Tucked in the southeastern corner of Alaska near its border with British Columbia, Skagway provides a wealth of opportunities for travelers looking to explore, discover, and adventure into the greatness that Alaska offers. A cruise to Skagway offers a glimpse into Alaska’s storied past, with numerous historic buildings from the Gold Rush era lining its streets.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Skagway
The port of Skagway is the starting point for many of the best shore excursions in Alaska. The Skagway Traditional Council, which works to preserve tribal sovereignty, is located in town. The Skagway Traditional Council holds numerous events related to native Alaskan culture.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a major draw for the city. A cruise to Skagway is the perfect way to initiate a trip to this national park. Visitors can make the best out of their excursion by taking a ranger-led tour from the visitor center, which can be found in the railroad depot in downtown.
No adventure in the Skagway area is complete without a railway trip through the White Pass route. This mountain pass, also called Dead Horse Trail, is a part of the Coast Mountains and reaches 2,864 feet in elevation. The vintage passenger train that traverses this terrain makes a 40-mile round trip, featuring spectacular vistas of the region’s unique scenery.
The Yukon Discovery tour is one of the most popular Skagway shore excursions. On this fully guided adventure, visitors ascend White Pass in a comfortable mini-bus, crossing the U.S.-Canadian border into Yukon Territory. This route offers many potential wildlife-viewing opportunities, with bear, caribou, and mountain goat sightings being common.
Best Skagway Tips
Dining at Skagway Fish Co. is highly recommended for hungry visitors. Patrons enjoy excellent customer service, some of the freshest local fish and crab legs in the area, great draft beer, and awesome views of ships as they cruise to Skagway. Many diners have commented that Skagway Fish Co.’s fish and chips are the tastiest they have ever had.
State Street and Broadway Street feature various unique businesses selling souvenirs and artwork from local artisans. The architecture evokes the Gold Rush era, allowing guests to feel like they are taking a step into Skagway’s exciting past. The Gold Rush Cemetery and Captain William Moore Cabin offer an even closer look at the characters that came to the area searching for riches and what it was like for them to live there.
Book a Cruise to Skagway
Schedule an unforgettable trip into Alaska by booking a cruise to Skagway today!