When you head up north to Alaska, your cruise ship is sure to stop in the historic town of Skagway. Made famous by the 1898 Gold Rush, Skagway is now largely supported by tourism. Skagway might be a little town, but with its exciting history and beautiful scenery, it sure seems larger than life! If you are trying to decide what to do during your visit to this port of call, then you will want to check out our list of the best things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise.

Best Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska on a Cruise

Ride the White Pass Rail

When in Skagway, you have to take a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, the number-one Alaskan cruise excursion. This narrow, gauge railway built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush ascends nearly 3,000 feet along its 20-mile path from Skagway to the White Pass Summit. This historic train ride can be booked through most major cruise lines. Find it as a round-trip journey or as a one-way trip in combination with other activities such as the Klondike Gold Fields, a dog musher’s camp, or a salmon bake. We recommend a combo tour.

During your ride, you can relax in a vintage rail car as you retrace the path of the ambitious prospectors on the Trail of ’98 towards the Yukon Gold Fields. There is guided narration along the way (but it’s the same in both directions). (Hint: If you take the train up to the Summit, sit on the left side. If you take the train down from the Summit, sit on the right side as most major landmarks are on the same side.)

Be sure to have your camera ready to capture all the picturesque landscapes and historic landmarks along your journey. Among some of the sights you will see are a cantilevered steel bridge built in 1901; Dead Horse Gulch, a very dangerous portion of the trail where over 3,000 horses lost their footing and were trampled to death; Inspiration Point with a great view of the Chilkat Range; Bridal Veil Falls; and Rocky Point, which is a great photo opportunity of Skagway with the cruise ships in the background.

Get Adventurous

If thoughts of staying in a train get you a little claustrophobic, then you might want to get out and experience the wilderness. There are a great number of outdoor treks that make our list of the top things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise. You can discover the rugged Yukon Territory by Jeep. This off-roading adventure allows you to get up close and personal with some of the more famous spots on the White Pass Trail. You can even walk 65 feet above raging rapids on the Yukon Suspension bridge.

Or perhaps, you might want explore the Chilkoot Trail. This is the other major route traveled by prospectors in hopes of striking it rich in the Yukon Gold Fields. There are several hiking excursions offered that cover about 2 miles of this trail, which is a moderate level of difficulty. At the end of the one-way hike, you can relax with a raft float down the Taiya River.

If you want even a bit more excitement, you can ride the Grizzly Falls Zipline Expedition. This experience allows you to soar along 11 ziplines directly above glacially fed waterfalls reaching lengths of 750 feet and speeds of 45 miles per hour. Now, that’s adventure!

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Experience the Klondike Gold Rush

Tours like the “Big Nugget” or the “Gold Panning, Sled Dogs, and 40 Below” will take you to Alaska 360‘s Dredge Town. Here, you’ll be immersed in the history of the Klondike Gold Rush in one action-packed day. During these tours, you will gain a bit of insight into the history of Gold Rush but with access to modern-day Alaskan experiences all in one place. You will be able to take a tour of an authentic gold dredge, learn to pan for gold, and then put your skills to practice.

While here, you can also learn about modern-day dog sled racing. You can even meet and interact with an Iditarod musher and his dog sledding team. Next, you can even feel the Alaskan winter chill in the 40 Below Experience. Yes, after suiting up, you will step into a chamber to actually see and feel what it’s like to withstand temps of Fahrenheit 40 degrees below zero. Brr! These are certainly activities that the whole family will love.

Don’t worry, you will be able to warm up afterwards with some Alaskan barbecue. Or tour the Craft Soda Factory where you can even bottle your own brew. With so much offered in one place, this Alaskan family adventure definitely makes our list of the absolute best things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise.

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Venture to the Bald Eagle Preserve

The Bald Eagle Preserve, in Haines, Alaska, is located only a ferry ride away from Skagway. This preserve was established in 1982 to protect the bald eagle population. It boasts the largest population of bald eagles in the world and is another one of the top things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise. The flats of the Chilkat River are considered critical habitats for bald eagles and are the main viewing areas.

If you want to venture over to Haines on your own, you can take the Haines-Skagway fast ferry. This is about a 45-minute ride and can be an adventure all of its own. As you travel through the fjords, you can marvel at the cascading waterfalls and wildlife sightings. (Note: the Preserve is approximately a 30-45-minute drive after taking the ferry.)

If you prefer more of an organized tour, most major cruise lines and private shore excursion companies offer a trip to the Chillkat Bald Eagle Preserve. Whether you choose to venture there by riverboat or raft, you will be transported through the channels of the Chilkat River into the heart of the eagles’ habitat. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the abundance of wildlife you are about to see! This will be a calm rafting ride, so no whitewater rafting experience is necessary. Just sit back and enjoy.

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Explore Historic Downtown

If just reading about all of these outdoor adventures is making you tired, don’t worry. There are plenty of historic attractions near your cruise ship in the Skagway proper. The Downtown area of historic Skagway is easily walkable for those who want to embark on their own self-guided tour. With a handy map of notable historic sights, you can set off on this estimated 1-mile exploration. Landmarks include the Red Onion, The Artic Brotherhood Hall, and the Moore Cabin.

If you aren’t up for a walking tour, you can board an authentic Skagway streetcar for approximately 90 minutes to tour to “all points of interest”. Hear stories about the Gold Rush and famous historical characters as you travel to landmarks including the Gold Rush Cemetery and Scenic Overlook.

If you are open to something a little more risqué, check out The Ghosts & Goodtime Girls Walking Tour. Step back in time with one of the madams of the Red Onion Saloon as she guides you on a walking tour of Skagway’s historic streets and back alleys. Hear the untold stories of the ladies of the Klondike Gold Rush and learn about the town’s rich but sordid history.

Your tour will end up at the saloon’s restored brothel museum for some exploration. Even if you don’t take this tour, you should at least visit the saloon to see some of the original relics of this preserved building. Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost!

Comments

Do you agree with our list of all the things to do in Skagway, Alaska on a cruise? What are your favorite activities when visiting this popular port of call? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising way up north to Alaska!