While very small, downtown Skagway is charming and worth exploring. You’ll find little shops lining the main street (Broadway) including jewelry stores, a candy shop, saloons, brewery and a museum. If you’re looking to fire off a quick email to your poor family back at home, the town’s Library offers free Wifi. While roaming the small, mining-town you may find yourself instinctively reaching for your six-shooter. But don’t worry, those times have passed. Relax, you’re safe.
As our great ancestors did, you too can actually pan for gold while in Skagway. This is an obvious favorite choice, and not just for those that love to play Mega Millions. You’ll experience Alaska’s beauty while hoping that shiny nugget makes its way into your pan. Many of these tour options also end with a delicious salmon bake. So, even if you don’t strike it rich, you still win in the end.
The original gold prospectors battled this mountain landscape in search of gold. You can still see the original “Klondike Trail” worn into the rocks. On your way to the Summit, you’ll experience waterfalls, glaciers, tunnels, gorges, and many other natural phenomena and historical landmarks. One of the most popular ways to explore White Pass Summit is by train. But, make sure to book early as this sells out. Additionally, you can choose to go via bus, rental car, or by air!
Most aren’t surprised to hear that Skagway, Alasa has glaciers. But, most aren’t aware of how beautiful and exciting are these natural phenomena. You can get up close by bus, ATV, ferry or by foot. Just make sure to bundle up.
For our more active cruisers, you’ll have plenty of chances to brake a sweat while exploring beautiful Skagway. Choose your favorite athletic mode of transportation and get deep into Skagway and all it has to offer.
Explore Skagway like those early pioneers a hundred years ago. You’ll find a number of options to learn about the dog-sledding days and to experience it for yourself. It’s no wonder why this option is so popular with adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
There are multiple hikes available by foot straight from your cruise ship. Save some money by this self-guided option. Ranging from simple to difficult, you’ll find these trail options within walking distance from your port: Yukutania Point, Lower Reid Falls and Gold Rush Cemetery; Smugglers Cove, Lower Dewey Lake or Sturgil’s Landing.
Yup, brothels were a real thing and this is the town’s last remaining one in Skagway. For $10, you’ll be guide through the attraction by a “madame” who has some secrets to tell.
Those were some rough times and not everyone made it. Well, nobody really made it that was alive back then, but you know what we mean. Some of the men and women who perished in the pursuit of gold can be found at the Gold Rush Cemetery. It’s found by the White Pass Railroad tracks at the north end of town.
Feeling a little sleepy? Jump into the glacier-fed Dewey Lake within walking distance of your port. Water temps hover around 40 degrees so bring a warm coffee or hot chocolate as a reward for your bravery.
Grab a pint or some lunch at this old-time brewery. If you’re looking for some local flavor, ask for the Spruce Tip Ale. Rather than hops, they use spruce tips! This local favorite is often sold out, but worth asking.
Broadway Dock also offers very easy access to railroad excursions. The rail service picks up at the end of the pier, a quick walk from your ship. Broadway Terminal is centrally positioned in Skagway’s downtown area and offers convenience to those heading into town.
Aptly named, Ore Dock once served useful in transporting the mineral out of the Skagway area. When the ore-trade slowed and tourism grew, usage was converted to a passenger cruise port.
The Railroad Pier is large enough to accommodate two large cruise ships. During Alaska cruise season, you’ll find two ships docked here more days than not. This dock is very convenient for those participating in a railway excursion, as the rail service is offered directly from the pier.