Things to do in Skagway in 2025

Skagway, one of the dearest places on Earth that I hold in my heart. There is just something about this cute, little, quaint town that reminds of the importance of life and finding joy in the world around us. It is pretty easy to do that here with friendly locals, small-town charm, and the excitement that lies beyond the town’s boundaries that reinvigorates your spirit and sets you back in time when this became the place of that new journey for people in the late 1800s.

I often find myself finding joy in spaces that are smaller communities, but my upbringing in the Midwest did not prepare me for the rugged beauty that Alaska is known for. If you are looking for quintessential Alaska, Skagway is your place to be. It has everything you need! Mountains, rivers, a grocery store (where you will have to go to see the cost of goods!), and so, so much more. It is my home away from home, and I am here to fill you in on what is good about this little coastal town and everything you should do.

What is Skagway Known For?

Chances are, you booked a cruise to Alaska and saw Skagway as one of your stops in port. Had you heard of it before booking you Alaskan adventure? If not, there is a lot of history right here at the top of the Inside Passage.

While this area has been inhabited by the Lingít Aaní (Tlingit) people for centuries, Skagway became a gold rush town during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1800s. This time brought tens of thousands of people from all over the world that were on the search for gold up in Yukon Territory, Canada. Skagway was the hub because it was the starting point of the daunting Chilkoot Pass, the trail in which every person had to carry at least 2000 pounds of goods as a means for survival. With that many trips, I am sure those folks know this area a lot better than I do!

If you have done a little bit of research into Skagway before reading this blog, you have for sure seen a picture of the train going thorough the picturesque mountains and stunning vistas. That would be the White Pass and Yukon Route, originally serving as a connection for goods and transportation between the coast and inland Alaska and Canada. These days, it carries thousands of guests every year on either a 3-hour train ride, known as the White Pass Summit Excursion, or the combination train and bus tour that we call the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. The latter tour is one of my favorite as you make stops inside of Canada. Check another country off your list in a short amount of time AND get those photos of Alaska you have been dreaming of? Count me in!

Aerial view of Skagway, Alaska. Skagway River | Photo by Christopher Michel from San Francisco, USA

Now I have come to love the ocean, but I need mountains in my life, too! If only there was a way to marry the two together… Oh wait. I know a place! It is Skagway! Sitting at the top of the Inside Passage, Skagway combines a haven for people that love to hike and mountaineer with a space that also provides endless spaces for water-based recreation. And fun fact! You do not need to travel all the way to Northern Europe to see some fjords. The Lynn Canal, which Skagway is nestled into, is North America’s deepest fjord. If you want natural beauty, come here. You will not regret it!

Getting Around Skagway

With Skagway’s small, narrow size, it is the most easy of port towns to navigate. Walking is going to be your best bet (if you are able) with downtown being about a half-mile from the cruise ships. You may be worried about getting to your excursion. If so, there are other methods of transportation.

There is a shuttle service for all cruise ship guests to access once they dock in Skagway that will bring guests downtown. For a one way fare, it is $3/person. For the full day, $5/person. If you are one that likes to stroll a little too long, the $5 fare may save you from missing your ship (which rarely happens by the way). It is easy to get distracted by all this small town has to offer, so playing it safe is always the best option.

There are even some taxis that locals operate that can take you just down Brodway to see the shops and sights in town, or bring you out of town to various hiking trails, monuments, or remote excursions. While we do not offer any of these services through our agency, they are available! If our excursions do not cover exactly what you are looking for when in port and you need to seek out something to supplement our tours, that is okay! Our agents will help plan your excursions around other plans you may have. It is what we do best!

Where You Have to Eat in Skagway

Skagway Brewing Company. Must do. You cannot go to Skagway and not eat here! They havea  wide variety of options, from Alaskan cuisine to Alaskan-inspired dishes from around the world, you have to check it out! Their fish and chips alone are a must have, with the halibut they use being caught just south in the Inside Passage at Haines. If fish is not your deal, go after the Bison Burger, providing a good bite of lean meat and, in my opinion, a better take on the burger. They also grow their own greens here, so salads and toppings for sandwiches and burgers are always capped off with a crisp, delightful finish!

If you are looking for some more history in your dining experience, the Red Onion Saloon is the perfect spot to fill up on burgers and seafood while being transported back to one of the earliest establishments in Skagway! With tours that can be taken in this old-style pub and brothel, you are sure to learn more about the entertainment back in the good ol’ days as you enjoy a mid-day bite between activities.

Our Skagway Shore Excursions

When it comes to Skagway, we have excursions meant for all people. If you are looking something a little bit more relaxing and more focused on sightseeing, I would recommend the White Pass Summit Excursion (as stated earlier). But if you cannot get on the train, we have Skagway shore excursions that can take guests up the Klondike Highway over White Pass, providing the same opportunities to see the wonderful views. These motorcoach tours, like the Yukon Discovery and White Pass Summit & City tour, offer stopping point to get out and take in the crisp air and snap some photos. I think this is a better option for people wanting some quality pictures. On the train, you constantly move, so that is something to consider for your trip.

If you are looking to get a little bit more active, the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float or Grizzly Falls Zipline Expedition provide some time outside of Skagway and based in small little Dyea about 11 miles outside of town. The rise out to these excursions alone is super beautiful, but the thrills come from going down the 11 ziplines or taking a hike along the historic Chilkoot trail followed by a relaxing float down the Taiya River.

We also offer sled dog tours! Head up to Davidson Glacier on a helicopter ride and spend some time exploring the glacier before learning about the sport and watching a musher in action in Skagway’s rugged mountain landscape. If you are looking for a more affordable option that let's you get on the sled, the Skagway Sled Dog and Musher’s Camp is a great way to experience the power sled dogs have, being pulled on a kart on lush trails up In Dyea. With both of these tours, you do also get to pet the dogs, so dog lovers are sure to have a good time!

Why Visit Skagway

Skagway is not a a place to be missed on your cruise up to Alaska. The history, scenery, and Skagway shore excursions are more than enough to keep you entertained, excited, and provide a little taste of what this amazing state has to offer. At Alaska Shore Tours, we are here to help you plan your day in any of the ports. Skagway holds a piece of my heart, and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Skagway, Alaska | Photo by Mike Colvin from Manchester, UK