Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner - 89

Yukon SCEnIC DRIVES Route Drive from Whitehorse to Skagway, Alaska through scenic White Pass, ride the ferry to Haines and circle back to the Yukon through Kluane country. Distance: 600 km Time recommended: 3 nights Features: Klondike Gold Rush history, Coast Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Kluane National Park Activities: Exploring mountain and coastal towns, sightseeing in Skagway, riding the train and ferry, wildlife viewing, camping and hiking in White Pass and Kluane, Carcross and Haines Junction walking tours Trip Planning Places to visit: Carcross, Skagway, Haines, Haines Junction, Whitehorse • above: Kathleen Lake – YG, below right: Scenic railway of the world, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway – YG Southern Lakes Allure Starting in Whitehorse, drive south on the Klondike Highway into the scenic Southern Lakes Region. Take photographs of Emerald and Spirit lakes, hike Montana Mountain and enjoy the hospitality of picturesque Carcross, the historic town on the route to the Klondike, connected with Skagway, Alaska over a century ago by the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Continuing south, travellers cross the dramatic rocky landscape of White Pass. Walk beside the railroad tracks at Log Cabin and watch trains chug across the Summit. Scenic pullouts, waterfalls and hiking from the roadside are some of the special features of White Pass. kluane Parkway From the alpine heights of the Haines Pass, journey north on the scenic corridor through Tatshenshini-Alsek Park and Kluane National Park. A menu of outdoor activities and attractions awaits visitors to Kluane. Take your pick from three lovely campgrounds at Million Dollar Falls, Dezadeash Lake or Kathleen Lake. Walk to the Rock Glacier viewpoint and hike the Auriol Trail. Take time to visit the Southern Tutchone fishing village at Klukshu, and stroll the boardwalk at Kathleen Lake. Before returning to Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway, you can swim or stay overnight at Pine Lake Campground and plan further explorations at the Kluane National Park Visitor Information Centre in Haines Junction. Glacier flightseeing, guided day hikes and rafting the Upper Tatshenshini are popular excursions in and around Kluane National Park. You’ll be crossing international borders into the U.S. and again returning to Canada, so be sure to bring proper identification and travel documents. Whichever direction you drive your Golden Circle adventure, check the Alaska Marine Highway (AMH) ferry schedule to confirm that you can complete your circle tour. The ferry is heavily used in summer and sailing times vary, so be sure to book well in advance. AMH Juneau ticket centre: 1-800-642-0066. Whitehorse to Skagway, AK: 179 km (2.5 hrs) Skagway to Haines via ferry: (subject to schedule—approximately one hour ferry ride) Haines, AK to Haines Junction: 255 km (3.5 hrs) Haines Junction to Whitehorse: 159 km (2 hrs) • • • Highways travelled: South Klondike Highway #2, Haines Road #3, Alaska Marine Highway ferry and Alaska Highway #1 Visitor Information Centres: Whitehorse, Carcross, Haines Junction Local Attractions Carcross historic buildings Carcross Visitor Information Centre • White Pass & Yukon Route Railway • Skagway Museum • Alaska Marine Highway ferry • Chilkat Valley Eagle Preserve • Klukshu Village • Kluane National Park Visitor Information Centre • • Coastal Alaska From White Pass Summit, the Klondike Highway descends steeply to Skagway. This historic port hummed with activity in 1898 as thousands of hopeful stampeders passed through on their way to the Klondike goldfields. Today, cruise ships frequent the docks and the downtown core is lined with historic buildings and shops. After exploring Skagway, catch a ferry (reservations needed) for the scenic ride down the Lynn Canal to Haines, Alaska. This deep coastal fiord features cascading falls, glacier-capped mountains and the promise of whale sightings. A pretty fishing port backed by the stately houses of Fort Seward, Haines offers a range of land-based activities. Drive north through the Chilkat Valley Eagle Preserve to return to Canada, and ascend the Haines Road Summit. travelyukon.com 89

Yukon 2008 Vacation Planner

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