Skagway stands as one of Alaska’s most captivating cruise ports. It blends Gold Rush history with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled at the northern tip of the Inside Passage, Skagway welcomes cruise ships from spring through fall, offering passengers a glimpse into Alaska’s rugged past and stunning wilderness. From historic railways to glacier-fed rivers, Skagway promises adventure at every turn. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do when visiting Skagway on a cruise.
Note: We may earn a small commission from the affiliate links below.
1. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Skagway
Skagway’s downtown historic district feels like stepping into a Gold Rush-era movie set. Wooden boardwalks line the streets, and restored buildings from the late 1800s house shops, restaurants, and museums.
Walk along Broadway Street to see landmarks like the Red Onion Saloon, which once operated as a brothel and now functions as a lively bar and museum. Stop by Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to learn about Skagway’s role in the Gold Rush and view original artifacts from the era.
The Skagway Museum houses artifacts from the Gold Rush era, including mining equipment, photographs, and Native Alaskan art. Exhibits detail the harsh conditions faced by early miners and the role Skagway played as a gateway to the Yukon goldfields. The museum also features a collection of Tlingit artifacts. This indigenous culture predates the Gold Rush by centuries.
Shopping & Dining
Try fresh Alaskan seafood at restaurants like Skagway Fish Company, known for its halibut fish and chips and king crab legs. For local craft beer, visit the Skagway Brewing Company, which serves favorites like the Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, brewed with handpicked spruce tips.
Shop till you drop! Local shops offer handmade Alaskan crafts, including jade carvings, silver jewelry, and locally made fudge. The town’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot and doing so is a nice alternative to an organized shore excursion.
2. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Step back in time aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railway climbs nearly 3,000 feet through steep mountain passes and across deep gorges.
The train winds past cascading waterfalls, glacial valleys, and rocky cliffs as it ascends toward the White Pass Summit. Vintage railcars and knowledgeable guides bring the history of the Gold Rush to life, highlighting the incredible engineering behind the railroad’s construction.
Many cruise lines offer shore excursions that include a round-trip journey. You typically ride the train there and a charter bus back (or vice versa), so don’t be surprised when you transfer to a bus. It is actually better this way as you are able to see both sides of the gorge. Be sure to book early though as this excursion generally sales out more than a year in advance! This is easily rated as one of the best things to do in Skagway.
HELPFUL HINT: If you are riding the train up and the bus back, be sure to score a seat on the left side for the best views. If riding the bus up and the train back, you want to sit on the right hand side for the best view.
ALSO: Don’t forget to take your passport on this excursion. You will be stopped by Customs and Immigration as you enter and exit Canada. This isn’t a long stop but you will not be allowed to proceed without that passport.
3. Hike to Lower Dewey Lake
For an easy but rewarding hike, take the Lower Dewey Lake Trail. The trailhead starts near the cruise ship dock and leads through a forested path to a tranquil alpine lake.
The 1.4-mile loop offers peaceful views of the surrounding mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Dewey Lake. Pack a lunch (or just eat a big breakfast at the ship’s buffet and carry a granola bar) and enjoy a picnic by the lake while watching for bald eagles and the occasional mountain goat.
If you’re up for a more challenging trek, continue toward Upper Dewey Lake for panoramic views of Skagway and the surrounding valleys.
4. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls
The Gold Rush Cemetery provides a fascinating glimpse into Skagway’s colorful history. Here, you’ll find the graves of many Gold Rush figures, including the notorious outlaw Soapy Smith and his rival Frank Reid, who killed Smith during a shootout in 1898.
A short trail behind the cemetery leads to Reid Falls, a picturesque 300-foot waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. The combination of history and natural beauty makes this stop a favorite among visitors.
5. Try Gold Panning at Liarsville Gold Rush Camp
Experience life as a prospector at Liarsville Gold Rush Camp, named after the exaggerated stories miners told while waiting for their chance to discover a fortune. The camp features restored cabins and costumed interpreters who reenact Gold Rush-era life.
