Top things to do in skagway from cruise ship + Highlights Map
Skagway, Alaska
Stopping at the Skagway Cruise Port and wondering what are the top things to do in Skagway from cruise ship? Look no further! Stepping off the ship in Skagway felt like stepping back in time. The crisp mountain air and the charming historic buildings lining Broadway Street immediately transported us to the Klondike Gold Rush era.
Skagway was our favorite stop on our Alaska cruise! It is a small town with a big personality, and we were eager to explore every corner of this Alaskan gem.
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Best Time to Visit Skagway
Skagway is mostly a seasonal town, with cruise ships visiting from April through October. The best months to visit are June, July, and August when the weather is mild (by Alaskan standards), and the days are long. However, May and September offer fewer crowds and often better prices on excursions. We visited in mid-April because we took the first cruise of the season with Norwegian Cruise Line. We were not expecting amazing weather but we were pleasantly surprised and we were the only cruise ship in town so it wasn’t overly crowded.
How to Get to Skagway
Skagway is accessible by cruise ship, ferry, plane, and road. Most visitors arrive via cruise ship during the summer months. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system connects Skagway with Juneau and other coastal towns. If traveling by air, you can fly into Skagway’s small airport from Juneau. Those arriving by car can take the scenic Klondike Highway from Whitehorse, Yukon, offering breathtaking views along the way.
What You Need to Know Before Visiting Skagway
Skagway is small—less than 1,000 year-round residents—but it swells with visitors during the summer. Most attractions and businesses cater to cruise passengers, so the town feels lively when ships are in port. Many tours book up quickly, so it’s best to reserve activities in advance. ATMs are available, but some businesses are cash-only. We absolutely loved the amazing vibe and friendliness of every local we met.
How to Get Around Skagway
Once off the ship, getting around Skagway is easy. The downtown area is walkable, and most attractions are within a mile of the port. If you’re venturing further, you can rent bikes, hop on a shuttle, or join a tour. The SMART Bus runs a loop through town, making it a great option for those who prefer not to walk.
Best Viewpoints in Skagway
- Yakutania Point – A short hike from downtown, this spot offers panoramic views of the Lynn Canal.
- Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls – A scenic area with a historic cemetery and a beautiful waterfall backdrop.
- White Pass Summit – A higher-altitude view reached via the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad or a scenic drive.
Wildlife and Wildlife Viewing
Skagway’s surrounding wilderness is home to bald eagles, black bears, mountain goats, and harbor seals. Keep an eye out along the coastline for whales, especially in early summer. The best places for wildlife viewing include Smuggler’s Cove, along the Skagway River, and during excursions like rafting or wildlife tours.
Best Skagway Excursions and Activities
If you’re wondering what to do in Skagway, we’ve rounded up the best Skagway excursions that showcase the beauty and history of this unique destination. From the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to exciting dog sledding tours, here are the must-do activities to add to your itinerary.
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – A Must-Do Scenic Train Ride
One of the most famous excursions in Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad takes you on a breathtaking journey through history. This narrow-gauge railway follows the same treacherous trail that hopeful prospectors used during the Klondike Gold Rush.
🛤️ What to Expect:
• A scenic train ride climbing nearly 3,000 feet to the White Pass Summit
• Stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and deep gorges
• Historic narration about the Gold Rush and the construction of this engineering marvel
📍 Best For: History buffs, photographers, and those who love scenic train rides
🎟️ Book Tickets: Available on the White Pass & Yukon Route website
- Skagway Dog Sledding – Ride with Huskies and Cuddle Puppies
If you’ve ever dreamed of dog sledding in Alaska, this is your chance! Skagway’s dog sledding excursions give you a taste of a true Alaskan adventure, even in the summer.
🐶 What to Expect:
• A thrilling dog sled ride led by experienced mushers
• A behind-the-scenes look at how sled dogs are trained
• The best part? A husky puppy play and cuddle session at the end!
📍 Best For: Animal lovers, families, and adventure seekers
🎟️ Book Early: This excursion sells out fast, especially during cruise season
- Ocean Rafting or River Float – Get Up Close to Skagway’s Wild Side
For those craving adventure, ocean rafting and Scenic River Float are two of the most exciting Skagway excursions. These water-based activities let you experience Alaska’s coastal beauty up close.
