We were pretty excited to revisit Skagway on our Holland America Cruise. My parent’s joined us on our Alaskan cruise and we couldn’t wait to show them the beauty of the Alaskan countryside. Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s rugged wilderness, Skagway has captivated travelers for more than a century. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and pristine forests, Skagway offers visitors the chance to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. There are plenty of things to do in Skagway from exploring its Klondike history to experiencing its pristine beauty.

Top Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska

Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, Skagway has something to offer for everyone. Therefore, come and discover the magic of Skagway and experience the true spirit of the Last Frontier. Skagway, Alaska is a popular destination for cruise ships, and there are numerous activities available in this Gold Rush town. Here are some of the best things to do in Skagway from a cruise ship.

1. White Pass and Yukon Route Railway

The number one attraction in Skagway is to hop aboard the White Pass Yukon Railway. The train picks up passengers right at the cruise ship terminal, allowing you to enjoy this historic narrow gauge railroad, which retraces the route that countless gold prospectors have taken before you.

This historic narrow-gauge railroad runs from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in Canada. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898, it was a crucial transportation route for miners traveling to the gold fields. Today, visitors can experience life as it was by taking a journey featuring tight curves and steep grades through the majestic mountains to the summit of White Pass.

The White Pass Rail has been designated as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The railway covers a distance of 110 miles (177 km) and includes 20 miles (32 km) of track that curves and climbs steeply through the mountains. Its development played an essential role in the region, carrying supplies, equipment, and people to the gold fields while connecting isolated communities.

The tour takes you out and back, ensuring you have ample opportunity to marvel at all the sights along the way.

2. White Pass and Yukon Suspension Bridge

Add another country to your Alaskan Cruise by crossing over into Canada to see the White Pass and Yukon Suspension Bridge.

While the bridge is not located directly in Skagway, many visitors choose to see the Yukon Suspension Bridge as part of a day trip or excursion, as it is conveniently accessible by car or tour bus.

This pedestrian bridge spans 200 feet (61 meters) across the roaring rapids of the Tutshi River, providing stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Consider joining this tour that will take you from Skagway to the Yukon and Suspension Bridge. It includes stops at local landmarks and viewpoints along the Klondike Highway route while your guide keeps an eye out for wildlife.

3. Skagway City Tour and White Pass Summit

The highly rated tour takes you on a guided excursion to learn about the Klondike Gold Rush while admiring the glaciers, rivers, and forests that surround Skagway. It provides a highlight reel of the best Skagway has to offer.

You’ll begin with a historic city tour before exploring beautiful waterfalls and glaciers, all while looking out for bears, moose, and sheep. Other notable stops include the Gold Rush Cemetery, Reid Falls Brackets Toll Road, Moor Bridge Overlook, and the Welcome to Alaska sign.

4. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Downtown Skagway is designated as the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This preserved area commemorates the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898, when thousands ventured to the Klondike region in search of gold.

Established in 1976, the park preserves the history and cultural heritage of the region, including the vibrant community that thrived as prospectors flooded through Skagway. The park’s main visitor center is located in Skagway, featuring exhibits, films, and interactive displays that go in-depth on the region’s history and culture.

Moreover, wandering through the Skagway Historic District allows you to step back in time, observing over 100 historic buildings and structures that welcomed gold rush seekers embarking on the demanding journey along the Chilkoot Trail. Learn about the gold rush history in Skagway and explore the exhibits and artifacts at the visitor center. The guided audio tour offers a fantastic way to experience the park at your own intellectual pace.

5. Chilkoot Trail Hike

The Chilkoot Trail was a primary route utilized by gold rush prospectors in the late 1800s to travel between the coast and the gold fields of the Yukon. Today, the trail remains a popular hiking destination for those desiring a unique and challenging wilderness experience.

The full hike spans approximately 33 miles (53 km) between Skagway, Alaska, and Bennett, British Columbia, usually requiring 3-5 days to complete with river crossings, mountain ridges, and dense forests along the way. Hikers will encounter historic landmarks, such as old campsites and cabins used by gold rush prospectors.

Consequently, the full Chilkoot Trail hike is demanding and requires good physical fitness and hiking experience. Hikers must prepare for shifting weather conditions and pack appropriate gear since there are no services along the trail. Permits are necessary and can be obtained respectively through Parks Canada or the National Park Service in Skagway.

