11 Best Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska (Top Excursions + Tours)

Skagway is one of the most iconic cruise ports in Alaska. Known for its' historic gold rush history and famous White Pass Scenic Railway, it's actually much closer to Canada than the majority of Alaska. In fact, if you want to roadtrip to Skagway, you actually have to drive through Canada to get there. With an entire downtown centered around Broadway Street, Skagway has everything from unique museums and fun places to eat to bucket list Alaskan adventures like gold panning and dog sledding.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state.
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If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.

How to Get to Skagway (4 Ways)

Skagway can be hard to get to, mainly because it's in such a remote part of Alaska. However, there's actually 4 different ways to get there that are more straightforward than you would think, it might just be a bit longer or a bit more expensive than getting to other areas of Alaska.

• Go On A Roadtrip - Did you know you can actually drive to Skagway? You'll have to make your way into Canada first and cross the border (so bring your passport) as you head onto the ALCAN Highway, but it's an easy way to enjoy the scenic views and enjoy areas of the Yukon. If you want the best chance to see wildlife like bears and bison, then this is your best bet. However, because the drive takes about 20 hours without stops, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of time.
• Fly In - Even though a direct flight would take less than 2 hours, flights to Skagway usually require a layover in Juneau, making the entire flight just over 4 hours. Usually this means flights can be pretty expensive, and are usually about $300-$600+ each way. If you do end up flying, make sure to book a window seat - the views are pretty incredible!​

• Use Alaska's Marine Highway - One of the most local ways to get around in Southeast Alaska is by using the Alaska Marine Highway. You can book tickets online, and even though the journey might take a bit longer, I personally love sitting back and enjoying the views as they go by. Plus you never know what kind of marine wildlife you'll see along the way! Usually, ferries making their way to Skagway will also stop in Haines, another cute town in Southeast Alaska.
• Cruise In - Arguably the most popular way to get to Skagway is through a cruise! With over 1 million visitors on average each Summer season, if you're looking into an Alaska Cruise, I highly encourage you to choose one that stops in Skagway!

My Favorite Skagway Tours : 
-> Glacier Hike + White Pass Railway
-> Yukon Tour + Suspension Bridge

Best Things to Do in Skagway

1. White Pass Scenic Railroad
Hands down my favorite thing to do in Skagway is to take a ride on the iconic White Pass Scenic Railroad. Considered the most beautiful train ride in Alaska, this 2.5 hour train ride is something I would do again and again. The views begin in downtown Skagway, lead to some forested mountain views and glaciers, and eventually to the summit where everything is flat and rocky. Technically the ride goes a little ways past the Canadian border, but because you don't get off until you're back in Skagway you shouldn't need your passport.

​If you want the best views, I recommend sitting on the left on the way up and the right on the way down, but because the train turns around at the summit it doesn't really matter whichever side you get. The train ride is narrated on the way up, so you'll be able to hear all about the main viewpoints and stories of the "stampeders" who searched the area for gold.

2. Walk the Town of Skagway
Downtown Skagway has lots to see and explore. From restaurants and saloons to all kinds of souvenir stores and museums, if you don't want to sign up for any tours or excursions my best recommendation is to just walk downtown! Chances are you'll stumble upon a few unique finds along the way. If you're short on time, you can also join this 90 minute tour that stops at all the most iconic spots in town!

3. Grab a Bite to Eat
There's quite a few places I recommend eating at while you're in Skagway. It's worth noting that if you're visiting when there's a cruise (or two, or three) in town, chances are the restaurants will be super crowded, and it'll be hard to find a table. Some of my personal favorite stops in town are :

• Glacial Coffeehouse for coffee & a quick bite - I love their Guac Turkey sandwich!
• Klondike Doughboy for their famous Fry Bread ("doughboys") with Cinnamon Sugar, chances are you'll see the line out the door.
• Skagway Brewing for a local brew and some great fish and chips! Their second floor also has excellent aerial views of downtown Skagway.
• The most iconic place to eat in Skagway is the Red Onion Saloon. During the Klondike Gold Rush it was actually a brothel,  but now focuses on serving pizza and iconic themed cocktails like their "Reindeer Fart Shot." 

