What to Do in Skagway Alaska in One Day
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In the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway Alaska grew into a boomtown almost overnight. Today, the compact city of 1,000 residents draws over a million cruise passengers a year to visit its frontier saloons and gold rush attractions. Our article on what to do in Skagway Alaska in one day will help you see all the sites.
Your day in Skagway begins with a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The vintage railroad once transported gold-seekers over the treacherous Coast Mountains to the Yukon. On the journey, ride the locomotive past gorges and waterfalls so stunning they have earned the journey the nickname, “The Scenic Railway of the World.”
After the train ride, tour Skagway’s historic downtown to see where the prospectors gambled, traded goods, and bought supplies before journeying into the goldfields. After your walk, stop for a spell at the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel Museum. Our one day Skagway itinerary will help you discover all the best things to do in Skagway Alaska.
SKAGWAY ALASKA TOURS
WHERE IS SKAGWAY ALASKA
Skagway is located in Southeast Alaska about 100 miles north of Juneau and 110 miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon along the Klondike Highway. It lies at the northern tip of the Inside Passage near the Canadian border. To get to Skagway from the lower 48 states or mainland Alaska, it is necessary to drive through Canada.
Skagway sits in a valley surrounded by the Coast Mountains and the Lynn Canal (part of the Pacific Ocean). 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 ALASKA MAP
SKAGWAY ALASKA CRUISE PORT
Most visitors will enter the city through the Port of Skagway. There are four main cruise ship docks: Ore, Broadway, and Railroad Aft & 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).
For those short on time or with mobility issues, there are SMART shuttle buses (for a small fee) that run regularly between the cruise port and downtown (where the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad depot is located). The close proximity of the cruise port, downtown, and the railroad makes it easy to combine a train excursion with tour of Skagway.
Many Skagway shore excursions leave from the waterfront area. In addition to the railroad, other popular tours include glacier exploration (flightseeing and dogsledding), hiking, biking, river floats, and wildlife safaris. Choose your morning excursion (railroad or other) and combine it with our afternoon walk.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
For almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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WHAT TO DO IN SKAGWAY ALASKA IN 1 DAY
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Begin your day in Skagway with an excursion on the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. The railroad was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its purpose was to provide safe passage for prospectors over the treacherous Coast Mountains. Considered an engineering marvel, the railroad track climbs some 2,900 feet in just 20 miles
Today, the railroad provides excursions that follow the historic Gold Rush corridor between Skagway and the Yukon. You can relax in a vintage passenger coach and journey to White Pass Summit. Or, travel deeper into the high alpine terrain of Canada’s Yukon Territory.
Pass through tunnels and over trestles to sites such as Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch.
You can take a round trip ride on the locomotive. Or, combine a one way trip to White Pass with another excursion. After debarking at the summit, many travelers enjoy excursions that explore the Klondike Highway with stops at alpine lakes, dog mushing camps, and other sites.
THINGS TO DO IN SKAGWAY
Randy and I took a combination tour that began with an ascent to White Pass on the train. At the summit, we transferred to a coach for a scenic drive to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. The 200’ pedestrian cable bridge is located in Northern British Columbia. After walking the bridge, suspended 57’ above the Tutshi River, we re-boarded for the ride back to Skagway (highly recommended).
Our last stop before returning to Skagway was at the Gold Rush Cemetery on the edge of town. Here, we saw an assortment of original wooden markers and restored headstones, and heard stories of colorful characters from the gold rush era.
Behind the cemetery, we took a short, easy hike through the rainforest to Lower Reid Falls. The impressive waterfall drops about 300’ down a rocky cliffside. Note: the trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
TIP: If you journey into Canada on the White Pass railroad, or on any other Skagway excursion, be sure to bring proper identification (including a passport).
Consider these tours:
Laughton Glacier Hike & White Pass Railroad- Combination glacier and railroad tour
Other Excursions in Skagway Alaska
If a railroad excursion does not appeal to you, or you have already done it, there are many other Skagway shore excursions that leave from the cruise port. Skagway is surrounded by mountains, rainforest, alpine glaciers, and deep fjords. Rafting, glacier flightseeing, dog sledding, hiking, and wilderness safaris to view local wildlife excursions all depart from the waterfront.
In this location, Randy and I recommend utilizing guided excursions rather than striking out on your on. Many of the areas you will travel to are remote and cell service is spotty. A guide with knowledge of the local terrain, roads, wildlife, and weather patterns can be a great asset.
