Skagway is a major stop on the Alaskan Cruise route. It’s famous for its gold rush history and historic railroad road into the mountains. Here are a few things to do in Skagway Alaska.
Explore Skagway
In downtown Skagway you’ll find souvenir shops as well as a few restaurants and bars. However, looking past these shops reveals gold rush era architecture.
Red Onion Saloon
The most famous bar in Skagway is the Red Onion Saloon. Red Onion Saloon was originally a place for men back in the days of the gold rush. Today, it’s possible to take a tour of the upstairs area and see exactly how it was. More importantly, you can also enjoy a drink and meal whilst being served by girls typical of the gold rush era. Did you read about the similar Dolly’s House Museum in Ketchikan Alaska?
Things to do in Skagway – Totem Poles
You can find original Totem Poles all around this region as far south as Vancouver, Canada. However, the Skagway Totem Poles are the most convenient for viewing as they’re located adjacent to a shop in downtown.
Hire a Car to Explore the Things to do in Skagway
White Pass and Yukon Route
During the Klondike Rush of 1898 a railway line was built. Known as the Yukon Route, this climbs 900 meters in 30 kilometres from Skagway to the White Pass, Yukon. Often referred to as the railway built on gold, today it’s used as a tourist attraction. You can witness amazing views during the ascent. Lastly, seats on the train sell out quickly so I recommend reserving in advance.
The White Pass itself is incredibly stunning on a clear day. However, do you think the guys who took this route during the gold rush took the time to appreciate the views like we do today? It’s the views, the history and construction of this railway that make the Yukon pass the most popular land excursion in Alaska. The full route is over 175 km long, winding around mountains over the Yukon Pass. Finally, this route has been awarded the International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Pitchfork Falls
You can take the Yukon Route by car, bus or train. Train is by far the most popular route. But, if you choose the tourist bus or private car you can stop as you please to take photos. One such popular photo stop is the panoramic Pitchfork Falls viewpoint. Lastly, at over 600 meters in height, Pitchfork falls are one of the highest falls in the world. Not quite as spectacular as Iguazu Falls in Brazil but an incredible sight nonetheless.
Welcome to Alaska Sign
When you’re on an Alaskan Cruise you never see a ‘Welcome to Alaska’ sign. If you take the tourist bus to the White Pass you’ll no doubt stop for a photo at this iconic sign. Additionally, look at the stunning view behind it and enjoy your journey.
Welcome to Yukon Sign
Not many people have heard of the Yukon Province in Canada let alone visited there. Don’t miss your chance to take an iconic photo with the ‘Yukon – Larger Than Life’ sign.
Chilkoot Pass Trail and Hiking
The Chilkoot pass is known as the ‘worlds longest museum’ or the ‘meanest 33 miles of history’. It is in fact the hiking equivalent of the railway. Remember, the gold rush started before the railway was built therefore people used to walk this route. To hike the route yourself you’ll need to organize a walking permit, The route starts in Skagway as far as the Canadian border.
Klondike Gold Dredge
Unfortunately, the gold rush brought a lot of ugly scenes to this beautiful landscape. None more ugly than the Klondike Gold Dredge. Klondike Gold Dredge is now a tourist attraction where you can learn how the gold was dredged. More importantly, you can also pan for gold yourself.
Jewell Gardens
View seasonal flowers with a mountain backdrop at Jewell Gardens.
How to Travel from Skagway to Glacier Bay National Park
Cruise Ship from Skagway to Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
From Skagway I continued my Princess cruise to the Alaska Cruise highlight, Glacier Bay National Park. During this overnight cruise I enjoyed unlimited food as well as lots of great entertainment.
The Alaskan Gold Rush was such an interesting period of history. Touring the old saloons would be so fascinating!
I really want to go to Alaska the falls looks so pretty. I might wait until summer to visit though as I hear it is very cold during the winter. I would definitely try and do a cruise too as it looks so cool
Oh wow, the pitchfork falls look so pretty! I would love to get myself to that side of the world and I hope I do some day. Great that you managed to get some exercise at the gym, I would certainly need that with all the unlimited food 😉
The scenery looks beautiful! Reading your post has made me want to learn more about the Alaskan Gold Rush now, which is something I’d never heard of before. The photo of Downtown reminds of Wild West films!
When I think about that area, I always just think beautiful views, but I love that there is so much history there too. I would love to travel this route – Alaska has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I hope to be able to travel there soon.
I’ve been to a few places in Alaska — Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka — but never Skagway. We also went on a cruise to Alaska, but with Celebrity instead of Princess. Your photos make me want to return and explore it on my own!
So cool! You’re creating a great destination in my mind!
That is absolutely stunning! I don’t know if I’d prefer to take the train or the bus for the ascent, it seems like both offers gorgeous views but the view you took of the Pitchfork falls is absolutely outstanding! I’m quite curious as to how the servers were dressed as well. :p
Skagway looks so amazing and full of history. I love the history ofthe gold rush and the fact that the gurls in the red onion saloon still dress like they did back then. Also love the shot of the falls. Alaska is on my list of places to travel for sure.
Nice overview. I really can’t wait to go there myself and see it! I love your picture of downtown Skagway, it looks like a fun town to walk around in with the view of the mountains right there too! What was your favorite piece of scenery on the trip?
Alaska has always held a fascination for me and I hope to make it there one day. Pitchfork Falls looks stunning and aid love to try out the Red Onion Saloon. Cruising through Alaska is a dream so I’m just a little bit jealous of you at the moment lol
I would love Love LOVE to go to Alaska! Those bright blue waters and snow capped mountains have been calling my name for years! Skagway seems like a good ‘starter town’ too before you set off cruising with a lot to do – some port towns have very little and you can feel like your wasting a day (which when you are short on travel time is not a great feeling!)
Love the scenery and downtown I’ve heard it is a beautiful place. I think a little too cold for me. Love the photo Pitchfork falls and cool name. Thank you sharing
Alaska seems to be of a postcard. Pitchfork falls is so beautiful and yunkun pass and the view of glacier is mesmerizing. Never knew that it won an award too. Skagway looks charming 🙂