Dyea was the gateway to the gold fields and was the first stop before gold miners headed up the famous Chilkoot Trail. The buses stop at popular tourist spots in the town, so riders can hop on and off for just $5 a day. The combination of colorful history, a walkable downtown and outdoor opportunities cant be beat. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, Alaska Mountain Guides Adventure Park & Zip Line, Try the Historic Train Carriage Escape Room, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp Tours and Tickets, names are on the National Park Services website, Royal Caribbeans Royal Amplified: Ultimate Guide, Celebrity Cruises Ships by Size, Age, and Class, Using Your Phone on a Cruise (What You Need to Know), Royal Caribbean North Star: Ultimate Guide, Royal Caribbean Looks to Add Elon Musks Starlink Onboard, Simone Biles Named Godmother to Celebrity Beyond, Carnival Becomes First Cruise Line to Employ Bio-Digesters Fleetwide. But if youre feeling a bit more adventurous, building your breakfast or lunch sandwich is the way to go. But imagine what it would be like to experience a birds-eye view of Skagways lush rainforests and waterfalls. Thi, Are mobile IV therapy services come with dog sitti, First day of 7th grade! I heard it is possibly the most photographed building in Alaska. Located just a short walk from the cruise port, the approximately 12,900-acre park was established in 1976 to preserve the heritage, memories, wildlife, and lands that belonged to the Klondike Gold Rush. You might spot abundant wildlife, including seals, bears, and bald eagles, if youre lucky. You cannot find them through the cruise line and they are not part of any excursions. A United States naval captain negotiated with the Tlingit to share the trail with gold stampeders. Before long, I turned the corner and neared the first of the National Park buildings. More than 8,000 visitors (10 times the towns resident population) make Skagway into a modern-day boomtown on the busiest days. I also want to mention, the owners (a husband and wife team) of Skagway Scooters are SUPER nice. My favorite was the Skagway Brewing Company. Before your adventure begins, excursion leaders and helicopter pilots will inform you of all safety precautions and provide you with the appropriate attire for your flight. Kids get to explore historical artifacts, wildlife animal furs, victorian-style play outfits, educational games, and a reading and coloring center. Players must learn to collaborate to unravel some of Skagways deepest, darkest secrets that will eventually crack the code to escape. I meandered along and found an old rail car and a railroad snowplow. A historic small town like Skagway would not be complete without a classic, beautiful and lively theater. Sled dog racing is an iconic sport throughout Alaska and an equally popular tourist attraction. She writes about the best things to do in Skagway cruise port. Wander over to the Junior Ranger Activity Centre, located at Skagways National Park Service Building, and partake in all the modern saloons entertaining ventures. The entire road to Dyea is right on the coast and you literally have mountains on one side and the ocean on your other side. Unfortunately, the tour didnt allow time for a short hike uphill toReid Falls, which cascades 300 feet down the mountainside. She has a passion for exploring new ports and excursions. Is Skagway cruise port on your Alaskan cruise itinerary? I never rode a scooter a day in my life but after a quick 10-minute lesson, I was flying around Skagway. By air, by land or sea, Debi's always ready to explore at ByLanderSea. I wore those more than my other boots and was really glad I had them! Several companies provide air-taxi service between Skagway and other Inside Passage communities, with daily scheduled flights between Juneau and Skagway. The summer days are very long, and plants grow big. This route is part of the Golden Circle road trip that travels between Skagway and Haines (or vice versa). Your email address will not be published. Skagway Alaska offers some of the best weather along the Inside Passage. You get a true sense of life in an Alaska gold rush era. The population (from 2019 records) hovers today around 800-1,000. Along the way, be sure to bring your camera and keep your eyes open for the chance to spot some of Alaskas most well-known marine animals, including whales, sea lions, and dolphins. My baby is a junior high s, Did something weve never done before and hired, We may be home already but its never too late t, Can you say best day ever!!! on our las, Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Flightseeing, What Its REALLY Like on an Alaskan Cruise, Top Things to Do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day. Read our DISCLOSURE. I was intrigued by a building faced with thousands of pieces of driftwood. My love for travel will never end, even as a working mom rushing from school event to work and back again. Here we go 8th gr. Whether you want to help your kids burn off some extra energy or gain an educational experience while visiting Skagway, the Junior Ranger Activity Centre is an excellent spot to visit. However, youll still want to bring a lightweight rain jacket, as it still rains pretty frequently. Whether youre a first-time cruiser or cruise expert, wed love for you to join our cruise community at High Seas Cruising. I stopped for a photo-op at a Totem Pole, then slowly made my way back to the boat, snapping photos of the colorful buildings. They have a restaurant and bar and you can even take tours of the building that used to be an old brothel. Skagway became infamous for its lawlessness. I cant imagine gathering all the needed food and gear today, let alone in an isolated place. He built a tour bus from an old Ford bus and referred to it as a streetcar, giving town tours. If that is not enough to