Stepping off your Alaska cruise ship into Skagway feels like a remarkable journey back in time. This charming port town, nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Southeast Alaska, offers a captivating blend of Gold Rush history, breathtaking wilderness, and unique local culture. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, Skagway promises an unforgettable experience, making it a highlight of any Alaska cruise itinerary.
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Unforgettable Experiences: Top Things to Do in Skagway on an Alaska Cruise
Skagway is more than just a picturesque town; it’s a living museum that transports visitors directly to the heady days of the Klondike Gold Rush. With its meticulously preserved boardwalks, Victorian-era storefronts, and a palpable sense of history, the town itself is an attraction. Beyond the charming streets, the surrounding wilderness offers boundless opportunities for adventure, from scenic drives to thrilling wildlife encounters.
To maximize your time in this captivating port, consider the diverse range of Skagway Shore Excursions available, or embark on a self-guided exploration.
Embark on a Scenic Drive to the Yukon Territory
For those who love the open road and breathtaking vistas, renting a car in Skagway offers unparalleled freedom to explore beyond the town limits. On our inaugural Alaska cruise, with nearly 12 hours in port, we opted for this adventure. The town itself can be thoroughly explored on foot within a couple of hours, leaving ample time to venture further afield. Securing a rental car online in advance provided a great price and a hassle-free pickup right in town.
Our journey began with no rigid itinerary, only a desire to drive as far as possible into the Yukon Territory, absorbing the magnificent scenery along the way. The drive from Skagway, following the historic White Pass & Yukon Route, is nothing short of spectacular. Even in June, remnants of winter snow lined the roads, adding to the dramatic landscape of colossal, snow-capped mountains descending into lush valleys.
The highway parallels the famous White Pass & Yukon Route railroad for a significant stretch, offering unique opportunities to pull over and photograph the iconic trains as they traverse the historic route. This drive is a photographer’s dream, with sweeping panoramas at every turn. While Whitehorse, the largest city in the Yukon, is a few hours’ drive from Skagway, the journey itself is the reward. Parts of the drive might feel extensive, but the highlights are truly memorable.
One such unexpected highlight was discovering a desert in the Yukon Territory – a stark and fascinating contrast to the typical Alaskan landscape. We also paused in the quaint town of Carcross, where a visit to the local visitor center yielded a delightful surprise: an official Yukon Territory stamp for our passports, a fantastic and free souvenir!
Whitehorse, as the capital of the Yukon, serves as a functional and robust city built to withstand the harsh northern climate. While it may not possess the conventional beauty of a tourist resort, it offers an authentic glimpse into northern living. Our stop at a local Walmart provided a unique cultural insight, with signs indicating milk rationing due to infrequent shipments – a testament to the challenges of remote supply chains. Souvenir options were limited, primarily to postcards, emphasizing the city’s practical nature over tourist-centric offerings.
Our visit to the Yukon Brewery, proudly proclaiming “beer worth freezing for,” was a definite high point. We indulged in a “thirst aid survival kit” featuring their signature brews. The staff’s genuine friendliness and enthusiasm for visitors from Washington made the experience all the more enjoyable. John had the opportunity to sample various beers, including their distinctive Birch Beer, gaining insight into the local craft brewing scene.
On our return journey, we experienced our first taste of Tim Horton’s, a beloved Canadian institution. Grabbing lunch and a couple of doughnuts for the road was the perfect way to conclude our Yukon expedition.
Upon returning to Skagway, we parked the car and began exploring the town on foot, primarily in search of a suitable bag to transport our newly acquired beers and souvenirs back to the ship. The pleasant walk from the cruise ship terminal to the heart of town typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your pace and the exact dock location.
The shops in Skagway are a delight to browse, offering a wide array of unique gifts and souvenirs. We found some fantastic deals, including charming Christmas ornaments for just a dollar, proving that memorable keepsakes don’t have to break the bank.
Step Back in Time at the Red Onion Saloon
No visit to Skagway is complete without experiencing the legendary Red Onion Saloon. This historic establishment, once a prominent bordello during the Gold Rush era, offers a truly unique glimpse into Skagway’s colorful past. Be prepared for an atmosphere unlike any other, with authentic artifacts like chamber pots adorning the walls, vintage photographs of the original saloon girls, and the preserved rooms of the bordello upstairs.
For an even deeper dive into history, consider taking a guided tour of the upstairs bordello, often led by one of the saloon girls dressed in period attire. Downstairs, we enjoyed a refreshing drink at the bar, soaking in the lively ambiance and engaging in some fascinating people-watching. The waitresses, dressed as authentic saloon girls, add to the immersive experience, and yes, it’s tradition to discreetly add a tip to their bustier if you’re so inclined!
