The Klondike Gold Rush ended a century ago, but the “Call of the Wild” is still strong in Alaska’s historic frontier town of Skagway. North of Juneau, Skagway entices visitors to discover the Yukon Territory’s mining past and spectacular wilderness of forests, glaciers, mountains, and waterfalls. In the late 1800s, prospectors stopped here on their way to the gold fields further north, but today, this tiny settlement on the Taiya Inlet is a popular cruise-ship stop for Skagway shore excursions. Experience what life was like for those first plucky miners on a city tour of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park downtown, with its original clapboard buildings and period wooden boardwalk. Go back in time to a 19th century mining outpost and pan for gold at Liarsville Camp, hike the Chilkoot Trail gold-rush route, and stop at the Gold Rush Cemetery. Don't miss the Skagway Scenic Overlook for snapshot-worthy views of the mountains above and the town below. Skagway has long been the gateway town to the surrounding peaks, so hop aboard the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a narrow-gauge line that switchbacks up steep tracks to the White Pass summit as far as Emerald Lake. Take a bus tour along the Klondike Highway towards Canada, or go dog sledding through the countryside. Meet Alaska's wild eagles, beavers, brown bears, moose, and waterbirds up close and personal at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, or chance a sighting by kayaking along the Chilkat River.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone AKDT (UTC -10) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 13 | Tours 40 | Reviews 1,612 |
Known as the Garden City of Alaska and home to White Pass and Yukon Railroad, Skagway is famous for its incredible landscapes. The town served as the gateway to the Yukon Territory during the Klondike gold rush in the 1890s—historic buildings are preserved in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
...MoreYes. At times—especially in winter—black bears even wander around downtown, searching for food. Grizzlies are far less common. To improve your chances of seeing either, hop on a wildlife tour out of town in spring or summer.
...MoreExplore Skagway’s National Historic District, six blocks of restored gold rush-era buildings. Travel to White Pass Summit for Coast Mountains and Skagway River Valley views (or the aurora). Ride into the Yukon on the circa 1898 White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. Pan for gold or hike the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail.
...MoreThe ferry ride from Juneau to Skagway is roughly 7 hours. Schedules can be found—and reservations made—on the Alaska Marine Highway System website.
...MoreYes. Skagway is one of the most popular towns for travelers to Alaska. You’ll find tangible gold rush history, incredible outdoor adventures into the Alaskan wilderness, and plenty of things to do and amenities for an enjoyable stay.
...MoreSkagway is the ancestral homeland of the Tlingit, and the town’s name comes from the Tlingit skagua, meaning “place where the north wind blows.” And it does: There are notoriously rough seas in the Taiya Inlet, where Skagway sits.
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