18 Awesome Things To Do In Skagway, Alaska

Tucked away at the edge of Alaska’s Inside Passage, Skagway feels like a time capsule wrapped in rugged wilderness. Once the heartbeat of the Klondike Gold Rush, this small town still echoes with tales of fortune seekers—but today, it draws adventurers with a different kind of gold: glacier views, alpine hikes, and rich frontier history.

Have you ever walked wooden boardwalks that haven’t changed in a century or taken a train ride that clings to the cliffs above roaring rivers? That’s just a taste of what’s waiting in Skagway.

Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking to soak in Alaska’s wild charm, I’ve rounded up 18 unforgettable things to do that will make your visit feel anything but ordinary. Ready to fall in love with this hidden gem?

1. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

The historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway offers one of the most spectacular train journeys in North America. Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, this narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles, hugging cliff edges and crossing dizzyingly high trestles.

The vintage railcars take you through tunnels, over bridges, and past waterfalls while guides share fascinating stories about the gold rush era. The breathtaking views of mountains, gorges, and glaciers make this a photographer’s dream.

Most visitors choose the popular Summit Excursion (a 3-hour round trip), but longer routes into Canada are available during summer months.

2. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Walking through downtown Skagway feels like stepping back in time to 1898. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park preserves this fascinating era with restored buildings, wooden boardwalks, and interactive exhibits that tell the stories of desperate gold seekers.

Start at the visitor center where rangers offer free walking tours during summer. Don’t miss the park’s museum featuring gold rush artifacts and photographs. The historic buildings house various exhibits explaining how thousands journeyed through Skagway hoping to strike it rich.

If you’re interested in Alaska’s history, this park provides the perfect introduction to understanding the Klondike Gold Rush that shaped the region.

3. Hike the Chilkoot Trail

Following the footsteps of gold rush stampeders, the legendary Chilkoot Trail represents the ultimate Skagway hiking adventure.

This 33-mile trail was the main route to the Klondike goldfields in 1898, when thousands struggled over the steep mountain pass carrying a year’s worth of supplies. Today, hikers can tackle portions of this historic trail for day trips or commit to the full multi-day trek into Canada (which requires permits and advance planning).

Even short hikes reward you with beautiful forest scenery, rushing streams, and a tangible connection to history. The trail begins just outside town at the Dyea historic site, accessible by shuttle or taxi from Skagway.

4. Visit Red Onion Saloon

This vibrant red building with its colorful history stands as one of Skagway’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in 1898 as a bordello and saloon, the Red Onion today serves up both food and fascinating history in equal measure.

Waitresses dressed as “sporting ladies” of the era serve drinks and pub fare downstairs, while upstairs you can take the brothel tour for a glimpse into Skagway’s risqué past. The 15-minute tour shows original artifacts and rooms where the ladies once entertained miners.

Even if you skip the tour, stopping in for a drink amidst the authentic gold rush décor makes for a memorable Skagway experience.

5. Take a Scenic Flight Over Glaciers

Soaring above Skagway’s surrounding wilderness in a small plane or helicopter delivers unforgettable views impossible to experience any other way.

Several local operators offer flightseeing tours that showcase massive glaciers, jagged mountain peaks, and remote alpine lakes. Many tours include landings directly on glaciers where you can step out onto ancient ice and witness remarkable blue ice formations up close.

The perspective from above reveals the true scale of Alaska’s wilderness and offers photography opportunities you’ll treasure forever. While not the cheapest activity in Skagway, visitors consistently rate these aerial adventures as their most memorable Alaskan experience.

6. Pan for Gold

Try your luck at striking it rich just like the prospectors of 1898! Several outfitters in Skagway offer authentic gold panning experiences where you’ll learn the proper technique for separating those precious yellow flakes from ordinary stream gravel.

Guides demonstrate the swirling pan motion while sharing colorful stories about the gold rush era. The best part? You’re guaranteed to find at least a few specks of real gold to take home in a small vial as a souvenir.

