21 Fun Things To Do in Skagway Alaska from a Cruise Ship

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Skagway is full of small-town charm with a lot to offer. In one day, you can explore the historic downtown area, take a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, and visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. There are so many options for things to do in Skagway Alaska from a cruise ship.

21 Fun Things to Do in Skagway from a Cruise Ship

With only a day in port, you must pick and choose carefully to get the most out of your visit to Skagway. Here are 21 things to do, split into paid tours and excursions and some free options as well. Let’s start with the free activities first.

10 Free Activities and Sights to Enjoy in Skagway Alaska

1 Check Out the Ice Cutting Train Car

For the railroad buffs, check out the snow and ice-cutting railroad engine car right at the end of Broadway. Imagine the power needed to get the train through the snow and bring much-needed supplies to those depending on them.

2 Stroll Along the Streets of Skagway

Downtown is where all the action happens when in the city of Skagway Alaska. This is where miners mingled with merchants and “working girls” with everyone just trying their best to make a living. Stroll along the streets and check out the local stores, restaurants, and other Gold Rush-era buildings.

Several of these stores are seasonal and may be closed during the off-season of October-May. If arriving on a cruise ship then they should be open, but check ahead of time just to make sure. The downtown area is compact and the stores close together, therefore cutting down on the walking distances if you’re just window-shopping.

This is by no means a complete list, but just a taste of what is available for you to visit in Downtown Skagway.

Shopping in Downtown Skagway

Alaska Shirt Company is a popular spot for unique Alaskan-themed apparel. You can find T-shirts, hoodies, and other items featuring local designs. (131 Broadway)

Aurora Jewelers is a shop specializing in Alaskan jewelry, offering a beautiful selection of jewelry and decorative items. A great place to find unique souvenirs. (300 Broadway)

Klondike Gift Supply is known for its collection of Alaskan-made goods, including art, crafts, and gifts. It’s an excellent spot to pick up something special to remember your visit. (398 5th Avenue)

Skaguay News Depot is the place for you if you’re into books and other reading material. It’s a bookstore that also sells newspapers, magazines, and unique gifts. A perfect spot for fellow book enthusiasts. (264 Broadway)

Taiya River Arts is a locally owned gallery featuring handcrafted arts and unique jewelry. (204 Broadway)

Food and Drinks in Skagway

Skagway Fish Company is perfect for you if you’re a fan of seafood. They offer fresh Alaskan seafood, and the restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere with views of the waterfront. (201 Congress Way)

Glacial Coffeehouse is located next to Klondike Doughboy and is open year-round with coffee, smoothies and sandwiches to enjoy. (336 3rd Avenue)

Klondike Doughboy is a delightful bakery offering delicious pastries and sweets. Perfect for a quick snack or to satisfy your sweet tooth. (326 3rd Avenue)

Skagway Brewing offers American food along with their craft beers. They claim their food gets as much love and attention as their beer. (204 4th Avenue)

3 Photograph the Skagway Arctic Brotherhood Building

The Arctic Brotherhood was founded in 1899 by a group of men bound for the Klondike gold fields. The completion of the building happened in 1900 and the facade of driftwood sticks applied later the same year. This is one of the most photographed buildings on Broadway in Skagway and is a perfect opportunity to snap a picture.

4 Learn More at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is located in the former White Pass & Yukon Route depot station building. Different ranger presentations are given each day during the peak summer season.

If learning more about the gold rush interests you, watch the 25-minute film “Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike” in the Visitor Center. Times change daily for the showings, so go in to check when it’s showing. If you arrive off-season, the movie may be available upon request.

Public restrooms and benches are available. The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome.

5 Listen to Daily Ranger Talks

The daily ranger talks last 30 minutes each and cover a wide variety of topics related to Alaska and Skagway in particular. Rangers have conversation about topics they are most passionate about and you can learn so much about the area this way. Topics range from Tlingit culture, wildlife, weather, or even something else.

