Yukon Extended Summit Drive: Day Trip from Skagway to Carcross & Summit Lake
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal walking required; suitable for most fitness levels though some short uneven shore walks occur during the Carcross stop.
Overview
A five-hour scenic drive from Skagway into the Yukon that crosses two borders, stops at Summit Lake, Denver Glacier, Carcross and the Carcross Desert, and includes a light picnic lunch and multiple photo opportunities. Essential for travelers who want a compact but thorough taste of Klondike country.
Yukon Extended Summit Drive: Day Trip from Skagway to Carcross & Summit Lake
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The coach eases away from the Skagway pier and the town folds behind you like a map being closed. Cold wind licks at the windows and the guide points to a narrow ribbon of road climbing into the mountains — White Pass — where glaciers hang like carved ice curtains and rivers run impatiently down toward the sea. For five hours you ride a corridor carved by people and ice: prospectors, rail crews, and modern-day travelers moving between two countries and several ecosystems.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Passport and visa check
You cross into Canada and Yukon; carry a current passport and confirm any visa requirements well before departure.
Dress in layers
Alpine microclimates mean you can encounter sun, wind, and drizzle in a single outing — a windproof layer and hat make stops more comfortable.
Bring a camera and extra memory
Stops are short but spectacular; keep gear ready and charged to make the most of overlooks like Denver Glacier and Summit Lake.
Motion-sickness precautions
The road is mountainous with tight curves — if you’re prone to seasickness, sit toward the front and bring medication or acupressure bands.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagle
- Marmot
History
This route follows passages used during the Klondike Gold Rush; many prospectors stopped at Carcross and built boats on Lake Bennett before continuing north.
Conservation
The region is sensitive to human impact; stay on designated roads and trails, pack out trash, and respect First Nations sites and wildlife to minimize footprint.
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Adventure Hotspots in Skagway
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Passport or travel documents
Required for border crossings into Canada and Yukon; check visa rules in advance.
Windproof jacket
Protects against cool alpine gusts, especially near Summit Lake and glacier overlooks.
spring specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short shoreline walks and uneven viewpoints in Carcross and at Bridal Veil Falls.
Camera with extra batteries or phone power bank
Multiple quick stops reward prepared photographers; batteries drain fast in cold conditions.
summer specific