Excursions in Skagway Alaska
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Nestled between the Coast Mountains and the sea lies the city of Skagway, Alaska. As the gateway to the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway is chockfull of attractions associated with its boomtown past. Our article on the best excursions in Skagway Alaska highlights the many types of tours available in the region.
Skagway is a cruise ship port along Alaska’s Inside Passage. In the downtown area, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is a short walk from the cruise ship piers. The park preserves the town’s saloons, boardwalks, and gold rush culture. Also from this hub, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad runs antique locomotives into Canada’s Yukon territory.
Skagway makes a great base for eco-adventures. The town is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, dramatic fjords, and the wild terrain of the Tongass National Rainforest. Wilderness hikes, ocean and river rafting, glacier flightseeing, and dogsledding are popular Skagway shore excursions.
Our blog post will highlight Skagway, Alaska things to do, and provide an overview of activities and shore excursions in the region.
SKAGWAY ALASKA THINGS TO DO
WHERE IS SKAGWAY ALASKA
Skagway is located in Southeast Alaska about 100 air miles north of Juneau AK; or, 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon in British Columbia. During the 1897-98 Gold Rush, the harbor town was the primary landing point for gold-seekers, earning Skagway the nickname, “Gateway to the Klondike.”
SKAGWAY ALASKA MAP
THE SKAGWAY ALASKA CRUISE PORT
Most visitors will enter the city through the Port of Skagway. The port receives over a million cruise passengers each season. The waterfront is the primary pick-up and drop-off point for excursions. Although the city does a good job transporting people out of this area with SMART shuttle buses and excursion transport – expect some congestion in high season.
Ships dock along the Lynn Canal just steps from downtown. There are four main docks: Ore, Broadway, Railroad Aft, and Railroad Forward. From Ore and Broadway, it is an 8-10 minute walk to downtown. From the Railroad docks, passengers may need to take a short shuttle ride to the main waterfront area (around Centennial Park).
On a shore day, the close proximity of the cruise port to downtown makes it easy to combine an excursion with a self-guided town walk. Each dock is colored coded so you can easily find your way back to the ship. In addition, SMART shuttle buses run regularly between the port and town.
SELF-GUIDED VS GUIDED SKAGWAY SHORE EXCURSIONS
It is simple and easy to tour downtown Skagway on your own. It is a short trek from the cruise docks through Centennial Park to town. Once in the downtown area, the grid-like layout of Skagway’s historic district makes it difficult to get lost.
If you decide to book an excursion outside of town, we recommend utilizing guided excursions. In Skagway, many of the outdoor activities are in remote areas far from emergency services. Many of the roads are unsigned, locations are miles apart, GPS and cell service are often unreliable, and rental cars are expensive.
A local guide who is knowledgeable of the regional terrain, roads, wildlife, and weather patterns can be a great asset. And, someone familiar with local history and lore can make the trip more fun. A good tour company will take care of the tickets, transportation, timing, and basic safety strategies that can keep you safe and allow you to have a good time.
Reserve tours that are guided by locals, that guarantee timely return to ship (if cruising), and that have good reviews. We often rely on Viator and GetYourGuide.
SKAGWAY SHORE EXCURSIONS
SKAGWAY ALASKA THINGS TO DO
The community of Skagway is small (around 1000 residents). However, the territory around the city is vast. In this section, we break the region down and group like “things to do.”
Downtown / Skagway Historic District
In the Downtown Skagway area, we include the waterfront, the White Pass & Yukon Railroad Depot, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center, the Downtown/Skagway Historic District, and the Townsite residential blocks. Note: All of these areas are within a short radius of each other.
Things to do in Skagway Historic District
Explore the boardwalks and false-front gold rush era buildings. See the Red Onion Saloon & Brothel, The Days of ’98 Show, the Mascot Saloon, and Jeff Smith’s Parlor Museum. The area is highly walkable with many eateries, general stores, breweries, gold rush exhibits, and shops with Alaska-make products.
Tongass National Rainforest
The dense rainforest surrounding Skagway is part of the 17 million acre Tongass National Forest. The portion of the park that surrounds Skagway is significant for its soaring Coastal Mountains, deep glacial fjords, and unusual transition from rainforest to dry alpine terrain. The area teems with subarctic wildlife like bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles.
Things to do in Tongass National Forest
Outdoor eco-tours including hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, glacier flightseeing, wildlife viewing, and boat tours. In this area find the Dyea Ghost Town, Chilkoot Trailhead, Dewey Lakes Trail System, the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers.
Lynn Canal Glacial Fjord
Skagway sits at the tip of the Inside Passage on the Lynn Canal Glacial Fjord. The seaway is the deepest and longest fjord in North America, falling to depths of 2,000 plus feet. The nutrient-rich summer waters are home to marine wildlife including orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, and seals.
Things to do on the Lynn Canal
Cruising through the glacial fjord on a cruise boat, RIB raft, or kayak provides dramatic views of the region’s glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and steep fjord cliffs. Wildlife safaris and fishing adventures are popular eco-tours.