satisfy your curious mind, venture outside and walk on the famous Chilkoot Trail, where thousands of miners took some of their first steps to search for great fortunes. After the demonstration, you have a chance to craft your own glass ornament, which will later be shipped to your home address so youll never forget your stay in the Garden City. While floating down the gentle river, youll be surrounded by beautiful vegetation and marvelous glacier views. Youll also find the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad at the end of Broadway, adjacent to the Broadway cruise ship dock. But its THE top booked excursion, got a ton of great reviews, and sells out super fast. As seats in the theater are a hot commodity amongst travelers these days, be sure to purchase your tickets well in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, youll observe precious and rare photos of historical Skagway, mysterious folk art pieces, paintings, strange taxidermy and manikins, and vintage memorabilia from the Klondike Gold Rush. What to do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day, Spend a Day Renting a Boat on Saguaro Lake, Arizona . Either way, the huskies will give you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embrace true Alaskan adventure as you take in some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes Alaska has to offer. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is one of the most popular things to do in Skagway, Alaska. The train ride is by far the most popular tourist attraction. It really is an experience Ill never forget and Im so glad we did it. I'm Jenny, a mom to a sassy 10-year old girl, and dog lover. If you fancy an alcoholic beverage, check out Sakgways Brewing Co. to sample some locally-crafted beer. Its no surprise that tourism is the towns largest industry, with nearly a million tourists visiting each year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-box-1','ezslot_8',188,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-box-1','ezslot_9',188,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-1-0_1')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-box-1','ezslot_10',188,'0','2'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-1-0_2')};if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-box-1','ezslot_11',188,'0','3'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-1-0_3')}; .box-1-multi-188{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:3px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:3px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}My name is Jenny and I'm mom to a sassy 10 year old girl. Skagway is not very big and you can see so much of it riding around town. Specifically, Soapy Smith was an infamous con artist who stole goods from many of his business clients and purposely manipulated political campaigns. Well, Liarsville Goldrush Trail Camp is the place to be. Read More. The J. Bernard Moore House, built by the citys founder, William Moore, now shines in its 1904 glory. At times, we were so close to the edge that I could barely see the ground below us. ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'seemamatravel_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',176,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-banner-1-0')}; The White Pass Railway is literally on the edge of the mountain and climbs pretty high, pretty quickly. In fact, the remote city thrives on tourism. White Pass sits at the top of the steep climb at 2,888 feet, also the international boundary between the United States and Canada. Further, if you are looking for a calm, quiet and peaceful excursion, float rides down the Taiya River are probably an experience calling your name. The memories created here will be filled with joy and last a lifetime. And my body needs, My morning view I wake up early every Mo, One of my closest friend, Erika, suffered a stroke, Some highlights from our NYC trip New york wa, Heres to life with a TEENAGER where every da, Today starts a new adventure for us Abby is s, Happy New Years from the happiest dog alive! Youre encouraged to walk at your own pace, stop to watch birds, take pictures, fish from the shoreline, or set up a picnic on the sandy beaches. Although you are most likely to see the salmon run in July and August, Pullman Creek is home to many wild animals, including harbor seals and bears that visit throughout the year. After the war, Skagway residents again turned to tourism to help boost the towns economy. For seafood lovers and anglers alike, the opportunity to see the famous Salmon Run is a truly remarkable and joyous experience. The visitor center is housed in front of the 1898 railroad depot. Skagway is home to a gold-rush-era story, preserved as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (website). Whether youre researching an Alaskan cruise itinerary or thinking about booking a shore excursion, here are our favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska. Dont forget to follow me on PINTEREST to get more Alaskan Cruise Guides! A S.M.A.R.T. Although this may not have been one of the first places you thought of visiting while in Skagway, the Gold Rush Cemetery is a fascinating site that can make you travel back in time to 1897. It's free! Formally operated as a bar, the Jefferson Smiths Parlor became a museum in 1935. This old town was a business district for everyone seeking gold, but it soon dried up once the White Pass Railroad was opened.