Sunday, April 21, 2024

Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska from a Cruise Ship: A Guide

things to do in skagway alaska from cruise ship

The cruise line also offers various combination tours that include the train. By booking through the cruise line, you’ll board the train the closest it can get to the cruise port. Skagway, with its rich history and natural allure, offers a myriad of experiences. Absolutely, you can easily walk to downtown Skagway from the cruise port. Typically, the distance is less than a mile, resulting in a brief and enjoyable stroll. This offers a great opportunity to take in the historic buildings and charming atmosphere as you make your way into town.

Indulge in Delicious Alaskan Cuisine

For those seeking an adrenaline rush like no other, ziplining in Skagway is an absolute must-do activity. Strap on your harness and get ready to soar through the treetops as you zip from platform to platform high above the ground. As you glide through the air at exhilarating speeds, take a moment to appreciate the incredible bird’s-eye views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll feel like you’re flying as you witness the beauty of Skagway’s mountains, forests, and rivers from a whole new perspective.

Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride

Another one of the most epic Alaska excursions you can do in Skagway is a helicopter tour with a glacier landing. There are many different ways to make the White Pass train a part of your time in Skagway cruise port. Because the cruise ship was docked at the back of the railroad dock, a land shuttle was required to get from the cruise ship to the end of the pier. Because of concern that the big rock will fall at any moment, if your cruise ship is docked at the pier closest to this big rock hill, you cannot walk the entirety of the pier. The untouched wilderness surrounding Skagway presents a contrasting, yet harmonious, narrative. The serene trails, majestic marine mammals, and diverse birdlife invite travelers to experience nature in its rawest form.

Wildlife Sightings: Nature’s Playground

This port is notably user-friendly, thanks to its proximity to Skagway’s main attractions. Skagway is worth visiting, especially for those interested in history, nature, and unique Alaskan experiences. It’s renowned for its well-preserved Gold Rush-era buildings, stunning natural scenery, and the famous White Pass Yukon Railway. Then you can go on a guided glacier hike, where you’ll walk around and drink glacier water. When visiting the port of Skagway, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local customs and respect wildlife by observing them from a safe distance while adhering to park regulations.

Today, hikers can still see remnants of this rich history scattered throughout the trail, connecting with a time when dreams were big and chances were taken. A visit to Skagway would be incomplete without experiencing the White Pass Railway tour. This iconic adventure attracts visitors from all over the world who come to witness its natural beauty and immerse themselves in its history. Following in their footsteps along this historic path allows you to connect with their spirit of adventure while marveling at awe-inspiring landscapes. Traverse rugged terrain through dense forests and across mountain passes as you retrace their arduous journey.

If you aren’t up for a walking tour, you can board an authentic Skagway streetcar for an approximately 90 minute tour to “all points of interest”. Hear stories about the Gold Rush and famous historical characters as you travel to landmarks including the Gold Rush Cemetery, Scenic Overlook, and more. While here, you can also learn about modern day dog sled racing and even meet and interact with an Iditarod Musher and his dog sledding team.

things to do in skagway alaska from cruise ship

A handy city shuttle bus operates around the town, providing an economical all-day hop-on-hop-off service for just $5. If timing a trip around the 4th of July, don’t miss the delightful Pullen Creek’s annual Rubber Duck Derby. Delight in a culinary experience at the Red Onion, a testament to the lively days of the gold rush. During the gold rush, a massive influx of 15,000 men arrived, hoping to strike gold.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad

So, just because you’re going to Skagway doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need a shuttle. And so, if you are docked at this pier, you have to either move very quickly on the pier (land shuttle) or avoid it altogether (water shuttle). That’s because if you were to walk it, you would be walking on the pier in the direct spot of where the rock could fall.

I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went - Royal Caribbean Blog

I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went.

Posted: Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Enjoy the Davidson Glacier

If you're interested in learning about who's been here before, head off to the Skagway Museum. Here, you'll see dozens of exhibits devoted to the region's culture and history. The museum offers insights into all periods of Skagway and Alaskan history.

It attracts numerous visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich history, jam-packed with enriching excursions on Alaska cruises. Step back in time as you stroll down the historic Main Street of Skagway. Immerse yourself in the Gold Rush era with well-preserved wooden storefronts, saloons, and museums. Charming shops offer local crafts and unique souvenirs, perfect for capturing the essence of Alaska. Don’t miss the chance to learn about Skagway’s intriguing past through interpretive walking tours or a visit to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center. Main Street is the pulse of Skagway, where the town’s history and present-day allure converge, making it a must-visit on your Alaskan journey.

things to do in skagway alaska from cruise ship

This will help you secure your spot on popular activities like train rides or dog sledding tours, which tend to fill up quickly. Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will take you back in time? Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to follow in the footsteps of gold rush stampeders on the legendary Chilkoot Trail.

The town of Dyea arose from a small trading post to a major port in 1897 afterword of the Klondike gold discovery. Several trailside communities of tents and shacks soon developed along the trail. If you cruise Alaska’s wondrous Inside Passage (and you should, even if you’re not an avid cruiser), most likely, you will visit Skagway. Despite the ugly sounding name, the small town packs a colorful punch for tourists. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander of ByLanderSea, recently visited.

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