SKAGWAY ALASKA CRUISE PORT TOURS
TIPS FOR EXCURSIONS IN SKAGWAY ALASKA
If you are cruising, choose an itinerary with a long time in port (8 hours or more). Many wilderness excursions require significant transport time. If you chose a cruise with a long time in port you can enjoy an excursion and do a walk of the downtown area.
Many excursions in the Skagway area cross into Canada. Be sure to bring a valid passport on any excursion heading into the Yukon.
Excursion Signage Book your excursions before leaving home. In peak season (June, July, August) popular cruises sell out quickly.
Be prepared for variable weather. It rains less in Skagway than some other Alaskan port towns, but the weather is still unpredictable. Always pack a waterproof outer layer and shoes/boots. Be aware, most tours are rain or shine.
BEST EXCURSIONS IN SKAGWAY ALASKA
In this section, find an overview of the types of tours available in Skagway along with a selection of popular excursions. Most tours will include some element of wildlife viewing (brown and black bears, mountain goats, caribou, bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and whales).
Eco-Tours to Area Attractions
In Skagway, the main attractions are situated in spectacular outdoor settings. See raging rivers and tundra landscapes aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Marvel at deep ravines, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains as you pan for gold, explore a ghost town, or cross the Yukon Suspension Bridge.
Types of Tours
Bus, van, and private tours that navigate the Klondike Highway and other scenic backroads.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
Half Day Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit; $139, 3.5 hours
White Pass Summit Excursions; $155, 2 hours, 45 minutes
Musher Camp & Sled Dog Adventure; $210, 3.5 hours
Outdoor Adventures
With the Tongass Rainforest, Coastal Mountains, and Denver Glacier all in the vicinity, outdoor enthusiasts will find lots to do in Skagway. Sought after recreation areas include Lower Dewey Lake, Yakutania Point, the Chilkoot Trail, and AB mountain.
Types of Tours
Hiking, Biking, ATV rides, Rock climbing, Wildlife viewing, and Ziplining tours that include transport, equipment, and guide.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
Grizzly Falls Zip Lining Adventure; $260, 4 hours
Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Tour; $145, 4 hours
E-Bike Tour with Sailing Cruise; $299, 6 hours
River Rafting & Floats
Explore the many rivers and alpine lakes surrounding Skagway with a relaxing float or exhilarating whitewater rafting ride. Look for excursions along the Taiya River, through the Chilkat River Bald Eagle Preserve, and on Lower Dewey Lake.
Types of Tours
Rafting, pontoon, kayaking, and fishing expeditions that include transport, equipment, a guide, and often an outdoor cooked meal.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
Chilkoot Lake Kayaking; $294, 4 hours
Chilkat River Jet Boat Adventure; $273, 6.5 hours
Ocean Exploration & Wildlife Safaris
The port town of Skagway sits on the Taiya Inlet at the end of the Lynn Canal on the Inside Passage. Mid-June to August is peak viewing season to see humpback whale and orca activity. Fishing excursions and tours to spot seals and porpoises are common.
Types of Tours
Fishing charters, kayaking expeditions, RIB boat trips with transport, equipment, and a guide/boat captain included.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
Ocean RIB Raft Wilderness Tour; $190, 2 hours, 15 minutes
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari; $368, 6 hours
Glacier Exploration
Skagway is close to several ice fields including the Harding, Denver, and Laughton Glaciers. From town, visitors can book a helicopter to fly over a glacier. Or, explore a glacier on a hike or dogsled ride.
Types of Tours
Flightseeing in a small plane or helicopter (often booked in conjunction with a hike, picnic, or mushing adventure). Or, book a separate hiking and / or dogsledding trip that includes transport, equipment, and a guide.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
Laughton Glacier Hike & White Pass Railroad; $400, 9 hours, 45 minutes
Yukon Dog Sledding & Sightseeing; $229, 6 hours
Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour; $449, 2 hours
Helicopter Glacier & Dog Camp Adventure; $619, 2 hours
Skagway Historic District Tours
Full of history and attitude, downtown Skagway has lots to do. Take a free ranger-led tour to see sites in the Klondike Gold Rush National Park. Book a Skagway Street Car Tour and visit the Gold Rush Cemetery at the edge of town. Or, get tickets for the Days of ’98 Show and tour the Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum.
Types of Tours
Guided walking tours and bus tours.
Popular Skagway AK Excursions
90 Minute Skagway Highlights Tour; $56, 1.5 hours
Skagway Historic City Tour: $55, 2 hours
HOTELS IN SKAGWAY ALASKA
If you find yourself in Skagway for an overnight, look for accommodations that are within walking distance of the downtown area for access to restaurants and entertainment.
Consider these well-reviewed hotels in Skagway Alaska:
Historic Skagway Inn: Built in 1897. Turn of the century décor and onsite dining, Olivia’s Bistro.
At The White House: Guesthouse a few blocks from main street. Quiet atmosphere.
The Pack Train Inn: Located in Skagway's tallest historic building. Modern amenities with Gold Rush charm.
Click here for Alaska Car Rental rates and reservations.
Hope you enjoy all there is to do in the ‘Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush,’ Laura and Randy
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