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',193,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Today, Dyea is located about 11 miles away from downtown Skagway and is a great scenic drive. Because the Chilkoot Trail was so challenging, most stayed in Skagway and pitched tents. In 1935, as a great publicity stunt, Martin took his streetcar to Hollywood to promote Skagway tourism. Completed with shows available throughout the day, this theater offers you a captivating and entertaining way to learn about Skagways greatest outlaws, such as Soapy Smith, the history of the city, and the Gold Rush Era. You cant visit Skagway without hearing about Soapy Smith and his misdeeds. The town of Dyea is another place you wont hear too much about through the cruise lines. THIS is Skagways best-kept secret. I suspect it dropped even lower during the pandemic. Opening as early as 7:00 am during the weekdays and 6:00 am on weekends, this bed and breakfast restaurant makes guests feel close to home with their delicious homemade breakfast meals and nostalgic atmosphere. 2021 MY ITCHY TRAVEL FEET | DESIGN BY KALEIDOSCOPE DESIGN STUDIO | DEVELOPMENT BY RTW LABS. Luxury Cruise Reviews for Small Ship Cruisers, Explore Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Hubbard Glacier Cruise by Luxury Cruise Ship, The Best Things to Do in Anchorage, Alaska Before or After a Cruise. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Many cruise passengers choose to visit Alaska due to the sense of tranquillity from connecting with nature. More than likely, it is. While most visitors to Skagway arrive on cruise ships, Skagway is also accessible via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. Start your Medjet membership here. The Glacier Helicopter Tour will give you breathtaking aerial views of some of the earths finest creations as you fly above or alongside forests, valleys, mountains, enormous icefields, and glaciers. Pick from outdoor adventures such as helicopter flightseeing tours, a helicopter tour that includes landing on a glacier, or one that offers a dog-sled ride. Another character in Skagways past is Martin Itjen, a stampeder in 1898 who became the unofficial director of tourism. If you cruise Alaskas wondrous Inside Passage (and you should, even if youre not an avid cruiser), most likely, you will visit Skagway. But, you cannot leave without trying one of Louisvilles all-you-can-eat signature meals, including their smoked Alaskan salmon, homemade cornbread, or a zesty garden salad made from local, organic produce. She told how Frank staged a gunfight with Soapy. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_12',197,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};And dont let the scooters scare you. Skagway gets its name from the Tlingit word skagua, which translates to place where the north wind blows.. No matter our age, we all feel a little rush of excitement when we face a challenge to think outside of the box, solve puzzles, race against the clock, or compete against our family and friends. The former Arctic Brotherhood Hall now functions as the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau. Adding to the trails difficulty was a mandate from Canada requiring each man to bring a years supply of food to prevent starvation. Today, Dyea still serves as the starting point for hikes on the famous 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, one of Alaskas most popular backpacking routes. As always, the park service offers learning opportunities through descriptive exhibits, a film, ranger presentations, or guided walking tours. Check out my Alaska cruise packing list. But, if you accompany guides on an official tour of the museum, you will be some of the first cruise passengers to know how the nickname Soapy came about and why Jefferson Smith continues to be such a well-known person to anyone visiting Alaska. Here, Park Rangers give presentations about the history of the gold rush and guide you in watching videos that explain the miners stories, lives, and experiences. It was the smallest of all the ports and I didnt put too much time and energy into learning about this great town before we left. Although it is one of the drier Alaska cities, monthly rainfall averages 2 to 4.5 inches from May to September. Beginning with a high-speed catamaran boat ride through the fjords of Skagway to Hains, Alaska, you will witness an abundance of majestic waterfalls and glacier views along the shore. Taking roughly two hours to complete, hikers will have a chance to view the Twin Dewey Mountain Peaks and the Northern Coastal Forest no matter what season or month you visit. As you float to different landmarks and sights, your tour guide will also provide you with in-depth stories, facts, or information relevant to your experience and the history of the Gold Rush. Several other notable individuals lay to rest alongside these two men, whose names are on the National Park Services website. Plan to have a fun night so you dont feel all bummed out later on. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. You can hire a guide for hiking, wildlife viewing (you might see a bald eagle), or a photography tour. The weather in Skagway is typically warmer and dryer than any of the other Inside Passage ports of call. But the history is amazing and you should not miss seeing this old ghost town. Of course, I also found purveyors selling food and snacks like the Klondike Doughboy, a large circle of fried bread coated in sugar. There are only four main roads, and the city measures four blocks wide by sixteen blocks long. Throughout the tour, Alaska Mountain Guides will support you each step of the way, sharing historical facts as your hike to your treetop destination, capturing stunning picturesque photos for your family, or providing a helping hand throughout the experience. Although there are different ways to arrive at your Musher Camp, whether by boat, helicopter, or van, you are guaranteed to be welcomed by the most well-trained, excited, and loving huskies. Established in 1897, Bites on Broadway is the perfect way to kick-start your day in beautiful Skagway, Alaska. Suitable for people of all ages, the camp will provide families with an entertaining and educational experience that will leave