The talk topics are posted the same day in the morning. No tickets are needed and the area is wheelchair and stroller accessible. This program runs from May through to late September following the typical tourist season.

6 Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery

The small bus tour I booked on the ship took us to explore the Gold Rush Cemetery located on Alaska Street just outside of town. With the boom in population due to gold fever, diseases spread quickly amongst the people. Gold Rush Cemetery served as the city burial place for the people of Skagway.

This is also the final resting place of Jefferson “Soapy” Smith and Frank Reid. These two prominent citizens of Skagway engaged in an altercation that ended up with Smith dead immediately and Reid dying a few days later from his injuries. Their intriguing story of a power struggle for political control of Skagway is expertly shared in the Days of ’98 Show in downtown. My mother and I saw this as the second part of the bus tour and I highly recommend this outing.

Soapy Smith may have been painted as the villain in the history books, since he was known to be a con man, but I was rooting for him in secret. Learn more about this story by clicking here.

7 Hike to Reid Falls

Frank Reid was seen as the poor victim and was honored with 2 waterfalls named after him. Lower Reid Falls is less than a 1/2 mile walk from the Gold Rush Cemetery where Frank Reid is buried. Upper Reid Falls is about another 800 feet up and is very difficult to hike up to. Many people try anyway and get stuck, thereby needing to be saved by the local rescue teams. Remember you only have a day here and be satisfied with making it to Lower Reid Falls and taking some amazing photos.

8 View Pitchfork Falls

Pitchfork Falls is a drop of about 2000 feet into the Skagway River. This can be seen from the side of the road and runs beneath a railroad bridge. The best possible scenario for a picture is to capture your photograph as the White Pass & Yukon Railway train passes by on the bridge.

9 Hike Along Forest Tracks

There are many available hiking trails in and near Skagway. Just make sure you have enough time to complete your hike and get back to the ship before it departs without you. Also make sure you have the right apparel and physical ability to hike the distance you choose for your adventure. Check out some trail information by clicking here.

10 Watch the Salmon Run at Pullen Creek

Less than 1/2 a mile from the cruise docks is Pullen Creek where you can watch the salmon swim against the creek. This is seasonal and can be checked out from May through September. Each of the five different varieties of salmon run at specific times so check with the local rangers at the Klondike Gold Rush National Park for more details.

11 More Activities and Excursions to Experience in Skagway from your Cruise Ship in a Day

The previous 10 activities were all free, unless you bought something while window-shopping. Now here is a list of 11 activities that will cost you some money.

Excursions can be booked on the cruise ship, as part of your package, or done separately by yourself or your travel agent. You can also book your excursion the day of your Skagway visit. Just be warned that activities in Alaska can be a bit expensive, so review your options and choose the best one for your needs.

If you need accessibility help, please make sure to ask specific questions about how you can be accommodated if needed. Some excursions are wheelchair accessible and other activities are definitely not. Just ask plenty of questions to make sure you will be able to fully participate and enjoy your adventure.

11 Visit the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel

Step through the doors and into the past when entering the Red Onion Saloon and Brothel. Built in 1898 during Skagway’s heyday, enjoy a beer or a meal and have the opportunity to mingle with the local madams of the brothel.

Tours are offered to explore the meticulously maintained historic brothel upstairs from the saloon. Madams give you a “quickie tour” and allow you a glimpse into how women of this era earned a living in a gold rush town. Other tours are available, such as the “Ghosts and Goodtime Girls” Tour of the downtown area. If you’re lucky, you may even have an encounter with the resident spirit of the Saloon named Lydia. Click here if you’re ready for a good time!

The tour is recommended for visitors aged 14+, and anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult due to risqué language and topics, and a few nude portraits.

12 Go Ziplining at Grizzly Falls

Is soaring over the trees and gushing glacial waterfalls is your thing, then this tour is made for you!

