7 Night Alaskan Cruise - Disney Wonder Day 4
Day 4: Skagway & Yukon Expedition
Today, we disembarked in Skagway, Alaska, ready for an incredible day exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Yukon Territory. We booked the Yukon Expedition excursion, and I can honestly say it was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip!
Climbing the Klondike Highway
We boarded a deluxe coach and set off on an adventure along the South Klondike Highway, making our way up to White Pass, which sits at 3,292 feet above sea level. The drive was about 75 minutes, and the scenery was just stunning—majestic peaks, waterfalls, and glaciers surrounded us at every turn.
Crossing into Canada’s Yukon Territory, we left the White Pass behind and were met with some of the most untouched landscapes I have ever seen. The chain of lakes forming the headwaters of the Yukon River was breathtaking, and we made stops to take in the beauty of Caribou Crossing (Carcross) and even saw the world’s smallest desert! Our guide was fantastic, sharing fascinating stories about the Klondike Gold Rush along the way.
Lunch & Caribou Crossing
By lunchtime, we arrived at Caribou Crossing and were treated to a delicious chicken barbecue meal, complete with "grandma’s famous homemade donuts"—and yes, they were as good as they sound!
After lunch, we took time to explore the area, visiting the wildlife museum, One of the highlights was visiting the Dog Musher’s Village, where we got to meet real Yukon Quest dog mushers—an amazing experience for any dog lover!
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
For the journey back, we swapped our motorcoach for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and wow—what a way to take in the scenery! This narrow-gauge railway is an engineering marvel, climbing nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles of steep grades and cliff-hanging turns. It’s hard to imagine that this railway was built back in 1898, cutting through some of the most rugged landscapes of the North.
Red Onion Saloon – The Perfect End to the Day
Once we arrived back in Skagway, we decided to stop by the historic Red Onion Saloon before heading back to the ship. This iconic saloon, which dates back to the Gold Rush era, was full of charm and character, making it the perfect place to unwind with a drink and soak in the atmosphere. It was such a fun way to end the day before returning to the Disney Wonder for another magical evening onboard.
Final Thoughts
This excursion was 100% worth it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Skagway on a Disney Cruise. The combination of mountains, glaciers, wildlife, history, and adventure made it one of the most memorable days of our trip!
Until next time, keep dreaming big, traveling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon!
Sarah x