Picturesque Skagway rests in a sheltered valley at the top of the Inside Passage. It’s a popular stop for cruise ships, but independent visitors also come to enjoy all the things to do in Skagway. It’s a great home base for visitors wanting to explore the north—you can enjoy the convenience of a town but be surrounded by the dense Alaskan forests. Fish under the midnight sun, experience the thrill of a dogsledding ride, and try your hand at panning for gold. Skagway is the ideal introduction to Alaska.
The summer is peak tourist season in Skagway, and for good reason. Hikers, bikers, and wildlife-watchers, explore many things to do from June to August, accompanied by pleasant temperatures and long days of sunlight. Travelers cool off with rafting trips down the Lynn Canal or zipline excursion past waterfalls, while the town bustles with visitors from the cruise ships that make their way through the Inside Passage.
Most visitors to Skagway arrive by car or by cruise ship, and the town itself is walkable. If you’re planning to explore the surrounding areas and check out some hiking trails, car rentals are available in town. There are no taxis in the region, but during cruise ship season frequent shuttles operate between the cruise ship dock and the downtown.
For a blend of history, food, and old-fashioned revelry, visit the Red Onion Saloon. The original saloon was built in the late 1800s and was Skagway’s premier bordello and dancehall. Today, the Red Onion has been transformed into a restaurant and museum that highlights Skagway’s colorful past. Grab a beer and take a tour led by a guide in period costume.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone AKDT (UTC -10) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 13 | Tours 47 | Reviews 3,359 |
Known as the Garden City of Alaska and home to White Pass and Yukon Railroad, Skagway is famous for its incredible landscapes. The town served as the gateway to the Yukon Territory during the Klondike gold rush in the 1890s—historic buildings are preserved in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
...MoreYes. At times—especially in winter—black bears even wander around downtown, searching for food. Grizzlies are far less common. To improve your chances of seeing either, hop on a wildlife tour out of town in spring or summer.
...MoreExplore Skagway’s National Historic District, six blocks of restored gold rush-era buildings. Travel to White Pass Summit for Coast Mountains and Skagway River Valley views (or the aurora). Ride into the Yukon on the circa 1898 White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Pan for gold or hike the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail.
...MoreThe ferry ride from Juneau to Skagway is roughly 7 hours. Schedules can be found—and reservations made—on the Alaska Marine Highway System website.
...MoreYes. Skagway is one of the most popular towns for travelers to Alaska. You’ll find tangible gold rush history, incredible outdoor adventures into the Alaskan wilderness, and plenty of things to do and amenities for an enjoyable stay.
...MoreSkagway is the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit, and the town’s name comes from the Tlingit skagua, meaning “place where the north wind blows.” And it does: There are notoriously rough seas in the Taiya Inlet, where Skagway sits.
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