Klondike Highway
A historic highway that follows the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush route. It runs from Skagway in Alaska over White Pass and through Whitehorse to the gold rush town of Dawson City.
The Klondike Highway roughly follows the route taken by tens of thousands of gold seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 to 1898. It starts in the south at the port of Skagway, on the narrow strip of Alaska, crosses White Pass into British Columbia and Yukon, and runs north through Whitehorse to Dawson City, a total of about 717 km. The southern section, from Skagway to Whitehorse (about 180 km), is the most spectacular. It climbs from sea level to the top of White Pass (about 1,004 m) in a short distance. Beyond the summit, you pass a moonscape of granite and alpine lakes, the Bove Island viewpoint, the town of Carcross and the Carcross Desert, billed as the world's smallest desert, and Emerald Lake. North of Whitehorse are Lake Laberge, Carmacks, the Five Finger Rapids viewpoint (the most dangerous stretch for gold seekers traveling by boat), and Pelly Crossing. Finally, you reach Dawson City, with its wooden boardwalks and gold mine ruins. Plan 3 to 5 days, and combine it with the Top of the World Highway and the Alaska Highway for a large loop. A border checkpoint lies between Skagway and Canada, and a passport is required. You can also ride the White Pass & Yukon Route sightseeing train over the southern section. Gas stations are far apart on the northern section.
Along the route
- Skagway
- Skagway
- Skagway
- Skagway
- Whitehorse
- Whitehorse
- Whitehorse
- Whitehorse
- Carmacks
- Five Finger Rapids Viewpoint
- Pelly Crossing
- Dawson City