things to do in skagway, alaska from cruise ship

After our lunch at Skagway Brewing, we headed off to Skagway Scooters to rent scooters and ride around town. Others looking to share a good laugh with friends or family can stay indoors to watch live comedic performances or poetic readings by one of Yukons most well-known authors, Robert Service. I also appreciate the tip about rain boots. 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. Need some help packing for an Alaska cruise? shuttle bus leaves from the pier and follows a set schedule for anyone not up to a long walk. This trip set the foundation for the Tlingit packing business, which thrived until the gold rush. Here we go 8th gr. 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. Many cruise passengers choose to visit Alaska due to the sense of tranquillity from connecting with nature. We should have booked them for much much longer! The Tlingit (tribe) resided in the area and created a trade route with the Athabascans. The visitor center is housed in front of the 1898 railroad depot. 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. Guests of all ages are invited to explore the museums magnificent displays. After meeting in Skagways downtown core, your tour guide will bring you to the Valley of Dyea, which is known for its spectacular mountain views and lush flora. As thousands of gold-seekers traveling to the Klondike passed through Skagway and advanced up the White Pass Trail, many left behind treasures that reveal hidden insights into the citys unique past. We only booked the scooters for 2 hours and that was a big mistake. 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!!! Older audiences will be intrigued by the designs and functions of roulette wheels and slot machines that captured the attention of many hopeful and sometimes fortunate gold miners. 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. I watched natures beauty as we sailed into Skagways majestic deep-water harbor surrounded by snow-capped mountains. When it was time for my afternoon tour, I boarded a converted yellow streetcar on wheels. You can view many of his personal belongings, artifacts, and oddities from the Gold Rush Era. One soldier summed it up, the work was too steep for a goat and too cold for a polar bear. For seafood lovers and anglers alike, the opportunity to see the famous Salmon Run is a truly remarkable and joyous experience. The location makes for beautiful photos, but it also means that it can get quite windy. 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. Built-in 1898 and originally established as a bordello, the Red Onion Saloon Brothel Museum provides guests with insights into the lives of lonely miners during the Alaskan Gold Rush era. I signed up for an afternoon Street Car Tour; therefore, I just wanted to check out the lay of the land in the morning. We did, however, ride up to the Skagway Scenic Overlook for panoramic views of the town and harbor, including the site of our massive cruise ship. Inspiring boomers one adventure at a time. Take to the water on a sea kayak or perhaps a scenic float down the Taiya River. Skagway was one of those towns that really took me by surprise. Check out my Alaska cruise packing list. Cruise ships offer many pre-arranged excursions, but you can also hire a tour guide and outfitter on your own (book ahead with Viator). The equipment weighed close to a ton, which most men carried themselves, moving it in back and forth stages. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. Skagway gets its name from the Tlingit word skagua, which translates to place where the north wind blows.. My favorite was the Skagway Brewing Company. And I will tell you.. this was our FAVORITE part of the entire cruise (Not to mention, the most affordable!). Sadly, the railroad was too late for the gold rush peak as many prospectors had already moved on. She has traveled within 48 of the 50 United States and in over 70 countries. Although there are three different excursion tours to choose from, the most fulfilling one is a six-hour journey that combines a fascinating hike to the river where you will board your raft and float through some of Alaskas most stunning landscapes. 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. 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. 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. 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. The tour group visited their graves and other gold panners. Tlingit guides accompanied the first party in May 1880 and transported the miners gear for a fee. My Itchy Travel Feet featured writer, Debi Lander ofByLanderSea, recently visited. 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? When you visit Skagway, that sense of relaxation will follow as you float through the 17-mile Taiya River in a non-motorized raft. I arrived in the fall of 2021 on Royal Caribbeans mega-ship, the Oasis of the Seas. Whether youre researching an Alaskan cruise itinerary or thinking about booking a shore excursion, here are our favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska. Skagways torturous White Pass lacked the steep slopes of the Chilkoot but was 10 miles longer and had its own obstacles. White Pass & Yukon Railroad The White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Originally built in 1898, offers the most popular tour (book independently). We rolled down Broadway, traveling to the cemetery. That was a big mistake!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'seemamatravel_com-box-4','ezslot_18',190,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-box-4-0')}; Skagway ended up being my FAVORITE stop on our 7 day Alaskan Cruise and Ill be happy to tell you why. Weve put together a list of our favorite things to do in Skagway, Alaska, to make your decision easier. After learning about Skagways steamy past from guided tours or self-guided ventures, you can grab a bite to eat at the saloons restaurant, known for its well-crafted beers and savory pizza. As always, the park service offers learning opportunities through descriptive exhibits, a film, ranger presentations, or guided walking tours. Alaska is known for its majestic wildlife and wilderness experience. Required fields are marked *. We had an amazing time just riding around in the sun and cool ocean breeze, discovering different parts of Skagway. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After we got off the train ride, we were starving. Dont Miss out on the rest of my series about Cruising to Alaska! The evening melodrama begins with mock gambling and ends with Soapy Smith and his slippery gang. You can hire a guide for hiking, wildlife viewing (you might see a bald eagle), or a photography tour. The excursion features the most reliable equipment, bridges, and rope courses. Check out our Alaska shore excursion reviews. Myosotis Alpestris flower is better known as Alpine Forget-Me-Not.. TIP: Ride in the very back car. 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. An avid cruiser of over 15 years. So theres got to be something to it right? Skagway is the last stop along your 7 day Alaskan Cruise and getting back on board the ship can be a little depressing. Unfortunately, the tour didnt allow time for a short hike uphill toReid Falls, which cascades 300 feet down the mountainside. Gorgeous flora and mountain-side terrain surround the crystal clear lake. Dont forget to follow me on PINTEREST to get more Alaskan Cruise Guides! I'm Jenny, a mom to a sassy 10-year old girl, and dog lover. And the best part is you can do it all at your own pace with the scooters. She explained how the devilish man took advantage of the naive stampeders. 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. The temperature during the cruise season averages in the mid-50s (F) during the shoulder season (May and September) and mid-60s (F) during June, July, and August. The town is tucked away in a valley between massive, snow-capped mountains. When getting off the ship in Skagway, there were not as many tour groups trying to get your business as there were in Juneau. Their menu was great too. 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. The former Arctic Brotherhood Hall now functions as the Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau. More than 8,000 visitors (10 times the towns resident population) make Skagway into a modern-day boomtown on the busiest days. Have you ever wanted to test your hand at gold panning or learn what it takes to strike fortune within some of Alaskas most well-known goldmines? 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. Most come in the summer on cruise ships with up to five boats per day. More than likely, it is. 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. Although the famous railway was closed in 1982 after the closure of Anvil Gold Mines, it was reopened in 1988 for tourists. Instead, his journey is forever remembered in one of Skagways most popular museums. Soapy had been a friend, and Itjen helped keep his legend alive. As we drove around, I noticed beautiful gardens at many homes. 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. Its location provided a gateway to the Yukon and Klondike goldfields. The town of Dyea is another place you wont hear too much about through the cruise lines. Inviting passengers to envision life as an 1800s gold miner while exploring remote Alaskan landscapes, the White Pass & Yukon train ride definitely lives up to its nickname as the Railway Built of Gold.. I suspect it dropped even lower during the pandemic. Surrounded by gorgeous scenery from the White Pass Trail and waterfall, guests will have the opportunity to search for gold and keep their findings as a souvenir or venture out and explore the old trail. 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. More than 10,000 attempt the trail hike, backpack, and run each year. In fact, the remote city thrives on tourism. THIS is Skagways best-kept secret. Your email address will not be published. Through hands-on learning, children will learn about Skagways history, the Gold Rush, or wildlife facts, leaving lasting impressions on their knowledge and skill development. The town of Dyea arose from a small trading post to a major port in 1897 afterword of the Klondike gold discovery. You cant miss it! Downtown Boardwalk Avenue features historic shops and restaurants, wooden sidewalks, locals in period costumes, and restored buildings and museums. Youll also find the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad at the end of Broadway, adjacent to the Broadway cruise ship dock. A United States naval captain negotiated with the Tlingit to share the trail with gold stampeders. 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. Many take the National Park Rangers free, 45-minute tours, given up to five times a day. 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. The town is famous for the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which serviced the northern gold mines. Dyea became a ghost town. My love for travel will never end, even as a working mom rushing from school event to work and back again. I love showing families how they can fit travel into their budget and into their busy lives! You need to call them directly from their website to book. Weather permitting, pilots may land on glaciers and allow lucky passengers to walk on Alaskas snow-covered glaciers, take exquisite photos, and explore untouched land. The buses stop at popular tourist spots in the town, so riders can hop on and off for just $5 a day. 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. Instead, the restored bar serves as a museum that examines the vices of gambling, drinking, and prostitution. However, youll still want to bring a lightweight rain jacket, as it still rains pretty frequently. Theres good reason for the Southeast Alaska towns popularity. Skagway Alaska was once the heart of the gold rush. 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. Skagway continues as a shipping and supply center but depends on tourism. Wander over to the Junior Ranger Activity Centre, located at Skagways National Park Service Building, and partake in all the modern saloons entertaining ventures. More than 70 saloons thrived, giving the city the nickname roughest place in the world. The main rabble-rouser was Jefferson Randolph Soapy Smith. What to do in Juneau on a Cruise Port Day, Spend a Day Renting a Boat on Saguaro Lake, Arizona . Younger visitors will enjoy interacting with real wildlife skeletons, whale baleen, dog sleds, and gold-mining equipment. In contrast, Martin Itjen was known for finding the worlds largest golden nugget and promoting tourism in Skagway. And lucky for YOU, I am passing on my great experiences to you. Children are encouraged to complete tasks to receive their own Junior Ranger Badge. But, if you visit in the summer months, keep your eye on the shorelines as some lucky passengers have seen bears trying to snatch some running salmon, which is an extraordinary sight. It's free! A historic small town like Skagway would not be complete without a classic, beautiful and lively theater. Skagways Sled Dog Tours encourages you to push beyond your comfort zone and experience what it takes to become an expert musher. The memories created here will be filled with joy and last a lifetime. But the history is amazing and you should not miss seeing this old ghost town. My beautiful girls Thank goodness they both, First day of school! Discovered on Chilkat Inlet in 1867, excursions to Davidson Glacier will leave you speechless and mesmerized by one of Skagways finest beauties. After a decade of dreaming, five years of saving, Im posting this because my lovely daughter took, Its GOTCHA day for our new home. Choosing an activity can be overwhelming, with so much to see and do. If you cruise Alaskas wondrous Inside Passage (and you should, even if youre not an avid cruiser), most likely, you will visit Skagway. 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. In Skagways downtown core, youll find various saloons, museums, theatres, and the very photogenic Arctic Brotherhood Hall. I heard it is possibly the most photographed building in Alaska. Despite its small size, Skagway Alaska offers a wide range of activities and shore excursions. As one of the restaurants most popular choices amongst diners, this dish allows guests to choose from various fresh loaves of bread, salamis, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. The summer days are very long, and plants grow big. Skagway is also one of the few Inside Passage communities accessible by road using the Klondike Highway, which crosses the U.S./Canadian border into the Yukon Territory. It is furnished with many original family possessions. I also want to mention, the owners (a husband and wife team) of Skagway Scooters are SUPER nice. The escape room experience is a fun way to spend time with your loved ones. Hello! They hoped the National Park Service would be interested. You cant visit Skagway without hearing about Soapy Smith and his misdeeds. But imagine what it would be like to experience a birds-eye view of Skagways lush rainforests and waterfalls. So its probably a good idea to have things planned out before you get there. Boomer travelers rely on our weekly email newsletter for fresh travel inspiration, tips, and advice. The population (from 2019 records) hovers today around 800-1,000. The Days of 98 Show has entertained audiences for over 100 years. I wore those more than my other boots and was really glad I had them! This 60-minute puzzle game has you and your group work through clues and activities that prompt players to solve different missions. 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. We want to show that anyone can get out there and enjoy new places together! 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. If you have any questions about going on an Alaskan Cruise, Id love to hear from you! In 1935, as a great publicity stunt, Martin took his streetcar to Hollywood to promote Skagway tourism. But if youre feeling a bit more adventurous, building your breakfast or lunch sandwich is the way to go. He called on Mae West to come up and visit him sometime. The newsmen and photographers loved it. Located just 7 miles away from downtown Skagway, local experts offer guided walking tours that bring you close to the falls and share some scientific and historical facts about its existence. 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. Nonetheless, as many of the worlds glaciers are melting at an incredibly high rate, helicopter tours are indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will rarely ever disappoint a venturous passenger. Although designed for children, young at heart adults will be intrigued by some of the activities just as much, or if not more, than the children themselves. Gold fever brought an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the isolated region with big dreams, but most of them failed. On that September day, travelers on my boat were lucky; we were the only cruise ship in port. Because the Chilkoot Trail was so challenging, most stayed in Skagway and pitched tents. During WWII, the U.S. Army recognized the importance of Skagways location and took over the railroad. 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. 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. Skagways remote location offers a grand opportunity for astral or milky way photography and the chance to see the Northern Lights between mid-September and late April, peaking in March. The trail was clogged with mud during the wet fall months of 1897, making it impassable at some spots. Start your Medjet membership here. Lower Dewey Lake Trail is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time with family, friends, and pets. There are only four main roads, and the city measures four blocks wide by sixteen blocks long. He masterminded a nine-month reign of gambling, prostitution, thievery, and murder. Dyea sat closest to the Chilkoot Trail, a thousand-foot climb that some considered the meanest 33 miles in history. It remained the prevailing route to the Klondike until an April 1898 avalanche took 60 lives. When you arrive at Skagway, your ship will dock at one of the four cruise ship docks: Upon your arrival, youll immediately notice the town of Skagway is tiny. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visiting Davidsons glacier is most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 25 theater is home to the Days of the 98 Show featuring upbeat songs and choreography and endless comedy that will surely leave audience members at the edge of their seats. It was also 80 degrees out (in Alaska!) You cannot find them through the cruise line and they are not part of any excursions. We report on active travel adventures so that you know what to expect. Cruisers may hike a portion of the Chilkoot Trail on a half-day guided shore excursion that includes a float trip. You can choose whether you want to mush your own dog sled over Alaskan glaciers or sit back and enjoy the ride. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'seemamatravel_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',194,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-seemamatravel_com-leader-2-0')}; Try to build in a little time to walk the town. Since then, the Klondike has been mined on and off. 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. Established in 1897, Bites on Broadway is the perfect way to kick-start your day in beautiful Skagway, Alaska. I disembarked, choosing to make the long walk into town, although trams were available. However, his career was short-lived, ending in a shoot-out with Frank Reid, the city engineer, in 1898. But this one is so worth it, its in a class of its own. 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.

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