The Klondike Highway runs from Skagway, Alaska, through British Columbia to Dawson City, Yukon. In Alaska it is designated Alaska Route 98, named for the Klondike Gold Rush year of 1898.[1]
| Alaska designation | Alaska Route 98 |
|---|---|
| Alaska length | About 14.4 miles |
| Total length | About 440 miles |
| White Pass elevation | 2,867 ft |
| Carcross–Skagway road completed | August 1978 |
| Terminus | Dawson City, Yukon |
Route
The highway climbs from Skagway to White Pass, at 874 metres (2,867 feet) in the Coast Mountains, where it crosses the Canada–United States border. The Skagway–Fraser crossing lies about 14.4 miles from the southern end. The Alaska portion is about 14.4 miles in the source infobox and about 15 miles in its text, and the full highway is about 440 to 441 miles.[1]
History
The Carcross to Skagway road was completed in August 1978 and was open only a few weeks before seasonal closure, with its first full summer season in 1979. The Dawson–Mayo Road, later part of the Klondike Highway, opened in September 1955. The highway was originally built for tourists and remains a popular route for cars, recreational vehicles and buses, and the White Pass and Yukon Route railway offers excursions in the same corridor.[1]
FAQs
Where does the Klondike Highway start? In Skagway, Alaska.
What is its Alaska route number? Alaska Route 98.
How long is it? About 440 miles in total.
Sources
Key facts
- White Pass 2,867 ft
- Opened to Skagway 1978
Quick checkWhat is the Klondike Highway called in Alaska?Show answer
Alaska Route 98
Sources
- Wikipedia. Klondike Highway. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue