Passionate about all things Alaska, If you're shopping for unique Alaska souvenirs, this itinerary is for you. Pan for gold or hike the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Cruise Shopping Tour of the Inside Passage, Skagway, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. If youve never tried ziplining, what are you waiting for? Which is off the beaten path. The brewery features a wide selection of craft beers, many of which are brewed on-site using traditional brewing techniques and local ingredients. Dont miss the cascading waters of Bridal Veil Falls on your way by. 19 Best Things To Do in Skagway, Alaska - The Planet D The building dates back to 1898 and has pretty much always been exactly what it is today: a saloon on the ground floor and a brothel upstairs. If you are looking for a relaxing way to visit Skagway, we saw Streetcars going around town. What makes this game unique is that youll be learning all about the towns rich history while solving the puzzles. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. If youre planning a holiday to the area or will be stopping there on your cruise, you should plan your visit beforehand. The salmon run typically occurs from July through September, with peak viewing times in August and early September. Free Things To Do Great experiences don't have to break the budget. For all other questions, please email [emailprotected] or call 1-888-586-8489, In order to check the status of your reservation request, please use the following link: alaskashoreexcursions.com/order-status. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. May through June tend to be thebest times to visit Skagway. You have up until 7 days prior to your tour date to cancel for any reason. Sled dogs played an important role in the life of settlers in Alaska and they continue to thrive and run in events such as the annual Iditarod. Authorized in 1976, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is dedicated to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush of 189798. Explore Klondike Gold National Historic Park mountain peaks, lakes and more on a visit to Skagway. 1. If your cruise started in Seattle, you . Go ahead and belly up to the bar for pint of sinful history. P.O. And, agree that 30 minute walk really limits your activities. Este estado ostenta orgulloso muchas vistas maravillosas y quienes lo visitan en vacaciones pueden ver mucho ms cuando reservan un crucero por Alaska.Princess visita Alaska y le permite ver y conocer algunas de las mejores actividades en Skagway, Alaska. After spending days on a crowded cruise ship, the thought of more crowds in Skagway might not be appealing. Photo credit: Larry Syverson (L) & Ryan Schreiber (C) via Flickr, Karl Gurcke (R) via NPS. Required fields are marked *. Box 1029 Skagway, Alaska 99840. Rangers will bring the Klondike Gold Rush to life as you explore the streets of Skagway. Travel Alaska is a registered trademark of Alaska Travel Industry Association. If you are looking for some adrenaline while in Skagway, book an ocean rafting adventure. There are tons of historic buildings that date back to the late 19th Century some of which Ill cover in greater detail below. Upper Dewey Lake is a spur off of the Lower Dewey Lake Trail; its 5 miles out and back from the trailhead, and comes to about 6.7 miles if you do both lakes in a single hike (3 miles around Lower Dewey + 3.7 miles out-and-back to Upper Dewey). We saw Jack Londons house on the Yukon portion of our tour. You might also hear (or wonder) about Upper Reid Falls this is a much more complex hike with a different trailhead. Instead, I bought a small print and began plotting our return trip. You can float while learning about the history of the area from a tour guide. One of the more interesting buildings in Skagway is the Arctic Brotherhood Hall. We are currently planning to check out: - Ketchikan Great Alaskan Lumberjack show. Its rich history and ties to the gold rush make it a must-see for your travel bucket list. Skagway City Tour and White Pass Summit, 4. Just wondering. Be sure youpack the right essentialsfor the season. I recommend booking the earliest time that works with your schedule for your day in Skagway. Skagway is a popular port for Alaska cruise ships, and it's easy to see why: the town is brimming with gold rush history, unique culture, and amazing opportunities for enjoying the state's renowned natural beauty. Or embark on one of the many adventure tours in town to kayak or raft the beautiful lakes and streams that surround you. Lower Reid Falls is a five-minute walk from the cemetery by way of a forest trail. Along the way, hikers will pass through diverse landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows and rocky ridges. Known as the worlds longest museum because of the hundreds of artifacts left behind by gold seekers, trail-goers can see the evidence of the gold rush with every step. In 2022, the WPYR is operating, but only up to Mile 20 up to White Pass Summit. The train picks up passengers right at the cruise ship terminal where you will hop aboard this historic narrow gauge railroad to retrace the route that so many gold prospectors have taken before you. Photo of Soapy Smith by Notyourbroom, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Skagway with Kids (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor You can explore Yakatuania Point, Gold Rush Cemetery & Reid Waterwall, or Dewey Lake. Where to chase the midnight sun this summer. Other stops include the Gold Rush Cemetary, Reid Falls Brackets Toll Road, Moor Bridge Overlook and the Welcome to Alaska sign. The visitor center features interactive activities your little ones will love. The WP&YR played a crucial role in the development of the region, carrying supplies, equipment, and people to the gold fields and connecting isolated communities. View past newsletters here. Your bike tour takes you acrossthe Taiya River and nearby historic sites in the rainforest. The organization was founded in 1899 with the goal of providing camaraderie and mutual support among the men who were working in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. For a small town, I feel like Ive barely scratched the surface with the suggestions Ive made for how to spend one day in Skagway. Bring your birding binoculars to see if you can spot thrushes, tree swallows, and spruce grouse. Skagway is a great starting point for a number of 1-2 hour day hikes. The historic district of Skagway is about 15 square blocks, stretching from 1st to 7th Avenues along Broadway Street and two blocks to the east of Broadway. If you prefer to learn about its past without the aid of a tour guide, anaudio touris up your alley. Jewell Gardensis an impressive tour for anyone who appreciates both flowers and glass art. (Pro tip: Use Alaska.org's exclusive Skagway Audio Guide !) Theres no better way to see the scenery in the Alaska Panhandle than through hiking. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! It has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is considered one of the most significant examples of Alaskan frontier architecture in the state. Do you prefer your vacations to be adrenaline-fueled? My parents joined us on our Alaskan cruise and we couldnt wait to show them the beauty of the Alaskan countryside. 15 Free Things to do in Skagway Alaska: Excursions and Alternatives Photo credit (R): David Kobuszewski via Flickr. The tour will take you to the areas most remote glaciers as you leave behind your fellow ground-bound cruise ship passengers. This trip should take you anywhere between one and two hours. Ocean rafting tours are led by experienced guides who provide safety gear, instruction, and commentary on the local flora and fauna. I will be bringing a stroller but we can't wander too far from the ship (ie - within 30 min walk to the ship). This isnt your average course, though. Skagway, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Skagway | Attractions & Activities - Viator And by brothel, I mean a historic brothel that offers tours not, you know, whatever you were thinking! Take a ranger led tour, tour Alaska's oldest museums, or hike one of the many trails. White Pass & Yukon Railroad - Skagway A Gold Rush Cemetery tombstone (Ive been to Skagway twice times before, including when my family drove to Alaska in 1992 and again when my parents moved out of the state in 2006.). 5 Free & Cheap Activities. It identifies the best ports of call in Southeast Alaska for purchasing authentic local arts and crafts, then takes you, About Skagway (Tlingit: Shgagwi)
This honor is awarded to engineering feats like the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Along the way you can enjoy the majestic scenery, including lakes, tundra, and quaint villages, while you watch for bears and other wildlife. The scenic train ride offers stunning views and a glimpse back in time. Try local dishes like grilled salmon orking crab legs or visit the Skagway Brewing Co. to sample local beer. The front is decked out with over 8,800 pieces of driftwood so its hard to miss. Make a point to visit Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve before your picturesque ferry ride back to Skagway. 4. It takes 3-5 days to complete and involves river crossings, mountain ridges and dense forests. A private tour is just what you need to escape the crowds and have a more immersive expedition. 