Skagway is a small town packed with Gold Rush history and stunning natural beauty. Nestled in Southeast Alaska, this charming destination offers visitors a unique blend of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you arrive by cruise ship or plan an extended stay, Skagway promises unforgettable experiences around every corner. From riding historic railways to exploring glaciers and hiking wilderness trails, you will find countless ways to create lasting memories.
This guide explores the best things to do in Skagway Alaska, helping you plan the perfect adventure in this remarkable frontier town.
Step Back in Time with the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad stands as one of Skagway’s most iconic attractions. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an engineering marvel. It climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, taking you through stunning mountain scenery.
The journey offers breathtaking views of steep gorges, waterfalls, and glaciers. You will see historic sites like Dead Horse Gulch and pass through tunnels carved into mountainsides. Several tour options are available. The Summit Excursion is the most popular, taking you to White Pass Summit at the US Canada border.
For a longer adventure, consider the Bennett Scenic Journey. This full day trip takes you deeper into the Yukon Territory. The railroad operates from late April through September. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak cruise ship season.
Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves Skagway’s fascinating history. This free attraction features 15 restored buildings in the historic downtown district. The Visitor Center is located on Broadway Street and Second Avenue.
Inside, you will find excellent exhibits about the Gold Rush era. Rangers offer free guided walking tours that bring history to life. The museum displays authentic artifacts from the late 1800s. You can see what stampeders carried over the Chilkoot Trail and learn about daily life during the gold rush.
Don’t miss the short films that explain the hardships faced by gold seekers. These presentations run throughout the day and are perfect for all ages. The park also offers a Junior Ranger program for kids.
This free activity teaches children about history while exploring the town. For a unique experience, join one of the ranger led evening programs. These special presentations dive deeper into specific aspects of Gold Rush history.
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Hike the Famous Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail is legendary among hikers and history enthusiasts. This 33 mile trail follows the route thousands of gold seekers took in 1897 and 1898. It’s often called “the longest outdoor museum” because artifacts still line the path.
The trail starts near Dyea, about 9 miles from downtown things to do in Skagway. It ends at Bennett Lake in British Columbia, Canada. Most hikers complete the trail in 3 to 5 days. The most challenging section is the steep climb to Chilkoot Pass.
You will need permits to hike the trail. Parks Canada requires advance reservations during the summer season. For those wanting a taste without the full commitment, day hikes are available. The first few miles offer beautiful forest scenery and historical sites.
If you are not up for the full trek, consider a guided hike and float tour. These combine a shorter hike with a scenic river float back to town. The trail is typically snow free from July through September. Weather can change quickly, so proper gear is essential.
Discover Glaciers Up Close
Glacier experiences rank among the top things to do in Skagway for good reason. Several tour operators offer helicopter flights to nearby glaciers. TEMSCO Helicopters is one of the most popular options.
These tours fly you over glacier filled valleys and land on remote ice fields. Walking on a glacier is an unforgettable experience. Some tours include glacier hiking with experienced guides. You will learn about glacier formation and see stunning blue ice formations.
For an extra special adventure, combine your glacier tour with dog sledding. These packages take you to a musher’s camp on the Denver Glacier. You will meet energetic sled dogs and learn about the sport of mushing. Some tours even let you ride on a dog sled across the glacier.
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari offers a water based approach. This tour takes you by boat to see Davidson Glacier up close. All glacier tours operate weather dependent. Morning flights usually have the best conditions and visibility.
Experience Gold Rush Era Entertainment
Skagway’s historic district comes alive with Gold Rush themed entertainment. The Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum offers fascinating guided tours. This authentically restored brothel provides a glimpse into frontier life.
Tours are led by guides dressed in period costumes. They share colorful stories about the working girls who lived here during the gold rush. The Days of ’98 Show has been a thing to do in Skagway tradition since 1927. This vaudeville style performance recreates the shooting of Soapy Smith.
The show includes can-can dancing, ragtime music, and plenty of humor. It runs most evenings during the summer season. For a hands-on experience, visit Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. This attraction combines gold panning with a salmon bake.
