Vancouver & Alaska Disney Cruise – Day 8: Skagway Adventures: Trains, Gold, and Puppies!

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🚂 White Pass Railway – A Journey Into the Clouds

skagway alaska white pass railway

Skagway greeted us with fresh mountain air and postcard-perfect scenery. Our morning started with the famous White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, a scenic round-trip ride that winds through dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and glacier-carved valleys.

skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway

The kids loved being on the vintage train, and we all spent most of the ride glued to the windows as the train climbed higher and higher into the mountains.

skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway
skagway alaska white pass railway

🐾 Dredge Town Gold Fever & Alaskan Sled Dogs

After returning to downtown Skagway, we headed to our next adventure: Dredge Town Gold Fever and Alaskan Sled Dogs, a perfect combo of history, hands-on learning, and adorable puppies.

Skagway alaska
Skagway alaska
Skagway alaska
skagway alaska

⭐ Meeting the Sled Dogs

skagway alaska alaskan sled dogs

We toured the kennels, learned how Alaskan sled dogs are trained, and even saw a demonstration of the dogs in action.

skagway alaska alaskan sled dogs
skagway alaska alaskan sled dogs
skagway alaska alaskan sled dogs

But the highlight? Holding the puppies, of course. Absolute joy.

skagway alaska alaskan sled dogs

⭐ Gold Panning Fun

skagway alaska gold panning

The kids learned all about the region’s gold mining history before getting to try gold panning themselves.

skagway alaska gold panning

They quickly got the hang of it and were thrilled to find real gold flakes. Each of them got to take home a small vial of their very own treasure.

skagway alaska gold panning

Before leaving, the boys had their gold weighed and packaged — a perfect souvenir from their mini-prospector experience.

skagway alaska gold panning

🎶 Casual Dinner at Tiana’s Place

We wrapped up the day with a relaxing dinner at Tiana’s Place, where the warm atmosphere and live jazz music made for the perfect end to a full day.

Dinner highlights included:

  • A comforting baked dip with crostini

  • Grilled steak with flavorful sides

  • Delicious desserts (of course!)

And when we returned to our stateroom, the boys found another adorable towel animal waiting and immediately launched into a silly photo session.

💡 Tips for Travelers

  • Book White Pass Railway early — it’s one of the most popular excursions in Skagway.

  • Layer up — Skagway can be windy and chilly, especially at higher elevations on the train.

  • Bring a waterproof jacket — Dredge Town is partially outdoors, and the panning stations involve water.

  • Expect some walking — the gold panning and sled dog areas are spread out, but stroller-friendly.

  • Be ready for puppy time — kids will absolutely love this excursion.

🔭 Looking Ahead

With Juneau on the horizon, tomorrow promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, scenic views, and another full day of adventure both on land and back aboard the ship.