Murray - question about the train to Carcross

[NancyIL]

I just looked at the WP&YR's web site to see if it showed the 2008 schedule. The 2007 schedule is still there, but I noticed that the train to Carcross isn't mentioned any longer. Instead the "Yukon Adventure" train does a roundtrip to Lake Bennett: http://www.wpyr.com/schedule.html What happened to the Lake Bennett - Carcross portion of the trip, and when did the railroad stop going to Carcross? Is Lake Bennett as far as the train will go in 2008? Since there are no roads to Lake Bennett, there won't be any rail/bus excursions there - right?

[AkSusan]

Just wondering if they change things at the end of season. Really confusing that it's written up as one of it's excursions but doesn't show in their schedule.

 

Susan in Anchorage :)

[NancyIL]

The schedule no longer mentions Carcross in its description of the Yukon Adventure. It says: "Follow the trail of the Sourdoughs between Skagway, Alaska and Bennett, BC. It will take you through some of the most inspiring scenery in North America. Waterfalls, roaring rivers and quiet, emerald green lakes, combined with the majestic coast mountains, create a panorama of natural beauty… and the original Trail of ’98 runs right beside the track. Awaiting you at historic Lake Bennett will be a piping hot meal."

 

At some point last season, the train stopped going all the way to Carcross, because it is shown as an 80-mile roundtrip for $175: http://www.whitepassrailroad.com/schedule.html

[Yukon]

The rail line between Bennett and Carcross was extensively damaged this past summer by record-breaking high water ( http://www.explorenorth.com/wordpress/?p=102 ) and service was halted about the 1st of August. Indications from White Pass management a few weeks ago were that it will be resumed in 2008, but with ice forming and snow falling now, large crews are still working on repairing the damage.

 

Murray

[NancyIL]

Thanks, Murray - I knew you would know! It was disapppointing to me to not be able to take the train all the way to Carcross, due to problems with the tracks early in the season. I hope the railroad can get the tracks repaired and keep the train running next summer.