Rail or Road into the Yukon
The journey from Skagway into the Yukon begins with one of the most dramatic stretches of the Gold Rush trail: the White Pass. In 1898, stampeders ascended this rugged corridor by foot, hauling hundreds of pounds of gear toward the promise of Klondike gold. Today, you can follow in their footsteps with ease — either by riding the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway or driving the scenic Klondike Highway.
Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Reinhard Pantke
Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
A must-do in Skagway, this narrow-gauge railroad was carved through mountains with picks and dynamite between 1898 and 1900, right in the heart of the Gold Rush. Once a lifeline for prospectors and supplies, today it’s one of the world’s most scenic sightseeing trains.
The route climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, with vintage railcars offering sweeping views of alpine tundra, cliffs and historic landmarks like the Trail of ’98 and the International Tunnel. Narrated journeys bring Alaska history to life as you glide through a landscape that once tested human endurance.
- Departure: Downtown Skagway
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours, round-trip or one-way options
- Pro Tip: Ride one way and drive or shuttle the return leg for a varied experience.
Drive the Klondike Highway
If you prefer the freedom to roam, the Klondike Highway mirrors the route of the railroad and makes for a spectacular drive. In just minutes, you’ll ascend from sea level into alpine country, with scenic overlooks, turquoise lakes and interpretive Gold Rush signs along the way.
This route crosses into Canada near Fraser, BC, and continues to Whitehorse, offering a stunning transition from Alaska’s coast to Yukon’s interior.
- Distance: Skagway to Whitehorse: ~100 miles
- Drive Time: 2–3 hours with stops
- Passport Required: Yes
Stop in Whitehorse: Yukon’s Modern Capital
Photo Credit: Louis White via Creative Commons
A key milestone on the Klondike Highway, Whitehorse blends urban comforts with frontier heritage. It’s the best place to overnight and stock up before the final push to Dawson City.
Visit the MacBride Museum for more Gold Rush history, walk the riverside trails or relax at the Takhini Hot Springs.
Arrive in Dawson City: The Klondike’s Crown Jewel
Located where the Klondike and Yukon Rivers meet, Dawson exploded into a city overnight when gold was discovered nearby. While many gold towns disappeared, Dawson endured — and today it’s a fully walkable blend of living history and quirky charm.
Colorful buildings lean with character, boardwalks echo with history and the northern light stretches into midnight in summer. You can still pan for gold at Bonanza Creek, visit author Jack London’s cabin and take in a show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, Canada’s oldest casino, where all proceeds are reinvested in the community. Don’t miss the incredible can-can shows from Gertie and her Gold Rush Girls!
Photo Credit: PR Services
The Midnight Dome
Midnight Dome is a must-do for any trip to Dawson City, offering stunning views just outside the city. The Dome Road will take you to the hill, where epic views of the Yukon River compete with a great view of downtown. This is a great attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Photo Credit: Steve Jordan
The Dawson City Museum
The Dawson City Museum offers a low-cost high-reward activity for solo travelers and families. Learn about the history of the area, from the original Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in settlements to the Gold Rush, in a relaxed environment. You can even take a look at well preserved, historic locomotives used to transport workers and supplies more than 100 years ago!
Want more ideas for things to do in Dawson City? Check out our blog on the best things to do here.
Where to Stay: The Holland America Dawson City Inn offers updated interiors and a prime location in the historic core, close to local sights and the riverfront.
Choose Your Own Gold Rush Adventure
Skagway and Dawson City offer rich experiences steeped in Gold Rush Klondike history and surrounded by natural beauty. Whether you’re coasting into Skagway on a cruise or flying into Dawson for a weekend escape, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the human grit that defined the gold rush.
How to Plan Your Gold Rush Route Today
In the summer of 1898, the Skagway transformed into the launching point for the Gold Rush almost overnight. Thousands of stampeders flooded in, all of them helpful and up for the grueling task of transporting a year’s worth of supplies over the mountains. They braved White Pass and Chilkoot Trail for weeks, all to reach gold at the other end in Dawson City.
Today, you can follow their path, without the hardship. If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure rich in scenery and Alaska history, consider turning the Gold Rush trail into a memorable road trip.
The Klondike Highway links Skagway and Dawson City via Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital. It’s about 440 miles of mountain passes, boreal forests and winding rivers. You’ll need a passport and a taste for remote roads — but the rewards are big. Not least of them: bragging rights!
Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Matt Hage
Suggested Route:
- Skagway to Whitehorse (via White Pass by car or train)
- Overnight in Whitehorse to explore museums and historic sites
- Whitehorse to Dawson City (via Klondike Highway)
- Return or fly out from Dawson City
With Holland America Hotels in both Skagway and Dawson City, you’ll enjoy welcoming accommodations and frontier charm at both ends of your journey. Book your stay today — and start planning your very own Klondike Gold Rush adventure.