Discover Wildlife on a Haines Bear Excursion
For nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, a bear excursion to Haines is an absolute must-do from Skagway. Often involving a scenic ferry ride across the Lynn Canal, this tour takes you to prime bear viewing habitats where you have excellent chances of spotting grizzly or black bears in their natural environment, often fishing for salmon. Beyond bears, Haines is also renowned for its large population of bald eagles, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. These excursions typically provide knowledgeable guides who offer insights into the local ecosystem and ensure a safe and respectful wildlife viewing experience.
Ride the Historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
While we chose to drive, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is arguably Skagway’s most iconic and popular excursion. This narrow-gauge railway, a marvel of engineering, was built during the Gold Rush to transport prospectors and supplies over the treacherous White Pass. Today, it offers passengers a spectacular journey through tunnels, over trestles, and past glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls. Different tour options are available, from summit excursions to longer rides that delve deeper into the Yukon, providing unparalleled views and historical narration. It’s a truly immersive experience that brings the daring spirit of the Gold Rush to life.
Explore Skagway’s Natural Beauty: Free Things to Do
Skagway also offers a wealth of free activities for those looking to explore its natural charm and rich history without spending a dime:
- Wander out to Yakutania Point: Enjoy serene waterfront views, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.
- Hike to Lower Dewey Lake or A.B. Mountain Trail: These trails offer varying levels of difficulty and reward hikers with stunning vistas of the town, harbor, and surrounding mountains. Lower Dewey Lake is a relatively easy loop, while the A.B. Mountain Trail provides a more challenging ascent.
- Check out Molly Walsh Park or Pullen Creek Park: Relax in these local green spaces, ideal for families or simply enjoying the Alaskan air.
- Admire the flowers in Alaska’s Garden City: Skagway takes pride in its vibrant floral displays, especially during the summer months, earning it the nickname “Alaska’s Garden City.”
- Visit the McCabe – City Hall Building: Appreciate the historic architecture of this significant municipal building.
- Watch salmon spawn in Pullen Creek in August: If your cruise is in August, you might witness the incredible natural phenomenon of salmon returning to spawn in Pullen Creek, an amazing display of wildlife.
- Immerse yourself in history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park: Explore the visitor center, museums, and historic buildings that tell the compelling story of the Gold Rush.
- Take a walking tour of the historic district with a National Park Service Ranger: These free, informative tours offer fascinating insights into Skagway’s past, led by knowledgeable park rangers.
- Sit and people watch: Grab a bench along the boardwalk and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, observing fellow travelers and local life.
Skagway at a Glance: Essential Information
Understanding Skagway’s logistics and climate can help you plan your visit effectively:
Skagway is strategically located 103 air miles from Juneau, Alaska’s capital, and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, making it a gateway to both Alaskan wilderness and Canadian heritage.
Population: The town is home to a close-knit community of just over 1100 year-round residents.
Temperature Averages (Fahrenheit):
- May: Average max temperature of 58.7°, average minimum temperature 40.1°
- June: Average max temperature of 65.1°, average minimum temperature 47.1°
- July: Average max temperature of 66.9°, average minimum temperature 50.4°
- August: Average max temperature of 64.9°, average minimum temperature of 48.9°
- September: Average maximum temperature of 57.4°, average minimum temperature of 44.2°
Packing Tip: Dressing in layers is crucial for comfort in Skagway. Mornings can be quite cool as your ship arrives, but temperatures often warm up significantly throughout the day, especially if the sun is out and you’re engaging in active excursions.
Daylight Hours:
- May: Approximately 17 hours of daylight
- June: Approximately 18 hours of daylight (near summer solstice)
- July: Approximately 18 hours of daylight
- August: Approximately 16 hours of daylight
- September: Approximately 13 hours of daylight
The extended daylight hours during the summer months provide ample time to explore and enjoy all that Skagway has to offer, from early morning excursions to late evening strolls.
Enhance Your Alaska Cruise Experience with More Resources
To further prepare for your Alaskan adventure, explore our other comprehensive guides:
- Alaska Cruise Travel Tips – Everything you need to know for a seamless and enjoyable journey.
- Juneau on an Alaska Cruise – What to expect during your day in Alaska’s capital city.
- Holland America Westerdam – A detailed photo tour of this magnificent cruise ship.
- Alaska Cruise Port Guide – An overview of the various ports you might visit.
- National Parks you can visit on an Alaska Cruise – Discover the national park gems accessible from your cruise.
For a complete collection of insights and advice, check out all of our Alaska Cruise Guides.
Skagway truly delivers on the promise of an authentic Alaskan experience. Its unique blend of history, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse activities ensures that every visitor leaves with cherished memories of their time in this remarkable Gold Rush town.