You will learn panning techniques and get to keep any gold you find. The meal features fresh Alaska salmon cooked over an open fire. Walking through downtown feels like stepping back in time.
Many buildings date to the 1890s and have been carefully preserved. Stop by the various museums and shops along Broadway. Many offer free admission and fascinating displays.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife
Skagway’s natural setting provides endless outdoor opportunities. Kayaking tours take you through calm waters with stunning mountain views. You might spot eagles, seals, and if you are lucky, whales.
The Taiya Inlet offers protected waters perfect for paddling. Several companies offer half day tours suitable for beginners. For adrenaline seekers, ziplining at Grizzly Falls is thrilling. This tour features multiple ziplines through the rainforest canopy.
Mountain biking trails wind through the area. Several shops rent bikes and provide trail maps. The Lower Dewey Lake Trail is perfect for hiking. This moderate 2 mile trail leads to a beautiful alpine lake.
For serious hikers, Upper Dewey Lake offers more challenges. The views from this higher elevation are spectacular. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound around things to do in Skagway. Bears, eagles, and mountain goats are frequently spotted.
Yakutania Point is excellent for wildlife watching. This short walk from town offers panoramic views of Lynn Canal. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning or evening. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.
Take a Scenic Drive to the Yukon
Driving tours to Canada’s Yukon Territory are popular things to do in Skagway Alaska. The Klondike Highway offers spectacular scenery. This well maintained road crosses White Pass into British Columbia.
Several tour companies offer guided bus tours. These typically last 4 to 7 hours depending on the route. Highlights include the Yukon Suspension Bridge. This 65 meter bridge spans the Tutshi River Canyon and offers thrilling views.
You will also visit Emerald Lake, known for its brilliant turquoise waters. Photo opportunities are plentiful throughout the journey. Some tours include visits to remote dog mushing camps. Here you will meet sled dogs and learn about this iconic Arctic sport.
Remember to bring your passport for these tours. You will cross into Canada and back into the United States. Car rentals and self drive options are available. This gives you flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Explore Free Attractions
Not everything in Skagway costs money. Many free things to do in Skagway offer excellent experiences. The Gold Rush Cemetery is a short walk from downtown. Here you will find the graves of Skagway’s most colorful characters.
Soapy Smith, the town’s infamous con artist, is buried here. Reid Falls is located just beyond the cemetery. This beautiful waterfall is accessible via an easy trail. It’s a peaceful spot perfect for photos and reflection.
Downtown things to do in Skagway itself is free to explore. The historic district features well preserved buildings from the 1890s. Many shops and galleries welcome browsers. You will find local art, jewelry, and unique souvenirs.
Public artwork is displayed throughout town. These pieces celebrate Skagway’s history and natural beauty. Mollie Walsh Park offers a quiet green space. It’s named after a famous Gold Rush era figure.
The waterfront area provides stunning views. Watch cruise ships arrive or enjoy the mountain scenery. Street performances and musicians often entertain along Broadway. These add to the festive Gold Rush atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Skagway
Timing your visit can enhance your things to do in Skagway experience. The cruise season runs from May through September. Most tour operators and attractions are open during these months. July and August see the most visitors. The weather is warmest, but crowds are largest.
June offers a good balance. Days are long, wildflowers bloom, and cruise ships are less frequent. September brings fall colors and fewer crowds. Some attractions begin closing for the season by late September.
Winter in Skagway is quiet but beautiful. Only a handful of businesses remain open. If you visit in winter, you can experience authentic small town Alaska. Northern lights viewing is possible from October through March.
The weather in Skagway can be unpredictable. Rain is possible any time of year, so pack layers. Summer temperatures range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely gets hot, so bring a jacket.
Getting Around Skagway
Navigating things to do in Skagway is simple thanks to its compact size. The downtown area is easily walkable. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within a few blocks. The cruise ship dock is located near the center of town. From there, it’s a short walk to Broadway Street.
Several tour companies offer shuttle services to trailheads. These make accessing hiking areas convenient. Bike rentals are available for exploring farther. The flat downtown area is perfect for cycling.