It starts with a pick-up at the dock and a tour of historic Skagway on the way to the Dyea base camp about 9 miles away. Once there you transfer to a Unimog, a special all-wheel drive vehicle to get you up to the launching point at the top of the mountain. Ride through the Tongass National Rainforest to the top where highly-trained professionals get you ready to zipline down the mountain at breathtaking speeds.

Once safely down, you will return in the Unimog to the bottom of the mountain and then switch vehicles for the ride back through town to the cruise ship. Click here for more details about this exhilarating adventure!

13 Take an Exhilarating Dog Sled Ride

Experience travel the way many Alaskans have done in the past, and some continue to do so today. This ride through the Tongass National Rainforest is pulled by 16 huskies. Travel through nature, hear about caring for the dogs, and get a puppy cuddle at the end of your excursion. Click here for more details. Mush!

14 Take a Helicopter Tour of the Area

Skagway Discovery Glacier Helicopter Tour brings you over the glaciers all around the Skagway area. Explore 3 different glaciers on this 2-hour tour. Safety vests and spikes for your shoes are provided. You must be physically fit enough to get into and out of the helicopter and to be able to walk over uneven terrain.

Experiencing the glacial beauty of Alaska from the skies is an unforgettable adventure. Make sure to bring your camera!

15 Cycle Through the Rainforest

If getting around on two wheels is your jam, then cycle your way around Skagway and nearby areas. Click here to learn about renting a bicycle or an e-bike to experience the area by bike. Choose from mountain bikes, e-bikes, tandem bikes, or light touring bikes, all available at a fair price for hourly or daily rentals.

16 Float Down the Taiya River

See the nature surrounding Skagway from a different perspective. Float down the Taiya River with a small group and experience the beauty of Alaska from the water. A completely equipped raft will bring you slowly down the river as you watch for wildlife along the shore. Your guide will share the history of the area in a totally relaxing atmosphere.

Participants must be at least 2 years of age and all people must sign an acknowledgement of risk form. The tour happens rain or shine, so make sure to dress for the weather if needed. Learn more about the Taiya River Tour by clicking here.

17 Spend the Day Golfing

Some people just want a few rounds of golf when on vacation. Then make sure to visit Valley of the Eagles Golf Links and Driving Range. This 9-hole course provides the opportunity to play golf while watching for moose, eagles, mink, and otters. Combine your love of the sport with an appreciation for nature. Fore!

18 Ride the White Pass & Yukon Railway

Built in 1898 during the height of the Gold Rush in Alaska, this historic narrow gauge train brings you high into the mountains near the border of Alaska and Canada. Travel through tunnels and cross trestles high over rushing glacial waters tumbling from the mountain tops.

If you wish to experience this ride in restored vintage train cars, make sure to book early since this excursion usually sells out quickly. Learn more by clicking here.

19 Watch the Days of ’98 Show

The Days of ’98 was an entertaining and interactive vaudeville-style musical performed in the Days of ’98 Theatre located at the corner of 6th and Broadway. This was a part of the bus tour my mother and I booked for the day in Skagway. I was looking for something that wouldn’t be physically taxing for me due to my ankle and I am so glad I chose this excursion.

The players are professionals from New York’s Broadway and their acting and musical talents show this clearly. Different performers share the same roles in the story, but of course not at the same time. The audience participation was a blast and you can’t miss the can-can dance! Learning the history of a place was never so much fun!

Popcorn and soft drinks were available for purchase before the show and clean restrooms were also appreciated. This theatre is accessible for those with limited mobility, but please contact them ahead of time if you have any questions. Click here.

20 Take a Private or Group Day Tour

There are many private or small group tours available to book through the cruise line or with a private tour company. Check out the cruise materials before you sail since you can often get the best deals this way. These range from bus tours that include several of the places mentioned above, or perhaps to somewhere specific you wish to explore. Do your research to find your ideal tour. If you’d like help choosing an excursion, click here to send me a message and I can help you find the best one for you.

