Location: Skagway
Top Things to do in Skagway
The 10 Best Things to Do in Skagway, United States
The Municipality and Borough of Skagway (/ˈskæɡweɪ/) is a first-class borough in Alaska on the Alaska Panhandle. As of the 2010 census, the population was 920. Estimates put the 2015 population at 1,057 people. The population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with more than 900,000 visitors. Incorporated as a Borough on June 25, 2007, it was previously a city (urban Skagway located at 59°27′30″N 135°18′50″W / 59.45833°N 135.31389°W / 59.45833; -135.31389) in the Skagway-Yakutat-Angoon Census Area (now the Hoonah–Angoon Census Area).
Restaurants in Skagway
1. Davidson Glacier
Overall Ratings
5 based on 391 reviews
See the Davidson Glacier up close, from the vantage point of our 30-foot Voyager Canoes. The Glacier Point Wilderness Safari brings you into the Alaskan Wilderness and gives you a taste of the “True Alaska”.Your adventure begins at your cruise ship where we’ll board a high-speed vessel made for wildlife viewing en route to an Alaskan paradise. We’ll ply the waters of the deepest Fjord in North America with a naturalist guide, watching for whales, sea lions, porpoise, and many other species of marine wildlife. We land at Glacier Point and board our Safari Buses for a short drive over the terminal moraines. Our award-winning guides share with you the wonders of this Glacial Wilderness. A quarter mile hike will lead us to the iceberg-studded lake where we’ll paddle our canoes to the face of the glacier. This is an ideal family adventure and one you won’t soon forget!
Reviewed By jtdanza - Oxnard, California
We were on a cruise and took this as an excursion. We went by boat to a site where we then boarded a bus to a 'home camp'. Once we were outfitted with watertight gear, we boarded canoes and teams of we paddled to the glacier. It was a lovely paddle, guided by wonderful guys. We did have to walk about 1/4 mile across uneven stones. It wasn't a problem for us. There are 'water holes', called Kettles along the way. That is where deep ice implodes a bit causing a hole which then fills with water. After we returned to camp, we were treated to a much nicer lunch then we expected. The day was filled with humor, exercise, and it made for a great learning experience! Go!
2. Jewell Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Escape to the tranquility of beautiful Jewell Gardens & Garden City Glassworks. Stroll Alaska's most spectacular certified organic Show Garden and watch the action at SE Alaska's only public Glassblowing Hot Shop. Book a tour for a unique hands-on "hot shop" adventure which is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to blow your own glass art in the Last Frontier! Join us for lunch or tea service at our restaurant "Poppies" where many of the meals served include organic produce picked fresh from our gardens. Open daily
Reviewed By janhoe2001
This was the one cruise excursion that really surprised us! My husband was always fascinated by glassblowers and their craft so when the cruise offered this excursion to see a demonstration and assist in making our own ornament, I signed us up. And it was worth it. We each got to select the color, design, and style of our glass ball. And with the guidance of Sammy, master glassblower, we blew a glass ball! Of course, you cannot take it with you, but don't worry, they mail it to you, well packed and you have a beautiful piece of art you can say, "Hey, I made this!"
3. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, trestles & tunnels from the comfort of vintage train cars. Rail service between Skagway, Alaska, Fraser, BC, Carcross, Yukon, and Whitehorse, Yukon.
Reviewed By AFinn - Belfast, United Kingdom
We were on an Alaska cruise and was limited on excursions that were wheelchair accessible.
However I found this one and liked the description. I tried to book via the cruise ship, but they had already met their quota for wheelchair bookings. I booked directly with the website and it worked out perfectly.
The train staff are right outside the ship (tell them you will collect your tickets from the train staff, this will save you having to go to the office in town).
we were there at the end of the salmon run season and seen the river bursting with dying salmon and salmon roe, a once in a lifetime experience for me.
The trip itself can be enjoyed from your wheelchair as the train has a lift. We had an amazing day. Highly recommended
4. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Visitors can return to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898 by touring 15 restored buildings within the historic district.
