14 Amazing Things to Do in Skagway

If you are looking for some of the best things to do in Skagway, Alaska, then you are in the right place!

Skagway is located in southeastern Alaska at the northern end of the Taiya Inlet.

This incredible city is most commonly visited by cruise ship passengers eager to explore its Gold Rush history.

This sleepy small town, home to only about 1,000 residents, overflows during the summer months when transplants travel north to work the Alaska cruise season.

Skagway is no stranger to massive influxes of people. In the 1890s, thousands traveled to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush era.

We recently had the opportunity to explore Skagway during our Princess Cruises Alaska cruise, and we fell in love with this charming town.

Seemingly frozen in time, Skagway allows visitors to experience the old days as they explore downtown Skagway.

Whether you want to explore a true gold rush town or take in the breathtaking scenery on the many hiking trails, Skagway has you covered.

Keep reading to learn more about the Skagway attractions that await you!

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White Pass & Yukon Railroad

One of the most popular Skagway excursions, and one of the most popular things to do in Skagway, is to ride the White Pass Railroad.

One trip on the White Pass Railroad, and you quickly understand why this is considered one of the most picturesque train rides in the world!

The White Pass Yukon Route Railway was built during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898 and was critical for transporting miners over the White Pass to the gold fields.

Today, you can take a train ride to the White Pass summit to experience this historic route.

The White Pass Yukon Route Railway gives visitors stunning views and breathtaking landscapes as it climbs and winds through the mountains.

We were in awe of the beautiful scenery, including the alpine meadows, Bridal Veil Falls, Emerald Lake, and more.

Learning the history of the area and the gold rush prospectors that first explored this region of Alaskan wilderness is mesmerizing.

The Yukon Route Railroad tour is necessary for nature lovers and history buffs visiting Skagway!

I loved stepping out onto the open decks of the cars to take in the fresh mountain air and the incredible views that surrounded me!

If you arrive in Skagway on a cruise ship, you will be happy to know that you board the White Pass at the cruise ship terminal!

We arrived on Princess Cruises Alaska cruise and were docked right by the entrance to board the train.

Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Downtown Skagway makes you feel as if you have been transported to a movie set!

The streets of this gold-mining town are lined with Gold Rush-era buildings and historic boardwalks that seem too well-preserved not to be a movie set!

Take time to walk around town, exploring these historic buildings that now house fun shops, art galleries, and one-of-a-kind eateries.

The Skagway Museum is a point of interest for history lovers as it documents the history of the gold rush and its effects on the town of Skagway.

Browse the local shops like the Back Alley Rock Shop and truly get a feel for Skakway during your time here.

Of course, you should book a tour, like this self-guided audio tour, to learn more about the rich history of Skagway, Alaska, and its historic streets.

White Pass & Yukon Suspension Bridge

Although not technically in Skagway, Alaska, the White Pass and Yukon Suspension Bridget is another popular Skagway excursion.

The Yukon Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that provides visitors with stunning scenery and white-knuckle excitement.

Spanning 200 feet across the roaring rapids of the Tutshi River might give some cruise ship passengers a reason to pause before they venture across it!

As one of the many things to do in Skagway, you can find numerous excursions that cater to the cruise ships.

These excursions will take you from Skagway, Alaska, to the suspension bridge, stopping at landmarks along the Klondike Highway as you venture.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is one of the unique things to do in Skagway.

Visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a must for those wanting to learn more about the struggles of those who came to Skagway, Alaska, during the Gold Rush era.

The park covers the entire Klondike Gold Rush journey from Seattle to Dawson City.

Exhibits on the Gold Rush era include ranger-led programs or a self-guided tour thanks to the National Park Service.

Exploring the historic building and the many exhibits vividly depicts the Klondike Gold Rush journey.

Arctic Brotherhood Hall

One of the most unique buildings in Skagway, Alaska, is the Arctic Brotherhood Hall.

You will recognize it immediately; it is the only town building covered with thousands of pieces of driftwood.

The Arctic Brotherhood Hall housed a fraternal organization that existed during the gold rush and, it its prime, had over 10,000 members.

Today, the building serves as the Skagway Convention and Visitor Center.

Take time to go into the Visitor Center, see this historic building, and learn more about the many things to do in Skagway.

Red Onion Saloon

One of the highlights of our time in Skagway was the Ghosts and Goodtime Girls tour we participated in.

This fun tour taught us all about the history of Skagway through stories of the “good-time girls” who worked here.

The fascinating history is presented by a tour guide dressed in period-specific costumes.

