Skagway is a charming mining town in Alaska that is a popular port stop on an Alaskan cruise. This town’s got a history that goes way back to the Gold Rush days, and you can experience it in the historic downtown area. Skagway is full of history and natural beauty, making it a great stop for excursions.
Is Skagway worth visiting? For us, we ended up picking two excursions for the day because there was so much we wanted to do, so our answer would be yes! Let’s check out some of the excursions in Skagway, Alaska to guarantee an adventure for everyone!
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Great Ideas For Excursions in Skagway
The White Pass Railway
If you’re looking for a top-notch adventure in Skagway, the White Pass Railway is a definite winner. It’s an iconic narrow-gauge railroad journey that kicks off in Skagway and takes you all the way to Whitehorse, Yukon. It’s not just about the breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, as you also get a narrated ride up the mountain that gives you a peek into the fascinating history of the Gold Rush and the railroad itself.
It’s always best to book this excursion through the cruise line. There are no discounts on their website, and they actually point cruisers in the direction of booking through the cruise for the best experience.
They offer a variety of excursion options and lengths for the train ride, so you’ve got plenty of choices to tailor your day in Skagway to your desires.
We went for the shorter version of the ride— around two and a half hours— and it was perfect for us. We cruised up to the Canadian border, took in the sights, and then headed back. The ride was full of interesting historical tidbits, the scenery was breathtaking, and it was a downright enjoyable trip through the mountains.
Experience Dog Sledding
If you’re up for an adventure and want to dive deep into an iconic activity of Alaska, you have to do a dog sledding excursion. Skagway has a bunch of different dog sledding tours, from a quick ride or a longer tour that includes activities like gold panning. No matter the choice, dog sledding guarantees a fun, adorable, and unforgettable adventure.
These excursions aren’t just about the ride; they often have some time to interact with the dogs, a time to learn a little bit of the race’s history, and a chance for a Q&A. You also get to experience a ride with the dogs using their summer training carts.
Now, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, there are even options for dog sledding on glaciers— usually involving a helicopter ride. Keep in mind that these ones can be a bit on the pricier side, so be prepared if that’s something you’re keen on trying!
Yukon Suspension Bridge and Summit Tour
Go on an excursion that takes you through the stunning landscapes surrounding White Pass, where you get to experience the Yukon Suspension Bridge and take a tour of the Summit. You’ll be picked up directly from your ship in Skagway, eliminating the hassle of needing to arrange any transportation. Explore iconic spots like the White Pass Summit and the Yukon Suspension Bridge, with tons of opportunities to capture incredible photos and immerse yourself in the region’s rich beauty.
The Yukon Suspension Bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and the wild Tutshi River below. This bridge is a great spot for spotting local wildlife like eagles, bears, and salmon!
During the tour, you’ll have a guide that will share history about the Yukon Gold Rush and the area’s natural wonders. This is a great way to get out to explore the natural beauty of Skagway and hopefully see some amazing wildlife!
If you are using your phone as your camera, make sure to bring a portable charger for your excursion so you don’t miss any great photo opportunities!
Also included is a drive up the White Pass Summit, where you can see the rugged peaks and lush valleys that stretch out before you. Learn about the historical significance of this area and imagine the hardships faced by early prospectors seeking their fortune here.
Go On a Hiking Adventure
Skagway is not only a fun historical town in Alaska, but it is also surrounded by stunning landscapes. It’s the perfect spot for a hike and has trails for all levels of hikers, offering many different options for trails to explore. If you’re up for an independent hiking experience and want to skip the guided excursions in Skagway, my suggestion is to rent a Jeep or car for the day and go out on your own. Don’t forget to pack a water bottle, some snacks, and waterproof hiking shoes.
Make sure to budget enough time to return the car and get back to the ship on time. You want to make sure your exploration of Skagway is a fantastic and worry-free experience!
Some of the Best Hiking Routes in Skagway
Lower Dewey Lake Loop
The Lower Dewey Lake Trail is a 3-mile loop that starts off steep with rocky terrain, but the reward is a peaceful loop around a crystal-clear lake. It’s especially beautiful in July when wildflowers are in full bloom. The trail levels out after the initial incline, so don’t let that scare you off the rest of the trail! It has stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, but can sometimes have some slippery spots, so hiking poles are recommended.
Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove
Follow this straightforward trail 1.4-mile in-and-out trail that leads to Yakutania Point, treating you to expansive views of the Lynn Canal and the nearby peaks. Along the way, you’ll get to see Smugglers Cove, a historic spot where smugglers used to dock their boats during the Prohibition era. It’s a bit of history with a fantastic view! This is also an easy walk from the cruise port boardwalk and a great way to spend a couple of hours exploring!
Sturgill’s Landing Trail
Go on this moderately challenging 5.9-mile trail leading to Sturgill’s Landing, a historical site where gold miners once docked their boats during the Klondike Gold Rush. This trail has breathtaking views of the Lynn Canal and the nearby mountains. Plus, this trail has some great opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and eagles along the way.
Be prepared for the last half mile, thought. It’s steep, but worth the climb for the amazing views! It’s a trail filled with beautiful sights and history.
Guided Hike with a Tour Group
We went with this choice for a couple of reasons. We were really excited about doing some hiking and also wanted to experience the iconic White Pass train ride. Having a set hiking time made sure we’d get back to the ship on time for our next adventure.
Plus, our Norwegian cruise line docked about a 20-minute walk outside of town, so having transportation was important to us. However, the distance didn’t bother us enough to become a real issue.
We had such a great time on our hike with Alaska Shore Tours. The guides knew so much about the area– not just its history, but also the plants and animals. Plus, the group wasn’t too big, making the whole experience more personal and enjoyable. A good chunk of the hike is uphill, and we used some sturdy guides for part of it. Let me tell you, the views at the summit are absolutely breathtaking. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, I can’t recommend this excursion enough!
More Skagway Excursions to Explore
Beyond the awesome excursions I mentioned earlier, Skagway has a ton of other activities to suit all sorts of interests. Dive into the fascinating history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park for a peek into the region’s rich past. Or, for a whole new perspective, take an exhilarating helicopter tour in Skagway, Alaska to take in the beauty from above.
If you’re into fishing, the pristine Alaskan waters are calling, and kayaking is perfect for immersing yourself in the tranquil and awe-inspiring surroundings.
No matter what you’re into, there are plenty of excursions in Skagway to grab your attention and make sure you leave with memories to last a lifetime. If you aren’t sure where to start, contact me and I can help you get started!
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