21 Go Panning For Your Own Gold

Although Skagway became known as Alaska’s first city with the discovery of gold, none was ever found in or around the Skagway area. But Klondike Tours has created an experience for visitors to learn what it was like to pan for gold using authentic materials. Go to their store and pan for gold in the “pay dirt” and find your own gold. Anything you find is yours and can be weighed and put into jewelry or taken home.

This fun panning adventure is accessible and done right in downtown Skagway. Happy gold hunting!

What is Skagway Famous For?

Home to the Tlingits, Skagway shares its gold-rush history with that of the traditional folklore of the native people. Skagway became a city during the boom in the late 1890s as gold was discovered in Alaska. Its location as the closest ocean port made getting to the gold fields easier than trekking completely across land.

Massive and rapid influx of prospectors looking to make it big flooded the area. The settlement quickly grew into a city to support the new arrivals and those already there. Cruise ships provide a steady stream of tourists hungry to learn more about Alaska and the heyday of the Gold Rush. Skagway provides that with its picturesque buildings and colorful history and is definitely worth a visit if you can.

Where is Skagway?

Skagway is located at the mouth of the northernmost fjord of the Inside Passage. The incorporated city lies about 90 miles northwest of Alaska’s capital city of Juneau.

Pulling Into Dock From Your Cruise Ship

Cruise ships dock at one of four docks in Skagway. The first three are right at the end of Broadway and Ferry dock for smaller ships is just a little further away.

Broadway Dock
Ore Dock
Railroad Dock
Ferry Dock

It’s just a short walk to the city of Skagway or travelers can take the local shuttle into town for a small fee.

How To Get to Skagway If You’re Not a Cruise Passenger

If you are not arriving on a cruise ship, then there are several other ways to get to Skagway.

Plane to Skagway

You can take a flight into Anchorage or Juneau and then a smaller plane into Skagway Airport. Taking a seaplane from Juneau is also another option.

Ferry to Skagway

The ferry runs from Juneau to Skagway and between Haines, Alaska and Skagway. Check out the ferry options by clicking here.

You can also take a 3 day ferry ride from the Seattle/Bellingham area if you are feeling a bit more adventurous.

Driving to Skagway

Skagway is connected to both Canada and the Lower 48 states by the Alaskan Canadian Highway, also known as ALCAN. The roads are paved and make traveling by car, or with an RV, a scenic way to reach the area.

Check Out These Excursions When in Skagway and make sure to have fun!

Red Onion Saloon and Brothel

Ziplining at Grizzly Falls

Experience a Dog Sled Ride with Huskies

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Taiya River Scenic Float

FAQs – Learn More About Your Day in Skagway

Is Skagway walkable from the ship?

It is less than 5 minutes to walk to the historic downtown area of Skagway.

How to get to downtown Skagway from the ship?

Once you get off the ship, walk a few minutes to the end of the dock and then turn left onto Broadway in the downtown area. There is also a shuttle for $5 per person to get into and around the town area. The charge is slightly higher if you travel further out past the bridge or to Dyea.

Is there Uber in Skagway?

There are no Ubers or taxis available in Skagway, but there are local shuttles in the area.

Can you leave the ship without an excursion?

Of course you can! You do not need to book an excursion or sign up for a specific tour. You can walk off the ship and explore the area on your own. Check out the downtown area, have something to eat, or do a little shopping without having to pay anything extra. Enjoy exploring Skagway.

Why were some cruises not stopping in Skagway in 2023?

In 2023 there was construction necessary along the dock right next to where the ships docked. Rockslides occurred along the White Pass Railroad Dock in 2022 making it potentially dangerous to travel along the pier. When our Princess cruise ship docked along this area, we were directed to an area to meet our tour group. Passengers just walking into town needed to take a shuttle bus that safely brought them into town.

In Conclusion: Things to Do in Skagway From a Cruise Ship

You may only have one day to explore Skagway when you arrive on a cruise ship, but it can be a day chock full of activities and experiences you will never forget. Even if you don’t pay any extra money for a tour or excursion, get out to learn about the history of Skagway and why it became such a boom town during the Gold Rush. Enjoy your day in the port of Skagway.