you feeling like a member of Skagways culture and past. An avid cruiser of over 15 years. True to its mission, the National Park Service restored and preserved many of Skagways original buildings so the public could more easily grasp the past. My beautiful girls Thank goodness they both, First day of school! If you are looking for some good-tasting Alaskan cuisine or want to relax with a nice cold one, Skagways Brewing Company is the perfect restaurant, brewery, and pub for you. Take to the water on a sea kayak or perhaps a scenic float down the Taiya River. My lengthy saunter on Congress Way took me past numerous signs that explained the towns gold rush history. Youll find many of the citys shops, historic sites, and restaurants on Broadway. Get the best cruise tips and travel advice to make your next cruise a success. You can do several different versions of this excursion, but all you need is the out and back trip. Gorgeous flora and mountain-side terrain surround the crystal clear lake. Whether you want to stroll through the town at your own pace or join a guided, short-walking tour, Main Street gives passengers a sense of what it means to live in a tight-knit community full of history. The population dropped down to just 872 in 1910. If you are a big history buff or are interested in unique historical personalities and stories, the Gold Rush Cemetery can be a quick and intriguing place to explore. Skagways Historic Train Carriage Escape Room is the place to be for those innovative or creative passengers who crave this type of thrill on their vacation. Just hope so can find dome this time of year! , Ive had a lot of people ask about this one! Traveling to approximately 2865 feet above sea level, passengers aboard vintage rail cars will witness breath-taking scenes, including the 1898 Original Klondike Trail, Inspiration Point, Bridal Veil Falls, and Dead Horse Gulch. Need some help packing for an Alaska cruise? Theres good reason for the Southeast Alaska towns popularity. Then, I headed to Broadway, the main street, where many businesses were just returning to pre-Covid activities. The escape room experience is a fun way to spend time with your loved ones. Do you want to explore the local shops on your own, take a train ride on the historic White pass railroad, hike one of the many trails, explore the gold rush history, or experience dog sledding? Established in 1923, the Foe No. This trip set the foundation for the Tlingit packing business, which thrived until the gold rush. We rolled down Broadway, traveling to the cemetery. Its location provided a gateway to the Yukon and Klondike goldfields. Your email address will not be published. While Im not big on shopping, these items interested me even if I wasnt buying anything. Do you want to take to the sky and explore the most remote and exclusive parts of Skagway? I can fully understand why people would want to live there full time in the summer. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. Some 35,000 workers labored to lay the 110 miles of track. You can choose whether you want to mush your own dog sled over Alaskan glaciers or sit back and enjoy the ride. Ranging anywhere from seafood to sandwiches and pasta, the restaurants lunch and dinner menus include a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and kid-friendly choices that suit each guests unique taste buds. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.You can find my Amazon influencer store here. Despite the ugly sounding name, the small town packs a colorful punch for tourists. Your guide will help you find the best lookout points to observe as many different animals as possible as you witness life within their natural habitats. It was built in 1897 and much of the building and dcor (and waitresses!) Despite having 40 waterfalls identified by name in Alaska, Pitchfork Falls is one of Skagways most incredible beauties. Most come in the summer on cruise ships with up to five boats per day. We highly recommend joining a medical evacuation program before leaving on an active international trip. Their progression proved slow and led them over the steep pass in the bitter cold. I have to mention this Skagway excursion even though I just told you to leave the cruise planned excursions behind. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When it was time for my afternoon tour, I boarded a converted yellow streetcar on wheels. Locals know Skagway as the Garden City of Alaska. The graceful tour of Jewell Gardens will leave you with a lasting impression of the many wondrous beauties Mother Nature offers. I disembarked, choosing to make the long walk into town, although trams were available. There is a small balcony you can go outside on and get some amazing pictures! For years, the mysteries behind the Klondike Gold Rush have attracted curious travelers worldwide to Skagway, Alaska. So much so, Ive thought about coming back and staying here for a few days to see everything I missed. Located approximately 1.5 miles from the downtown core, Gold Rush Cemetery lays some of Alaskas most notorious and mysterious gold miners, including Jefferson Soapy Smith and Martin Itjen. Built-in 1898, the Mascot Saloon, one of the towns earliest brothels, functioned as one of 70 saloons open during Skagways heyday or the roughest place in the world. Today, Mascot is the only saloon in Alaska that doesnt serve beer, wine, or a drop of whiskey. Skagway Alaska is located in the Alaska panhandle. In contrast, Martin Itjen was known for finding the worlds largest golden nugget and promoting tourism in Skagway. Skagways torturous White Pass lacked the steep slopes of the Chilkoot but was 10 miles longer and had its own obstacles. After taking some time to bond with the playful puppies, professional mushers will guide you through how to maneuver the sled, signal the dogs attention, and the rules of riding.