Skagway Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Skagway is more than just a town; it is a living museum of the Great Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Situated at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, it serves as the critical junction where the ocean meets the rugged path to the Yukon Territory. The wooden boardwalks, false-front buildings, and the persistent whistle of steam trains transport you back to an era of stampeders, scoundrels, and dreamers. While politically in Alaska, Skagway is geographically and historically the gateway to the Canadian Yukon, with Whitehorse just a scenic drive away.

Surrounded by the steep walls of the Lynn Canal fjord, the town offers a dramatic landscape where the mountains seem to dive straight into the sea. Whether you are arriving by cruise ship, driving down the Klondike Highway from the Yukon, or riding the rails, the sheer scale of the wilderness here is humbling. It is a place where history is not just remembered but felt in the bracing north wind and the creak of old floorboards.

The Gateway to the Golden North

What makes Skagway truly unique is its dual identity as a coastal port and a mountain gateway. It is the starting point of the Chilkoot Trail, arguably the most famous historical hike in North America, which crosses the international border into British Columbia. The town’s preservation is remarkable, thanks largely to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which manages much of the downtown core.

The energy here changes with the seasons. In summer, the streets bustle with the excitement of thousands of visitors, much like they did during the Gold Rush. However, stepping just a few blocks off Broadway reveals a quiet community surrounded by spruce forests and glacial rivers. The connection to Canada is strong, with many locals travelling back and forth to the Yukon, blurring the lines of the border in daily life.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad - This narrow-gauge railway is an engineering marvel. It climbs nearly 900 meters in just 32 kilometres, offering breathtaking views of Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch. A round trip typically costs around $180-$200 CAD.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Located right on Broadway, this park consists of over 20 restored buildings. The Visitor Centre offers free walking tour maps and film screenings. It is the heart of the town’s history and is entirely free to enter.

Gold Rush Cemetery & Lower Reid Falls - Located about 4 km from the docks, this site holds the remains of the town’s most infamous characters. A short 10-minute walk past the cemetery leads you to the impressive Lower Reid Falls. Access is free.

Red Onion Saloon - Built in 1897, this was once the town’s most exclusive brothel. Today, it operates as a restaurant and museum. Tours of the upstairs brothel museum cost approximately $15 CAD and offer a spirited look at the life of the ‘Goodtime Girls’.

Planning Your Visit

Skagway is accessible by sea via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system, by land via the South Klondike Highway from the Yukon, or by air via small commuter planes. If you are driving from Whitehorse, the 175 km drive is spectacular, passing through the moonscape of the Tormented Valley. Remember that you will be crossing an international border, so a valid passport is mandatory.

The town is very walkable, laid out on a simple grid. However, to reach the cemetery or Jewell Gardens, you might prefer the SMART municipal bus which operates during the summer season. While US dollars are the official currency, Canadian cash is widely accepted by merchants, though exchange rates may vary. Dress in layers; the temperature can drop 10 degrees quickly when the sun goes behind the mountains.

Skagway is a seasonal destination that shines brightest from June through August when the days are long and the energy is high. However, for those seeking a more contemplative experience, the shoulder seasons of May and September offer crisp air, lower prices, and the stunning visual contrast of autumn gold against the grey granite peaks. No matter when you visit, the spirit of the Klondike awaits.