Discover Skagway Alaska Activities: Top Attractions

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Skagway was one of those towns that really took me by surprise. It was the smallest of all the ports and I didn’t put too much time and energy into learning about this great town before we left.

That was a big mistake!

Skagway ended up being my FAVORITE stop on our 7-day Alaskan Cruise and I’ll be happy to tell you why. So much so, I’ve thought about coming back and staying here for a few days to see everything I missed. 

Luckily, I had a friend who had just visited Skagway and gave me some tips. And lucky for YOU, I am passing on my great experiences to you. 

So take note, because Skagway is a place where you may want to ditch the normal excursions offered by the cruise lines, and get out and explore on your own.

Introduction to Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska, is a charming historic town nestled at the base of towering mountains and surrounded by stunning fjords. Once a bustling gateway during the Klondike Gold Rush, Skagway offers a unique blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventure.

Visitors can explore well-preserved 19th-century buildings, ride the scenic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, or venture into the wild with hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The town’s gold rush history is evident in its many attractions, drawing tourists eager to engage with historical artifacts and narratives.

A notable site is the Gold Rush cemetery, where visitors can learn about the area’s rich history through interpretive signage and explore the graves of stampeders like Soapy Smith and Frank Reid.

With its small-town charm, friendly atmosphere, and access to some of Alaska’s most dramatic natural beauty, Skagway is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.

Getting to Skagway

Getting to Skagway is relatively easy, with several options available depending on your preference and budget. Here are a few ways to get to Skagway:

• By Cruise Ship: Skagway is a popular port of call for many Alaska cruises. If you’re taking a cruise, you’ll likely arrive in Skagway by ship. Cruise ships dock at the Skagway Cruise Ship Terminal, which is within walking distance of the town’s main attractions. Arriving by cruise ship is a fantastic way to start your Skagway adventure, as you’ll be greeted by the stunning fjords and towering mountains that make this town so special.
• By Road: Skagway is one of the few Inside Passage communities accessible by road. The Klondike Highway, also known as Highway 2, connects Skagway to the Yukon Territory in Canada. The drive from Whitehorse, Yukon, takes around 2.5 hours and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see. Imagine driving through lush forests, past crystal-clear lakes, and alongside majestic mountains – it’s an adventure in itself!
• By Ferry: The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system offers regular sailings from Juneau and other Inside Passage communities to Skagway. The ferry ride takes around 6-8 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops. This is a great option if you want to take in the gorgeous scenery at a leisurely pace. Plus, you might spot some wildlife along the way!
• By Air: Several airlines offer flights from Juneau and other Alaska cities to Skagway. The flight takes around 1 hour, and you can rent a car or take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation. Flying into Skagway gives you a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes and is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty of Alaska.

The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

I have to mention this Skagway excursion even though I just told you to leave the cruise-planned excursions behind. But this one is so worth it; it’s in a class of its own.

I was VERY hesitant to book this excursion because the last thing I wanted to do was sit on a train for 3 hours. I wanted to get out and explore Alaska! But it’s THE top-booked excursion by cruise ship passengers, has a ton of great reviews, and sells out super fast. So there’s got to be something to it right? ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!

The White Pass Railway is literally on the edge of the mountain and climbs pretty high, pretty quickly. This narrow gauge railroad offers outstanding scenery. I have no words that can accurately describe it. At times, we were so close to the edge that I could barely see the ground below us.

It really is an experience I’ll never forget and I’m so glad we did it. I would highly consider booking this one through the cruise line as it does book up and sell out (reserve tickets long before your cruise!).

You can do several different versions of this excursion, but all you need is the out-and-back trip. Don’t do the full-day excursion as it will leave you with no other time to see any other part of Skagway. The Yukon Route Railroad, with its historical significance from the gold-rush era, offers breathtaking views of natural landmarks.

TIP: Ride in the very back car. There is a small balcony you can go outside on and get some amazing pictures!

Where to Eat in Skagway

The town of Skagway is super cute and looks right out of an old western movie. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. My favorite was the Skagway Brewing Company. After we got off the train ride, we were starving.

