Wild Adventure Yukon Tour into Canada including City and Summit

If you’re stopping in Skagway on a cruise and craving a taste of wilderness combined with a touch of history, the Wild Adventure Yukon Tour might just be what you need. This 6.5-hour journey takes you from the bustle of the cruise terminal into the wilds of Canada, with plenty of scenic stops and memorable moments.

From breathtaking mountain vistas to the chance to spot wildlife and the iconic Welcome to Alaska and Yukon signs, this tour covers a lot of ground. What truly makes it stand out are the knowledgeable guides, the thoughtfully planned stops, and the authentic touches like First Nations market stalls.

A minor consideration? The tour’s length and the bus ride might be a bit long for some, especially if you prefer very relaxed or shorter excursions. But for those eager to see a broad swath of Yukon and British Columbia, this trip offers excellent value and authentic experiences.

This adventure suits travelers who love scenic drives, want an overview of the Yukon’s highlights, and enjoy a good mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and wildlife spotting. If you’re visiting Skagway and want a comprehensive day out, this tour is worth considering.

Key Points

• Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging narration and local knowledge
• Multiple scenic stops including Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, and wildlife sightings
• Authentic cultural elements with First Nations vendors at the Yukon sign
• Flexible options for lunch and optional activities like dog sledding
• Good value with all transportation, entry fees, and a BBQ lunch included
• Small group feel (max 40 travelers) for a more personalized experience

An In-Depth Look at the Wild Adventure Yukon Tour

The journey begins from the Skagway Cruise Terminal, where transportation is included, making this hassle free right from the start. The tour typically lasts about 6.5 hours, which means you get a solid chunk of exploration without feeling rushed. The vehicle — usually a comfortable touring van or bus — is well-equipped to handle scenic routes and multiple stops, with most travelers finding the ride smooth and the commentary lively.

Scenic Drive and First Stops

Your guide, often someone like Monica, Daniel, or Connor (these names come highly recommended in reviews), takes charge early on, sharing engaging stories about the area’s history and wildlife. The first stop is the Welcome to Alaska Sign, perched at the summit of the White Pass and Klondike Highway. This is the perfect spot to snap a photo with stunning mountain views as a backdrop. Guests have praised their guides for their enthusiasm and local insights, which turn a simple photo op into a mini-lesson about the area’s history.

Next, you’ll explore downtown Skagway either before or after heading into Canada. This gives you a peek at the town’s charming buildings and history, setting the stage for your cross-border adventure.

Viewing Pitchfork Falls and Klondike Gold Rush Sites

The tour then moves toward the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. It’s a chance to learn about the area’s gold rush past, with free admission and exhibits that bring the story alive. The stops along the Klondike Highway also include scenic viewpoints and commentary that make history feel relevant and engaging. Reviewers often mention that their guides made these stops interesting, with lots of useful details and photos.

Crossing into Yukon and Unique Stops

As you cross into British Columbia and the Yukon, the tour hits some signature highlights. The Welcome to Yukon Sign offers another photo op — but here, you’ll also see First Nations vendors selling handcrafted goods, adding an authentic cultural flavor. Some guests love this part for the chance to pick up unique souvenirs directly from local artisans.

The next stop at Emerald Lake is a standout. Its vivid color and pristine setting are often described as breathtaking. Reviewers have shared that it’s a postcard-worthy location where you’ll want to have your camera ready. Just a short 15-minute visit, but enough to absorb the tranquil beauty of this alpine lake.

Carcross Desert and Optional Activities

Depending on the day and weather, your tour might include a quick visit to the Carcross Desert — sometimes called the world’s smallest inland desert. These sand dunes, formed by receding glaciers, provide a strange yet fascinating landscape. For many, this stops feels like a bonus, offering a different kind of scenery.

If you’re interested in dogsledding, you might also see or participate in a mushing experience, or at least get a glimpse of the sled dogs. The reviews note that some guests enjoy the chance to meet puppies and learn about this traditional Yukon activity.