This hands-on activity is especially fun for families with children, who get excited about discovering even tiny amounts of gold. Most sessions last about an hour and require no previous experience.

7. Drive the Klondike Highway

Renting a car or joining a tour along the spectacular Klondike Highway offers freedom to explore beyond Skagway at your own pace. This scenic road roughly parallels the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway but allows stopping at viewpoints the train passes by.

The highway climbs from sea level in Skagway to 3,290 feet at White Pass Summit, passing waterfalls, alpine lakes, and stunning mountain vistas along the way. Wildlife sightings are common, with possibilities including bears, mountain goats, and eagles.

If you have your passport, continue into Canada’s Yukon Territory to visit Carcross Desert (the world’s smallest desert) and beautiful Emerald Lake with its striking turquoise waters.

8. Go Dog Sledding on a Glacier

Experience Alaska’s official state sport in a truly spectacular setting! Helicopter tours from Skagway whisk visitors to remote glacier dog camps where professional mushers and their enthusiastic huskies await.

After landing on the glacier, you’ll meet the dog teams and learn about this traditional mode of transportation. Then comes the thrilling part – riding on an actual dog sled across the snow-covered glacier while taking in magnificent mountain views.

The dogs absolutely love running, and their excitement is contagious. Most tours include time to interact with the puppies being trained for future sledding careers – an adorable photo opportunity that’s impossible to resist.

9. Kayak in Nearby Fjords

Gliding silently through the pristine waters surrounding Skagway offers a peaceful yet adventurous way to experience Alaska’s coastal beauty. Guided kayaking tours take paddlers into tranquil coves and along dramatic shorelines where waterfalls cascade directly into the sea.

Beginners appreciate the stable double kayaks and expert instruction, while experienced paddlers can rent equipment for independent exploration.

The calm, protected waters make this activity accessible to most fitness levels. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – harbor seals often pop up to investigate kayakers, bald eagles soar overhead, and you might spot otters, porpoises, or even whales depending on the season and location.

10. Wander Through Jewell Gardens

This hidden gem combines a spectacular organic garden with a fascinating glassblowing studio. Located just outside downtown Skagway on the site of an historic farm, Jewell Gardens showcases what can grow in Alaska’s long summer days.

Stroll through colorful flower beds and impressive vegetable gardens where produce grows to surprising sizes thanks to 20+ hours of summer sunlight. The on-site restaurant serves delicious meals featuring just-picked garden ingredients. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to create your own glass artwork!

The studio offers hands-on glassblowing experiences where you can craft a colorful ornament or paperweight with professional assistance – a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your Skagway visit.

11. Bike Down White Pass

Thrill-seekers love this exhilarating downhill bicycle adventure that combines minimal effort with maximum scenery. Tour operators drive participants and bikes to the top of White Pass (3,290 feet), then guide you on a thrilling 15-mile descent back to Skagway.

The well-maintained Klondike Highway features wide shoulders and guardrails at exposed sections, making this activity suitable for casual cyclists. You’ll stop frequently at spectacular viewpoints for photos and to learn about the area’s natural history and gold rush heritage.

The descent takes about 1-2 hours depending on how often you stop. Dress in layers – even summer days can be chilly at the mountain summit!

12. Take a Boat Tour to Haines

Just 13 miles as the crow flies but separated by mountains and water, Skagway’s neighbor Haines offers a completely different Alaskan experience accessible by a scenic 45-minute ferry ride.

Fast passenger ferries and wildlife-watching boats make regular trips across Lynn Canal, North America’s deepest fjord. Along the way, you might spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and countless bald eagles.

Haines itself has a more laid-back, less touristy atmosphere than Skagway with excellent museums, art galleries, and the famous Chilkoot Lake area where brown bears often feed on salmon in season. Many tours include transportation in Haines and return to Skagway the same day.