🚣 What to Expect:
• Ocean Rafting: Hop on a high-speed inflatable boat for a thrilling ride past cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden coves
• Scenic River Float: Paddle through quiet waters, getting up close to marine wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery
📍 Best For: Adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts
🎟️ Tip: Bring waterproof gear, as you’re likely to get splashed!
- Yukon and Summit Tour – Cross the Border into the Wild
Take a scenic drive through the White Pass Summit and into Canada’s breathtaking Yukon Territory. This tour is perfect if you want to experience rugged wilderness, stunning mountain landscapes, and historic Gold Rush sites.
🚙 What to Expect:
• A drive along the Klondike Highway, one of the most scenic routes in North America
• Stops at Emerald Lake, Carcross Desert, and other scenic spots
• A chance to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and mountain goats
📍 Best For: Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and road trip fans
🎟️ Note: Bring your passport since you’ll be crossing into Canada!
Best Skagway Hikes
Skagway, Alaska was the place that ignited our love for hiking. Be mindful that some parts of the trails could still have snow on them in the early season. Here are our favorite hikes in the area:
- Lower Dewey Lake Trail – A moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike offering stunning lake views.
- Yakutania Point & Smuggler’s Cove – A short, easy hike perfect for spotting eagles and taking in coastal views.
- Chilkoot Trail (First Few Miles) – A historic route used by gold rush stampeders, with lush scenery and a glimpse of history.
- Upper Dewey Lake – A challenging 6-mile hike leading to breathtaking views and an alpine lake.
Best Free Things to Do in Skagway
- Walk Broadway Street – Explore historic buildings, visit gift shops, and soak in the old-timey vibe.
- Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Learn about Skagway’s history through fascinating exhibits.
- Go on a Hike – Enjoy nature without spending a dime.
- Check out the Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Falls – A mix of history and nature.
- Visit the Skagway Museum – A small but fascinating museum showcasing the town’s rich history.
Food and Drink Guide
- Skagway Brewing Co. – Famous for their Spruce Tip Ale and hearty pub food.
- Red Onion Saloon – A historic bar with a lively atmosphere and good pizza.
- Olivia’s Bistro – Great seafood and Alaskan-inspired dishes.
- Peppers Street Fusion – A food truck with delicious tacos and snacks.
- Glacial Coffeehouse – A cozy café perfect for grabbing a coffee and pastry before a hike.
Skagway Highlights Map
This map includes all of our favorite locations around Skagway.
What to Pack for Skagway
Weather in Alaska is unpredictable and can change in a minute. You need to be prepared for rain and even snow and cold temperatures if you are going early in the season.
- Layers – Pack a waterproof jacket, fleece, and a hat. We love our Packable Lightweight Water-Resistant Puffer Jackets from Amazon. Eric wears this one and I wear this one often.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot, especially if you hike. Eric is very happy with his Salomon boots and I love my Keens. We bought these after our trip to Alaska because we realized we needed better hiking boots.
- Binoculars – Binoculars are a must in Alaska for spotting wildlife and enjoying scenic views. These are the ones we recommend.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated while exploring. We love our Nalgene narrow mouth water bottles but if we are hiking, we usually opt for a water bladder.
- Trekking Poles – Helpful for stability on steep or rocky trails. We use these.
Final Thoughts
Skagway may be small, but it is packed with adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. This is where we fell in love with hiking and where I decided to overcome my fear of heights. We had two firsts in Skagway! We did actual hiking for the first time, and we saw snow for the first time. Well, we had technically seen “snow” before, but it was just a very thin layer of melting snow on the side of the road. Skagway will always have a special place in our hearts!
Whether you’re riding the historic railway, hiking to a stunning viewpoint, or simply strolling through town, there’s something magical about this place. Visiting on a cruise ship gives you just a taste—just enough to make you dream about coming back for more. So, lace up your hiking boots, charge your camera, and get ready to experience the wild beauty of Skagway!
