Things to Do in Skagway

Even though Skagway, Alaska is home to just 1,000 residents, more than a million tourists visit the historic city each year. People love it for the breathtaking train rides, epic scenery, and Klondike Gold Rush history. With all of this and the nearby valley of Dyea, Skagway is one of the most interesting stops along Alaska's Inside Passage.

Read on for our picks for the 10 best things to do in Skagway, AK:

1. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

The White Pass Railroad Summit is our most popular excursion in Skagway, one of the best Alaska train tours, and a trip highlight for many Alaskan cruisers. On the train, you’ll ride from the tidewater to the 2,865-foot elevation Summit of the White Pass and watch for Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, and the original Klondike Trail of 1898 along the way.

Before you Go: Read up on the history of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

2. Walking Tour of Skagway

Stroll back to 1898 with a ranger-led walking tour of Skagway’s National Historic District. Rangers will bring the Klondike Gold Rush to life as you explore the streets of Skagway. There are a few different tour options offered, including an all-ages Gold Rush 101, a look at the Buffalo Soldiers, and an “untold stories” tour that touches on more grown-up themes, like prostitution, colonization, and descrimination. You can find them all on the National Park Service's website.

3. Skagway Dog Sledding Tour

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try dog sledding, which is always among people’s favorite Alaska experiences. On this excursion, you’ll take a scenic helicopter ride to Denver Glacier dog camp, where you’ll meet professional mushers and sled dogs. Then, cruise across the glacier for your dog sledding ride. You can choose to stand and mush or sit relax.

4. Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center

Just a short walk from your cruise ship, you’ll find the Klondike Gold Rush visitor center and museum. You can watch presentations from rangers and explore exhibits that help you retrace the history and experience of the Gold Rush. If museums are your thing, you can also check out a historic home, saloon, and parlor museum.

5. Pullen Creek StreamWalk

On this short walk along a stream, not far from the cruise ships, you can watch salmon in their natural habitat, swimming upstream to spawn. At some times of year, you can spot wildlife like seals and bears feeding on the salmon.

6. Day Hike

If you’re the outdoorsy type, you can get out and explore the scenery on foot. Skagway is a great starting point for a number of 1-2 hour day hikes. You can explore Yakatuania Point, Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Waterwall, or Dewey Lake. If you want more of a challenge, the National Park Service has a list of moderate and more challenging hikes from Skagway.

7. Chilkoot Lake

This tour includes a high-speed catamaran ride along the fjords from Skagway to Haines, where you’ll enjoy a dozen stunning waterfalls and the chance to spot bald eagles and harbor seals. From there, you’ll drive to Chilkoot Lake State Park, where you’ll find a tranquil lake surrounded by mountain peaks, abundant wildlife, important Tlingit cultural sites, and a salmon-filled river. Your guide will know the best places to stop and watch for wildlife, depending on the time of year.

8. Taiya River

The Taiya River (also known as the Dyea River) flows for 17 miles near Skagway, Alaska. The Taiya River valley is rich with lush flora, beautiful glacier views, and abundant wildlife, including bears and bald eagles. A relaxing raft tour to enjoy the views and learn about Gold Rush history is a must-do. If you’re more adventurous, you can enjoy a hike and float combo and walk the Chilkoot Trail.

9. The Yukon

This all-day tour begins with riding parallel to the 1898 Gold Rush Trail, over the White Pass summit and into the legendary Yukon. Along the way you can enjoy the majestic scenery, including lakes, tundra, and quaint villages, while you watch for bears and other wildlife.

10. Grizzly Falls Ziplining

For a fun and thrilling adventure for the whole family, try ziplining at Grizzly Falls. It's a 10-line zipline course with 4 suspension bridges just outside of Dyea.The drive to the park includes views of the rainforest and gorgeous waterfalls.

Where to Eat When You're Here

Skagway has great restaurants. Here are a few of our team’s favorites:

• Skagway Brewing Company: A must-visit for craft beer lovers, this popular spot serves delicious pub fare, including the famous Spruce Tip Blonde Ale and halibut tacos.
  


• Red Onion Saloon: A historic bar and restaurant with a lively atmosphere, known for its hearty sandwiches, specialty pizzas, and Gold Rush-era history (including a brothel museum upstairs!).
  


• Olivia’s Bistro: Located in the Historic Skagway Inn, this spot offers fresh Alaskan seafood like wild-caught salmon and king crab, paired with locally inspired cocktails.
  


• Skagway Fish Company: If you’re craving fresh seafood with harbor views, this is the place to go! Try the halibut fish and chips or Alaskan King Crab legs.
  


• Glacial Coffeehouse: A cozy café perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up, serving locally roasted coffee, pastries, and paninis.

How to Get to Skagway

Most visitors arrive at Skagway via cruise ship, but you can also get there by road (via the Klondike Highway, which crosses into Canada), by ferry (via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system) and by air taxi from neighboring cities.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Skagway is during the summer months (May–September) when the weather is mild, and most attractions and tours are fully operational. June through August offer the warmest temperatures (averaging 55-70°F), making it perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and wildlife encounters. For fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage, consider visiting in early September.

Winter (October–April) brings snow and quieter streets, but it’s also a unique time to experience Skagway’s local charm, with opportunities for cross-country skiing, Northern Lights viewing, and fewer tourists. However, many attractions and restaurants may be closed during this time.

Skagway Reviews

Here’s what some of our customers had to say about their Skagway excursions:

“This was the highlight of our entire trip and an experience we will never forget! Flying into the glacier looked like a scene from a movie - not even real. The mushers were so friendly and the dogs were adorable. We loved it!”
-Rebecca C about our Skagway Dog Sledding Tour

“There are several different companies that offer various tours which include Bennett Lake but I believe this to be the best. It takes you all the way to Carcross, then by bus to Emerald Lake and the World's Smallest Desert.”
-David K about our Bennett Lake Scenic Journey


“I can't say how rewarding this experience was. I'm so glad we booked with Alaska Shore Excursions because it was easy to find it was affordable and it was the best moment of my whole trip. Hiking on the glacier was breathtaking and the ride was truly amazing.”
-Jennifer P about our Skagway Glacier Helicopter Tour