4. ​Skagway City Museum
Located on the edge of downtown Skagway, the Skagway City Museum is only $2 per person. Inside the historic 1899 McCabe College Building, you can find all kinds of artifacts including photographs and items like Bering Sea kayaks and tools used during the Klondike gold rush. It's a great way to learn more about local history by browsing through their exhibits.

5. Red Onion Brothel Museum
If you're interested in visiting another museum in Skagway, the most popular museum is actually located in the upstairs of the Red Dog Saloon, which actually began as a brothel in 1898. Now, you can grab some food and one of their fun themed cocktails downstairs and then head on their Brothel Museum Tour upstairs. When I visited tickets were $20 each onsite, and the tour lasted about 20 minutes. The guide will bring you through different rooms and show you one thing you probably won't see anywhere else - their bedpan collection.

6. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
​This National Historic Park is essentially the downtown area of Skagway and the Visitor Center in town, right where you'll get dropped off after your ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway. You can explore the park's museum, enjoy a ranger presentation, or watch the 25 minute film about the Klondike Gold Rush.

7. Visit a Musher Camp and Go Dog Sledding
Another unique tour is actually one of Alaska's most popular tours for visitors, and that's going dog sledding! Most tours include a visit to a Musher's Camp where you can learn all about their lifestyle and the dogs before you try dog sledding yourself, and if you're lucky, you might even get to snuggle some sled dog puppies! I haven't been in Skagway myself, but I've been quite a few times in Fairbanks and the Denali area, and it's always a fun time.

8. Skagway Street Car Tour
If you want to explore downtown Skagway but don't want to or aren't able to walk around yourself, the best thing to do is join a Skagway Street Car Tour! For 90 minutes you'll explore the waterfront, downtown Skagway, and historic sites like the Gold Rush Cemetery via a narrated tour. It's the perfect way to experience Skagway while being immersed in local stories.

9. The Days of '98 Show
​One of the most unique things to do while in Skagway is to enjoy the "Days of '98 Show" at their theater right on Broadway. Leading up to showtimes, you'll see and hear them in the street drawing visitors in to watch their one hour musical about "Soapy" Smith, a famous outlaw in Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. The show itself is super high energy and is pretty comedic, so it's good for the whole family.

10. Visit the Yukon & Suspension Bridge
​If you've never explored the Yukon, and you want to, this is a great opportunity. Most tours to the area will include a stop at the famous Yukon Suspension Bridge, and since the drive itself is about 40 minutes each way from Skagway trips usually last all day or almost all day - so if you're visiting on a cruise this is one tour you'll want to double check the timing of. The Yukon is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, and every 2-3 years my husband and I will take a two week long road trip through the territory. If you have the time, I highly recommend visiting the area.

Book your Yukon tour here.

11. Try Gold Mining
​A lot of the tours and excursions from Skagway include gold panning, but if you want to try something while you're in town you'll just have to head down a Back Alley...specifically to the Back Alley Gold Mining shop! I'll be honest prices are pretty expensive compared to other gold panning spots in Alaska, but it's a fun way to try something unique while you're in Skagway. When I visited it was $30 per adult, and we were given a pre-filled jar of dirt, sand, and some gold. The most you'll find are a few flakes, but they'll give you a little jar to take them home in, and like they say there's always a *chance* you could find something bigger.

If you want to make a whole day out of it, try this gold panning tour that includes a salmon bake.

Watch My Skagway Port Day Here!

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​Other Blog Posts  You Might Be Interested In : 
-> Best Things to Do in Juneau
-> Best Things to Do in Ketchikan
-> Best Things to Do in Sitka

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