Lunch and the Wild Yukon Experience

A key highlight is the lunch stop at Wild Adventure Yukon (formerly Caribou Crossing). The included BBQ chicken lunch is family-style, with vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available on request. Reviewers often mention that the meal is tasty and satisfying, especially considering the remote setting.

The site also hosts a wildlife museum and petting zoo, which is a hit particularly with families or animal lovers. Guests have noted that the guide’s commentary about the animals and the area’s ecosystem adds an educational touch.

Wildlife and Scenic Highlights

Throughout the tour, guides are alert for wildlife sightings, and many guests report seeing bears or other animals along the route — an exciting bonus. While some might hope for more wildlife encounters, the scenic views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes more than compensate.

End of the Tour and Optional Downtown Drop-off

After the scenic and cultural highlights, you’re dropped off back in downtown Skagway. The flexibility to end the tour here lets you explore or relax at your own pace afterward. Many reviewers appreciate this convenience, especially if they have other plans or want to linger in town.

The Overall Value

For $169 per person, the tour offers an impressive mix of scenery, cultural insights, wildlife glimpses, and local experiences. The fact that everything — transportation, entry fees, and a hearty lunch — is included means no hidden costs. Guests consistently mention the guides’ knowledge and friendliness as a major plus, turning what could be a standard drive into an engaging outing.

Transportation and Group Size

The tours are limited to 40 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to overcrowded alternatives. Reviewers praise the comfort and warmth of the vehicle, especially important given the chilly mountain air. The pickup from the cruise terminal simplifies logistics, allowing you to relax from the moment you step off your ship.

Timing and Planning

Booking around 86 days in advance seems typical, which indicates good demand for this experience. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s worth planning early to secure your spot. The tour operates rain or shine, and the providers are transparent about cancellation policies, offering full refunds if canceled due to weather.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is an excellent fit for travelers who love scenic drives, historical highlights, and authentic cultural encounters. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation will find it particularly appealing.

If you want a comprehensive, well-organized tour that minimizes hassle but maximizes scenic and cultural exposure, this tour hits the mark. However, those seeking a very short or highly active adventure might prefer other options.

The Sum Up

The Wild Adventure Yukon Tour offers a smart blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture, all delivered with expert guidance. It’s especially valuable for cruise travelers who want to see a broad slice of Yukon’s landscape without the stress of planning multiple activities. The included lunch, wildlife sightings, and scenic stops ensure you’ll have plenty to remember long after the trip ends.

While it’s a longer tour, most guests find the time well spent, thanks to the engaging guides and stunning vistas. Those who appreciate a good story, spectacular views, and the chance to pick up authentic First Nations crafts will leave with a full heart — and a camera full of photos.

If you’re interested in a balanced, meaningful excursion that covers the highlights of the Yukon and British Columbia in one memorable day, this tour is a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided from the cruise ship?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at the Skagway cruise terminal are included, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, including travel time, scenic stops, and the lunch break.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport for Canadian border crossing, camera, comfortable clothing, and any personal items needed for the day.

Are vegetarian or other dietary options available?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are available upon request for the BBQ lunch.

Can I participate in dog sledding?
Some guests participate in dog sledding or a mushing expedition, while others simply enjoy the site and pet the puppies.

What kind of vehicle is used?
The tour uses a van or touring bus that comfortably seats up to 40 travelers, with climate control and large windows for sightseeing.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable, especially those interested in scenery, wildlife, and history. Check with the provider if your children have special needs.

How many stops are included?
There are multiple stops, including Emerald Lake, Yukon Sign, Carcross Desert, and scenic viewpoints, all designed to maximize photo opportunities and experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date will be offered.

Is this tour recommended?
With a 5-star rating and highly positive reviews, it’s clearly a well-loved option for travelers wanting a comprehensive Yukon experience.