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The Port of Skagway, known for its dock and railroad, is a bustling hub for cruise ships during the summer season. It attracts numerous visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich history, jam-packed with enriching excursions on Alaska cruises. But the best option for visitors to Skagway is to book tours for the day at various places around town. You can book train rides through Alaskan landscapes, hikes along scenic trails, and more.
Indulge in Delicious Alaskan Cuisine
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The park serves as a living museum, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history. Stroll along Broadway Street on a self-guided walking tour and marvel at beautifully restored structures that once housed bustling saloons, shops, and hotels. Each building tells its own story, whispering tales of excitement, hardship, and determination. You can almost hear echoes of prospectors eagerly discussing their dreams of striking it rich. Escape into a world of natural beauty at Jewell Gardens, where vibrant flower gardens await your exploration.
Why are cruise ships not stopping in Skagway?
No matter which dock your cruise ship stops at, all three are just a short walk to Skagway’s shopping, dining, and the town’s Gold Rush Era historic sites. Of all the tourists (~1 million annually), roughly 3/4 are cruise ship passengers. The town has a historical district with ~100 gold rush era authentic buildings. The city of Skagway is within easy walking distance of the cruise port. There are many shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass Trail, that are accessible to cruise passengers. Because it is a fjord, the deep waters of Lynn Canal allow full-size cruise ships to visit Skagway.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Customs and Wildlife Etiquette
With an other-worldly blue color and colossal size, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to see (and walk on) a river of ice. If this is your first Alaska cruise, the White Rail Pass is a shore excursion to consider. An all-day SMART bus pass costs $5 per person or you can pay $3 per person for a one-way pass. Your ship will need to sail through the Lynn Canal which is not a canal but a fjord. This valley shaped by glaciers is the deepest fjord in North America. Be on outside deck an hour before arrival and/or up to 1 hour after departure.
Physical fitness is also essential, as you’ll be covering long distances over varied terrain. Take time to train and prepare yourself physically for this demanding adventure. Take a guided tour with an experienced naturalist who can point out hidden animal habitats and provide fascinating insights into their behavior.
Plus, they will ship their smoked fish directly home to you wherever you live. The Skagway Fish Company boasts the best fish and chips in town, and the Liarsville Camp offers an all-you-can-eat feast of Alaskan favorites along with live-entertainment and gold panning fun. In fact, some days see so many tourists arriving that it’s crucial to have a plan in mind when you step off the ship. Embarking on a journey to Skagway, Alaska, is like stepping into a world where nature’s grandeur meets historical intrigue.
Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride
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The Dewey Lake Trail System is a network of trails that you can hike leading to beautiful lakes, viewpoints and landmarks in the area. This fascinating wildlife refuge is located approximately a 1-hour drive from Heines, known for its breathtaking natural sceneries, wildlife, and a wide variety of outdoor activities. Everyone deserves to travel regardless of physical limitations, real or perceived. If you are not arriving on a cruise ship, then there are several other ways to get to Skagway. If you wish to experience this ride in restored vintage train cars, make sure to book early since this excursion usually sells out quickly.
One highlight along the trail is Pitchfork Falls, a magnificent waterfall cascading down moss-covered rocks. Take a moment to pause and marvel at its beauty as it tumbles gracefully into crystal-clear pools below. The sight and sound of this natural wonder will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired to continue your journey.
Plan Ahead and Book Shore Excursions in Advance
Within just a few weeks of the first prospector’s arrival, saloons, stores, gambling houses, and dance halls sprouted up along the sodden streets of this now bustling boomtown. With a population that swelled to over 30,000 during the height of the gold rush, Skagway was well-known as a wild and lawless outpost. The location offers moderate temperatures and minimal rain, but it can also get quite windy.
While traveling to Chilkoot Lake, I saw thousands of salmon swimming upstream. At one point, a narrow bridge with a single chair overlooked the river. A person sat every day counting the salmon swimming through the river so conservationists could monitor wildlife populations.
I have been actively traveling internationally for the last 10 years and have visited over 75 countries. At the end of your drive, you’ll reach the incredible West White Pass summit, which is 3,290 feet in elevation. You’ll be met with incredible views of the mountains and landscape of the St. Elias range.
For cruisers wanting to experience Alaskan outdoors and wildlife, a Taiya River Float Trip is an excellent choice. Your 2.5 hour trip includes a 10-mile drive along the Dyea Valley and minutes floating down the scenic Taiya River. DIY Jeep Tours is one innovative option that combines a rental car with a built-in tour guide. Each rental includes a CD that will give you mile-by-mile guide explaining historic and scenic spots. In 1898, Skagway became a base camp and supply station for thousands of Yukon gold rush miners.
You’ll feel like you’re flying as you witness the beauty of Skagway’s mountains, forests, and rivers from a whole new perspective. For a hands-on experience, join one of the workshops offered at Jewell Gardens. Try your hand at creating floral arrangements or learn about vegetable gardening from expert instructors. You can even savor farm-to-table cuisine at their on-site restaurant, where fresh ingredients harvested from the gardens are transformed into delicious dishes.
As you ascend higher into the mountains, be prepared for jaw-dropping panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Imagine standing atop a ridge with snow-capped peaks stretching out before you and a crystal-clear waterfall cascading down nearby. These hikes are not just about reaching a destination; they are about immersing yourself in nature’s wonder. One of the fascinating aspects of the White Pass Railway is its connection to the Klondike Gold Rush.
The cost is $3 for a one-way ride into town or $5 for an all-day pass. In many ways, that’s a great thing as it’s easy to get around, there’s plenty to do and see, and nearly every storefront caters to tourists, such as souvenir shops, restaurants, and breweries. Each pier is conveniently situated in the part of Skagway, known as one of Southeast Alaska’s finest cruise ship ports. Ore and Broadway berths are just a stone’s throw from the southern part of town – only around three minutes on foot! This enables cruise passengers to embark on their Alaskan adventures promptly upon arrival.
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