. From the Island Princess’ navigator:
Northbound overnight from Juneau to Skagway, Island Princess navigated the Upper Lynn Canal and Taiya Inlet to Skagway.
Skagway marks the most northern point of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
After sailing this evening, we pass by Haines (waypoint 11) around 40 minutes after departure. From this point, the views of the Upper Lynn Canal are considered to be some of the most scenic in Southeast Alaska.
Sunday 15th July Skagway Alaska
Island Princess arrived early in Skagway after 5 am. I looked out as we docked and it was now raining.
We had breakfast in the cabin a little after 7 am. We were on the first trip on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and had to be ready early. Outside we could see the trains in the sidings next to the ship.
I could see graffiti on the cliff above the dock.
We left a little early and our train was in front of the one that we could see. There were trains for passengers from the other ships and a train that would go on further up the line before coming back to Skagway.
We boarded the last carriage after a quick check of our tickets. This carriage was already filling up with other passengers.
Details on our White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad trip
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Built in 1898 as a way to expedite travel during the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a three-foot-wide narrow gauge railroad that climbs from sea level to almost 3,000 feet in the first 20 miles. An engineering marvel, it features two tunnels and travels over sky-high trestles and bridges. Considered an impossible feat, the railway was completed in 26 months by blasting through the mountains with 450 tons of explosives. The 110-mile railroad was officially completed when a final golden spike was hammered into place on July 29, 1900, in Carcross, Yukon. Fully restored, the comfortable passenger coaches feature large picture windows and are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives.
Going up on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
I rode on the platform at the back of the train with a lady from South America and a gentlemen from Boston. We pirouetted around the small platform grabbing images as the train made its way up and out of Skagway.
As the train with higher the hills around as we are all covered in mist and when we crossed into Canada at the peak, our views around where restricted by this mist.
