Skagway: A Classic Stop on Your Alaska Cruise

Skagway, Alaska, nestled in the northern reaches of the Inside Passage, invites cruisers with its rich history and stunning landscapes. Once a bustling gold rush town, the city retains its frontier charm with colorful buildings and historic sites amidst breathtaking scenery. From scenic hikes to railway rides, Skagway offers an unforgettable Alaskan experience for cruisers seeking both history and natural beauty.

A City Packed with History and Charm

Nestled within the grandeur of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Skagway stands as a testament to the rugged spirit of the North. Its history is steeped in the lore of the Klondike Gold Rush, a frenzied era when fortune-seekers flooded into the region in search of elusive riches.

Established as a gateway to the goldfields of the Yukon, Skagway witnessed a flurry of activity as prospectors, merchants, and opportunists converged upon its shores in the late 1800s.

Today, you can see glimpses of its tumultuous past through the town’s meticulously preserved historic district, where colorful storefronts and wooden boardwalks transport visitors back to the heyday of the gold rush.

What truly sets Skagway apart, however, is its undeniable charm. Despite its modest size, the town exudes a warmth and authenticity that beguiles all who wander its streets. There’s an unmistakable sense of community that pervades Skagway’s atmosphere.

Moreover, the town’s intimate setting only adds to its allure. Surrounded by towering peaks of the Coast Mountains, visitors can’t help but feel dwarfed by the sheer scale of the landscape, a reminder of the awe-inspiring power of the Alaskan wilderness.

Ultimately, what people remember about visiting Skagway is the town’s ability to transport them to another time and place, where the allure of gold and the call of the wild still echoes. It’s a place where history comes alive, where nature reigns supreme, and where everything is coated with the magic of the Last Frontier. And that’s what makes Skagway worth visiting.

What to Do in Skagway?

The short answer: A LOT!

There are so many great things to do in Skagway, we can’t list them all here; but, we have gathered some of our clients favorite excursions for your consideration.

Exploring the Historic District

The Gold Rush Towns of Skagway and Dyea  

Visiting Skagway’s historical district is a step back to the gold rush era, with charming streets and well-preserved buildings like the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Depot. The city is a living story of adventure and perseverance, making it a must-visit for those intrigued by the Alaskan frontier’s pioneering spirit.

Broadway Street, Skagway’s main thoroughfare, is lined with colorful storefronts adorned with Victorian-era architecture. Imagine the bustling frontier town’s past as you amble down the wooden sidewalks, the smell of a freshly baked Klondike Doughboy pastry tempting you.

Among the notable landmarks along Broadway is the iconic Red Onion Saloon, its stark red exterior and swinging doors a reminder of Skagway’s rowdier days. Inside, the ambiance reminds you of its past as a raucous 19th-century brothel, complete with period decor and servers clad in vintage attire.

Next door is the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, a striking building adorned with driftwood and intricate gold rush-era motifs. Also close by is the Klondike Gold Rush Museum with artifacts showcasing life and work during the gold rush days. Over on Spring Street you find the Skagway Museum with exhibits that highlight the town’s evolution from a remote outpost to a thriving hub of activity.

The Ghost Town of Dyea

Dyea, a haunting relic of the Klondike Gold Rush, stands frozen in time in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. This town, along with nearby Skagway, served as the starting point for 40,000 adventurers scrambling to the Yukon and Chilkoot Trail in hopes of finding their fame and fortune.

Situated at the mouth of the Taiya River, this seasonal fish camp-turned-boomtown boasted a population of thousands in the late 19th century. Today, Dyea’s silent streets, remnants of weathered wooden buildings, and overgrown trails are empty reminders of the town’s heyday.

As nature reclaims its territory, you can get a glimpse into Dyea’s past, learning how quickly dreams clashed with reality in the harsh Alaskan frontier. You’ll see Slide Cemetery containing victims of the 1898 Palm Sunday avalanche at the Chilkoot Trail, and have the chance to explore the entrance to the Chilkoot Trail yourself.

Just as quickly as Dyea bloomed, it almost vanished – with barely 70 people left in the town by 1901. The combination of the avalanche and the construction of the White Pass & Yukon route Railroad eventually diverted prospectors from Dyea and the Chilkoot Trail to the White Pass Trail and Skagway’s city streets.

Heading to the Wild Frontier 

Frontier excursions out of Skagway put you right into the untamed beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. The city serves as a gateway to vast expanses of raw natural splendor, offering numerous outdoor activities from glacier trekking and kayaking through icy fjords to scenic train rides along historic routes.

Whether tracing the footsteps of gold rush pioneers on the Chilkoot Trail or marveling at the ruggedness of the White Pass Summit, each excursion promises an unforgettable encounter with America’s last frontier.

White Pass Summit Rail and Bus Excursion 

Beyond Skagway’s city streets lies a world of wild beauty waiting to be explored through the White Pass Summit Rail and Bus Excursion. This is, hands down, one of the most popular and best things to do in Skagway. Our adventure lets you experience White Pass two different ways — by train and by bus.

