An Alaska cruise offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences, and a day spent exploring Skagway is undoubtedly one of its highlights. This historic port town, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Alaskan panhandle, serves as a captivating gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush era. From its charming wooden boardwalks to breathtaking drives into the Yukon Territory, Skagway promises a blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty for every cruiser. Whether you’re seeking a deep dive into the past, an exhilarating outdoor excursion, or a relaxed stroll through unique shops, Skagway delivers an enriching experience that truly defines an Alaskan voyage.
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Top Things to Do in Skagway on Your Alaska Cruise
Stepping ashore in Skagway is like stepping back in time to the late 19th century. The town’s meticulously preserved historic district, complete with wooden boardwalks and false-front buildings, immediately transports you to the bustling days of the Klondike Gold Rush. This unique atmosphere sets Skagway apart from many other port towns, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal period in Alaskan and Canadian history. While the town itself is compact and easily explored on foot, the surrounding wilderness and access to the Yukon Territory open up a vast array of activities.
From thrilling railway journeys to scenic drives and historical walking tours, Skagway caters to diverse interests. Before you arrive, it’s wise to review the various Skagway Shore Excursions available. These pre-booked tours often include transportation and expert guides, maximizing your time in port. However, for those seeking more flexibility and a spirit of independent adventure, renting a car offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Rent a Car and Embark on a Yukon Adventure
One of the most rewarding ways to experience Skagway and its incredible surroundings is to rent a car for the day. During our first Alaska Cruise, with nearly twelve hours in port, we opted for a rental car to venture beyond the immediate town limits. While Skagway itself is charming and can be thoroughly explored in a couple of hours on foot, the real magic lies just beyond, on the scenic drive towards the Yukon Territory. Securing a rental car online beforehand often yields competitive prices, and pick-up locations are conveniently located within easy walking distance of the cruise ship dock.
Our journey began without a rigid itinerary, driven by a desire to witness as much of the stunning White Pass and Yukon scenery as possible. The road leading out of Skagway, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Yukon,” is a masterpiece of engineering and natural beauty. It closely mirrors the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, an iconic attraction often advertised on cruise ships. This shared path provides ample opportunities to pull over safely and capture incredible photographs of the vintage trains winding through the dramatic landscape. The panorama of massive, snow-capped mountains cascading into deep valleys, even in June, is truly breathtaking and offers a stark contrast to the warmer climates many travelers are accustomed to.
The drive towards Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territory, is approximately a few hours from Skagway. While some stretches of the journey might feel a bit monotonous, the route is punctuated by unexpected and fascinating highlights. One such surprise was discovering a semi-arid desert region within the Yukon Territory – a stark and unexpected landscape in this northern environment. This unique geological formation, known as the Carcross Desert, offers a truly memorable stop. We also made a point to visit the charming town of Carcross, where the local visitor center provided a delightful and free surprise: a unique Yukon Territory stamp for our passports, a cherished memento of our journey!
Continuing our drive, we eventually reached Whitehorse. This city, built with functionality and resilience against the harsh northern climate in mind, is more industrial than picturesque. It serves as a vital hub for the Yukon, designed to withstand extreme cold. Our stop at a local Walmart became an interesting cultural experience, revealing the logistical challenges of remote living. Signs rationing milk purchases (limiting families to a certain number of gallons per week) highlighted the realities of sparse shipments, ensuring everyone had access to essential goods. While we hoped to find unique souvenirs, the selection was mostly practical, though we did manage to find a few postcards.
A true highlight of our Whitehorse visit was a stop at the Yukon Brewery, famously themed with the slogan “beer worth freezing for.” The staff were incredibly welcoming and enthusiastic, eager to share their craft with visitors from afar. My partner, John, thoroughly enjoyed sampling their diverse range of beers, including their distinctive Birch Beer, and learning about the brewing process in such a unique northern setting. We left with a “thirst aid survival kit” filled with their top brews, a perfect souvenir. On our return journey, we experienced our very first Tim Hortons, a Canadian institution we had heard much about. We picked up a delicious road lunch and a selection of their renowned doughnuts, completing our authentic Canadian experience.
Upon returning to Skagway, we parked the car and dedicated the remaining hours to exploring the town. With our newly acquired beers and souvenirs, a practical rolling bag became a necessary purchase. The walk from the cruise ship dock to the heart of town is a pleasant 15-25 minute stroll, offering scenic views as you approach the historic district. We ambled through the streets, taking advantage of local shopping guides for freebies and, of course, finding that much-needed rolling bag. The shops in Skagway are a delight, offering a fantastic array of souvenirs and gifts, often at very reasonable prices. I was particularly thrilled to find adorable Christmas ornaments for just $1.00 each!
Step Back in Time at the Red Onion Saloon
No visit to Skagway is complete without a stop at the legendary Red Onion Saloon. This historic establishment, which once operated as a brothel during the Gold Rush, offers a truly unique and entertaining glimpse into Skagway’s colorful past. Be prepared for an atmosphere unlike any other, with authentic chamber pots adorning the walls, vintage photographs of the original “saloon girls,” and the infamous bordello meticulously preserved above the bar.
