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Border Crossing to Skagway Question

Mississauga, Canada
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84 posts
25 reviews
32 helpful votes
Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Hi, we're visiting Whitehorse from July 20 to 23 then need to catch the ferry from Skagway at 3 p.m. on the 23rd. Google says it's a 3 hour drive but I'm wondering how much time to factor in for crossing the border into Alaska. We'll likely just leave Whitehorse after breakfast but I'd like to get an idea of what the border crossing is like. There doesn't appear to be much at the point where the Klondike Hwy crosses the border.

Amsterdam, The...
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679 posts
1. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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It's been awhile, 2004 , but it took me about 5 minutes including filling out the form which you won't have to.

It (Dalton Cache) is a quiet border crossing.

Leave as early as you can, because it's a beautiful, scenic drive to Haines.

Whitehorse, Canada
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320 posts
1 review
3 helpful votes
2. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Maybe as much as ten minutes. Don't take any fruit or veggies for a snack or it'll be longer while they're inspected.

Haines, Alaska
Destination Expert
for Haines
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53 reviews
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3. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Side note for clarification : Wallie crossed at Dalton Cache which is not on the border crossing near Skagway........

Fruits and veggies that were grown in US or Canada are okay to cross with.....just make sure you keep the little sticky thing on them that says the country of origin and keep them closeby for easier inspection.....The will take you Visas and scan them into the computer, ask you a few questions.....we usually get through in 5 minutes or less......

If you are taking your rental vehicle with you on the ferry, do make sure you have reservations and try to get in line 2 hours before sailing.....check in with the ferry terminal and the will tell you which lane to park in.....they have the vehicle boarding down to a fine art, for position and space available......

Amsterdam, The...
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679 posts
4. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Hi Mombear. You're right, of course. Read it wong. it's from Skagway, not to Skagway.

A beautiful drive just the same.

Mississauga, Canada
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84 posts
25 reviews
32 helpful votes
5. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Hi Mombear, thanks for the info. We'll be driving our own vehicle but will still get there a couple of hours early. We have reservations as well. Looking forward to the ride!

Whitehorse, Canada
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1,393 posts
39 reviews
15 helpful votes
6. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Remember that 3pm in Skagway means 4pm in Yukon ;)

Mississauga, Canada
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84 posts
25 reviews
32 helpful votes
7. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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Ohhh... thanks! Didn't realize that.

Whitehorse, Canada
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20 posts
60 reviews
73 helpful votes
8. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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border crossing is quick -usually 5mins max and the drive from Whitehorse is only two hours but... you'll want to take a lot more time to see the sites enroute and skagway!

Whitehorse, Canada
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601 posts
78 reviews
64 helpful votes
9. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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There have been many long waits at the Skagway border crossing this year actually - 30-40 minutes. That's personal experience on 2 trips (I cross every couple of weeks) as well as stories from others.

M E
Kingston, Canada
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21 posts
40 reviews
32 helpful votes
10. Re: Border Crossing to Skagway Question
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To get from Whitehorse to Skagway (Sgt. Prestons Lodge) - will we need to go on a ferry?????

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