Here is a selection of popular local tours:
Downtown Skagway Alaska Things to Do
Spend the second part of your day exploring the gold rush town of Skagway. You can do a self-guided tour on your own, participate in a free tour led by a National Park ranger (sign up at the Park Visitor Center), or hop aboard a Skagway Street Car Tour. However you sightsee, make sure to take in the following places:
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
Commemorating the 1897-98 gold rush, when thousands of prospectors descended on the region, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Skagway is made up of over 20 buildings. These buildings memorialize the time when boomtowns were established overnight, when railroads cut through forbidding mountain passes, and the region was forever altered.
Of the 20 buildings making up the park, four are (micro) museums that are open to the public. The museums are free. In the peak summer months, you may need to get a timed-entry ticket at the park Visitor Center to see the exhibits. The four museums are:
Visitor Center Museum
Address: 2nd and Broadway
Interactive exhibits that tell the story of the gold rush adventure. Includes artifacts such as maps, photographs, video clips, and dioramas. Stop here for maps, timed tickets to exhibits, to speak with park rangers, and sign up for ranger-led free tours.
Moore House Museum
Address: 5th Ave and Spring Street
Moore House was the home of the first family to live in Skagway (1897). Two rooms of the house are restored to thier original Victorian style. Other rooms feature exhibits on the interracial family's life in the frontier. The home is set on a quiet road with shaded seating in the yard.
WALKING TOURS OF DOWNTOWN SKAGWAY
Jeff. Smith Parlor Museum
Address: 2nd Avenue
The one-time headquarters of the outlaw, Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, features rare photographs, artifacts, folk art, taxidermy, and animatronic mannequins. In the former bar, the exhibit depicts an era when Soapy controlled an underworld of local con games, gambling dens, and saloons.
Mascot Saloon Museum
Address: Broadway and 3rd Ave.
This exhibit memorializes the longest running gold rush saloon (open until 1916 when the town outlawed alcohol). The restored saloon has information about vice in Skagway, local characters, and how the town changed over time.
Red Onion Saloon
Address: Corner of Broadway and 2nd Avenue
The iconic Red Onion was constructed in 1898 at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush. The saloon operates as a first floor restaurant with full bar, and a second floor Brothel Museum. The for-fee museum offers 20 minute “quickie” tours that entertain and educate with stories of dance hall girls, the miners, and the sometimes tragic stories of the women who worked the rooms.
The Days of '98 Show
Address: 6th Avenue
This hour long vaudevillian music show runs four times a day (with a longer evening show). The acts include rowdy dancehall can-can numbers, comedy, music, and games.
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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Corrington Museum of Alaskan History & Gift Shop
Address: 3rd Avenue and Broadway
This museum and gift shop also goes by the name of Corrington’s Alaskan Ivory & Museum. The free attraction offers an extensive collection of scrimshawed walrus tusks, indigenous Alaskan art, baleen baskets, and Iditarod artifacts.
Skagway Museum and Archives
Address: 700 Spring Street
This city-run museum features gold rush artifacts, historical records, and photographs that tell the town’s history from the gold rush era until present times. Small entry fee.
Skagway Cultural Garden
Address: 703 Spring Street
This seasonal summer exhibit in a city park offers a peaceful green space where visitors can learn about the indigenous culture. On a self-guided stroll through the park enjoy the flowers, shrubbery, 27 sculptures, and information on Native American history and traditions.
Other Skagway Alaska Things to Do
Bike and Scooter Rentals – Sockeye Cycle, Klondike Electric Bikes, & Skagway Scooters
Breweries – Skagway Brewing Company and Klondike Brewing Company
Duff’s Outdoor Outfitters – Quality outdoor apparel and equipment for outdoor adventures.
Klondike Doughboy – Alaskan fry bread. Often voted #1 restaurant in town.
Lumberchaun Axe Throwing – Indoor axe throwing attraction
Skagway Fish Company – Alaskan King Crab legs, halibut fish and chips, and oysters.
Skagway Hardware – Authentic local hardware store. No frills.
Skagway Mercantile – Rustic gift shop with regional art, indigenous items, and jewelry.
Skagway Trading Co. – souvenir and gift shop with lots of clothing.
Wild Yukon Furs – Furs, handmade jewelry and hats.
We hope you enjoy your day in Skagway, Laura and Randy
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