For a truly immersive experience, visitors can pay for a guided tour of the bordello, led by one of the saloon’s costumed “madames” or “girls,” who share intriguing stories and historical anecdotes from its heyday. We thoroughly enjoyed a refreshing drink at the bar, soaking in the lively ambiance and engaging in some excellent people-watching. The waitresses, dressed in period-appropriate saloon girl attire, add to the authentic charm. And yes, if you’re feeling generous, you can indeed add a tip to their bustiers, maintaining a fun, if slightly cheeky, tradition.
Bear Excursion to Haines for Unforgettable Wildlife Viewing
For nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, an excursion to Haines, often accessed via a scenic ferry ride from Skagway, is an absolute must-do. Haines is particularly renowned for its exceptional bear viewing opportunities, especially during the salmon spawning season. The Chilkat Valley, located near Haines, is home to one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the world and is also a prime habitat for grizzly and black bears, drawn by the abundant salmon in the rivers. These tours typically involve a ferry transfer across the Lynn Canal, followed by guided exploration of prime wildlife viewing areas, offering the chance to observe bears in their natural habitat, often feasting on salmon. It’s a truly wild and awe-inspiring experience that provides a deeper connection to Alaska’s magnificent ecosystem.
Free Things to Do in Skagway
Skagway also offers a wealth of fantastic experiences that won’t cost you a dime, perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those who prefer self-guided exploration:
- Wander out to Yakutania Point: This scenic point, just a short walk from the cruise ship dock, offers stunning views of the Skagway River, Taiya Inlet, and surrounding mountains. It’s a peaceful spot for reflection and photography.
- Hike to Lower Dewey Lake or A.B. Mountain Trail: For active visitors, these trails offer beautiful forest scenery and rewarding views. Lower Dewey Lake is a relatively easy hike, while A.B. Mountain presents a more challenging ascent with panoramic vistas.
- Explore Molly Walsh Park or Pullen Creek Park: These local parks provide pleasant green spaces for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying the Alaskan air. Pullen Creek is especially popular in August for salmon viewing.
- Admire the Flowers in Alaska’s Garden City: Skagway takes pride in its vibrant floral displays during the summer months. Take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the colorful blooms that adorn the town, earning it the nickname “Garden City of Alaska.”
- Check out the McCabe – City Hall Building: This impressive historic building showcases classic Alaskan architecture and provides insight into the town’s governance and past.
- Watch salmon spawn in Pullen Creek in August: If your cruise is in August, make sure to visit Pullen Creek near the docks. You’ll witness the incredible natural phenomenon of salmon returning upstream to spawn, a truly Alaskan sight.
- Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Located right in town, this National Park Service site offers excellent exhibits and films that delve into the fascinating history of the Gold Rush, providing context to Skagway’s unique heritage.
- Take a walking tour of the historic district with a National Park Service Ranger: These free, engaging tours offer expert insights into Skagway’s buildings, people, and events of the Gold Rush era, bringing history to life. Check the visitor center for schedules.
- Sit and people watch: Grab a bench along the boardwalks, enjoy a coffee, and watch the diverse array of visitors and locals enjoying this unique Alaskan town. It’s a simple pleasure that offers a true sense of place.
Skagway: Essential Visitor Information
To help you plan your visit, here are some key facts about Skagway:
- Location: Skagway is situated 103 air miles from Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon, making it a crucial gateway between Alaska and Canada.
- Population: The year-round population is just over 1,100 residents, though this number swells significantly with seasonal workers and cruise ship visitors during the summer.
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit):
- May: Average max temperature 58.7°F, Average minimum temperature 40.1°F
- June: Average max temperature 65.1°F, Average minimum temperature 47.1°F
- July: Average max temperature 66.9°F, Average minimum temperature 50.4°F
- August: Average max temperature 64.9°F, Average minimum temperature 48.9°F
- September: Average maximum temperature 57.4°F, Average minimum temperature 44.2°F
Dressing in layers is always advisable in Skagway, regardless of the month. Mornings can be quite cool as your ship arrives, but temperatures often warm up considerably throughout the day, especially if the sun makes an appearance.
Daylight Hours:
- May: Approximately 17 hours
- June: Approximately 18 hours (near summer solstice)
- July: Approximately 18 hours
- August: Approximately 16 hours
- September: Approximately 13 hours
The extended daylight hours in summer provide ample time for exploration and make the most of your day in port.
Additional Alaska Cruise Planning Resources
To further enhance your Alaska cruise planning, consider these helpful guides:
- Alaska Cruise Travel Tips – Essential advice for a smooth and memorable cruise experience.
- Juneau on an Alaska Cruise – What to expect and top activities during your day in Alaska’s capital.
- Holland America Westerdam – A comprehensive photo tour of this popular cruise ship.
- Alaska Cruise Port Guide – Detailed information on all major Alaskan cruise ports.
- National Parks you can visit on an Alaska Cruise – Discover the incredible national parks accessible from your cruise stops.
- Check out all of our Alaska Cruise Guides for more in-depth articles and tips.