Skagway, Alaska

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My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

July 10, 2025

In 2007, I joined my mom and Ron Voyage on their (and my) first cruise (ever) to Alaska. It was on that cruise that I saw the people doing trivia and thought, I could do that!

Ron has not only cruised Alaska quite a bit, but before that he refereed basketball there, so I was happy to take his advice. He highly recommended taking the train ride, so I convinced Michele and Steven to come with me. The train left at noon, so we left the ship early and walked around town.

We arrived at the station with plenty of time to spare.

I sat with my friends,

The train climbed up the mountain, turned around, and came back down – so on the way up I was closer to the mountainside, and on the way back I had the side with the sweeping valley views.

The views were ridiculous.

There were waterfalls everywhere. I could only manage to capture this one:

Every time we crossed the river there was another epic view.

It was nice to be able to enjoy the view knowing I’d have the window seat on the way down.

We came up to an old bridge…

which fortunately isn’t being used anymore.

At the top!

On the way up, we could see the ships from this point, but on the way down the clouds rolled in.

Kevin furiously wiped away the fog on the windows as the mountain diesappeared into the mist.

After the train ride we stopped at a beer museum

then made our way to the Skagway Brewery which had excellent beer.

Here’s what else you can do in Skagway:

Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska is the northernmost community along the Inside Passage and a gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. With its wooden boardwalks, restored false-front buildings, and vibrant gold rush lore, Skagway feels like stepping back in time. Though it is Alaska’s smallest city, Skagway draws over 800,000 visitors each summer and plays host to a colorful mix of history, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm—all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

As of the 2024 U.S. Census, the population of the Municipality and Borough of Skagway stood at 1,119 people living year‑round in the area . During the busy summer season, the population typically more than doubles due to the influx of cruise visitors and seasonal workers .

🌍 UNESCO

While not a UNESCO site, Skagway is home to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, part of a binational preservation effort with Dawson City in Canada.

History:

In June 1887, Tlingit packer Skookum Jim guided Canadian surveyor Capt. William Moore through what became White Pass. Moore returned and staked 160 acres, naming the area “Mooresville.” In 1896, Skookum Jim, George Carmack, and Dawson Charlie discovered gold in the Yukon, sparking the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagway became the gateway for tens of thousands of stampeders, exploding into a lawless boomtown of saloons, brothels, and opportunists—earning a reputation as “Hell on Earth.”

One infamous conman, Soapy Smith, ruled the town through scams and intimidation until he was killed in a shootout with town surveyor Frank Reid. Skagway nearly faded after the gold rush, but the 1900 completion of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ensured its survival. Today, the town is preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and remains a living museum of one of the most exciting periods in Alaskan history.

Itinerary:

Arrival: Thursday July 10 5:00 (please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Thursday July 10 All aboard: 7:00pm  Sail away: 8:00pm

Weather

• Average Temps: Highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 50°F (10°C)
• Climate: Cool and damp, with possible drizzle or overcast skies even in summer
• What to Wear: Dress in layers, including a waterproof outer layer. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are recommended.

Near the Pier:

Cruise Ship Dock:  Railroad Forward Dock (about 10 minute walk to town)
Address: Port of Skagway, 2nd Ave & Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840

Guests docking at the Railroad Dock may be required to take a tender and a ship shuttle from their ship due to an ongoing landslide threat. Some shuttles are ADA accessible.

Docked with Discovery Princess (3660 passengers), Holland America Noordam (1924 passengers) and Quantum of the Seas (4180 passengers)

Getting Around:

• Walking: Downtown Skagway is flat, compact, and easily walkable. Most attractions are within a 10–15-minute stroll from the port.
• Taxis/Rideshare: See On-Demand Shuttle Service below.
• Bike Rentals: Available in town—great for scenic rides to the Gold Rush Cemetery or the ferry terminal – there are a lot of places.
• Hop-On Bus: The vintage Skagway Street Car tour offers a narrated loop of town in classic motorcoaches
• Rental cars and e-bikes are available if you’re looking to venture a little further and explore the majestic White Pass or the ghost town of Dyea on your own.
• There’s also a fast ferry to Haines for those who want to side trip on their own, but advanced reservations are recommended.

🚌 Local Shuttle & Transportation Services – Skagway

🚍 Dock to Downtown Bus Loop

• Runs every 15 minutes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily when cruise ships are in port
• Route: Cruise Dock ↔ Downtown Skagway
• Fare:
  • $5 per person for an All-Day Pass
  • $3 per person one-way
• Pay fare directly to the driver

🚐 On-Demand Shuttle Service

• Available year-round from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM
• Call (907) 612-0902 to request a pickup
• 24-hour notice required for pickups outside normal hours

Sample Fares:

• $5 per person: Dock to Skagway River Bridge / Gold Rush Cemetery
• $10 per person: To end of Dyea Road or Liarsville Road
• $15 per person: To Dyea