10 Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska - Cruise Radio The brewerys historic building was originally a hotel and brothel during the Klondike Gold Rush and has been beautifully restored but it has kept the history alive with vintage photos and memorabilia from Skagways gold rush era. 116. Finally, you could spend part of an additional day in Skagway or an entire day in the nearby town of Haines. The garden features whimsical glass installations throughout, each handcrafted by the artisans of the Gardens. Basically, you cant easily get lost in Skagway: there are mountains on three sides, and the cruise ships tower over town on the other one. Stroll the restored Historic Boardwalk of Broadway in the Skagway Historic District. For a fun and thrilling adventure for the whole family, try ziplining at Grizzly Falls. Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner, Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. Have any questions about visiting Skagway? On this short walk along a stream, not far from the cruise ships, you can watch salmon in their natural habitat, swimming upstream to spawn. The first garden was planted behind a trading post in Dyea, and its bounty was sold to gold rush fortune seekers eager for fresh produce. The tour takes you out and back giving you ample opportunity to see all of the sights along the way. Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and more as you relax and enjoy the ride! Things To Do 10 Reasons to Visit Skagway Attractions & Tours All attractions & tours Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park White Pass & Yukon Railroad Free Things To Do Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts & Theater Art Galleries Museums . You might opt for the motorcoach return where youll see even more scenes from the gold panning era. Two fun facts about this park before I tell you more: The Visitor Center is at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Broadway, but you can see other historic buildings too, including The Moore Homestead (5th & Spring), The Brass Pic (the alley between 5th & 6th east of Broadway), and Jeff. Now, the area is known for offering outstanding recreation opportunities. If you want the best experience, pair the hike and float with a scenic drive at the end. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway. 10 Best Things to Do in Skagway | Alaska Shore Excursions You can explore Skagway and its surrounding wilderness by train, helicopter, ATV, water, or even on foot. Of particular note, Soapy Smith was buried here after his famous shoot-out in town and his grave is still marked and protected today. In town, the Skagway Historic District, which includes more than 100 historic buildings and structures. If youre looking for an authentic Gold Rush era souvenir in Skagway, this is it. Skagway, Alaska is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage, at the far end of Lynn Canal. The Days of 98 Show has been running in Alaska since 1923 and we had a rip-roaring good time. We were pretty excited to revisit Skagway on our Holland America Cruise. If you would like to exchange one tour for a different one, you must create a new reservation for the new tour and send us an email to cancel the other tour. Oneglimpse at its small-town charmand youll see why its one of the most popular cruise ship ports in Alaska. In its heyday, Skagway was the boomtown gateway to the Trail of '98 and the Klondike gold fields. Ahelicopter tourshould be on every visitors bucket list. It also stops at Skagway attractions like the Gold Rush Cemetery, and Lower Reid Falls. hike and float combo and walk the Chilkoot Trail, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park Visitor Center, Skagway Mushers Camp & Sled Dog Adventure, 212 Admiral Way Ste. Whether youre just making a port call during your Alaska cruise, stopping for a few days from exploring on the Alaska Ferry, or taking a detour while driving the AlCan, these are the best things to do when you only have one day in Skagway. Honestly, I would have sat for one of these in a heartbeat (even though it is an investment piece) but I didnt have Mr. V with me on my most recent visit and knew he would be sad to miss out. Explore Skagway's National Historic District, six blocks of restored gold rush-era buildings. Arctic Brotherhood Hall is a rather curious building that you simply can't pass by without giving a second glance. If you have a longer time to explore, we recommend seeing the Gold Rush Cemetary and Lower Reid Falls. 1. Ahora que el verano ha trado un clima clido al hemisferio norte, muchos viajeros estadounidenses han decidido explorar Alaska. