Yukon’s most famous overland route remains a testament to endurance, history, and breathtaking landscapes.

 

From late 1896 through 1899, over 100,000 stampeders journeyed north in search of fortune, carving out what’s now a 600-kilometre route between Skagway, Alaska, and Dawson City, Yukon. Today, the Klondike Gold Rush Trail follows much of that original path, offering modern travelers a chance to walk or drive through the very landscapes that defined a generation.

A Journey Through Time

Begin in historic Skagway, where well-preserved wooden buildings line Front Street. Museums and guided walking tours bring to life stories of prospectors who braved snow-packed mountain passes like the infamous Chilkoot Trail with its “Golden Stairs.” From there, the trail hugs the coast northward, crossing into Canada at the summit of the White Pass. Ancient glaciers cascade down steep walls, and eagles wheel overhead, just as they did for those early gold seekers.

The White Pass Summit to Carcross

At 873 meters above sea level, White Pass Summit delivers panoramic views of snow-tipped peaks and emerald valleys. A short drive north brings you to Carcross, a lakeside community on the shores of Bennett and Nares Lakes. Make time for the Carcross Desert, a rare sand dune formation in the subarctic, and stop at the quaint Caribou Crossing Trading Post for locally crafted artwork and fresh bannock.

From Carcross to Dawson City

Continuing on the Klondike Highway, you’ll pass through boreal forests and alongside pristine rivers. Watch for the historic Goldfields townsite, where rusted sluice boxes and tailings tell silent stories of frantic digging. The road ends in Dawson City, a vibrant boardwalk town where original saloons still serve hand-pressed coffee and live music drifts out into the midnight sun.

Practical Tips for the Modern Prospector

  • Best Time to Visit: Late June through early September when roads are clear and services are open.

  • Vehicle Requirements: A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for gravel sections, especially after rain.

  • Accommodation: Book early in Dawson City and Carcross, and consider lakeside cabins for a quieter stay.

  • Safety: Cell service is spotty; pack paper maps, ample water, and a first-aid kit.


Experience a journey that blends rugged wilderness with living history. Whether you’re hiking a section of the original stampeders’ route or driving at a leisurely pace, the Klondike Gold Rush Trail delivers both challenge and reward.