Nearby Essentials

• Pharmacy: Skagway Traditional Council Health Clinic (limited over-the-counter options)
• ATM: Wells Fargo ATM on Broadway Street (and 7^th)
• Grocery/Snacks: Fairway Market on 2nd Avenue
• Nearest Church: First Presbyterian Church, 5th & Main
• Nearest Golf: None in Skagway; nearest courses are across the border in Yukon, Canada

Witnessing:

• White Pass & Yukon Route Railway: A scenic, historic rail journey climbing 3,000 feet over 20 miles with stunning views of Dead Horse Gulch and the original gold rush trail. Book online in advance (wpyr.com)
• Passport: Required if you plan to cross the border into Canada on the train
• Red Onion Saloon & Brothel Museum: A preserved 1898 saloon, now a lively bar and guided tour destination

Learning:

• Skagway Museum: Displays artifacts from Tlingit culture and gold rush days
• Trail of ’98 Museum: Collection of gold rush artifacts and local history exhibits

Discovery:

• Stroll Broadway Street: Skagway’s historic main street, lined with false-front buildings, shops, and interpretive displays
• Axe Throwing: Let out your inner Alaskan with this fun activity offered near downtown
• The Days of ’98 Show:  Alaska’s longest-running live show, retelling the story of Soapy Smith with humor, music, and can-can dancers. Performed daily during the summer season in Eagle Hall.
  • Showtimes: 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30
  • Tickets: https://thedaysof98show.com/buy-tickets/

🥾 Hiking

• One of the best ways to experience all the peaks, waterfalls, and forests Skagway has to offer is to go for a hike. You’ll find a variety of outings for every skill and interest level. Start small with an easy walk out to Yakutania Point at only 1.4 miles round trip. 
• Gold Rush Cemetery Trail: Short, easy walk to Reid Falls and historic gravestones
• Lower Dewey Lake Trail: Moderate 3-mile loop starting just above town with beautiful lake views
• Upper Dewey Lake Trail: Strenuous climb with stunning alpine scenery—plan 6–8 hours round trip
• Or, set out to conquer the famous Chilkoot Trail, a strenuous 33-mile point-to-point trek. The Chilkoot Trail, a traditional trade route turned gold rush highway, starts in Dyea before taking you to Lake Bennett, British Columbia and the Yukon Goldfields. Today, the trail is still used by more than 10,000 people each year who hike, backpack, and trail run. Known as “the world’s longest museum” because of the hundreds of artifacts left behind by gold seekers, trail-goers can see the evidence of the gold rush with every step. Note: Anyone considering an adventure on the Chilkoot Trail should research first and then visit the Trail Center, open from May to September, to get a permit before setting out.

Hidden Gems:

• Alaska Christmas Store: Open year-round, this festive shop is filled with handcrafted ornaments and Alaskan-themed holiday décor. A warm and welcoming stop for unique souvenirs or a little holiday spirit—even in summer. Ron Voyage knows the owner.
• Artic Brotherhood Hall: Skagway’s most photographed building, its façade is famously decorated with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood. Built in 1899 as a fraternal lodge, it’s now the Skagway Visitor Information Center.
• Golden North Hotel: This historic gold rush–era hotel is rumored to be haunted by a ghostly bride named Mary. It’s one of Alaska’s oldest hotels and a favorite for those intrigued by spooky tales.
• Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls: Resting place of Frank Reid and Soapy Smith—includes a short walk to a scenic waterfall

Tasting:

• Skagway Brewing Co.: Known for its local brews and hearty pub fare
• Klondike Doughboy: Fresh fried dough with cinnamon sugar or savory toppings
• Ice Cream on Broadway: A popular sweet stop on a warm day
• Red Onion Saloon: Casual eats with a spirited Old West atmosphere

Exploring:

For those looking to venture beyond town, Skagway offers a variety of unforgettable excursions that showcase the region’s wild beauty and gold rush history:

• 🚁 Helicopter Flightseeing Tours: Soar over snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Many tours include a glacier landing for a once-in-a-lifetime aerial perspective.
• 🐕 Glacier Dog Sled Ride: After landing by helicopter, hop on a sled and experience the thrill of dog mushing on a remote glacier—an iconic Alaskan adventure.
• 🛶 Sea Kayaking: Paddle along the shoreline or inlets near Dyea for a peaceful, up-close view of Alaska’s rugged coastal landscape.
• 🌊 Scenic Float Down the Taiya River: A gentle, guided rafting experience through the lush Dyea Valley, ideal for spotting wildlife and learning about local history.
• 🏔️ White Pass Summit: Journey up the historic route taken by stampeders—accessible by train, car, or guided tour. Enjoy panoramic views of waterfalls, glaciers, and the Yukon border.
• 🏚️ Visit Dyea (Ghost Town): Once Skagway’s rival during the gold rush, Dyea is now a quiet, scenic area with abandoned buildings, forested trails, and access to the legendary Chilkoot Trail.