Cruise Port Guide Skagway

Table Of Content

• Marvel at the Snow and Ice Cutting Train on Broadway
• Beach Pass Information
• Pan for Gold at Liarsville Goldrush Camp
• Walking to Town? Look for the Shapes to Tell You the Right Way
• Pulling Into Dock From Your Cruise Ship
• Drive the scenic Klondike Highway to the West White Pass summit.
• Discover Beauty and Sustainability at Jewell Gardens

Exploring the Yukon Territory from Skagway, Alaska, offers an unforgettable journey into a land where the spirit of the Gold Rush still echoes amidst the vast. The Yukon, with its sprawling landscapes, dramatic mountain vistas, and pristine lakes, represents the untamed beauty and rugged history of the North like no other place. As the gateway to the Klondike, Skagway witnessed a bustling parade of hopeful gold-seekers.

Marvel at the Snow and Ice Cutting Train on Broadway

Skagway’s mainstreet is home to darling shops, restaurants and museums. You could easily spend a few hours enjoying the boardwalk and perusing shops that sell jewelry, furs, and unique-to-Alaska gifts and souvenirs. Your adventure begins with a 25 minute van ride through Skagway, up the coastal mountains to the summit of White Pass. You’ll then begin a 15-mile downhill, 1.5 hour bicycle ride on the paved Klondike Highway past waterfalls, mountains, glaciers and historic sites.

Beach Pass Information

The museum also features interactive displays that allow visitors to experience what life was like for prospectors during this tumultuous time. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the vintage decor that transports you to the bustling days of the gold rush era. It served as a hub during the Klondike Gold Rush, but today has transformed into a major tourist destination that plays up the historic charm for cruise ship passengers. All of it is packed into a valley between soaring mountains that has to be seen to be believed. Once you arrive at the cruise pier, you can take advantage of the SMART bus service, which operates from the dock to downtown Skagway. For just $5 per person, you can purchase an all-day pass and explore all that Skagway has to offer.

Pan for Gold at Liarsville Goldrush Camp

Plenty of stores offer the latest outdoor gear and clothing, which can come in handy if you forget anything. Despite the town’s small size, its booming tourism industry means that a diverse array of dining options are available to visitors. Learn how to fly fish on the rivers surrounding Skagway, or try your hand at fishing from a boat on the deeper waters of the Lynn Canal. Both options are easily accessible from Skagway and require little more than a short walk to an excursion operator.

Walking to Town? Look for the Shapes to Tell You the Right Way

Traverse rugged terrain through dense forests and across mountain passes as you retrace their arduous journey. Along the way, keep an eye out for remnants of the past, such as abandoned campsites and discarded equipment. The Chilkoot Trail offers an opportunity to experience the physical challenges faced by those who pursued their dreams in the Klondike goldfields. In Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, you can witness majestic glaciers up close or take a helicopter ride to soar over ice fields. At the end of the pier, capture a stunning photo of the breathtaking scenery.

Pulling Into Dock From Your Cruise Ship

New Alaska Dock Breaks Apart, Port Suffers Unexpected Setback - Cruise Hive

New Alaska Dock Breaks Apart, Port Suffers Unexpected Setback.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 19:56:19 GMT [source]

Beyond Skagway’s small-town charm and famed ties to the Gold Rush Era, the surrounding area offers breathtaking views of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Many popular attractions are just a short walk from the town’s cruise port. The town’s historic streets are also pedestrian-friendly, so you can simply stroll the town on foot. For those with more time to work with, hopping aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is an incredible experience. The historic train can even pick up passengers at their cruise ship terminal.

Drive the scenic Klondike Highway to the West White Pass summit.

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of Skagway’s gold rush era by visiting the Trail of ’98 Museum. This unique museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the lives of prospectors who braved treacherous conditions in search of fortune. As you wander through its exhibits, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and hardships faced by those who embarked on this arduous journey. There are four different ports available for cruise ships to dock in Skagway. Depending on which port your ship is docked in, the walk from the cruise port to downtown Skagway is between half to three quarters of a mile long.

As you travel along the route, there are several picturesque spots where you can capture incredible photos to cherish forever. Keep your camera ready as you pass by Bridal Veil Falls, where the water cascades down the cliffside like a delicate veil. The sight is simply breathtaking and offers a perfect opportunity to snap some awe-inspiring shots. For those seeking a more immersive experience within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park’s natural surroundings, lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of its scenic trails.

HAL-Holland America enhances Alaska Cruisetours with resort upgrades and new Yukon Tour

Jewell Gardens is located 10 minutes’ drive from the Skagway cruise port, on Klondike Highway, a little bit outside the downtown area. Also, Skagway Port is one of the best ports for dining ashore, so if you love seafood this is the perfect place for you! Downtown, you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, and takeout places offering delicious grilled salmon, King Crab legs, and other local dishes.

You get some of the most postcard-worthy vistas you can imagine as the train heads along the pass. But then, as the gold rush quickly died down, the population plummeted from thousands to just hundreds. With the rise in popularity of cruises, however, Skagway has started to enjoy a second life. Celebrity Cruises is one of the popular cruise lines that visits Skagway Cruise dock, allowing you to explore all that Skagway has to offer. The view you get from the Skagway Footbridge is incredible and well worth the visit. Make sure to be careful walking on the bridge as some of the planks are a bit wobbly.

Did you know that Southeast Alaska is home to the nation’s largest rainforest? You can experience the beauty of a temperate rainforest in this active excursion. It’s hard to describe the spectacular feeling of seeing a glacier in person.

For those looking to take in Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes, hiking some of the famous Chilkoot Trail can be incredibly memorable. Luckily, some of the main trailheads are located just steps from Skagway cruise port. You can also visit Gold Rush Cemetery, where many famous prospectors and town residents are buried.

Known as the "Garden City of Alaska," Skagway is filled with beauty and nature. Much of the town has been preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where rangers offer free walking tours around the historic district. Skagway offers a range of exciting shore excursions that allow you to explore its stunning natural beauty and immerse yourself in local culture. From scenic hikes along breathtaking trails to thrilling helicopter tours over glaciers, there is something for everyone.