Skagway sprang up almost overnight during the 1897-98 Klondike Gold Rush, and its six-block historic district - now Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - still looks the part. It's one of the most popular cruise stops in Alaska, and the only Southeast port with a real railroad running right out of town.
Skagway packs more Gold Rush history into a few blocks than anywhere else in Alaska.
Get in TouchA six-block historic district preserving Skagway's boomtown storefronts from the 1897-98 gold rush - Alaska's most-visited national park unit, with about 850,000 visitors a year.
The narrow-gauge railroad built to carry stampeders over White Pass still runs scenic excursions out of Skagway.
Nicknamed "the world's longest outdoor museum," this 33-mile historic trail follows the original stampeders' route from Dyea to Bennett Lake, British Columbia.
The final resting place of con man Jefferson "Soapy" Smith and the man who shot him, Frank Reid - the two names at the center of Skagway's most famous showdown.
Skagway is the Gold Rush town, and most of its best excursions follow the stampeders' route: up the White Pass by rail or road, and over the border into the Yukon. There's plenty for adventure-seekers too, from ziplines and glacier helicopter landings to sled dog camps.
Skagway's classic. Restored Gold Rush-era rail cars climb nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles to White Pass Summit, past waterfalls, gorges and old trestles. A Luxury Class car with leather seats and a private viewing platform is available.
The same famous rail climb, plus a drive over the border into Canada's Yukon for alpine lakes, the Tormented Valley and a stop at a dog musher's village. Bring your passport.
Guides in period costume take you around town in vintage yellow street cars, with stops at the Gold Rush Cemetery and historic overlooks. Lots of history, very little walking.
The racier side of the Gold Rush: costumed guides lead you past old red-light haunts and "haunted" buildings, ending at the brothel museum upstairs in the Red Onion Saloon. Best for grown-ups.
A short minibus trip up the Klondike Highway to White Pass Summit, with photo stops at Pitchfork Falls, Moore Bridge and the old Gold Rush trails.
Cross into Canada to walk the Yukon Suspension Bridge high above the Tutshi River, with stops in the town of Carcross along the way. A version with a Gold Rush salmon bake is also available. Passport required.
Ride an off-road vehicle up to a mountaintop course, then fly over forest and waterfalls on ten ziplines and several suspension bridges. One of the most active tours in port.
Work through a high ropes course of balance beams, loops and platforms, then finish on the ziplines. A good pick for families and groups.
Suit up in a dry suit and race along the Lynn Canal in a small, fast, open raft. Get close to waterfalls and cliffs, and watch for seals, seabirds and the occasional whale.
Meet working sled dogs near historic Dyea, take a wheeled-cart ride behind the team, and hear from professional mushers. Yes, there are puppies to play with.
Take off from the waterfront, fly over mountains and glaciers, then land on an icefield for a short guided walk on the ice.
An easy, mostly flat five-mile guided ride through the forest and tidal flats near Dyea, stopping at wildlife spots and the famous Chilkoot Trailhead.
Excursions shown are as offered on Princess Cruises sailings. Other cruise lines calling at Skagway run similar tours, but names, durations and availability vary by line, ship and sailing date - ask us what's on your itinerary. Tours that cross into Canada require a passport.
A few Skagway spots worth knowing before you go.
A restored 1898 brothel-turned-saloon on Broadway - now a restaurant, bar, and brothel museum known for nachos, pizza, and a deep lineup of Alaska Brewing Co. beers on tap.
A local microbrewery running since 1897, best known for its Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, made with local spruce tips.
Seafood, Mexican, and American dishes in one bistro menu.
Fresh Thai food - curries, noodles, and stir-fries - a local favorite for something other than seafood.
A long-running Skagway breakfast and dessert cafe.
“Wonderful cruise. Andrew made everything easy. Alaska is definitely a beautiful state and should be on everyone's agenda. Andrew will guide you.”
Loves to Cruise, Cedar Grove, NJ · Alaska Cruise
