Experience Americas Most Treasured Roads
Touring the Byway
7 Days / 6 Nights | Gateway City: Juneau, Alaska
We recommend starting your journey in Juneau, where you can learn about the state’s history at the Alaska State Museum, soar through a lush rainforest to the top of a mountain on the Mount Roberts Tramway, and peer out over the breathtaking Mendenhall Glacier before staying at the historic Silverbow Inn. Enjoy the view on Day Two as a small plane takes you over the bay to Haines. Hear about Tlingit culture at the Haines Sheldon Museum, spot a feathered friend at the American Bald Eagle Foundation, and pick out your favorite tool at the Hammer Museum, home to the world’s largest hammer collection.
Get ready for the road trip adventure of a lifetime on Day Three – you’re driving the Haines Highway! This stunning scenic byway takes you 148 miles into the Canadian Yukon and showcases some of the most dramatic scenery in the Northwest. The road is open year-round, but check weather conditions if you’re heading out between September and June. There are few services offered between Haines and Haines Junction, so make sure you have enough gas and supplies for the journey. In the evening, relax in an outdoor hot tub at the Mount Logan EcoLodge, a luxury hotel at the base of Kluane National Park.
View the Detailed Itinerary below to see the full route, which is complete with dining, shopping, and lodging recommendations!
Highlighted Attractions
White Pass and Yukon Railroad
Travel back in time in a vintage passenger coach as you retrace the original route to the White Pass Summit. From glaciers and gorges to tunnels and trestles, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of some of Alaska’s most stunning scenery, including front row seats to Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. The 40-mile round trip takes approximately 3 hours for the full experience.
Da Ku Cultural Center
This inventive cultural facility celebrates the traditions and heritage of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations People with interpretive programming dedicated to the citizens of Haines Junction and the general public. Come hear the language and stories of the First Nations People and their strong connection to the land. Exhibits include panels on historic villages and contemporary communities, traditional dance regalia and instruments, and family heirlooms, and a gift shop featuring locally made one-of-a-kind pieces.
Kluane National Park and Reserve
In an extraordinary expanse of land dominated by glaciers, Kluane National Park and Preserve, is home to the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Mount Logan, the highest mountain in Canada. Popular activities include hiking alpine passes on backcountry trails, rafting past calving glaciers, boating in the crystalline waters of Kathleen Lake, snowshoeing and dog sledding over freshly fallen snow, and birdwatching for a number of species including mountain bluebirds and golden eagles. The Thechal Dhal Visitor Centre, located in the park one hour northwest of Haines Junction, offers exhibits on First Nations Peoples, a panoramic deck with a spotting scope, a gift shop, and staff on hand to answer questions. The Kluane National Park and Reserve Visitor Centre is located in the Da Ku Cultural Centre.
SS Klondike National Historic Site
Between 1937 and 1950, the S. S. Klondike ran freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City along the Yukon River. The largest of the fleet managed by the British Yukon Navigation Company, the Klondike had 50% more capacity than a regular sternwheeler while still meeting the size requirements to successfully travel the river. The construction of an overland highway between the two cities led to the decommissioning of the ship, and in 1967 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. Restored and refurbished, it now serves as a tribute to an era when riverboats provided a link to the outside world.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
When the dream of fame, fortune, and a better life thrust thousands of people towards Alaska and the Yukon Territory, the city of Skagway and its surrounding area was forever changed when gold fever took over. This historic park celebrates the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890’s. The Visitor Center exhibits old photos and films recounting the era; park rangers, restrooms, and water stations are also available.
To experience all that North America's Most Spectacular Drive has to offer, download the complete itinerary!
The detailed itinerary includes:
- A complete trip experience organized in geographic order, to print down and go.
- A full description of the Byway tour.
- Each trip experience begins in a gateway city with commercial flight availability (and often ending in another) to enhance the Byway experience.
- Attractions and activities along the full length of the Byway selected to truly tell the story of the places you visit.
- Detailed description of each attraction and activity, including the address, telephone number, hours of operation, admission fees and suggested time to allow for a visit.
- Accommodations (related to the theme of the Byway or unique to the destination wherever possible) positioned in the correct locations and including breakfast wherever possible.
- Dining suggestions positioned in the correct locations for lunch and dinner.
- All attractions, accommodations and dining locations arranged into Days that allow time for relaxation, savoring meals and enjoying the experience.
- A road trip to create memories and intrigue your mind.