Alaska · USA
Skagway Travel Guide
Skagway is a Gold Rush ghost town brought back to life — a tiny frontier settlement of wooden boardwalks, saloon-front buildings, and the spectacular White Pass railway climbing into the mountains. It's Alaska at its most historic and dramatic.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the Town?
Walk. Skagway's cruise terminal is right on Broadway — the main street. The entire town is within a 10-minute walk.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway — A 3-hour scenic railway climbing 3,000 feet through tunnels, trestle bridges, and mountain passes. One of the most spectacular train rides in North America. Book well in advance ($130+).
Gold Rush Historic District — Walk Broadway's wooden boardwalks, visit the restored buildings, and stop at the National Park Visitor Center for an excellent free ranger talk.
Lower Dewey Lake Trail — A moderate 1-mile hike through rainforest to a beautiful mountain lake. Trailhead is at the east end of town.
Red Onion Saloon — A restored 1898 Gold Rush brothel-turned-bar. Live music, local beer, and a charmingly authentic frontier atmosphere.
Where Should You Eat in Skagway?
Seafood: Skagway has surprisingly good seafood for a town of 1,000 people. Fresh halibut fish and chips, smoked salmon chowder, and king crab are the highlights.
The Bonanza Bar & Grill and Skagway Brewing Co. both serve good food with local craft beer.
Is Skagway Worth Exploring Independently?
Skagway is so small that independent exploration is the default. The town is 6 blocks long — you can see everything on foot. The only excursion worth booking is the White Pass Railway, which you can do directly with the railway company for the same price as the ship charges. Everything else is walking distance.
Local Tips
- •The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway sells out months in advance. Book before your cruise — do not wait until port day.
- •Skagway's entire downtown is 6 blocks long. You can walk end to end in 15 minutes.
- •The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center (free) is excellent — start here for context on the town's wild history.
- •Rent bikes to ride the Skagway River trail — flat, scenic, and a great way to see beyond the tourist strip.