Getting here

The Chilkoot Trail starts in Alaska and ends in British Columbia, so a Chilkoot hike means you'll be going back and forth across the Canada-U.S. border. A classic northern trek, the Chilkoot Trail is relatively remote and access is limited. All of this needs to be taken into account when planning your hike and making your travel arrangements. You should also keep in mind that travel to, from and in northern locations often involves unexpected delays. It is best to build extra time into your travel itinerary to allow for these delays.

The best way to get to the Chilkoot Trail depends on where you are coming from, the amount of time you have and your preferred mode of travel. Depending upon your starting point both Whitehorse, Yukon and Juneau, Alaska are potential "gateway" cities.

• Flying

  

  The fastest way to get to the here is to fly. If your starting point is in Canada or Germany, then flying to Whitehorse will likely be most convenient. If your point of departure is from somewhere in the U.S. then it might be easier to fly to Juneau then take a commuter flight or ferry to Skagway.

  via Whitehorse

  Travel Yukon
  1-800-661-0494 Toll free

  via Juneau

  City of Skagway
  1-888-762-1898 Toll free

• Alaska Marine Highway ferry

  

  If you have the time and the inclination you might opt to follow the "Klondike Trail" and retrace the historic Gold Rush route up the Inside Passage to Skagway from Bellingham, Washington or Prince Rupert, B.C. on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Ferry is also an option to get to Skagway from Juneau and/or Haines, Alaska.

  Alaska Marine Highway (ferry)
  1-800-642-0066 Toll free

  City of Skagway
  1-888-762-1898 Toll free

• Alaska Highway

  

  If combining your Chilkoot hike with a longer northern tour you might consider driving the storied Alaska Highway to Whitehorse. From Whitehorse drive south on the South Klondike Highway to reach Carcross and Skagway. If travelling from mainland Alaska on the Alaska Highway turning south at Haines Junction and travelling via the Haines Highway to Haines, Alaska and taking the ferry to Skagway is an option.

  The Milepost

  Travel Yukon
  1-800-661-0494 Toll free