Skagway Alaska Things To Do
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Explore Alaska’s gold rush past in Skagway. As the ‘Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush,’ Skagway is full of boomtown saloons and boardwalks. The city is also home to the famous White Pass & Yukon Railroad where vintage locomotives still chug up the rugged Chilkoot trail. Read on, to learn about these, and other Skagway Alaska things to do.
Situated along Alaska’s Inside Passage, the port town of Skagway is a popular cruise ship stop. In the downtown area there are gold rush museums, old-time shows, and Alaska-made products to enjoy. Outside of town there are waterfalls, glaciers, and the tundra of the Yukon territory to discover.
Our guide on things to do in Skagway Alaska is designed to help you decide when to go, where to stay, what to do, and the many types of excursions available in the area.
SKAGWAY TOURS & EXCURSIONS
WHERE IS SKAGWAY ALASKA
Skagway is located in Southeast Alaska about 100 air miles north of Juneau. It lies at the northern tip of the Inside Passage near the Canadian border of British Columbia. The port is positioned about 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon along the Klondike Highway.
Skagway sits in a valley surrounded by the Coast Mountains. The Port of Skagway is the northernmost ice-free deep-water harbor in North America. During the 1897-98 Gold Rush, the port was the principal landing point for prospectors, thus earning Skagway the nickname, “Gateway to the Klondike.”
SKAGWAY ALSAKA WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT
Skagway has long, snowy winters and mild, wet summers. Between May and September, average highs run between the mid-50’s F to the mid-60’s F. The coldest months are December to February – when the average daily highs are below freezing (32’ F).
Most visitors will find the best time to visit Skagway Alaska is between June and August when the weather is warm, most businesses are open, and the days are longest. Some key weather variables to consider:
June – August: Peak cruise season. Most crowded.
July and August: prime months for salmon runs and bear viewing.
May and September: Cooler and wetter than peak summer months. Less crowded. Lower prices. Some shops and business closed.
October – April: Cold and snowy. Many businesses closed. Good for winter sports and Aurora Borealis.
TIP: The weather is variable and fluctuates frequently throughout the year. Dress in layers with a waterproof outer layer and sturdy walking shoes/boots in all seasons.
SKAGWAY SHORE EXCURSIONS
SKAGWAY: HOW TO GET THERE & AROUND
There no direct coastal highway from the lower 48 states or mainland Alaska to Skagway. It is possible to drive to Skagway via the South Klondike Highway through Canada, or to fly to its small commuter airport. However, the vast majority of visitors will arrive by cruise ship. Over a million cruise passengers disembark ships between late-April and early October each year.
Whether you arrive by cruise ship or by car, Skagway will efficiently shuttle you where you need to go. Transport in town includes a SMART shuttle bus system, walkable downtown, bike rentals, and a highly organized system of excursion transit that carries guests from ship to attraction.
EXCURSIONS IN SKAGWAY ALASKA
The Port of Skagway’s main docks (Ore, Broadway, and Railroad) are a 10-minute walk to town. On our trip to Skagway, this allowed Randy and I to schedule a full day excursion (6+ hours) while still having time to enjoy a self-guided tour of town.
Tips for Excursions in Skagway Alaska
Pay Attention to Port Times: When shopping for cruises, look for a long time in port (allowing you to go on an excursion and see town).
Bring Your Passport: Land excursions venturing into the Yukon/Canada will require a valid passport.
Reserve Ahead: Popular tours (the railroad, flightseeing, dog mushing) sell out quickly.
Pack for the Weather: Most tours are rain or shine. Pack a rain proof outer layer and shoes/boots.
Use a Reputable Company: Prices can vary greatly from cruise lines to independent operators. Compare prices and book with a reputable vendor that utilizes local guides and has a fair cancellation policy. We have always had good luck with Viator and GetYourGuide.
Here we have listed a few perennially popular Skagway excursions:
HOTELS IN SKAGWAY ALASKA
Skagway, AK, population 1000, is a compact community. Lodging options tend to be small inns and hotels, often with a gold rush theme. Look for accommodations that are within walking distance to town for best access to stores and restaurants.
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.
SKAGWAY ALASKA MAP
SKAGWAY ALASKA THINGS TO DO
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad was constructed in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its purpose was to provide a safe route for prospectors to travel over the treacherous Coast Mountains. The railroad track climbs some 2,900 feet in just 20 miles, and is considered an engineering marvel.
Today, you can relax in a vintage passenger coach as you retrace the journey. Chug past sites along the route such as Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. See gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles, and mountain panoramas so beautiful they have earned the railroad the nickname, “The Scenic Railway of the World.”
TIP: You can combine your trip on the White Pass Railroad with other Yukon attractions. Randy and I rode from Skagway to White Pass on the railroad. We then took a bus to see the Yukon Suspension Bridge and Gold Rush Cemetery – looping back to Skagway on the Klondike Highway. Highly recommended.
