Skagway, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska: Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush

Step back in time to 1898 in Skagway, the ultimate boomtown of the Klondike Gold Rush. Nestled at the northernmost point of the Inside Passage, Skagway looks like a living movie set, complete with wooden boardwalks, restored 19th-century false-front buildings, and a dramatic mountain backdrop.

When gold was discovered in Canada's Yukon Territory, over 100,000 fortune seekers rushed north. Skagway quickly transformed overnight from a quiet coastal flat into a roaring tent city of 20,000 prospectors, con men, gamblers, and saloon keepers. Dubbed the "Garden City of Alaska," it served as the treacherous starting point where stampeders began their perilous trek across mountain passes toward the goldfields.

Whether riding the legendary narrow-gauge railway high into the mountains, touring historic saloons along Broadway Street, or hiking along old stampeder trails, Skagway offers an unforgettable blend of wild frontier history, rich Gold Rush intrigue, and quintessential Alaskan wilderness.

Things to do

White Pass Railway

Take a legendary 3-hour roundtrip journey on vintage rail cars climbing 2,865 feet past sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and mountain tunnels along the historic Gold Rush trail.

~$145 - $165 USD per person

Red Onion Saloon

Visit a famous 1898 Gold Rush brothel turned saloon for cold drinks, historic memorabilia, and a guided museum tour led by hostesses in period dress.

~$10 – $25 USD per person (Drinks ~$8–$12; Brothel Museum Tour ~$15)

Hike Dewey Falls

An easy-to-moderate nature trail starting right near downtown that winds through lush rainforest along a roaring creek to scenic waterfalls and lower lake views.

$0 USD

Skagway Visitor Center

Located in the historic 1898 White Pass Depot, featuring free Gold Rush museum exhibits, historical films, and ranger-led walking tours of downtown.

$0 USD

White Pass Train Depot

The historic downtown boarding hub for the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, offering great photo opportunities of vintage steam engines and depot architecture.

$0 USD

Arctic Brotherhood Hall

One of Alaska's most photographed landmarks, featuring a unique Victorian facade handcrafted in 1899 using over 8,800 pieces of natural ocean driftwood.

$0 USD (Free exterior photo stop)

Alaska Christmas Store

A festive downtown boutique filled with handcrafted Alaskan ornaments, holiday collectibles, carved Santas, and unique keepsakes year-round.

Free entry (Ornaments ~$15 - $45 USD)

Skagway Street Car Tour

A fun 90-minute historical city tour aboard a replica 1920s bus, guided by a costumed storyteller detailing Skagway’s wild Gold Rush past and scenic overlooks.

~$50 – $60 USD per person

Take a ferry to Haines, AK

Board the scenic 45-minute Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry across Lynn Canal for stunning fjord views, bald eagle viewing, and small-town art galleries.

~$75 – $85 USD roundtrip per person

Places to Eat

Klondike Doughboy

A iconic frontier treat stop right on Broadway famous for hot, made-to-order Alaskan Fry Bread. Stretched dough is fried fresh and dusted heavily with sweet cinnamon sugar (similar to a Canadian BeaverTail or elephant ear)—the ultimate quick snack while walking down the historic wooden boardwalks.

~$8-$10 USD per person

Skagway Brewing Company

A local staple since 1897, this multi-story downtown microbrewery serves up house-brewed craft beers like their legendary Spruce Tip Blonde Ale (brewed with hand-picked local Sitka spruce tree tips), ice-cold draft Gold Rush Root Beer, and crisp, beer-battered Alaskan Halibut Fish & Chips.

~$15 – $35 USD per person (Halibut Fish & Chips ~$35; craft pints & draft root beer ~$6–$9).

Skagway Fish Company ("Fish Co.")

Located right on the waterfront near the cruise docks, this is the go-to spot for fresh, locally caught Alaskan seafood. Enjoy fresh halibut fish & chips, king crab legs, oysters on the half shell, and smoked salmon chowder with panoramic views of the harbor and mountains.

~$25 – $65 USD per person (Combos and lighter plates ~$25–$35; full fresh king crab legs at market rate).

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse