A unique and out-of-the-ordinary Skagway shore excursion, the Glassblowing Experience Tour consistently comes in as the single highest-rated Skagway tour from post-trip reviews. It's a fully hands-on experience where you not only observe the glass craftsmen immersed in their skill, but you will actually take the reins and work with molten glass to create your own Alaskan memento. You will have the chance after a private orientation to practice this ancient art, working with molten glass to craft your own handmade ornament. The ornament is yours to keep and will be mailed to your home so you can use it in your garden pond, hang on a Christmas tree or display in a window.
What to expect and what not to expect with this Skagway shore excursion
It's the exclusivity and intimacy of this tour that lends the positive customer satisfaction ratings. This is a small-group Skagway tour in a picturesque setting. After you've had the chance to create your own glass ornament, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the glass gallery. Having just finished your own piece, you can view these artistically hand-blown works in a fresh light with a new-found appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that goes into these intricate pieces. During the tour, beer and wine are available for purchase. Stroll through the thoughtfully kept gardens, boasting vibrant Alaskan flowers that flourish with the extended sunlight during the summer months.
About 2-hours duration
Hands-on, create your own glass ornament
Tour the professional glass gallery
Exclusive, small-group
Beer and wine available for purchase
All-Day Smart Shuttle Fare Included for Transportation
Minimum Age: While there is no minimum age to join this tour, we find that the glassblowing experience is better suited for children 6 years of age or older.
Accessibility: The facilities are wheelchair accessible and you can even blow glass while in a wheelchair. In the gardens, there are a few narrow pathways to access certain beds that are too narrow for a wheelchair but it won't hinder your overall experience.
Cancellation Policy: In the event your cruise ship is late, delayed, or doesn't make it into port we always issue a full refund for the tour. Changes or cancellations are allowed up to 14 days prior to the tour departure with absolutely no penalty. Any cancellations made within 14 days of the tour departure are nonrefundable.
What to Wear: In preparing for Skagway excursions, we recommend dressing in layers as Alaskan weather can change quickly. Dress comfortably and pack a rain jacket just in case. Don’t forget your camera!
For availability and timing, complete the information on the sidebar
Adult Rate:$114
Child Rate: $104 (ages 12 and under)
+ 5% sales tax
You've got questions, we've got answers
Q:I've never done anything like glassblowing before. Do I need previous experience?
Nope! Actually, very few people have ever blown glass before because there are so few facilities open to the public to try this for themselves. Don't worry, you'll be shown what to do and it's more about seeing the basic processes than trying to craft a masterwork on your first try.
Q:What about the ornament? Do I get to keep it?
Absolutely. And the best part is you don't even have to travel home with it while worrying about breaking it the whole time. The pieces are cooled slowly overnight and this 'annealing' process helps to make them more durable. We'll ship out your ornament in the mail free of charge, so it's home not too long after you are.
Q:I see that pickup is not included, so how do I get there?
The Gardens are just a short ride away from the cruise docks and there are shuttles that depart from the cruise docks every 30 minutes. The cost of these shuttles is included in your tour price, and your voucher is also your shuttle ticket. Upon booking, your confirmation details and voucher will contain more information about the Skagway SMART shuttles.
Q:What about early in the season? Is there much to see in the Gardens in May?
The landscape of the garden changes drastically through the course of the summer and May offers fantastic viewing for the thousands of tulips planted. Things really get going by mid-May with the increasing sun and the glassblowing demonstrations are of course always in effect!
Rating of This tour has received an average of 4.86 stars on a total of 333 Ratings
Tammy Masters
Quesnel BC
2015/10/13
A must do when in Skagway, we loved it !
Lea Ann Weisbruch
Dallas Tx
2015/09/12
Wonderful expetience
We had fun, learned a lot and throughly enjoyes ourselves. Addison was fun, smart and very patient. He has a very creative mind! Thanks for a memorable experience.
Sandra Pudell
Michigan U.S.A.
2015/08/13
Glass Blowing Experience
It was the most fun. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone. It was awesome.
Clint
Michigan
2015/08/13
Do the Glass Blowing tour!
Best tour we did in Alaska. Being out second trip to Skagway, we've done all the railroading, gold panning, etc... but this was one we will definitely do again! Loved the staff and experience... plus they shipped home our items included in the cost!
Rob
Canada
2015/08/03
Glass blowing hot experience
It was cool to create glass colorful ball on site in the glass works at Jewell Gardens .
Travis gave us a fun lesson and hands on experience