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. Learn all about the Klondike Gold Rush boom as you explore the trails and sights around the city. Stroll down the streets of this charming town 2. Olivia Klupar is an Alaska entrepreneur. You can take a guided hike on the historic Chilkoot Trail and see the stunning scenery and wildlife of the region. There are 11 different ziplines, the longest of which is a whopping 750 feet. Alternatively, you may use, How to find the best Alaska cruise for you. I already mentioned Haines as a location one might visit to get to Skagway, but you can also take advantage of the Fast Ferry to visit Haines from Skagway. Be on the lookout for bears, moose, lynx, and caribou in the Yukon. Youll walk the historic streets and back alleys of the city while learning more about its rich history. Please send an email to [emailprotected] letting us know which tours you would like to cancel as we must have all cancelation requests in writing. CONTACT Search for: View Larger Image Things to do in Skagway Alaska - Cruise Port Skagway is a major stop on the Alaskan Cruise route. Keep reading to find our recommendation of things to do in Skagway, Alaska. There isnt one location for the National Historical Park its scattered all over Skagways historic district. If you want more of a challenge, the National Park Service has a list of moderateand more challenging hikes from Skagway. You must explore the space to try to solve your mission of escaping. There, you'll find the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. One block east of State, Broadway is the main street for commerce (its lined by all the shops). The Chilkoot Trail is a challenging 31.4-mile one-way trail; most people spend 3-5 days hiking the whole thing. There is no shortage of things to do in Skagway, Alaska despite the towns small size. Here are the top tours for kids and families: Yes! Another scenic spot to experience Klondike history is at the Gold Rush Cemetery, about 2.5 miles out of town. Keep a lookout for mink, moose, bald eagles, and wolves. 372. Escape rooms are an immersive 60-minute puzzle game. In fact, one early agriculturist grew turnips that weighed more than four pounds. Here are the places I recommend in Skagway, of the limited options: The Explore Skagway site also has a complete list of properties in Skagway, in case these options arent available during the dates you plan to visit. He ran a sophisticated operation that included gambling, prostitution, and protection rackets. If walking isnt your thing, see the city viabicycle rentalinstead. are youll be on an Alaskan cruise during the salmon run. Order our Official State of Alaska Vacation Planner and plot your course. The Taiya River and its gentle flow make it the perfect place for an enjoyablefloat trip. Mejores actividades en Skagway, Alaska - Princess Cruises You can still find some remnants of the sizable town by Alaska terms that once stood here. Junior Ranger Activity Center 7. There is nothing better than seeing Alaska from above and one of the best things to do in Alaska is to get up in the air for a birds eye view of glaciers. This historic narrow-gauge railroad runs from Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in Canada. Today, visitors can get a taste of what life was like by taking a journey that includes tight curves and steep grades through the mountains to the summit of White Pass. What better way to immerse yourself in this rich history than anAlaska train tour? Last, but certainly not least, you might need a place to stay after spending your one day in Skagway (if youre not visiting on a cruise ship, in which case, bon voyage as you sail away!). Take a look at what Skagway has to offer, from trips on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad to picturesque gardens. P.O. Lucky for you, theres one in Skagway for you to try. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park Visitor Center. If you fancy yourself a seafood lover, youll be in paradise in Skagway. In 1910, the Skagway Commercial Club named the city Garden City of Alaska, and thats how its been known ever since. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. Heres How to Fill It, pack the basics I recommend for any Alaska travel in the summer, binoculars I recommend for your Alaska cruise. Let me know in the comments! Take in views of mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. You can also reach Skagway on the Alaska Marine Highway ferry or via the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry. It was established in 1976 to commemorate the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s and to preserve the history and cultural heritage of the region. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. All of the necessary equipment will be provided for you for your 2.5-hour golf tour. Your tour will take you from Skagway through a scenic coastal drive to Dyea. Youll meet your guide in downtown Skagway and then hop aboard a van to the Valley of Dyea. Your email address will not be published. Free Things To Do - Skagway After the ride, make sure you cuddle with some of the adorable puppies too! Well, today you can now ride the rails on a scenic route that takes about three hours and carries you up into the mountains.