The Road to Alaska (Yukon – Part 2 of 4)

Prior to going on a trip, Justin and I will do some research using other blogs to come up with our list of top-things-to-do. But, when we get to our destination, we always make a point of talking to some of the locals, which is how we got the recommendation to drive into Skagway, Alaska, while visiting the Yukon.

The drive from Whitehorse to Skagway has to be one of the most beautiful, scenic drives I have ever taken. It took a little under two hours to complete this drive, and I slept for only 20-minutes of it – this is a pretty big accomplishment, as I could have easily slept through the whole thing (there is just something about driving that makes me sleepy).

Our first stop on this drive was Emerald Lake. As you are driving along the highway, you will instantly notice the pull-off, where you can get out of your vehicle and take photos of the Lake’s stunning, turquoise-colour from above. Then, if you drive a bit further up the highway, you can head down a small hill to a parking lot that allows you to capture photos of the Lake at ground level. I think the photos speak for themselves – Emerald Lake is definitely worth the stop!

The next stop on this drive was the Carcross Desert. Apparently the Carcross Desert is not an actual desert – something about the glacier melting and depositing silt… here is another moment where I wish I had read the information board. Anyway, I had to spend a few minutes convincing Justin that we should walk up one of the big sandhills, as it would provide the perfect vantage point to see Bennett Lake (which we were planning to visit once we got to our next stop: the town of Carcross), as well as the surrounding mountains. Let me say (and Justin will agree), it was definitely worth it!

We got back on the road for less than 10-minutes before getting to Carcross. While we did not spend too much time here, we made a point of visiting the General Store (which is apparently the oldest general store in the Yukon), Bennett Lake Beach, and grabbing lunch at The Bistro.

As we continued along the Klondike Highway, we realized we could not have asked for better weather – clear blue sky and the sun was shining! We were hoping to stop at the Yukon Suspension Bridge before heading into Alaska, but unfortunately, it was closed for the season (fun fact – the Yukon Suspension Bridge is actually in British Columbia… misleading, right?).

In terms of wildlife, we encountered one bear right before the US border. Unfortunately, we only saw his backside as he crossed the highway and disappeared into the bushes.

We made two more stops before finally getting into Alaska. There are so many different pull-offs along the highway with breathtaking views that you really need to choose your stops carefully, or you will never make it to Skagway. I honestly had a hard time figuring out the name of our second to last stop, but I think it was the Feather/Cleveland Pullout. About a minute before you reach the US border, there is a pull-off with views of a beautiful little stream running between mountains. There was a trail that went down into the valley, but we just did not have enough time to explore the area. Either way, I would definitely recommend stopping here, even just for a few minutes to take in the scenery.

And finally, we could not resist getting our photo taken with the Welcome to Alaska sign. This was our last stop before we finally made it to the US border crossing, which is actually miles away from the Canadian border (kind of an odd setup)! On our way back into Canada, we ended up chatting with the CBSA Officer when we found out he was from Richmond, BC. Apparently the Canadian government provides housing to the Officers near the border crossing, but it is literally in the middle of nowhere. If they need groceries, they need to drive almost two hours back into Whitehorse! I imagine he has to make a very thorough grocery list and checks it twice, just like Santa.

Anyway, if you are ever in the Whitehorse area, do yourself a favour and plan to take one full day (or even just an afternoon) to make the trip into Skagway – I promise you will not regret it!

Always grateful,

Michelle