Taste of the Chilkoot Trail

If you are visiting on a cruise ship, hiking the entire trail may not be feasible, but you can enjoy parts of it to appreciate what early gold rush seekers experienced. You can embark on a guided hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail, experiencing stunning scenery and regional wildlife.

The Chilkoot Pass hike is challenging yet rewarding, covering approximately 8 miles (13 km) round trip and taking around 6-8 hours to complete. You’ll traverse diverse landscapes from dense forests to alpine meadows and rocky ridges, delivering unforgettable views.

For those seeking a more unique experience, consider a horse trek which allows you to explore the Chilkoot and White Pass trails from horseback. You’ll ride through Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, eventually heading out on the trails while enjoying a guided tour of Skagway. Get more details here.

6. Ocean Rafting

If you are looking for some adrenaline while in Skagway, sign up for an ocean rafting adventure. Be prepared to get wet, as you’ll receive goggles, gloves, and a waterproof suit to tour the Lynn Canal on a high-speed boat while riding the waves.

Skagway’s location on the Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America, makes it an ideal spot for ocean rafting.

Ocean rafting tours are led by knowledgeable guides who not only provide safety gear and instructions but also offer commentary on the local flora and fauna. Designed to be stable and maneuverable, the rafts allow passengers to feel the excitement of jumping over waves and navigating through rapids.

This thrilling two-hour ride makes multiple stops to view wildlife, providing ample opportunities for memorable photos. Just ensure you have a waterproof camera!

7. Gold Rush Cemetery

Among the top stops on most Skagway tours is the Gold Rush Cemetery, including in this tour. Established during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s, it serves as the final resting place for many who came to Skagway seeking fortunes in the gold fields.

Similar to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris or the No 1 Cemetery in New Orleans, this cemetery features notable residents, including the famed author Jack London, who penned “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang” and spent time in Skagway during the gold rush.

The most intriguing story associates with Frank Reid and Jefferson “Soapy” Smith. Frank Reid was a customs inspector, while Soapy Smith was a notorious criminal who held sway over Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush. Smith operated a systematic operation that included gambling and protection rackets. Both were killed in a shootout in 1898; Reid succumbed shortly after. The cemetery contains over 100 graves marked with simple wooden crosses and headstones that reflect the often-tragic conditions of life during the gold rush era.

8. Heli Hike and Rail

Seeing Alaska from above is breathtaking, and one of the most extraordinary experiences is to get a bird’s eye view of glaciers. During our initial visit to Alaska, we experienced part of the White Pass Rail while wrapping up a helicopter tour and hike.

Our heli, hike, and rail tour allowed us to soar over stunning glaciers before hiking through the national forest to observe local flora and fauna. Eventually, we met the train to hitch a ride back to Skagway, making it the ultimate three-in-one experience.

9. Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

This option may not initially seem like an essential activity; however, cruise ships can often be large, and opting for a more intimate boat tour can bring excitement to your experience.

Enjoy a serene 60-minute boat ride through North America’s deepest fjord to the glacier and watch for local wildlife, including whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and mountain goats. Following this, embark on a short hike to the provided canoes and paddle out to Davidson Glacier. Paddling in front of glaciers proves to be a captivating experience. Get more details here.

10. Skagway Fish Company

I’ll never forget our first trip to Alaska. Our host recommended trying as much king crab as possible because it’s the finest in Alaska. Therefore, sampling fresh seafood, such as Alaskan king crab and salmon, became a must for every subsequent trip.

This family-owned and operated establishment has served up fresh and delicious seafood for over 20 years. One of their most popular menu items is the fish and chips, featuring crispy, golden-brown batter and tender, flaky fish. Their other popular dishes include salmon chowder and crab cakes.

11. Skagway Brewing Company

If you want to unwind post-ship, visiting the local pub can provide a charming atmosphere. The Skagway Brewing Company offers an array of locally brewed beer and hearty pub fare.

The brewery features various craft beers, many created on-site using traditional techniques and local ingredients. Among the brewery’s favorites are the Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, the Chilkoot Trail IPA, and the Prospector Pale Ale.

