White Pass Railway and Trail Camp Adventure (Skagway)

[wickedawesomemom]

Has anyone done this excursion? My son wants to pan for gold and I thought it would be nice to do 2 "want to do" things in one excursion. Would love to hear what you think/thought of this excursion.

[MtnManX]

all the goldpannig in skagway is done in a horsetrough like structureand the train can seem to be a little confining to small children (its a 3.5 hour trip and you can't get off until its over)

[wickedawesomemom]

My son is 15 and (luckily) enjoys train rides. Is the panning even fun for kids? Or adults for that matter? Haven't seen too much written on the subject.

[CruisingChick]

We were planning on booking that excursion also and my son too is 15. We figured we kill 2 birds with one stone. Actually, I'm the one that wants to go panning for gold.

 

Would also be interested in hearing from anyone that has actually done this excursion.

 

Thank you.

 

Anne Maria

[huskie395]

I took this excusion 3 years ago the train ride is awsome! Sit on the left side of the train if you want a good view.The bus ride back is good as long as you make some stops on the way back for pics.(WELCOME TO ALASKA SIGN is a great picture)the camp is pretty lame as is the gold panning but overall it's worth the trip

[Budget Queen]

I have done both separately. Liarsville is a recreated Gold Camp, (if this is your reference?) Gold panning is with seeded gold, but people do have a great time panning.

[CruisingChick]

Budget Queen:

 

Yes, it is Liarsville. Here is a description of the excursion:

 

 

Join an unforgettable journey aboard the world-famous narrow gauge White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad along the eastern side of the White Pass to the 2,865-foot summit. This iron trail was built over 100 years ago through some of the North's most rugged terrain. Board an 1890's-style parlor car and retrace the original route beyond the summit of White Pass to Fraser, British Columbia. Upon reaching Fraser, board a motor coach for a journey down the west side of the White Pass canyon. Listen while your driver/guide regales you with stories of the stampeders who trekked through the pass in search of gold. See picturesque points such as Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls where you will be able to look back across the valley to the train tracks from which you just traveled.

 

On your way down the Pass stop at the historic gold rush camp of Liarsville where you may browse through cabins and tents used as a bakery, laundry, saloon and bordello. Hot cider and cookies are provided while having your photo taken with a lovable freight husky. You will even get the chance to strike it rich with gold panning where you get to keep whatever you find. The miners and "ladies of the evening" will entertain you with song, dance and a chilling ballad by the "Bard of the North," Robert Service. On your return to Skagway you may choose to stop in town for some shopping or return to the ship. Since this excursion crosses an international border all participants must bring proper international identification, including proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or birth certificate and current photo identification). Due to climatic changes, no guarantee is given for the views available at any given time. Tour may operate in reverse order.

 

Here's another question. If the tour is done in the reverse order should we sit on the "right" side of the train coming back??????

 

Thanks so much for all your help.

 

Anne Maria

[Yukon]

>>If the tour is done in the reverse order should we sit on the "right" side of the train coming back??????<<

 

Yes.