Try your hand at gold panning in a shallow creek and learn about the techniques used by prospectors in the late 1800s. The camp also offers live music, storytelling, and a salmon bake featuring freshly grilled Alaskan salmon.
6. Take a Dog Sledding Adventure
Dog sledding remains one of Alaska’s most iconic activities, and Skagway offers the chance to experience it firsthand. Helicopter tours take you to a glacier camp, where you’ll meet a team of sled dogs and experienced mushers.
After a briefing, hop on a sled and race across the snow-covered glacier, pulled by enthusiastic huskies. The combination of crisp mountain air and the thrill of sledding makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Or, if you want a little more budget friendly dog sledding experience, you can try the Musher’s Camp Sled Dogs. Without a helicopter and glacier, you will use a custom-built wheeled sled, but you will still get to meet the dogs and get a taste of dog sledding.
7. Kayak Along the Coastline
For a peaceful, nature-focused excursion, join a guided kayak tour along Skagway’s rocky coastline. Paddle through calm waters surrounded by towering mountains and watch for seals, sea lions, and bald eagles.
Some tours head toward Smuggler’s Cove, where you can explore tide pools and watch for marine life. The calm waters of the Inside Passage make this an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced kayakers.
8. Visit the Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail stands as one of Alaska’s most historic and challenging hiking routes. Gold Rush prospectors once used this trail to haul supplies over the mountains to the Yukon goldfields.
While the full trail stretches 33 miles into Canada, you can hike the first few miles from Skagway for a taste of the route’s rugged beauty. The trail passes through dense forest, past crystal-clear streams, and offers views of the surrounding mountains. Guided tours provide historical context and insight into the hardships faced by early miners.
9. Ride a Bicycle Through Town & Over Trails
Rent a bike and explore Skagway’s scenic trails and historic streets at your own pace. The flat, compact layout makes biking easy, and you’ll have the freedom to stop at landmarks and viewpoints along the way.
You can also get out of town and hit the trails! The Skagway River Bridge Trailhead is located less than a mile from Skagway’s historic district. It provides access to trails that wind along the coastline and up the mountain.
The Yakutania Point Trail, which offers panoramic views of the bay and nearby mountains, is considered and easy 1.4 mile out-and-back ride. Just off the Yakutania Point route, you can pick up the Smuggler’s Cove Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip trail goes from coastal forests to grassy inlet called Smugglers Cove. This cove is a great place for a picnic.
10. Take a Jeep or ATV Tour
For a rugged off-road adventure, take a self-guided Jeep or ATV tour into the backcountry surrounding Skagway. Interactive GPS-powered guides lead you through remote mountain passes, river crossings, and forest trails, providing insight into the area’s geology and wildlife.
Tours often stop at scenic overlooks, where you can take in breathtaking views of alpine lakes and glacial valleys. Keep an eye out for moose and bears along the route. Basically, it is the convenience of a rental vehicle with the historic and scenic guide included!
The Best Way to Enjoy Skagway
Skagway is a standard stop on most inside passage cruises of Alaska. The beautiful historic downtown district, breathtaking scenery, and rugged adventure of Skagway’s Gold Rush past make it a favorite port stop for most cruisers. Check out my post on My Amazing Alaska Cruise on the Sapphire Princess for details.
But what if you want to stay longer? Well, I suggest you get back on your ship as scheduled but consider the day to be just a “taste” of Skagway and plan a land adventure! With so many wonderful things to do in the area, you could easily spend a week and not run out of adventures.
There are also many great places to stay in Skagway, including hotels, inns, and even RV parks! So don’t think you can only spend a day in Skagway. It is a wonderful vacation destination in and of itself.
Experience the Best of Skagway
Whether you’re riding the White Pass train, hiking along a glacier-fed river, or exploring downtown’s historic boardwalks, Skagway offers a perfect mix of adventure and culture. Its rich history and natural beauty make it one of the most rewarding stops on any Alaskan cruise vacation.
Tell us what you think below in the comments. You can also contact us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a post!
