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Traverse the South Klondike Highway with a local expert on a full-day tour to Emerald Lake, Carcross, and a husky camp. Experience mountain goats, ancient dunes, and the spirit of the Iditarod sled dogs.
Traverse the South Klondike Highway with a local expert on a full-day tour to Emerald Lake, Carcross, and a husky camp. Experience mountain goats, ancient dunes, and the spirit of the Iditarod sled dogs.
At dawn, the South Klondike Highway awakens beneath a pale sky, winding past towering evergreens and restless mountain peaks. This full-day tour from Skagway stretches along one of Alaska’s most dramatic passes, crossing into Canada to reveal a landscape carved by glaciers and time. At its heart lies Emerald Lake, a jewel tinted by mineral-rich waters that dare the sun to set its surface aflame.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Skagway Yukon Custom Van Tours · Skagway, Alaska
At dawn, the South Klondike Highway awakens beneath a pale sky, winding past towering evergreens and restless mountain peaks. This full-day tour from Skagway stretches along one of Alaska’s most dramatic passes, crossing into Canada to reveal a landscape carved by glaciers and time. At its heart lies Emerald Lake, a jewel tinted by mineral-rich waters that dare the sun to set its surface aflame.
The journey begins in historic downtown Skagway, where wooden storefronts echo Klondike Gold Rush stories of determination and grit. This stretch of road, affectionately called "my Office" by the seasoned guide who leads the tour, has been expertly navigated for over 30 years. His intimate knowledge reveals hidden waterfalls cascading beside the highway, and the elusive Mountain Goats clinging to sheer cliffs, brought into sharp view through a spotting scope.
The geology of the area tells of ancient seas and icefields. At Carcross, a small Tlingit and Tagish First Nations village, visitors encounter a fusion of culture and nature set between Lake Bennett and Lake Tagish. Here, the remnants of a 50,000-year-old glacial lake have left behind sand dunes—surprising in the northern boreal forests—offering stark contrast against surrounding lush landscapes.
A highlight awaits at the Wild Adventure Yukon Husky Camp where athletes of the Iditarod rest and train. Seeing these powerful dogs, bred to run relentless miles across ice and snow, imparts a fresh respect for endurance and teamwork. Guests may even take a ride on wheeled carts, experiencing the muscle and spirit that push these dogs forward.
For those driven by photography, the tour includes guided sessions at seasonally shifting viewpoints: the turquoise lakes shimmering under moody skies, the suspension bridge spanning the roaring Tutshi River, and the quiet corners of the village markets. Each stop balances accessibility with discovery—the tour remains flexible to weather and guests’ preferences.
Practical considerations: passports are necessary as the itinerary crosses the border. Dress in layers for variable mountain weather and sturdy footwear suited for brief hikes on uneven terrain. Hydration and insect protection are advisable in summer months. The expert guide provides bottled water, binoculars, and photography tips, allowing travelers to focus on immersion rather than logistics.
This tour offers more than scenic vistas—it connects travelers to a layered story of nature, culture, and resilience. Whether you seek wildlife, adrenaline, or quiet reflection, this Alaskan-Canadian corridor delivers a measured, memorable adventure under the watchful eyes of ancient mountains.
moderate.
7 hours.
Moderate fitness needed to enjoy short hikes and time on feet during stops
Yes, all travelers must have a valid passport to cross from the US into Canada as part of this itinerary.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and accessible for all ages, including infants in strollers.
The tour includes some short hikes that may be challenging for those with mobility issues, but much of the tour is accessible by vehicle.
Service animals are allowed; however, other pets are not permitted.
Mountain Goats are frequently spotted, along with other wildlife such as bald eagles and ducks on the lakes.
During summer, rides are offered on wheeled carts rather than sleds, and are optional with an added fee.
The South Klondike Highway follows routes used during the Klondike Gold Rush, connecting Skagway to historic Yukon villages like Carcross where Indigenous Tlingit and Tagish cultures thrive.
The tour operator emphasizes sustainable tourism by minimizing environmental impact and supporting local First Nations communities through respectful visits and education.
Skagway Yukon Custom Van Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
At dawn, the South Klondike Highway awakens beneath a pale sky, winding past towering evergreens and restless mountain peaks. This full-day tour from Skagway stretches along one of Alaska’s most dramatic passes, crossing into Canada to reveal a landscape carved by glaciers and time. At its heart lies Emerald Lake, a jewel tinted by mineral-rich waters that dare the sun to set its surface aflame.
At dawn, the South Klondike Highway awakens beneath a pale sky, winding past towering evergreens and restless mountain peaks. This full-day tour from Skagway stretches along one of Alaska’s most dramatic passes, crossing into Canada to reveal a landscape carved by glaciers and time. At its heart lies Emerald Lake, a jewel tinted by mineral-rich waters that dare the sun to set its surface aflame.
The journey begins in historic downtown Skagway, where wooden storefronts echo Klondike Gold Rush stories of determination and grit. This stretch of road, affectionately called "my Office" by the seasoned guide who leads the tour, has been expertly navigated for over 30 years. His intimate knowledge reveals hidden waterfalls cascading beside the highway, and the elusive Mountain Goats clinging to sheer cliffs, brought into sharp view through a spotting scope.
The geology of the area tells of ancient seas and icefields. At Carcross, a small Tlingit and Tagish First Nations village, visitors encounter a fusion of culture and nature set between Lake Bennett and Lake Tagish. Here, the remnants of a 50,000-year-old glacial lake have left behind sand dunes—surprising in the northern boreal forests—offering stark contrast against surrounding lush landscapes.
A highlight awaits at the Wild Adventure Yukon Husky Camp where athletes of the Iditarod rest and train. Seeing these powerful dogs, bred to run relentless miles across ice and snow, imparts a fresh respect for endurance and teamwork. Guests may even take a ride on wheeled carts, experiencing the muscle and spirit that push these dogs forward.
For those driven by photography, the tour includes guided sessions at seasonally shifting viewpoints: the turquoise lakes shimmering under moody skies, the suspension bridge spanning the roaring Tutshi River, and the quiet corners of the village markets. Each stop balances accessibility with discovery—the tour remains flexible to weather and guests’ preferences.
Practical considerations: passports are necessary as the itinerary crosses the border. Dress in layers for variable mountain weather and sturdy footwear suited for brief hikes on uneven terrain. Hydration and insect protection are advisable in summer months. The expert guide provides bottled water, binoculars, and photography tips, allowing travelers to focus on immersion rather than logistics.
This tour offers more than scenic vistas—it connects travelers to a layered story of nature, culture, and resilience. Whether you seek wildlife, adrenaline, or quiet reflection, this Alaskan-Canadian corridor delivers a measured, memorable adventure under the watchful eyes of ancient mountains.