The ferry terminal is about a mile from downtown. Walking takes about 20 minutes along a scenic waterfront path. Taxis are available but not always necessary. The town is small enough to reach most places on foot.
For trips outside town, joining a guided tour is easiest. Tours include transportation to all destinations. If you rent a car, parking is generally easy to find. Downtown has several free public parking areas. The airport is just a mile from downtown. Walking or taking a short taxi ride are both options.
Where to Eat in Skagway
things to do in Skagway offers diverse dining despite its small size. Fresh seafood is the specialty. Local fish and crab are caught daily during summer months. Several restaurants serve Alaska salmon in various preparations. Grilled, smoked, or baked, it’s always delicious.
For a unique experience, try a salmon bake. These outdoor events feature fresh grilled fish with sides. Microbreweries offer craft beers and pub food. things to do in Skagway Brewing Company are a local favorite. Coffee shops provide quick breakfast options. Most open early to serve cruise ship passengers.
Some restaurants require reservations during busy times. Booking ahead ensures you get a table. Budget options include sandwich shops and food trucks. These offer quality meals at reasonable prices.
The Red Onion Saloon serves food along with history. Their burgers and appetizers are consistently good. For fine dining, reservations are essential. A few upscale restaurants offer excellent cuisine. Don’t miss trying local specialties like reindeer sausage. It’s a uniquely Alaskan treat.
Things to Do in Skagway Alaska with Kids
Things to do in Skagway are wonderfully family friendly with activities for all ages. The Junior Ranger program at the National Park is perfect for children. Kids complete activities to earn their badge. Gold panning is always a hit with children. Several attractions offer this hands-on experience.
Watching sled dogs delights kids of all ages. Many tours include time to pet puppies. Easy hikes like the Lower Dewey Lake Trail work well for families. The trail is well maintained and not too challenging.
Scenic train rides captivate young travelers. The views keep everyone entertained throughout the journey. Many museums feature interactive displays. Children can touch artifacts and try on period costumes.
The historic downtown is interesting for kids. Colorful buildings and wooden sidewalks feel like a movie set. Wildlife viewing excites young naturalists. Eagles and seals are commonly spotted from town. Bike riding through town is fun and easy. Rental shops provide bikes sized for children.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Planning helps you experience the best things to do in Skagway. Start your day early to beat the crowds. Morning hours offer the quietest exploration time. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The wooden sidewalks and uneven terrain require good footwear.
Layer your clothing for changing weather. Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. Bring a reusable water bottle. Things to do in Skagway tap water is excellent and filling up saves money. Download offline maps before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty in some areas.
Book popular tours in advance. Helicopter flights and train rides often sell out. Allow flexibility in your schedule. Weather can impact tour availability and timing. Take time to chat with locals. They often share insights about hidden gems.
Visit the Visitor Center first. Staff provide current information and helpful suggestions. Remember that this is a small town. Respect the local community and environment during your visit.
Final Thoughts
From historic sites to natural wonders, the variety of things to do in Skagway ensures every visitor finds something special. The town’s Gold Rush heritage combines perfectly with outdoor adventures and stunning scenery.
Whether you spend a few hours or several days, things to do in Skagway leaves a lasting impression. The friendly locals, dramatic landscapes, and fascinating history create memories that last a lifetime. Start planning your Skagway adventure today. This remarkable corner of Alaska awaits your discovery.
FAQs
1. What is Skagway best known for?
Skagway is famous for its Klondike Gold Rush history, scenic railways, glaciers, and stunning mountain landscapes.
2. How many days are enough to explore Skagway?
One to two days are enough to see major attractions, while 3–4 days allow hiking, glacier tours, and Yukon trips.
3. Is Skagway family-friendly?
Yes, Skagway offers kid-friendly activities like train rides, gold panning, Junior Ranger programs, and wildlife viewing.
4. What is the best time to visit Skagway?
May to September is ideal, with June offering fewer crowds, long daylight hours, and pleasant weather.
5. Can you visit Skagway without a cruise?
Absolutely. You can arrive by ferry, car, or plane and enjoy the town at a relaxed pace.
