There are many amazing things that you can experience in the port of Skagway, Alaska. We are going to discuss the top sights, experiences, and foods that you can discover there while on your cruise vacation.
Overview & History of Skagway, Alaska:
The area had not been settled and was still part of the untouched wilderness in the west. There were a few native American tribes in the region, but for the most part nobody lived there.
That is until gold was discovered in the area in 1896. Once gold was discovered, all bets were off and people flocked to the area.
The gold was actually discovered in the Klondike region of the Yukon Territory, which is about 600 miles from Skagway.
However, you had to travel through Skagway in order to get up to the area where gold was discovered. This made Skagway a very popular stopping point on the way up.
By the next year, Skagway had grown to a population of over 8,000 people. With another 1,000 miners passing through the town each week.
This caused demand for growth and necessities such as stores, homes, saloons, and, of course, bordellos. By 1898, just two years later, the town of Skagway had a population of over 30,000 people.
During this time, it was like most of the old west, a lawless town. One of the members of the mounted police described it as, “little better than a hell on Earth.”
Due to the fact that the gold was so far away they started building the railroad. This is known as the White Pass Yukon Railway, which is still there for us to see and ride on.
Unfortunately, by the time the railroad was finished all of the gold was gone. People started leaving the area because there was no point in staying.
By the early 1900s, there were only about 3,000 people left in Skagway. While most people left the area with no money, there were a few that struck it rich and began their family’s empire there.
For example, John Nordstrom (Nordstrom Department stores) arrived towards the end of the gold rush and actually did find gold.
He took his money and opened his first department store. The town pretty much died out until 1985 when it became a port stop for the cruise lines.
This helped revive the town and allows visitors to experience what a real old west town is like. Today the town has under 1,000 full-time residents and the area’s number one source of revenue is from tourism.
How do you get to the port of Skagway from the cruise ship?
The ships dock about ¼ mile from the center of town so it’s a very easy walk. You can easily go back and forth between the heart of the town and the ship without any problem.
You can also ride the shuttle if you have mobility issues. You won’t need to worry about arranging your own transportation unless you want to see some of the sights outside of town.
Things to See and Do in Skagway, Alaska:
The downtown area of Skagway is very compact and simple to just stroll around and visit the different shops, museums, and restaurants during your visit.
1. Take a Free Guided Walking Tour of Skagway
- Address: 291 Broadway (Skagway Visitor’s Center)
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am – 3pm
- Sat-Sun Closed
The local park rangers offer free walking tours of the town. This is a great, affordable way to learn some of the history of the town and to get your bearings before strolling around on your own.
You will get to see a lot of the popular sights around town such as the Red Onion Saloon (famous brothel), the Moore’s homestead (oldest building in Skagway), and the Arctic Brotherhood Hall.
2. Take a ride on one of the Street Cars of Skagway
- Office Location: 270 2nd Street
- Departs: from the Pier by the Cruise Ships
- Times: the tour runs several time each day between 8:30am and 3:15pm
If you want a fun and easy way to explore the town you can take a ride on the street car. This is a 90-minute tour led by some fast-talking guides that are all dolled up in period costumes.
This is a great alternative to the walking tours that you can take. It will give you all of the history and a way to see the sights and get a lay of the land.
You can take this tour and still have plenty of time to hang out on your own around time before heading back to the ship. Learn more about the Skagway Streetcar here.
3. Have a drink in the Red Onion Saloon
- Address: Corner of 2nd & Broadway Streets
- Hours: 10am to 10pm (Every day)
The Red Onion Saloon is one of the most popular places in the town of Skagway. It was once a brothel house in the town that has been turned into a saloon and restaurant where you can dine.
When you visit, all of the waitresses are dressed in period costumes and act in character as if it is still a brothel house.
You can pay to take a tour of the whole house and they will tell you the history of the place, the working girls, and the madame guide you around all of the rooms. You can learn more at check out the menu here.
4. See the Days of ’98 Show
- Address: 590 Broadway
The Days of ’98 is the longest running show in Alaska. It began in 1923 and has been going ever since. The show is pretty much unchanged, so what you see now is the same as what the first patrons experienced when it debuted.
This is a vaudeville-style musical revue that features ragtime music, Can-Can dancers, and is a very humorous and funny show to enjoy.
It tells you the story of the birth of Skagway and the rise, and fall, of its most notorious outlaw Jefferson Randolph Smith (Soapy Smith).
The show runs several times throughout the day, so you can choose the one that works best for your schedule. It is about an hour long so it won’t take up a lot of your day.
You can definitely see it and still have time to enjoy the other sights in town. Whether you decide to see this show or not you will be able to get a sneak-peek just by walking down the street in town.
In the second story windows of the theater building you will get to enjoy the “lovely ladies” as they beckon you to come and join them inside.
You don’t have to worry it you have kids because it is a family-friendly show that you can all enjoy together. Visit their website to learn more here.
5. Take a ride on the White Pass Yukon Railway
This is the most popular excursion in the port of Skagway. This is a nice, relaxing ride that offers incredible views of the region.
You will ascend 3,000 feet above sea level on the 20-mile train ride outside of Skagway up to the White Pass Summit. The railroad is a bucket list item for many people who take a cruise to Alaska.
You get to see some of the sights from a different viewpoint and learn the history of the area. There are different options for this excursion such as combining it with a visit to a dog sled training camp or with a salmon bake, so you can choose the one that you like the best.
We recommend doing a combo tour so you can experience another part of the history and culture of the area.
Pro Tip: Most of the sights you will want to see are on the same side. If you are riding up to the summit, sit on the left side and if you are coming back down sit on the right side. However, there are cliffs so if you have a fear of heights then take that into account. Also, if you ride in the very last car there is a small balcony that you can go out on to get some really amazing pictures.
