Cruises to Skagway, Alaska

Cruises to Skagway whisk you back to the heady days of the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th century, a very different picture from the sleepy coastal town you’ll see today on your Alaska cruise. Back then, the town was teeming with prospectors who would set off over the treacherous White Pass to the Klondike gold fields, a journey many visitors make today on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. You can learn more about the Gold Rush in the excellent Visitor Center, which brings the whole story to life.

History aside, Skagway is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty, like towering mountains, dense forest, and tumbling waterfalls. Outdoor activities abound, from ziplining to white water rafting, cycling, hiking the beginning of the famous Chilkoot Trail, and summer dog sledding. Back in town, you’ll find lively pubs and restaurants offering fresh Alaskan fare, as well as an eclectic collection of galleries, outdoors suppliers, and quirky craft boutiques.

Red Onion Saloon, 201 Broadway

Probably Skagway’s most famous pub, the atmospheric Red Onion Saloon, a former bordello on Broadway and 2nd, is unmissable for a taste of life during the Gold Rush. You can even do a brothel tour with costumed good-time girls before sitting down to craft Alaskan beers, cocktails, pizza, nachos, and salads. Stop by the popular shop for Red Onion merchandise on your way out.

The Station Bar & Grill, 444 4th Avenue

Open all year and a favorite of locals, the Station Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily specials from an eclectic menu that will delight any palate. Offerings range from salads to assorted burgers, pizza, and the popular fish and chips featuring beer-battered Alaskan white cod. The restaurant is located in the center of town and is handy for a bite to eat after an excursion.

Skagway Brewing Company, 204 4th Avenue

Soak up a bit of history when you sip a craft beer at the Skagway Brewing Company. Founded in 1897 for Gold Rush prospectors who needed a place to stop and hydrate, this is still a favorite watering hole serving unfiltered ales and delicious pub dishes. All the fish is local and the greens are grown hydroponically on site. There are quite a few vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, which comprises burgers, salads, and mouth-watering seafood specials like “Crabby Mac ‘n’ Cheese”.

Skagway, or Skaqua, was originally settled by Native American tribes including the Tlingit, Chilkoot, and Chilkat people, who hunted and fished around here. In 1887, Canadian Captain William Moore laid claim to 160 acres of the Skaqua River Valley, naming the route over the mountains of the White Pass. Gold was discovered in 1896 some 600 miles inland, and in 1897, hundreds of prospectors arrived by ship, making their way to the gold fields over the treacherous White Pass.

Construction on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad began in 1898, the railroad playing a vital role in the city’s fortunes long after the end of the Gold Rush as a cargo route to the Canadian city of Whitehorse. Today, Skagway is a sleepy place, depending mainly on tourism for income, specifically cruise visitors and hikers. The city retains its frontier feel, with much of the original architecture intact.

Local transportation can be found through the Skagway Municipal and Regional Transit (SMART Bus). This operates a regular shuttle from the pier when a ship is in town, as well as a service to the Gold Rush Cemetery and Dyea. Skagway is a very small, easy-to-navigate place if you prefer to explore on foot, laid out in a simple grid system with most points of interest either on or close to Broadway. There is no rideshare service here, and just a couple of private taxi operators.

You’ll find ample places to shop in the town of Skagway. Simply stroll down the main street in town and you’ll see locally-owned stores and small boutiques selling warm outerwear, unique Alaskan handcrafted treasures, jewelry, and more. A few favorites include the Aurora Yarns of Alaska, Klothes Rush, and Duff’s Backcountry Outfitters. Look out for the “Made in Alaska” mark, a guarantee of authenticity.

The currency in Skagway, and all of Alaska, is the U.S. dollar (USD). You’ll find an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank at 6th and Broadway. Tipping for service at restaurants and bars as well as other service-oriented businesses is customary in Alaska. It’s also appropriate to tip tour guides for good service around 10% of the cost of the tour.

To explore further into Alaska, you can extend your cruise with a Cruisetour. This allows you to travel inland via motorcoach and railway exploring Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, Talkeetna, Girdwood (Alyeska) and Denali National Park, taking in the views of the highest mountain peak in North America. Cruisetours include the finest hotel accommodations, a local dedicated Alaskan Tour Director, luxury transportation, and some activities.

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