13. Hike to Lower Dewey Lake

When you need a break from town but don’t want a strenuous adventure, the Lower Dewey Lake trail offers the perfect escape. This moderately challenging 1-mile trail begins just a few blocks from downtown Skagway and climbs through beautiful forest to a serene mountain lake.

The initial uphill section features some steep switchbacks, but the effort pays off with peaceful lake views and a 3-mile loop trail around the water. Wildflowers bloom abundantly during summer months, and the forest provides welcome shade on sunny days.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of several viewpoints overlooking the lake. This hike typically takes 2-3 hours round-trip including time to relax at the lake.

14. Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery

History buffs shouldn’t miss this atmospheric final resting place of Skagway’s early residents, located about a mile north of town. The weathered wooden markers and iron fences tell silent stories of the hardships faced during the gold rush era.

Most visitors come to see the grave of Jefferson “Soapy” Smith, the notorious con man who controlled Skagway’s criminal underworld until his dramatic shootout death in 1898. Nearby lies his killer, Frank Reid, ironically honored with a much larger monument.

Continue just beyond the cemetery on a short trail to reach beautiful Reid Falls, a refreshing cascade that makes a perfect addition to your cemetery visit. The entire excursion takes about 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace.

15. Shop on Broadway Street

Skagway’s main thoroughfare offers one of Alaska’s most charming shopping experiences. Historic false-front buildings house everything from authentic local art galleries to quirky souvenir shops selling gold nugget jewelry, native crafts, and Alaska-themed merchandise.

Look beyond the typical tourist items to find quality local products like wild berry jams, smoked salmon, handcrafted Alaskan jade jewelry, and fine art photography capturing the region’s spectacular landscapes.

Many shops occupy buildings dating back to the 1898 gold rush, adding historical ambiance to your shopping adventure. For the best selection and less crowded experience, try shopping early in the day before cruise ships arrive or later after they’ve departed.

16. Enjoy a Brewing Company Tour

Quench your thirst after adventures with a visit to Skagway Brewing Company, a local institution crafting exceptional beers since 1897. The brewery’s modern facility offers tours explaining their brewing process that utilizes pure Alaska water.

Their signature Spruce Tip Blonde Ale incorporates hand-picked Sitka spruce tips, creating a uniquely Alaskan flavor you won’t find elsewhere. The spacious restaurant serves excellent pub fare featuring locally-sourced ingredients, with outdoor seating available during warm weather.

If you’re short on time, skip the tour and simply enjoy a flight of beer samples with your meal. The friendly staff can explain each brew’s characteristics and the inspiration behind Skagway’s craft beer renaissance.

17. Experience Rock Climbing and Rappelling

Adrenaline seekers can scale the granite cliffs surrounding Skagway with professional guides who make this adventure accessible even to beginners. After safety instruction and equipment fitting, you’ll tackle increasingly challenging routes on natural rock faces with spectacular views.

The climbing areas just outside town offer routes for all skill levels, with patient guides providing encouragement and technique tips. Most tours include both climbing up and the thrilling experience of rappelling down – often the highlight for first-timers.

No previous experience is necessary, but participants should have reasonable fitness and not fear heights. The 3-4 hour excursions include all technical equipment and transportation to climbing sites.

18. Explore Dyea Ghost Town

Just nine miles from modern Skagway lies the haunting remains of its former rival – Dyea, once a booming gold rush city of 10,000 people that has since returned to nature.

Today, only scattered artifacts, building foundations, and interpretive signs hint at its vibrant past. The scenic drive to Dyea crosses the Taiya River and passes through beautiful coastal forest. Once there, a self-guided walking tour leads you through what was once a bustling boomtown but is now mostly reclaimed by wilderness.

Don’t miss the poignant Slide Cemetery where victims of the 1898 Palm Sunday avalanche rest. The tragic event killed dozens of gold seekers on the nearby Chilkoot Trail.