6. Go off-roading in a 4×4 Jeep
This is a great choice if you want a more adventurous and thrilling way to see some of the sights. You won’t see quite as much as you do on the train ride.
However, you still get to see many of the most popular sights in the area. Plus, it’s just a fun way to experience your stop in Skagway.
You will also have the opportunity to walk across the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which hangs 65 feet above raging rapids.
7. Go Zip-lining in Grizzly Falls
If you don’t care about seeing the sights and just want to have a fun, thrilling adventure then zip-lining is a great choice.
At 750 feet up, you will get to enjoy incredible views of the area and go over quite a few waterfalls as you speed along at 45mph. This is a great excursion to do as a family.
8. Embark on a Dog Sledding Ride
Looking for thrilling adventure that is unique, try out being a musher on a dog sledding ride. On this excursion will enjoy a scenic helicopter ride up to the glacier to visit the dog sledding camp.
You will get to meet professional mushers and their dogs. Afterwards, you will experience flying across the glacier on a dog sled ride.
You can choose to try your hand at mushing or just sit back and relax on the ride. No matter which you choose, this is an experience you will remember for a lifetime.
Pro Tip: There are two different versions for the dog sledding rides. One is up on the glacier and the other is at the dog training camp where the ride is on a dirt path. Make sure the one you choose is for the experience you want.
9. Hike the Chilkoot Trail
The Chilkoot Trail is one of the most famous gold mining trails in all of Alaska. If you love hiking this is a great way to see some amazing wildlife and scenery while also following in the footsteps of history.
The trail is very long, but you can do excursions where you hike just a portion of it combined with another adventure such as a float trip on the Taiya River.
Unique shops to visit while in Skagway:
While Skagway does have some of the same touristy shops as the other ports of call, it also offers some cool, unique shops that we wanted to highlight for you.
1. The Train Depot Building:
- Address: Corner of 2nd & Broadway Streets
The train depot building has a train shop inside of it. They have some really cool souvenirs that you can buy. This is a must do stop for any train lovers.
2. Skagway’s Tru-Value Hardware Store
- Address: 400 Broadway Street
This is a stop that most vacationers skip over because it is a hardware store. However, it’s worth a visit inside because it has some unique and different souvenirs that you can buy and take home.
It is right in the heart of town so it’s worth a stop inside to see what they currently have in stock.
3. Kirmse’s Emporium:
- Address: Corner of 5th & Broadway Streets
This is a local business that highlights many of the local artists in the region. You can buy some unique pieces of art from sculptures to jewelry that are made by local artisans.
If you want to support the local economy and get an authentic piece of local art, this is a good place to check out and buy it.
What are the must try restaurants and foods in Skagway:
1. Skagway Brewing Company:
- Address: 250 4th Avenue
The Skagway Brewing Company is a very popular place to eat for both visitors and locals. They have amazing fish & chips, so if you are in the mood for that definitely get them here.
This restaurant also has a really good selection of burgers, so even those who don’t like seafood will be happy with eating here.
You can also find a really great selection of craft beers to try. One that is really popular and worth tasting is the Spruce Tip Ale.
It gets its name due to the face that they make it with spruce tips instead of hops. This beer sells out a lot, but if you are lucky enough to be there when they have it definitely try it and see what you think.
Learn more and check out their menu here.
2. Skagway Fish Company
- Address: 201 Congress Way
The Skagway Fish Company is right on the dock between the ship and the town. Even if you aren’t planning on going into town you can easily get off the ship and eat at this restaurant and then get right back on the ship.
This is where many of the ship’s crew will go to eat because they love it so much. If you are looking for delicious, fresh seafood then this is the place you want to dine at.
They have king crab legs, halibut fish & chips, and crab cakes. The restaurant also has a lot of really delicious comfort food options if you don’t want, or like, seafood.
3. Alaska Fudge Company
- Address: 777 Broadway
This is where you need to stop if you want some delicious homemade fudge to enjoy while you are in port, or back on the ship.
They created really unique names for the different flavors of fudge to represent Alaska and the local region such as Glacier Bay and Mendenhall Mud.
The store also has different types of candy and treats for you to enjoy, but let’s be honest we go for the fudge.
What festivals & celebrations take place in Skagway?
The 4th of July Celebration:
This is the main celebration that Skagway puts on during the cruise season. It’s an old-fashioned family fun event that has been taking place since 1898. In 1898 “Soapy” Smith head the parade through town.
This event includes different pie eating contests, horseshoe tournaments, egg tosses, and the highlight of the ducky derby race.
The ducky derby race consists of 1,500 little plastic ducks that will race down the river to the finish line. The winner wins $1,000. They will also randomly pick six other ducks and they will each win $100.
Which cruise lines have itineraries to Skagway?
Pretty much any cruise ship that goes to Alaska makes a stop in Skagway. It is one of the most popular ports of call so you are almost guaranteed to go there.
Pretty much all of the large, mainstream cruise lines go here such as Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
As well as some of the luxury lines including Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, and Windstar Cruises. As well as some of the smaller cruise lines such as Uncruise Adventures.
Skagway may be a smaller port, but it is chalk full of history and adventure. Whether you want an adrenaline rushing activity or just stroll around the town and shop, you can.
This was my favorite port of call on our cruise to Alaska. The moment you step off the ship and enter the town you feel like you have been transported back in time.
While the other ports are quaint, they feel more touristy. Skagway has that authentic feel to it.
Have you been to Skagway? Do you agree with our recommendations and overall view of this port of call? Let us know if the comments below.