Reviewed By LOTRfan - Jessup, Maryland
Before I get started on my review, I must state that I am a big fan of the tours the National Park Service rangers do. I've done their tours at the Yorktown Battlefield, Independence Hall and The Statue of Liberty and, I've never been disappointed with them. The rangers are interesting, very knowledgeable and a credit to the National Park System, Also, their tours are a BARGAIN. They are FREE. After my 2 ranger tours I did in Skagway, I did a paid excursion which cost $65 (I was on a 7 night Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean) which was very good but, I felt the ranger tours were a better deal. FYI, if you want to reserve tickets in advance for their tours here, you can. However, there is a very small booking charge on recreation.gov. I reserved 4 tickets (2 tickets for myself and a friend for 2 tours) which cost just a $1.50. Another great deal in my opinion.
Now to the 2 tours I did in this park. The ranger who gave my friend and I both our tours is Kailynn Howard (hope I spelled her first name right). Our first tour was at 9 a.m. and could be on whatever the ranger wanted. Kailynn chose a subject a lot of people don't get to hear about - Women of the Klondike i.e. the women who took part in various ways in the crazed gold rush that lasted something like just 2 years. She told of women who actually went digging for gold, who worked as cooks and who sadly worked as prostitutes. The stories were interesting and sometimes sad. She took us around to various buildings in the park and told us of their significance. FYI, there is moderate walking in this tour. I believe this tour lasted 1 hour as did our second tour.
The second tour I did was of the Soapy Smith Museum. This small museum tells of the crime lord who ran Skagway until he was shot dead. It also tells of Martin Itjen, the man who really helped create the tourism industry in Skagway. He went so far to promote it that he travelled to Hollywood and met the actress Mae West. The museum has a photo of their meeting.
Overall, my friend and I were very pleased with our 2 tours. I'd definitely recommend them if you're in Skagway.
5. Lower Reid Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Penny B - Brentwood, Tennessee
We stopped at the city cemetery and this water fall was just a little further up the path. Worth the walk. The peculiar thing is that the cemetary does not have any one actually buried there any longer as the grave sites were washed into the creek several years ago. The tombstones are all recreated, but still worth the stop.
6. Skagway Museum and Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
The history and rich culture of Skagway are featured in its most treasured artifacts, mementos, photographs and historical records dating from the early 1900s.
Reviewed By voyager9Us - US
Gave a great understanding of the hardships the tens of thousands of prospectors endured between 1898 and 1900. Skagway was born as the port where all these folks landed on their way to the Yukon in their quest for gold and was truly a happening place for a couple of years. Now it is supported by the cruise ships that drop off their passengers for a short sojourn each day. Well worth a visit. Stay to see the movie.
7. Lower Dewey Lake Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By muertesss - Bogota, Colombia
A great opportunity to do hiking while in Skagway, an approximately 20 minutes walk through pure nature you will arrive to the lower lake and able to walk around for another 10 minutes. stunning landscapes and then enjoy the downtown.
From there, if you feel adventurous, 2 ours more can continue the path until the upper lake.
8. Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 612 reviews
Reviewed By wiscomamacita - Ireland
Went here with my mom and sister in July. We went primarily for the tour, which we enjoyed. I particularly loved seeing the items that the women hid under the floorboards of their rooms. A great way to learn about the Gold Rush and the role of the brothel during this time. A really unique experience. We stayed for drinks, which were reasonably priced. Sadly, the food is not allergy-friendly so I wasn't able to order anything as someone with celiac disease.
9. State Sreet and Broadway Street
Overall Ratings
4 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, New Hampshire
The building at the corner of State Street and Broadway is Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Museum and the park’s administrative offices. It is in the old railroad depot building and is adjacent to the park’s visitor center.
As expected, the museum had exhibits on the history of the Klondike Gold Rush.
One comes away with a better understanding of the hardships and heartbreak that the gold rushers experienced in their quest for their fortunes. Many failed and had to turn back. Others died along the way. And, after seeing some of the mountains and wilderness around Skagway, it’s no wonder. It was a rugged, harsh, unforgiving environment.
We rate the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Museum at 4.50.
We recommend a visit to the visitor center and museum, plus more if time permits.
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10. Gold Rush Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Barrie L - Norwich, United Kingdom
Just out of town, and can be walked. It's small, and in wooded ground on the side of a gentle hill. Could be somewhat slippery after rain. It adds to the atmosphere and overall view of Skagway and the gold rush, but not a major attraction.
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