After three years of shutdowns due to pandemics, White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad will reopen service this summer to Fraser (British Columbia) and Carcross (Yukon) Skagway’s largest employer with 170 employees, the railroad is also its most important.
Tyler Rose, White Pass executive, says that while there is a lot to do before the season begins, they should complete it in time.
“You know, it’s great. Rose stated that things are looking very positive now, despite the fact that we’re coming off 2022/2021 and prior to that.
Official schedule indicates that one-way passenger service from Fraser will be available daily between early May and early October. Bus companies can provide continuing or return service. The service to Carcross and Bennet begins at the end May and ends in mid September.
Bonnie O’Connor, a Carcross business owner, runs the Matthew Watson General Store together with her husband.
“I think everyone enjoys watching that train come into town every single day. People will rush to the streets when they hear the train whistle over the lake. They’ll buy popcorn and then sit down on the benches as it comes in. It’s a wonderful moment we share. It’s a great moment for everyone.
Although her company met its goals last year, it was only one-third of what they saw in 2019. It will be more difficult to find employees this summer, she says.
“Staffing can be a major hurdle for us all. Every business in town is affected by the lack of housing. O’Connor stated that the price of gas is prohibitive for anyone who would have thought about commuting to Carcross from Whitehorse.
Andrew Cremata, Skagway Mayor, says White Pass’s return to Canada will be good for the community.
“It’s going to ease a lot congestion in the town by being able to transport thousands of people across the border to Canada on the train. It’s also great for Carcross residents. For Yukon residents. Cremata said that it would be a huge boost for their economy.
He stated that he anticipates a return of pre-pandemic cruise vessel visitor numbers this summer, or even more.
From the end of May to the middle of September, the railroad will provide a bus and train service to Whitehorse in Yukon Territory. They will also offer round-trip summit tours every day throughout the summer. They are not yet certain when they will offer Chilkoot Trail returns trips, as the trail is still closed from flooding last fall.