Research these popular railroad excursions:
Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Skagway
The Klondike Gold Rush Park commemorates the 1897-98 gold rush stampede. The Skagway portion of the park includes a mix of pioneer-era museums, exhibits, and boomtown architecture. A great way to begin your adventure is with a stop at the Park Visitor Center where you can watch a 25 minute film that introduces you to the Klondike Gold Rush.
Then, meander down Broadway Street (aka Skagway’s main street). Take in the town’s wooden boardwalks and remarkably preserved store fronts. While in town, visit the Mascot Saloon, the Moore House, and the Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum. Or, join in a ranger-led tour of Skagway’s historic district.
Research these popular historic district tours:
Eco-Adventures – Land Based
Surrounded by lush rainforest and the dramatic mountain summits, Skagway is an entryway into Alaska’s wild back country. Top land-based, eco-adventures in the area include flightseeing, dog sledding, ATV adventures, hiking, and rock climbing.
Helicopter tours to see nearby glaciers are hugely popular. Some chopper tours combine a flight with a hike, a meal, or dog sledding adventure. Other much-loved area excursions include guided hikes in the Tongass National Rainforest or to Laughton Glacier. Safaris that seek out local wildlife (mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles) are also big.
Research these popular eco-adventures:
Helicopter Glacier & Dog Camp Adventure (Alaska Shore Tours)
Eco-Adventures – Water Based
In Skagway visitors have access to the Taiya Inlet on the Lynn Canal Glacial Fjord as well as many area rivers and lakes. Popular water-based eco-adventure include river rafting and floats down the Taiya River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. There are also kayaking and RIB boat safaris along the fjords of the Lynn Canal to spot porpoises, seals, and whales.
Research these popular water based eco-adventures:
Skagway Street Car City Tour
The Skagway Street Car City Tour is a fun way to get an area overview. The excursions are conducted on restored 1927 sightseeing buses. The 90 minute tours take in the waterfront and historic district, a scenic overlook, the Gold Rush Cemetery, and a Skagway residential district.
Note: the tour is generally booked through the major cruise lines (not to independent travelers). Tours depart from the cruise ship docks. There are some steps to climb when boarding the bus (around three).
Gold Rush Cemetery & Lower Reid Falls
Tucked at the edge of a forest, the Gold Rush Cemetery features an assortment of original wooden markers and restored headstones. Full of history, and a healthy dose of lore, see where colorful characters from the Gold Rush era (like Soapy Smith and Frank Reid) are buried.
Behind the cemetery, take a short, easy hike through the rainforest to reach Lower Reid Falls. The impressive waterfall drops about 300’ down a rocky cliffside. Note: the trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
The cemetery and waterfall are located about two-miles outside of town. There is no charge to visit either site. The sites can be reached via the local SMART bus, by bike, or on a guided tour.
Research these popular tours that go to the cemetery:
Hike the Chilkoot Trail
The 33-mile Chilkoot Trail follows the path of the legendary Klondike Gold Rush route from Dyea Alaska to Bennet, British Columbia. The trail follows portions of the Taiya River through the rainforest. The area is great for spotting bear, beavers, and birds. Many guided excursions follow short and scenic portions of the trail (some combine with rafting floats).
Research this popular tour the hikes the trail:
Red Onion Saloon and The Days of ’98 Show
Two not-to-miss Skagway attractions include the Red Onion Saloon and the Days of 98 Show – both located on Broadway Street.
Built in 1897, the Red Onion Saloon is a colorful bar, restaurant, and brothel museum (for fee tours). The Days of 98 Show is a theatrical show set in Klondike Gold rush era. The set includes dancing, storytelling, music, and comedy. It is billed as the “longest running show in the North.”
Research these Red Onion & '98 Show tours:
E-Bike: '98 Show, Gold Rush Cemetery, & Lower Reid Falls
Entryway Days of '98 Show
Motor scooter and E-Bike Rentals
In Skagway, you can rent a motor scooter, bike, or e-bike in downtown (a ten minute walk from the cruise port). Scooter and bike rentals allow visitors to tour the waterfront and historic downtown district as well as to take trips outside of town to destinations like the Gold Rush Cemetery and Dyea Ghost Town. Note: must be 18 and have a license to rent a scooter.
Research these scooter and e-bike tours:
Downtown Shops, & Breweries
Aside from all the museums, history, and eco-adventures, Skagway is just a fun place to hang out. As you meander the grid-like streets of downtown, you will find lots of small local businesses tucked in between the larger galleries and souvenir shops. Stroll through local breweries, general stores, trading posts, bakeries, and axe throwing venues.
Research this downtown tasting tour:
Hope you hit the Mother-lode of fun in Skagway, Laura and Randy
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