It was also 80 degrees out (in Alaska!) and a cold beer at Skagway Brewing was a perfect choice. Their menu was great too. You can also check out the Red Onion Saloon. It was built in 1897 and much of the building and décor (and waitresses!) are straight from the 1800s.

They have a restaurant and bar and you can even take tours of the building that used to be an old brothel. It’s also supposed to be haunted!

Skagway Scooters

After our lunch at Skagway Brewing, we headed off to Skagway Scooters to rent scooters and ride around town. THIS is Skagway’s best-kept secret. You cannot find them through the cruise line and they are not part of any excursions. 

You need to call them directly from their website to book. And I will tell you.. this was our FAVORITE part of the entire cruise (Not to mention, the most affordable!).

We only booked the scooters for 2 hours and that was a big mistake. We should have booked them for much much longer! Skagway is not very big and you can see so much of it riding around town. And the best part is you can do it all at your own pace with the scooters.

We had an amazing time just riding around in the sun and cool ocean breeze, discovering different parts of Skagway.

And don’t let the scooters scare you. I never rode a scooter a day in my life but after a quick 10-minute lesson, I was flying around Skagway. 

I also want to mention, the owners (a husband and wife team) of Skagway Scooters are SUPER nice. They were easy to reach out to, very responsive, and did everything they could to accommodate us…. including giving us a ride back to the ship in their van so we could squeeze in every last second of using the scooters before boarding time!

The Town of Dyea

The town of Dyea is another place you won’t hear too much about through the cruise lines. But the history is amazing and you should not miss seeing this old ghost town.

Dyea was the gateway to the gold fields and was the first stop before gold miners headed up the famous Chilkoot Trail. This old town was a business district for everyone seeking gold, but it soon dried up once the White Pass Railroad was opened. The National Park Service plays a crucial role in preserving Dyea and providing educational resources about its history.

Today, Dyea is located about 11 miles away from downtown Skagway and is a great scenic drive. Biking might take you a little long, but it’s perfect for a scooter ride!

The entire road to Dyea is right on the coast and you literally have mountains on one side and the ocean on your other side. We stopped several times along the way to take photos of bald eagles circling above and seals playing in the water.

Exploring The History of Skagway and the Klondike Gold Rush

• Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Skagway is rich in history with the Alaskan Gold Rush and offers a lot to explore if you’re a history buff. Check out the Klondike Gold Rush Park, where you can browse the museum, check out a Ranger program, or hike one of the many famous Gold Rush trails. This park is a great place to delve into the gold rush history and understand its impact on the region.
• Skagway Museum and Archives – Located right in town and easy to walk to is the Skagway Museum where you can connect the cultural heritage, arts, and history of the Skagway and Taiya Valleys
• Historic Walking Tours – Skagway is a beautiful town to walk around in so consider taking a walking tour! Walking tours are 45 minutes long, leaving you plenty of time to discover the rest of the town.
• There are Guided vs. self-guided options available. Visit Skagway’s Home page to book one and stroll past historical sites, shopping, and food, too!
• Don’t miss the Gold Rush cemetery, a notable site where you can explore the graves of stampeders and learn about the area’s rich history through interpretive signage.

Some Popular Skagway Excursions

• Chilkoot Lake Kayaking. This is a great option if you are feeling adventurous and want to work off those buffet meals! Not to mention some great scenery and wildlife.
• Haines Skagway Fast Ferry. This is a great option for anyone who doesn’t or can’t be too physical. Enjoy a boat ride and view the scenery and wildlife of Skagway.
• Yukon Dog Sledding. A more affordable way to interact with puppies and get a dog sled ride!
• Skagway Waterfall Tour – If you want to spend your time chasing waterfalls, check out this fun activity where you travel by a comfortable bus and explore the surrounding forest where you’ll also get a chance to stop and see several waterfalls.
• Helicopter Tour – Experience the excitement of a helicopter tour to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes, especially the glaciers.
• Scenic Helicopter Ride – Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride that includes landing on glaciers and guided hikes, offering breathtaking views and thrilling adventures.