Founded in 2007 by local enthusiasts, the historic building originally served as a hotel and brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush, now beautifully restored while preserving its rich history through vintage photos and memorabilia.

12. Red Onion Saloon

The Red Onion Saloon, originally built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, stands as a historic brothel turned museum and bar. It provided entertainment for miners flocking to the region.

Step inside to experience the ambiance while enjoying a pint, as gold seekers did over a century ago. Guided tours of the brothel museum are available on the building’s upper floors, offering fascinating insights into its history.

13. Skagway Yukon Husky Camp

No trip to Alaska is complete without exploring its sled dog heritage. Sled dogs were vital for the settlers of Alaska and continue to thrive in events like the annual Iditarod.

This highly regarded tour takes you on a half-day trip up the Klondike Highway from Skagway to visit a sled dog camp. As you drive along the highway, soak in the picturesque views of forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. The views of the White Pass Railroad evoke nostalgia amid glacier-covered mountains.

You’ll also venture into British Columbia and Yukon. Details here.

14. Skagway Streetcar Tour

Consider taking a guided tour of Skagway on a vintage streetcar and learn about the town’s rich history and beautiful architecture. For a comfortable way to navigate Skagway, streetcars roam around the town.

15. Skagway E-Bike Tour

If you love biking, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to rent e-bikes in downtown Skagway. Alternatively, consider a guided tour highlighting all the best attractions in Skagway.

You’ll cruise through historic streets and then pan for gold at a location where you’ll learn about Klondike history, stopping at attractions like the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls.

This offers one of the most enjoyable experiences on two wheels in Skagway. Check out more details here.

16. Arctic Brotherhood Hall

Among the more interesting structures in Skagway is the Arctic Brotherhood Hall, which stands out among other facades in town.

Constructed in 1899 by the Arctic Brotherhood, a fraternal organization composed of miners and pioneers from the Klondike Gold Rush, this hall aimed to provide camaraderie and support among its members working in Arctic conditions.

The interior is equally impressive, featuring a large meeting hall on the second floor dressed with murals and artwork portraying Alaskan history and mythology. Originally, the first floor housed a saloon and gambling hall, later converted into retail spaces and offices.

It holds designation as a National Historic Landmark and is recognized as a significant example of Alaskan frontier architecture.

17. Days of 98 Show

The Days of 98 Show has been entertaining audiences in Alaska since 1923, bringing the story of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 to life. This captivating show draws thousands of fortune seekers searching for riches.

Performed in the historic Eagles Hall, constructed in 1899, it has housed the show since its inception. A highlight includes a recreation of the famous “stampedes” that occurred during the Gold Rush, with thousands racing to claim recently discovered gold fields. The audience is also treated to lively songs from the era, such as “The Yukon Queen” and “The Klondike Gold Rush.”

The Days of ’98 Show is one of the longest-running and most popular live performances in Alaska.

18. See the Salmon Run

Chances are you’ll find yourself on an Alaskan cruise during the salmon run. Make your way to Pullen Creek Shoreline Park in Ketchikan to witness thousands of salmon swimming upstream to spawn.

The salmon run typically occurs from July through September, with peak viewing times in August and early September. Visitors to Pullen Creek can watch the salmon leaping over rocks and rapids as they journey toward their spawning grounds.

Moreover, parks offer educational displays about the biology and life cycle of these fascinating fish. The park’s boardwalk allows easy access for observing up-close encounters with the salmon.

19. ZipLining

If you’ve never tried ziplining, now may be the time to step out of your comfort zone during your Alaskan cruise. Grizzly Falls Zipline offers an exhilarating adventure with 11 zip lines and four suspension bridges to cross.

This four-hour combination of thrill and eco-tour offers unparalleled views of the stunning Alaskan wilderness. The adventure unfolds with a ride in a giant Unimog vehicle up a steep mountain road, making this one of Ketchikan’s top-rated tours.

Photo of Soapy Smith by Notyourbroom, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Plan Your Next Trip to Alaska With These Resources

• 22 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska
• 45 Best Things to Do in Alaska
• 28 Amazing Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 16 Fun and Interesting Facts About Alaska
• 25 Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to plan your next trip? Utilize these tried and tested resources for effective travel planning.

Flights: Kick off your travel plans by discovering the best flight deals on Skyscanner.

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