Almost a year had passed since gold had been found on the Klondike River, and when news about the discovery finally reached the U.S. in July of 1897, treasure seekers knew there wasn't a day to waste. Thousands departed for Canada that summer, setting off the Klondike stampede. And while much of the route covered inhospitable terrain, the long journey down the Yukon River proved the greatest challenge for all those daring enough to risk everything.

A rush interrupted.
Most prospectors congregated in Skagway, Alaska, to prepare for the push over the Coast Mountains into the Yukon Territory's gold fields—a journey of over 500 miles. Thoughtful preparation was vital. To avert food shortages, a Canadian law made it necessary for stampeders to carry a year's supply of goods, which could weigh a ton or more, in order to enter Canada. So shopping lists were seemingly endless, including everything from canned milk and dried pears to 14-pound wool blankets, hand drills, mosquito netting, picks and shovels, and the ubiquitous gold pans.

Goods in tow, the steady stream of men, horses and dogs traveled 25 to 35 miles over Chilkoot or White Pass. Most continued to Lake Bennett at the headwaters of the Yukon River, which they would then navigate to reach their Dawson City destination. But only a lucky few managed to embark before cold weather set in and the lakes were too icy to cross. For the many who were marooned on the shore until spring, what had been a rush abruptly became a prolonged wait.

Boat building at Lake Bennett.
A vast tent city sprang up at Lake Bennett that winter, and the site became a chaos of boat building. Stampeders set to work cutting trees from the surrounding hillsides and sawing them into planks, improvising the construction of their crafts with gusto. With a series of dangerous rapids ahead, it was vital that the boats be able to withstand the challenge. To help matters, members of the Northwest Mounted Police moved among the builders with words of advice: "Boats should be about 18 to 22 feet long. Make them strong. Take your time. Alaska and the Klondike are big and gold has no legs."

Navigating the wild Yukon.
Finally, on May 29 the Yukon River's ice broke and the rush was back on. Before sunset, eight hundred boats had set out, the leaders of a flotilla that would eventually number 7,124. From skiffs to scows, canoes to barges, the boats reflected the abilities of their designers. Some held admirably through the treacherous rapids, some capsized only a few miles after being launched.

The river's rough waters would prove deadly for many stampeders. In the first days of the exodus, over 100 boats were torn to pieces. The mounted police soon refused to allow boats to pass a particularly violent stretch without an experienced navigator. A lucrative profession was born, and daring Yukon pilots began shepherding boats through the rapids for $100 a trip. Among the seasoned boatmen was a young Jack London, who would quickly collect $3,000 from his passengers.

After successfully braving the Yukon's high winds, ice floes, snags and sand bars, the first stampeders reached Dawson City in July. But instead of the riches they had anticipated, they found that virtually all the land along every gold-bearing creek had long since been staked out. Most sold their outfits, set their sights on returning home and again braved the Yukon, leaving the golden city—and their dreams—behind.

New in 2007: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad excursion.
Today you can trace much of the stampeders' route with a scenic rail journey and visit to Lake Bennett, where so many spent their winter with dreams of striking it rich. This extended excursion transports you over the White Pass all the way to Carcross, with historic stops along the Klondike Trail. Here, the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada have painstakingly created an intriguing chain of national parks and heritage sites celebrating the wilderness setting where a myriad of fascinating 19th-century adventures transpired. At the beginning of your tour, you can explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway—just one of the trail's many highlights. Your day also includes a hearty lunch and guided walking tour at the lake led by a Parks Canada interpreter. Along the way, you'll enjoy rich gold rush commentary about local legend and lore from your knowledgeable guide.

Featured cruises sponsored by Alaska Cruisetours Online. Click on the Tour Number for more information.

CruiseTour 3: 13-Day Klondike, Double Denali
& Sawyer Glaciers; May 23-Sep 1, 2007

CruiseTour 4: 14-Day Klondike, Double Denali & Glacier Bay; May
17-Aug 26, 2007

CruiseTour 5: 14-Day Klondike, Kluane, Denali
& Sawyer Glaciers; Jun 2-Aug 25, 2007

CruiseTour 6: 15-Day Klondike, Denali, Kluane & Glacier Bay National
Parks; May 26-Aug 18, 2007