Your tour winds its way through the streets of Skagway before concluding in the famous Red Onion Saloon with a visit to the historic brothel house museum found upstairs.

Of course, if you don’t want to take the tour, you can visit the Red Onion Saloon on your own to tour the brothel or to have a bite to eat.

The Red Onion Saloon is a must-see during your trip to Skagway.

White Pass Summit Tour

The railway isn’t the only way to reach the White Pass summit.

If you prefer to travel by coach instead of train, consider taking a White Pass summit tour from Skagway.

This excursion includes information on the historic town of Skagway, Alaska, and the Gold Rush Cemetery as you reach the summit.

We love that the tour stops at the “Welcome to Alaska” sign, giving you the perfect opportunity to take an Instagram-worth picture.

Not only that, but the excursion also travels into Canada, so be sure to bring your passport!

Chilkoot Trail

For those who want a big challenge during your Skagway, Alaska, visit and add the Chilkoot Trail to your list of things to do in Skagway.

This challenging hiking trail treks through the rugged wildness and has you walking in the footsteps of the gold rush prospectors who first visited Skagway.

The Chilkoot Trail starts in Skagway and continues for 33 miles!

Keep your eyes peeled while trekking through the Coast Mountains on the Chilkoot Trail.

You are sure to see some bald eagles in addition to the incredible Alaskan scenery.

Consider booking this Chilkoot Wilderness and Wildlife Viewing tour for a great guided tour.

The Gold Rush Cemetery

Many lives were lost during the gold rush days, with those looking to strike it rich in this Alaskan town.

You can visit the final resting place of some of these people during your time in Skagway, Alaska when you visit the Gold Rush Cemetery.

Like the cemeteries in New Orleans and Paris, this historic cemetery has some notable residents.

One of the most noteworthy graves is that of Soapy Smith, a notorious con man in Alaskan history.

The cemetery contains over 100 graves, some marked only by a small wooden cross, a testament to the harsh conditions of the gold rush days.

The Gold Rush Cemetery is a short walk from town or the Skagway Cruise Port, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Skagway.

To try gold panning while in Skagway, check out this excursion to Liarsville Gold Rush Camp, including a salmon bake lunch.

Helicopter Tour

The best way to see Skagway, Alaska, and any part of Alaska is from above, so consider taking a helicopter tour when you visit Skagway.

These fabulous tours can take you over Emerald Lake and glorious glaciers like the Davidson Glacier and the Denver Glacier near the Canadian border after whisking you over other beautiful areas of British Columbia.

You talk about a thrilling adventure; this is one for sure and needs to be on every thrill seeker’s list of things to do in Skagway!

Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the majestic bald eagles in this area.

Dog Sledding

Many people take an Alaskan Cruise to experience the unique outdoor adventure of dog sledding during their time in Alaska.

Lucky for you, Skagway, Alaska, offers numerous opportunities to enjoy this fun activity.

For example, this tour follows the Klondike Highway on a round-trip expedition through the White Pass, just like the gold prospectors took.

During your tour, your tour guide shares the area’s rich history before you embark on a fun dog sled adventure.

Adding this to your list of things to do in Skagway ensures you have a fun and unique memory to take home!

Skagway Brewing Company

Beer lovers will want to ensure that the Skagway Brewing Company is on their list of things to do in Skagway.

The brewing company, housed in a historic building that once operated as a brothel, serves up craft beer with a local twist.

Try the Spruce Tip Ale for a unique and refreshing beverage or their Chilkoot Trail IPA during your visit.

When you’re hungry, the Skagway Brewing Company has you covered with delicious pretzels, crab artichoke dip, and truffle fries.

Salmon Run

Seeing the salmon run in Alaska is a true delight and, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you visit Skagway when the Salmon run occurs, head straight for Pullen Creek Shoreline Park.

Standing on the shoreline, thousands of salmon swim upstream to spawn.

The salmon run generally occurs from July until September, with peak viewing in late August and early September.

Along the boardwalk, there are informative displays to educate visitors on the biology and life cycle of the salmon.

Watching the salmon run has to be on your list of things to do in Skagway!

Ocean Rafting

Book an ocean rafting tour for adrenaline-pumping excitement in Skagway; just be ready to get wet!

Ocean rafting tours allow visitors to enjoy a high-speed catamaran ride as they bounce off the waves of the Lynn Canal, the longest and deepest fjord in North America.

The two-hour ride not only treats you to some awesome scenery, but you also learn much about the local area.

Of course, there are stops to take photographs along the way, especially when the captain spots local wildlife like sea lions and eagles.