If you are planning to take a cruise to Alaska in the near future, you’ll find the port of Skagway on almost any itinerary, regardless of which cruise line you sail with. It’s a small town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery which comes to life when the cruise ships roll into town. With an exciting history centered around the gold-rush era and railroads, you’ll feel like you’ve headed back in time for the day. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do here. Keep reading for some of the best activities for your next stop in Skagway on your Alaska Cruise!.
Ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad
This is by far the most popular excursion to enjoy in the area. If it’s your first time in Alaska, it would be my top recommendation. It’s an incredibly scenic ride that you’ll board in Skagway, and then travel by vintage car twenty miles to the summit, gaining 2,865 feet in elevation. With wide windows that are perfect for admiring the sights, you’ll enjoy the narration from your local guide during the relaxing trip. You’ll retrace the original route on your journey, and admire mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and historical sites along the way.
Go Hiking
If you’ve been overindulging on your ship’s delicious food, consider going on a hike and enjoying your time in port immersed in an active adventure. Skagway offers a great selection of hiking trails, and you’ll find one to suit your fitness level. Quick to access from the downtown area, the Dewey Lake Trail System features five different trails of varying lengths. Alternatively, take an excursion to enjoy part of the Chilkoot Trail, which retraces the route of the gold seekers of the past.
Ziplining
For a fun adventure that teens and kids will love, take the whole family ziplining through the area’s incredible scenery. The Grizzly Falls ziplining adventure will take you through the Alaskan rainforest and is great for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. Your time on the course will involve a whole series of ziplines as well as suspension bridges where you can take amazing photos of you and your family.
Take an adventure boat ride
This is definitely one of the favorite activities in Skagway during your Alaska Cruise! For a unique view of the area, join Ocean Raft Alaska’s adventurous boat ride which explores Skagway’s beaches, coves and waterfalls. You’ll get up close and personal with the local wildlife during this two-hour tour. It’s a fun adventure for the whole family, and you’ll have a comfortable yet thrilling ride through the incredible scenery of Alaska.
ATV Exploration Trail
For an adrenaline-filled day out, join an ATV tour with Glacier Point. You’ll start the excursion with a boat ride down the Lynn Canal, where you should keep your eyes peeled for seals and whales. After this, you’ll be ready to hit the trails on your ATV. You’ll drive through the forest, admiring the beaches and mountains in the area. It’s a unique way to see the scenery of Skagway, and you’ll enjoy the challenge of this ATV drive on the area’s varied terrain.
Helicopter Ride
If you are looking to splurge on your day out in Skagway, consider booking a helicopter ride. While they are certainly not a cheap day out, they offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you’ll get incredible photos and memories to last forever. You’ll land on top of a nearby glacier, where you can also add on an optional dog sledding ride.
Gold Panning
The perfect excursion for all ages, head to the Klondike Gold Fields where you can enjoy gold panning and learning more about the Klondike Gold Rush Era. Staff are dressed up to recreate the times of the past, and you’ll enjoy the varied activities that are on offer here. This is one of many excellent activities for families in Skagway on an Alaska Cruise!
Dining around Skagway
If you fancy a more relaxing day out in the port or are traveling on a budget, you’ll still be able to enjoy a wonderful day walking around the downtown area. There are so many great options for local restaurants and bars to while away a couple of hours in. I’d highly recommend the historic Red Onion Saloon for a locally brewed beer, or if you are keen to try some local seafood, enjoy lunch at the Skagway Fish Co.
An Alaskan cruise offers many incredible stops on each itinerary, but Skagway is undoubtedly one of my favorites. Whether it’s your first time stopping here, or you’ve visited many times before, there’s always something new to see and do.
When you are ready to plan your next cruise to Alaska (or anywhere in the world), feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to receive a quote.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
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