Skagway is a small town that sits between towering mountains at the head of a fjord. It’s a popular cruise port along the Inside Passage in southeast Alaska. With its gold-rush-era buildings and railroad history, it looks like a movie set! Despite being such a small town, there’s actually a lot you can do here!

Most cruise passengers only have one day to spend in Skagway. Many may never get to come all the way out to Alaska again, so they want to make their visit count. As a seasonal cruise ship staff, having cruised Alaska for 4 summers (to-date of this post being published), I’ve been lucky enough to experience Skagway over and over again!

This list of things to do and see, and places to eat or drink, is by no means everything that’s offered here. It’s simply what I consider to be my own personal favorites, along with some suggestions that I know nearly every cruise passenger has done and enjoyed.
Let’s get to it!

What To Do Here

White Pass & Yukon Railroad Ride

THE most popular tour in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This “Scenic Railway of the World” takes its guests from Skagway to Yukon, Canada and the White Pass summit at 3,000 feet in elevation. I’ve done this tour once and honestly found it kind of boring. But I could see its appeal to an older generation. Guests that may not be capable of hiking to witness Alaska’s natural beauty can ride this train to see more mountains, flowers, a waterfall, and if they’re lucky — a black bear.

Helicopter to a Glacier

Perhaps the second most common (or at least highly sought-after) tour is a helicopter ride to a glacier nearby. You can also add a dog sledding experience while you’re on top at that glacier! Sounds pretty bougie, right? These tours will run you a pretty penny, but they are 100% worth every moment! And every jaw-dropping photo too! (Also available in Juneau)

Ziplining & Rock Climbing

I’ve been lucky enough to try both of these activities here in skagway. My ziplining tour also included an adventure park where my group and I traversed a suspension bridge, balance beams, and a series of other aerial obstacle course objects. I’ve ziplined before in Monteverde, Costa Rica — where some of the most thrilling and longest ziplines are found. So I thought the zips in Skagway were pretty tame, which is perfect for first timers! (Ziplining also available in Juneau and Ketchikan)

My rock climbing tour was excellent for all skill levels. The guides made us feel completely safe and they had us cracking up the entire time. We climbed real granite walls in the White Pass, and even got to do a 70 foot rappel!

Gold Panning

Gold panning at the Klondike Gold Fields gives you a very well-rounded experience of everything Skagway has to offer. Not only do you get to learn how to gold pan for real gold flakes in their troughs, but costumed staff reenact the Klondike Gold Rush Era! Plus, they have sled dogs that do a demonstration! You can also opt to be outfitted in a parka to go inside a 40 degrees below zero chamber, and feel how cold the Iditarod Race can be! (Gold panning also available in Juneau, in a creek instead of troughs)

Hiking

One of the best things to do in Skagway is hike the mountains or along the waterfront. You can take an easy strolling coastal trail called Yakutania Point. Or go see the Gold Rush Cemetery and Lower Reid Falls for a couple hours. Many people hike the moderately difficult trail to Lower Dewey Lake (see more information about this lake next).

For a full break down of hikes here, see my post on The Best Day Hikes in Skagway, Alaska.
And check out this post for the best short hikes from Alaska’s top towns.

Picnic at Lower Dewey Lake

Lower Dewey Lake is a moderately difficult trail that’s usually heavily trafficked — for good reason. Once you get to this pretty, almost green-colored lake, you’ll find picnic tables and bonfire pits. There’s a loop trail that goes around the entire lake. One of the best picnic spots is on the other side, on top of a rock face that looks like it comes up directly from the water.

Before you hike to Lower Dewey, pick up a picnic pack or a boxed lunch in town from Glacial Smoothies & Espresso! Once your picnic is over, head back to this shop for a Fireweed smoothie! You can thank me later.

Jewell Gardens & Glassblowing

The Jewell Gardens is home to whimsical grounds filled with bright native flowers and glass sculptures. There’s a glassblowing studio on site, where visitors can watch demonstrations or even participate in blowing their own glass! If visiting by cruise ship, your best bet is to buy a guided tour and glassblowing experience from the cruise line. The tours usually include a gourmet tea service or lunch prepared with fresh organic ingredients, straight from the gardens! Spend some time in the gift shop if you’re looking for unique souvenirs.

Days of ’98 Show

Since 1923 (let that sink in), The Days of ’98 Show has entertained audiences with the story of Alaska’s most notorious outlaw, Soapy Smith. The musical reenacts his story in a cheesy and fun way, with lots of ragtime music, can-can dancing, and rowdy humor. If you’ve got an extra hour, stop in for a laugh.

Wildlife Viewing

Although Skagway is in bear country and although I’ve seen humpack whales super close to our docked ship, the likelihood of spotting these creatures here is rare. Most wildlife viewing opportunities, from this port, are in Haines. You can purchase a tour from your cruise line that takes you here. Opt for a scenic cruise to the “Valley of the Eagles” or the Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve, or go on an evening expedition to see brown bears eating salmon along the coast.

Where To Eat Here

Lunch/Dinner

High on everyone’s bucket list is the historic Red Onion Saloon. This famous spot was once the most exclusive bordello in Skagway. Nowadays it operates as a lively restaurant and bar, with costumed staff. There’s a brothel museum inside as well. Oh, um, and a resident ghost. Her name is Lydia.

If you want to avoid the Red Onion crowds, head to BBQ Shack. Ok, so avoiding the crowds completely in this tiny town is near-impossible. But BBQ Shack’s “open aired seating” and hidden-away location makes it feel kinda secluded. This is the best place to try things like caribou burgers or elk flavored and blueberry bison smoked sausages.

For some of the coldest local beer and the best halibut fish and chips, stop in at the Skagway Brewing Co. The halibut is locally caught and battered in their ale! For brew, try the spruce tip beer!

Coffee

If you love coffee then do me a favor. Do. Not. Miss. Bites on Broadway! Even if I only have a couple-hours break onboard, I will do all I can to rush off the ship and run here for a sea salt & butterscotch mocha. They also have baked goods, sandwiches, and other yummy things.

Glacial Smoothies & Espresso is another awesome spot for a coffee. Especially if you like espresso-based drinks and frappes. Try their banana nut or almond joy latte!

Sweet Tooth

I can’t be the only one who craves a nice moist cupcake every other minute now and then. Sugar Mama’s is a must if you’re looking for cupcakes (and other baked sweets). They’ve perfected their red velvets, which always seem to be the first to sell out. Plus, the shop is super cute! Definitely Instagram-worthy.

If ice cream’s more your thing, get to the Kone Kompany. This sweets shop serves the best DREYER’S ice cream and shakes, along with smoothies, fudge, chocolates, and Jelly Belly jellybeans. It’s obviously always busy, and with good reason!

The Alaskan Fudge Company is the best place to sample fudge and chocolates. Make sure to get some for your friends back home too! The fudge has creative Alaskan names like Gold Rush and Glacier Chip. You can also watch how the staff make the fudge in-house and get some specialty popcorn while you’re at it! (Juneau is another Alaskan Fudge Co location)

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