As the train chugs away from the bustling town, you are instantly transported to rugged mountains, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls. The journey follows the route of the early gold prospectors into the heart of the wilderness, where the air becomes crisper and the scent of pine fills the senses.

As the train climbs higher, the landscape reveals panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and emerald valleys below. Pitchfork and Bridal Veil Falls emerge like hidden gems amidst the rugged terrain, their waters forcefully tumbling down the cliffs.

As the journey continues into British Columbia, the landscape takes on a wilder, more remote character, evoking a sense of adventure and exploration. Other landmarks you’ll see during your travel include the Skagway Scenic Overlook, Tormented Valley, and the Welcome to Alaska Sign.

Throughout the excursion, you’ll hear tales of the Klondike Gold Rush and the pioneers who braved these untamed lands in search of fortune. Their stories add depth and richness to the experience, offering insight into the history and heritage of this remote corner of the world.

Helicopter Glacier Tour  

Flying over majestic glaciers in a helicopter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where icy peaks and glistening glaciers sprawl beneath you. Trust us, you will want your camera for this one!

The exhilaration of hovering above these ancient masses of ice, witnessing their ever-shifting contours and brilliant hues, evokes a sense of awe. Your tour will take you over the Chilkat Glacier, Ferebee Glacier, and/or the Meade Glacier, depending on the conditions of the day.

While airborne, marvel at the sheer scale and jaw-dropping beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, feeling a connection to the adventurous spirits who once traversed these lands in search of fortune.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the highlight of your tour includes landing on one of these glaciers for an unforgettable walk! Here’s your chance to take a stroll on a glacier, seeing ice crevices up close and soaking in the still beauty reminiscent of what gold rush-era trappers and prospectors once experienced.

Canoeing Across Summit Lake  

On this adventure you will be transported across the Canadian border to the serene shores of Summit Lake, where 12-person voyageur canoes await you. These canoes are similar to the ones used by gold rush-era prospectors, further connecting you to the spirit of exploration that has long defined this rugged frontier.

Gliding across the surface of the lake, lined by towering peaks and dense forests, you can almost envision the intrepid trappers and prospectors plying these waters in search of their next meal.

Explore the narrow channels and rocky inlets, and take a break from the water with a shoreline walk, snapping photos and soaking in the untouched beauty of Summit Lake.

River Rafting through Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve  

Rafting along the Chilkat River as it winds through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a truly breathtaking experience that immerses you in the heart of the largest gathering of bald eagles anywhere on Earth.

Drifting gently along the glacial-fed waters, the beauty of the wilderness surrounding you. This is a float trip, which means you will be hands-free to use your binoculars or capture that amazing photo shot.

As you and your group navigate the pristine river your eyes are drawn upward to the sky, where the air is alive with the majestic presence of bald eagles. Watch them in amazement as they gracefully soar and swoop through their natural home.

In this sanctuary of tranquility and abundance, you can’t help but feel a deep reverence for the life that thrives along the Chilkat River, and a profound gratitude for the opportunity to witness it.

Catamaran Ride to Haines and Chilkoot River Valley 

This tour takes you on a high-speed catamaran ride to Haines, a thrilling adventure that combines the exhilaration of speed with the serene beauty of the Alaskan landscape.

Upon arrival in Haines, the excitement continues with a guided drive through town to the Lutak Inlet and the Chilkoot corridor. Look out for brown bears, mountain goats, salmon, and more as you make your way to Chilkoot Lake.

Once on the lake, board a motor-assisted voyageur canoe and spend two hours exploring the coves and inlets where the wildlife make their home. From spotting bald eagles soaring overhead to marveling at the lush forests and pristine waterfalls, every moment is filled with wonder and amazing photo opps.

When is the Best Time to Go to Skagway?

The best time to cruise to Skagway typically falls within the summer months, from May to September, when Alaska experiences milder weather and longer daylight hours.

During this time cruise ships often navigate through the Inside Passage, providing passengers with breathtaking views of fjords, glaciers, and coastal mountains.

This period offers optimal conditions for exploring the stunning landscapes and engaging in outdoor activities such as glacier viewing, wildlife spotting, and hiking. Want to see bears? Aim for late April and early May, when they come out of hibernation. Want to see salmon running upstream? That tends to start in June.

July and August are the hottest, yet driest months of the season — and when most of the shops are open. Leaf peepers will enjoy going in September, when the leaves start changing their colors; it’s also a less crowded time, as the cruise season starts winding down.

How Best to See Skagway?

The best way to see Skagway is through a shore excursion led by expert guides. Don’t just gaze at the city from your cabin balcony; step ashore to wander its streets and venture into the wilderness for a complete immersion in all that this city has to offer.
Explore downtown Skagway and beyond through our meticulously designed shore excursions that grant you exclusive access to the city’s rich history and vibrant present. Reach out to us today and let us set you up with a Skagway adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.