Adventurous Activities

• Hiking Trails – Chilkoot Trail – By far the most popular (and famous) trail in Skagway. This 33-mile-long trail was the original Gold Rush trail taken by thousands of men, women, and children. You won’t be able to hike all of it while on your cruise, but even doing a small part of it is a really unique experience.
• White Pass & Yukon Route Railway – Scenic train ride experience – This 3-hour train ride is great for people who want to experience the scenic beauty of Alaska but from a comfy train car.
• Ziplining and Outdoor Adventures – Head into the wilderness of Alaska and experience a zip line through the trees and over bear territory! Head to the ghost town of Dyea and race down multiple ziplines and suspension bridges over the Tongass National Forest, which allows you to soar over glacial waterfalls.
• Back Alley Rock Shop – A prime location in Skagway for experiencing gold panning. The Alley Rock Shop offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of gold panning from the shop’s owner, who provides personal instruction and guarantees that participants will find gold in every pan, making it an appealing activity for visitors.

Skagway Shopping and Souvenirs

Fortunately, Skagway has plenty of shopping if you are looking for a souvenir to take home. Unlike the other ports, I felt like Skagways souvenirs were more hand-made items and led “touristy”.

If you follow State Street right through the middle of town, you’ll find plenty of shops with homemade crafts as well as several places to stop and dine.

Since Skagway isn’t a very big town, you can easily walk most of it and all the shops are within a very short walk from the cruise ship.

Water Activities

Skagway is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with plenty of opportunities for water activities. Here are a few things you can do on the water in Skagway:

• Kayaking: Rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters of Taiya Inlet, exploring the coastline and spotting wildlife such as sea otters and eagles. Kayaking in Skagway is a serene and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the area. The gentle lapping of the water against your kayak and the sight of majestic eagles soaring overhead make for an unforgettable adventure.
• Boat Tours: Take a guided boat tour to explore the surrounding fjords and glaciers. Many tours offer wildlife viewing, including whales, bears, and eagles. Imagine cruising through the pristine waters, with towering glaciers and rugged cliffs as your backdrop. These boat tours provide a unique perspective on Skagway’s stunning landscapes and are perfect for those who want to see as much as possible in a short amount of time.
• Fishing: Skagway is renowned for its fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch salmon, halibut, and other species. You can book a guided fishing tour or rent a rod and try your luck from the shore. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, fishing in Skagway is a rewarding experience. The thrill of reeling in a big catch against the backdrop of Alaska’s wild beauty is something you won’t want to miss.

Day Trips from Skagway

Skagway is a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with plenty of opportunities for day trips. Here are a few ideas:

• Haines: Take a day trip to the charming town of Haines, located just across the fjord from Skagway. Haines is known for its stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you’re interested in hiking, bird watching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Haines has something for everyone. The ferry ride to Haines is also a scenic adventure, offering beautiful views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
• Yukon Territory: Take a day trip to the Yukon Territory, exploring the scenic Klondike Highway and visiting attractions such as the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and the SS Klondike National Historic Site. The drive along the Klondike Highway is an adventure in itself, with breathtaking views at every turn. Once in the Yukon, you can delve into the rich history of the gold rush era and learn about the region’s unique cultural heritage.
• Glacier Bay National Park: Take a day trip to Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just north of Skagway. The park is known for its stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife viewing opportunities. A visit to Glacier Bay is like stepping into another world, where towering glaciers calve into the sea and wildlife roams freely. Whether you’re exploring by boat or on foot, Glacier Bay offers an unparalleled glimpse into the raw beauty of Alaska.

By incorporating these new sections, the article will provide a comprehensive guide to Skagway, covering everything from how to get there to the best activities and day trips. This will ensure that readers have all the information they need to make the most of their visit to this charming Alaskan town.

Visiting Skagway: Final Travel Tips for Cruise Passengers

When getting off the ship in Skagway, there were not as many tour groups trying to get your business as there were in Juneau. So it’s probably a good idea to have things planned out before you get there. 

Skagway is the last stop along your 7-day Alaskan Cruise and getting back on board the ship can be a little depressing. Plan to have a fun night so you don’t feel all bummed out later on. 

Try to build in a little time to walk the town. Skagway does NOT feel like a touristy town and that made me love it even more. I can fully understand why people would want to live there full-time in the summer. 

If you have any questions about going on an Alaskan Cruise, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a question in the comments below

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